Ariadna Lopez Ortega, Lead Ambassador

Master’s Student, Natural Resources and Environmental Studies

My passion for science began at twelve years old in Mexico, when I first saw gene exchange between plants, a moment that sparked my curiosity for discovery. Since then, I’ve pursued research across cultures, from a Mitacs Globalink internship at UNBC to my current internship at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute. Over the years, I have worked on diverse projects ranging from polymers for medical applications, anticancer drug delivery systems, to catalysis for air pollution reduction and the greener creation of valuable products.

As a new researcher, I often struggled with uncertainty, wondering if I was falling behind, questioning every decision, and assuming that others had everything figured out except for me. Over time, I discovered that no one truly does. Research constantly throws curveballs: experiments fail, equipment breaks, data refuses to make sense. Yet these challenges are often hidden behind carefully curated success stories.

As an international student, I’ve also learned resilience both inside and outside the lab. What brought me back to UNBC was not just the research, but the mentorship and humanity I found here. I believe in making the research journey more transparent by sharing not only successes but also the struggles that shape us.

As a Research Ambassador, I hope to build a culture where curiosity, collaboration, and resilience are celebrated, one where excellence and humanity walk hand in hand, where every student knows they belong in this beautiful, challenging world of discovery.

Miao Li

My name is Miao Li, and I am originally from China. Before coming to Canada, I worked as a registered nurse, where I gained valuable clinical experience and a deeper understanding of patient care. I completed my master’s degree in nursing here at UNBC, and in fall 2025, I began my PhD in Health Sciences.

My nursing background helped me recognize the challenges and gaps in clinical practice and motivated me to pursue research to make a broader impact. UNBC has been a place of growth and inspiration for me. During my master’s studies, I discovered how research could open new ways of addressing the challenges I had seen in practice for people at the end-of-life. The supportive environment, mentorship, and opportunities here have encouraged me to follow my passion for palliative and hospice care and helped me grow both academically and personally. Starting my PhD has marked an exciting new chapter, where I can focus more deeply on the issues I care about and contribute knowledge that may improve the lives of patients at the end-of-life and their families. 

Being part of the UNBC community has also given me a strong sense of belonging and purpose. I truly value the chance to collaborate with faculty, peers and external partners who share a commitment to meaningful and impactful research.

As a Research Ambassador, I hope to encourage and support students in pursuing their interests and expanding their knowledge. I aim to share my experiences, offer guidance where I can, and create space for others to feel motivated and confident in pursuing research. At the same time, I look forward to learning from them and growing together. I believe that by fostering a dynamic and supportive community, we can inspire one another and bring our ideas and dreams to life.

Kaho Michihara

Hello, my name is Kaho Michihara. I am a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at UNBC. I have a visual impairment. I am currently working on a thesis that explores the impact of ableism on the mental health of young adults with visual impairments. 

When I did a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at UNBC, I learned that various forms of structural oppression, such as racism, sexism, colonialism, and ableism,  significantly affect the health and well-being of marginalized populations. As a person with visual impairment, I also realized that there is a very limited public understanding of how ableism impacts the mental health of people with disabilities. Since MSW at UNBC has a thesis route to graduate, I decided to pursue research in an anti-oppressive social work perspective, which focuses on advocacy and empowerment and calls for structural change.

As a research ambassador, I encourage students with marginalized populations to pursue research at UNBC. In writing a thesis, I realized that doing research as a student with disabilities is empowering and deeply meaningful in challenging oppression. In terms of disability studies, research shows that having people with disabilities in academic and research fields helps to ensure that ableist discourse does not become normative. The same goes for other minority groups. More students from marginalized populations pursuing research with their first-person voices will contribute to tackling systemic issues and promoting a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive society. 

Doing research can be isolating. I have often had a hard time connecting with other students and talking about challenges related to the thesis. As a research ambassador, I want to create more opportunities for students who conduct research to connect, help them feel supported, and keep them motivated as they navigate the research process, such as through the literature review, REB process, and data analysis. If you have questions, need a mentor, or want to talk about your research interests, please do not hesitate to contact me at michihara@unbc.ca.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Emma Ronayne

Hello! My name is Emma (she/her/hers), and I am a student in UNBC’s PhD Health Sciences program. I received my BSc Honours in Anthropology and MPH focused on Indigenous Health Studies from the University of Victoria. My research applies a lens of intersectionality to address health inequities related to accessing sexual and reproductive health services. My preferred research approaches are mixed methods and community-based research.

I am excited to be a Research Ambassador for the 2025-26 academic year! Outside of school and work, I love to read, knit, and spend time outdoors. 

Hani Safaei

I’m Hani Safaei, a passionate researcher, engineer and PhD candidate in NRES program within the Engineering Dept. at UNBC, focusing on sustainable construction risk assessment and its impact on project efficiency and safety. With over three years of experience, I bring skills in data analytics, project management, and sustainability, built on my master's in architecture. 

My experience as a Research Assistant at UNBC, where I’ve also received several graduate awards since last year, and as a Program Research Assistant and Data Analyst with Forests Canada, a government-funded program focused on tree planting and enhancing labour capacity, has equipped me with the skills and passion to drive impactful research forward. Alongside my research, I’ve been a Communication Tutor and Coordinator with the Applied Analysis Hub, moderating workshops on Comms topics and helping students clearly express complex ideas and effectively interpret visual aids, an experience that’s strengthened my passion for making research communication more approachable and meaningful. To me, research is like building a living ecosystem; each discovery layers new insights, much like planting trees that grow into a thriving forest, blending science with creativity to shape a sustainable future!

As a Research Ambassador, I’m excited to connect students with research opportunities, inspiring their growth while hopefully addressing the gaps and challenges I’ve faced on my journey. So, I’m here to learn and to pass on what I’ve learned, growing together with others along the way. 

"Sustainability is here to stay, or we may not be." Building a greener tomorrow, today. 

Muntasina Aziza Yeana

Hello UNBC community! My name is Muntasina Aziza Yeana, and I am a third-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology undergraduate student. Born and raised in Bangladesh, I came to UNBC searching for a place where curiosity could thrive beyond textbooks. What I found was a university that values hands-on research, interdisciplinary learning, and meaningful connections. UNBC has allowed me to dive into science while pursuing leadership, community, and creative initiatives that shape me as a researcher and a person.

Under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Erasmus, my current research involves DNA barcoding of stoneflies with mites. Using molecular markers to identify species and explore host–parasite relationships, this project develops skills in genetics, sequencing, and bioinformatics. Diving into the study of genetics, what excited me the most is how each sequence tells a story about species, evolution, and ecosystems. I’m especially passionate about human genetics and hope to translate this fascination into research addressing human health and disease.

Beyond the lab, I love blending science with teaching and culture. I see research as more than generating data; it’s about connecting people, ideas, and disciplines. As a Research Ambassador, I want students to experience research as a creative, collaborative space where discovery happens. Whether I’m geeking out over DNA, comparing lab work to detective stories, or joking about how German grammar has as many rules as molecular pathways, I’m always excited to share the thrill of science and show that research can be approachable, inspiring, and intellectually rewarding.

If you’d like to chat about research opportunities, navigating labs as an undergrad, or even just the quirks of biology (and life), feel free to reach out at yeana@unbc.ca—I’d love to connect!