Astronaut candidate's profile

Where were you born?
High River, Alberta, Canada

Where do you currently live?
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Education

• Bachelor's, chemistry – The King's University
• Doctorate, medicine – University of Calgary
• Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada – Queen's University
• Emergency medicine – Queen's University
• Postgraduate diploma, clinical education – University of Edinburgh

What is your current job?

Emergency Physician and Trauma Specialist, Foothills Medical Centre - As an emergency physician, I provide emergency care to patients. I stabilize, diagnose, do tests and treat people who are acutely unwell.

Why do you want to become an astronaut?

I researched Neil Armstrong for a school project in grade two which sparked my desire to go to space, in particular the moon. My desire to discover space regained momentum when we took our kids to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida last year. Becoming an astronaut would fulfill my childhood dream as well as allow me to continue making a difference in this world. This role would also, hopefully, inspire my children and others to reach for their dreams.

What motivated you to study in your field?

I became a doctor because I wanted to make a difference in the world. I found the body fascinating and I loved learning. I also realized that I loved interacting and helping people. Medicine allowed me to do all those things. I picked emergency medicine as I like working under pressure and having to think quickly on my feet. As well, I felt I could make a difference in people's lives. It is a challenging field that I find very exciting.

Think back to a teacher who had a positive impact on your life. What did she/he do to influence you?

In high school I had a math and physics teacher, Dr. Eva Nosal. She had a love of math and physics that was contagious. She encouraged me and challenged me both in the classroom and beyond my course work. Even in junior high when I was not in her class, she went above and beyond to help me with a science fair project. She was kind and compassionate, but most importantly she encouraged me and left me with a love of science.

What do you like best about your job?

What I love most about my job is problem solving under pressure. It also provides the opportunity for me to interact and help people during high-stress situations. I have the unique privilege of being a part of someone's life at a very vulnerable time, when they or their loved ones are sick. I take great pride and satisfaction in trying to make the experience in the emergency department as positive as possible.

Which living person do you most admire? OR Who are your heroes in real life?

The people I admire the most are my mom and dad. They are living examples of tenacity, hard work, kindness and generosity. They immigrated with three children to Canada 40 years ago and since then have worked hard to provide for us. They taught me to work hard, to do my best and to always be kind and generous to everyone I meet.

What is your favourite sci-fi movie?

I am not sure I have a favourite, but a movie I really enjoyed was Guardians of the Galaxy.

What is your motto?

My motto is "live to discover." I am curious and it excites me to explore the world – its people, places and cultures. My curious nature has also led me to discover all aspects of myself and pushed me to see what I am capable of achieving. My lifelong curiosity has always led me to the most interesting adventures and to meet amazing people, and it continues to drive me to discover the world around me.

What is the best career advice you've ever received?

What is your most treasured possession?

What is your favourite place on Earth?

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

What is your favourite book?