The Research Ambassadors Program is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students who are eager to utilize their knowledge, skills and interests to enhance the research culture at UNBC. As champions for research at UNBC, Research Ambassadors have research experience across a broad spectrum of research fields, ranging from the sciences, natural sciences, and health sciences, to the social sciences and humanities.

UNBC’s Research Ambassadors work closely with the Office of Research and Innovation and are passionate about sharing their research experiences with students. They promote research involvement, participate in formal and informal discussions, visit classes and participate in outreach activities. UNBC's Research Ambassadors also work closely with the Student Recruitment team to share their research experiences and opportunities with High School and incoming UNBC students. Contact the  Research Ambassadors at researchambassadors@unbc.ca​​ or check out some of their activities on the UNBC RA Open Ed platform. You can also follow the Research Ambassadors on Instagram @unbc_researchambassadors.

Are you interested in joining UNBC's Research Ambassador Program? 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2023/24 academic year. Applications must be submitted to the Office of Research and Innovation (research@unbc.ca) by 4:00 pm on Friday June 30, 2023. Please contact the Office of Research and Innovation if you have any questions.

Meet Our Research Ambassadors

Julian Stokes - Lead Ambassador

Hello everyone! My name is Julian Stokes. I was born and raised in New Hazelton, BC, and I moved to Prince George in 2017 to pursue my BHSc Honours degree here at UNBC. Now, I am excited to be starting my MSc in Health Sciences under the joint supervision of Dr. Luke Harris and Dr. Tammy Klassen-Ross. My currently planned master’s thesis will use near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate the relationship between meditation and pain tolerance in relation to the possible role of this cognitive practice as a chronic pain management technique.

My current research is a progression of my earlier research experiences at UNBC, which have been centred in the Northern BC Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Research Laboratory (NBC NIRS Lab). Beginning with a URE in 2020 and continuing with my honours thesis the following semesters, I have had the opportunity to explore applications of NIRS in investigating human brain, muscle, and bone tissues.

I first chose UNBC for my undergraduate degree due to it being a top-rated small university that was conveniently close to my hometown. Since then, I have been continually amazed by the readily accessible opportunities, mentorship, and sense of community at UNBC. Having had the opportunity to experience life, classes, and research as part of the UNBC community, it was the natural choice to further my education here.

Research was an irreplaceable part of my undergraduate experience, and my only regret is that I didn’t get involved sooner! Research at UNBC has been an incredible learning experience that has helped me expand my horizons and feel as though my work is making a meaningful contribution. I look forward to working with you as one of UNBC’s Research Ambassadors.