30-second bio: Yan Gao

Name:

Yan Gao

My Pronouns:

she/her

Title:

Education and Advancement Coordinator

Department/Unit:

Graduate and Postdoctoral Education Office, Faculty of Medicine

Location:

Vancouver

Year I started working at UBC:

2021

Describe what you do at UBC in 10 words or less:

To support the success of graduate students and postdocs

Tell us about the team you work with - what do they do?

At the Graduate and Postdoctoral Education Office at the Faculty of Medicine, our team is dedicated to improving the learning environment, training, and overall outcomes of Faculty of Medicine research trainees. We administer awards and scholarships, initiate and plan events and activities, and organize workshops and other training opportunities.

What do you think is the greatest question ever asked?

The greatest question ever asked is, "who am I?" Names, ethnicities, ages, and occupations do not fully reflect who we are. To me, those labels are created to categorize people. What we should care about is at a deeper level. "What do I like (dislike)?" "How do I want to engage life?" "What kind of things can make me feel peaceful?" These questions can lead to a self-discovery journey.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

Outside of work, I like travelling, reading and trying new restaurants. I like to be physically active by doing yoga and resistance training. I'm interested in photography and learning about other cultures. I have been playing golf for ten years, and it is absolutely my favourite sport!