Karla Stouffer

What education have you taken?

I graduated from Crocus Plains Regional High School in Brandon, and completed a three year Bachelor of Science from BU in 2010 with a major in Zoology and minor in Geography.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I am very proud to be raising two wonderful, intelligent daughters.  And am proud to be earning my degree part-time while working to support a family.  I was delighted to win the provincial bowling tournament and a trip to Newfoundland to compete in Nationals as a teenager.

Tell me about yourself/ background/ history.

I grew up in Brandon, playing softball in summer and five-pin bowling in the winter – most memorable because my Mom, Dad, little sister and I spent so many hours together as a family, on the ball diamonds and at the bowling lanes here in Brandon and throughout  Manitoba.
After high school, I chose to have a family and later moved to British Columbia for a few years – then returned home and ran a licensed home daycare while my girls were in school.
Once the kids got a little older, I started working towards a Science degree at BU.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

I have two vivid memories:  trips to Grandma’s house in Birtle – she lived along a river – watching and listening to the birds – and family camping trips every summer – we always went to the local museum or provincial park.
I enjoy being a volunteer bluebird-line monitor.  I wanted to learn more.

What is your philosophy in life?

From my parents I learned to treat everyone with respect, play fair, and always do your best … and girls can do anything boys can do!

To these I’ve added my own philosophies:  have fund, stay positive, appreciate what you have and see the good in everyone.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Now that the kids are grown, I am able to travel to do research.  I would like to complete a four year honours degree in Chemistry or Geography and apply to Graduate School to study environmental chemistry and wildlife toxicology.  Ultimately, I hope to teach at either high school or the university level.

Nominator’s Comments

Karla Stouffer is a an exceptional student, with  amazing good humour.   She has taken three courses from me and excelled in them all.  She is a high achiever.  Karla has an excellent great work ethic.  She has always delivered excellent work.

Karla has marked for me for a few years – she is a very good marker – detailed, knowledgeable, beautifully neat and prompt.  She adds very helpful comments to each lab or assignment  she marks, with several, appropriately placed, smiley faces!  She has demonstrated one of my labs in Chemistry and handled it very well.  I had no qualms about leaving her in charge of a group of first year university students and chemicals!  She has an upbeat attitude that is infectious.

As a single parent of two girls and as a teaching assistant, she is a great motivator.  Karla always has a smile and upbeat attitude and good thoughts and words. She loves all things botanical and outdoors.  She is patient.  Karla contributes quietly so much to her surroundings.