Jiaying Zhou is a third year Biology student at UBC, with a strong interest in genetics.  While school is currently her main focus, she spends time outside of classes volunteering at various scientific labs. Her research has spanned several different fields, including cancer and immunology, under different professors. This summer, she is working with funding from CIHR to examine the possibility of using the drug tofacitinib to prevent systemic lupus, as well as writing a manuscript on the use of SERPINA3 as a prognostic marker for melanoma. She has presented her research at the World Congress of Dermatology 2015.
Outside of her academic interests, Jiaying practices and performs Chinese dance with her group at Colours of Dance Academy. She spends her free time enjoying music and dancing, as well as reading and writing when time permits.

Eliza Lim is a grade 12 student at Maple Ridge Secondary School. She will be attending the University of British Columbia to pursue a degree in Commerce.

Eliza is very dedicated to her studies and has received numerous awards from her school as well as the SFU Faculty of Applied Science Math 11 award. She is also very active within her school and local community. In school she has founded and led a Toastmasters Public Speaking Club for her fellow high school students to encourage the skills of public speaking. Eliza is also dedicated to numerous clubs and initiatives within her school such as HOPE committee (Helping Other People Everywhere), a club dedicated to Random Acts of Kindness, Student Council, as well as a campaign dedicated to preventing the spread of gossip and rumours.

When she is not in school, Eliza divides her time between volunteering, supporting her community and playing the piano. Eliza has been a volunteer at the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association for the last two years where she has supported people with disabilities as they ride horses for therapeutic purposes. The association has introduced her to many inspirational riders and volunteers and have taught her the power of her community. Currently working on an ARCT Performer’s Degree in RCM piano, Eliza has developed a passion for music and has learned about the importance of sharing it. For the past five years, she has performed at the annual Swan-E-Set Fall Piano Benefit Concert which has raised over $25,000 for charities such as World Vision and Free the Children since its inception. Eliza also enjoys volunteering at special events such as We Day and the Stairclimb for Clean Air, exploring the beautiful outdoors of BC and playing recreational sports. She is very grateful to have received this year’s scholarship and wishes the best to all her peers.