How did your time at the university shape your career aspirations?

My time in the physics undergraduate program at U of T was pivotal in shaping my career trajectory. It provided me with the intellectual confidence and flexibility to tackle any challenge that piqued my interest. More than just technical skills, my physics education taught me how to think critically and learn effectively, giving me a distinct edge in graduate school and beyond. This foundation not only enhanced my ability to adapt to new fields but also equipped me with the tools to succeed across diverse disciplines.

What career path did you pursue after graduating from U of T?

After my undergraduate degree in physics at U of T, I obtained my Ph.D. in Earth System Science from the University of California, Irvine. After completing two postdocs at the UC Irvine and the University of Washington, I returned to Canada to establish a climate-tech startup together with another U of T physics classmate from undergrad. We operated the business for two years, providing data and services to the financial sector. I then took a role as a consulting manager in climate risk at Ernst and Young. In 2025, I returned to the entrepreneurial world to launch a new company that provides speciality products and services to professionals.

What are some of your fondest memories from your time at the university?

To this day, I socialize very regularly with my friends from undergrad. We routinely talk about all the late nights doing assignments together in the physics building. The PASU (Physics and Astronomy Student Union) office was a second home to us, where we spent the majority of every day for 4 years. The bonds and memories formed in those years will forever be a core part of my life.

What challenges did you face as you transitioned from university to the professional world? How did you overcome those challenges, and what did you learn from them?

The largest challenge has been to broaden my perspective from a purely technical one into a more multifaceted approach that also values soft skills that go a long way in the business world. Earlier in my career, I put all my effort into the technical aspect of projects and products, without sufficient focus on relationship building and personal and professional “brand” building. These terms may seem icky to a physics-graduate, but I learned to embrace the way the world works and strengthen my non-technical abilities. I overcame these challenges by jumping head-first into the business world where I was forced to learn the required skills.

What advice would you give to current students who are studying in your field? Are there specific skills or experiences you recommend they focus on to enhance their future prospects?

The world is now changing faster than ever. The best thing you can learn is HOW to learn, and there is no place better for that than a physics program. At the same time, don’t fall into the trap of looking down on everything that’s not technical or “physics-y” enough. Be open to learn and evolve.

Have you been involved with the university since graduation, such as through alumni associations or mentorship programs?

I participated as a mentor in the mentorship program once, which was a very fulfilling experience. However, unfortunately the time pressure from my own career has prevented me from being more active. I hope to increase my involvement in the future.

Looking back, what do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of your university experience?

The most valuable part of my university experience was going through an immense intellectual challenge with a group of peers that provided me with lifelong friendships and the intellectual backbone to push forward in an ever-changing and exciting world.