Meet Your Graduate Mentors
The Graduate Mentors are current students representing each of the master’s degree programs, and recipients of the annual TRU Graduate Student Research Mentor Fellowships. They look forward to helping all graduate students navigate their experience while at TRU.
The role of the Graduate Mentors includes welcoming new graduate students to TRU, answering students’ questions, mentoring students from a variety of programs and backgrounds, enhancing the student research experience, and creating a sense of community among the graduate student population. They also plan and organize the annual Graduate Orientation, Three Minute Thesis competition, and a variety of other events and workshops.
Guylene Shaw
Master of Business Administration
I am spending my final two semesters at TRU completing my thesis, which explores public policy barriers in regards to pediatric care and medical cannabidiol. I completed my accounting degree at Camosun College in Victoria, but I am from Kamloops and moved back to complete my graduate degree here. What I love about research at TRU is that I get to do a multidisciplinary thesis, working with the School of Business and Economics and the School of Nursing and hope to eventually go on to a PhD program in health sciences. My advice to any new graduate student is to get involved in campus activities, clubs, and competitions, make new friends, and mostly have fun!
Hannah Allen
Master of Education
I’m currently entering my second year as a graduate student at TRU and have plans to spend the next few semesters completing my thesis. Before starting in the MEd program I received my bachelor of arts degree with a major in English and a minor in theatre arts. I am a firm believer in the power of education and have had the privilege of working with students from diverse backgrounds. I am also passionate about sustainability, mindfulness and meditation, reading, and performing. Some of the things I love about living in Kamloops are the hot summers, the downtown shops and restaurants, and the beautiful parks and natural surroundings. I wish all new graduate students the best in the year ahead, and encourage them to enjoy every second, to pursue their research interests, and to embrace all of the opportunities presented to them.
Renu Sharma
Master in Environmental Economics & Management
Yuzi Yang
Master of Nursing
I am originally from China, but I moved to Canada eight years ago to get study abroad experience. I studied biology and nursing and am now pursuing a Master of Nursing (MN) degree at TRU with an emphasis on nursing simulation. For the past three years, I’ve worked as a Registered Nurse in different provinces, first as a long-term care nurse and then as a labor and delivery nurse. I have a strong interest in improving nursing care during emergencies, and I am eager to gain more skills and theoretical knowledge in my graduate program. Things I like to do in Kamloops are hiking and exploring nature.
Wendy Margetts
Master of Science in Environmental Science
I chose to move to Kamloops because of TRU’s small program size and the proximity to the outdoor activities. My research is based out of Cultus Lake, BC and focuses on the impacts of invasive fish on native species.
Jeneen Herns-Jensen
Master of Education
Weyt-k! My name is Jeneen Herns-Jensen, and I am currently in my last couple semesters of the Master of Education program and working on completing my thesis. I completed my Bachelor of Arts through TRU, and I’ve been working in education for the past five years. I am currently working as a Research Assistant within Indigenous Language Revitalization, and I am passionate about re-indigenizing and decolonizing academia. Kukwstsétsemc to the Secwepemc people for allowing me to learn on your lands.
Kyley Drach
Master of Science in Environmental Economics & Management
I am a current graduate student, and I first started my educational journey at TRU in 2009. I completed my Bachelor of Science (General Science) and chose to pursue a master’s to get experience doing research. After I finish my master’s at TRU, I plan to complete a second master’s, in physiotherapy. At the moment, I aim to specialize in pediatric physiotherapy.
Saaransh Bhardwaj
Master in Environmental Economics & Management
My name is Saaransh, and I am in my sixth semester of the Master in Environmental Economics and Management program. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Geography. Besides being a Graduate Research Mentor, I also work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. I am also Co-President of the TRU Eco Club. My recent research experience includes projects like the “Socio-economic development of Vernon” and “Analysis of CO2 emissions from the United Kingdom”. I am very passionate about sustainability, and my article about “Light pollution nights” was also published.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, and my favourite sport is basketball. I enjoy my free time working as a volunteer for various environmental organizations. It’s an honour to be part of such a vibrant and innovative community at TRU.