Julia Redfern

What education have you taken?

I am in my third year of a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree with honours (Biomedical major and a minor in chemistry and perhaps psychology)

What accomplishments are you proud of?

Last summer, I received an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award to work with Dr. Koprivnikar. I am particularly proud of the fact that we published an article based on our work for which I am a co-author. I am also on the BU Honour List, a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, a recipient of BU’s R. H. Hannah Scholarship in Zoology, and the President of the Brandon University Zoological Society.

Tell me about yourself/ your background/ your history.

I was born and raised in Brandon. I am the youngest of four kids; we are a big, loud and close Catholic family! I danced competitively for 15 years, beginning when I was 3 years old. I also took singing lessons for seven years, and started performing in theatre when I was 5 years old. This April, I will be in my 23rd musical.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

My interest in Science and research began in Grade 1 with the annual school science fair, but my interest in the biomedical field started in my Grade 11 biology class, where we began learning about the human body.

What is your philosophy in life?

There’s a bright side to every situation.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Career-wise, I see myself either as a family doctor or doing medical research. In general, I want to be somewhere where I can do what I love doing while being surrounded by people that I love.

Nominator’s Comments:

Julia Redfern is a 20 year old student from Brandon in her third year of a 4-year Biology degree with honours (Biomedical major and a double minor in psychology and chemistry). She serves as president of the Brandon University Zoological Society and is active in local charities and volunteer work. She has been exceptionally successful in the summer research program of Dr. Janet Koprivnikar, under whom she has co-authored one original research article published in a prestigious journal, with another in process. Julia hopes to someday get into medical school and either become a physician or a medical researcher (M.D./ Ph.D.), all while maintaining her active participation in and passion for musical theatre. Julia is an exceptional young woman.

Julia Redfern is a Biology major and a very strong student.  She has consistently maintained a high GPA, demonstrating her academic aptitude. In addition, Julia is very capable in other aspects.  She was awarded an NSERC USRA last summer and was a remarkable undergraduate research student. One of the projects has already resulted in co-authorship on a paper in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London – Biological Sciences, which is a very high-impact journal. Another paper is currently in review. In addition, Julia is an active member of BUZS (BU Zoological Society) and helps to promote the Biology program and offer assistance to fellow undergraduates. I believe that Julia’s accomplishments and enthusiasm make her worthy of profile.