Avery Burgar

What education have you taken?

I graduated from Hunting Hills High School in Red Deer, Alberta in 2020, and I am currently in my fifth year of my Bachelor of Science degree at BU, completing my Honours in Neuroscience. I am majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry and Psychology.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I am very proud of accomplishing my dream of playing volleyball at the highest post-secondary level. I started playing when I was 11, and I always looked up to university athletes, so being able to live out my dream and be that role model for a new generation has been a privilege. I am also proud of being an Academic All-Canadian for all five years of my degree, as well as being inducted into the President’s Honour Society and the Dean’s Honour List. I am extremely proud of being voted captain of the Bobcats women’s volleyball team by my teammates for the last three years. Being trusted by my teammates to lead and be an advocate for them is an honour.

Give a brief bio about yourself/ your background/ your history.

I was raised in Sylvan Lake, a small town in Alberta. Growing up I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s cattle ranch. Because of this influence I participated in rodeos and horse 4-H. I also played a multitude of sports in my childhood, competing competitively in softball, swimming, volleyball, and basketball. My passion grew for volleyball as I reached high school and had the opportunity to play for a high level club team in Calgary. I was then selected to represent Team Alberta at the Canada Cup for two years. I was recruited to BU in grade 12, though my first season of play was cancelled due to the pandemic, the last four years have been an incredible experience. I began working for Dr. Melvin in his neuroscience lab in my third year of study where I completed a Topics course. The summer after my third year I was a research assistant at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, studying Alzheimer’s disease, which helped to deepen my understanding and grow my interest in neuroscience. I have also been coaching volleyball every year since high school, for the BVC club and helping at various camps, which I find extremely rewarding.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

I have always been interested in the sciences, taking advanced biology courses in high school. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine from a young age and taking a biology degree was the first step to get there. Once in university I found myself drawn to research after taking a molecular cell biology course with Dr. Melvin, which opened my eyes to the complexities of human life and how much we still have to learn.

What is your philosophy in life?

I think my philosophy is to always lead with kindness and patience. I think supporting others is one of the best ways to uplift yourself. I also believe that working hard in every aspect in your life is valuable. Whether it is working on yourself, your career, or your relationships, you get out what you put in.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Next year I will be playing professional volleyball in Europe. After that I hope to be accepted into medical school and pursue a career as a doctor. I also see myself continuing to coach volleyball and give back to the community that gave me so much growing up.

In one sentence, how will you #AccelerateAction?

I will #AccelerateAction by challenging stereotypes as a woman in STEM and sport and continue to support the next generation of female athletes and scientists.