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Volunteering a way of life for SFU grad
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June 4, 2002
Science graduate Darren Bounds knows that there’s more to life than counting genes. An honours student graduating with a BSc in molecular biology and biochemistry, Darren has made a point of broadening his interests beyond the realm of science.
At the end of July, Bounds is headed to Japan to teach English in the Japan exchange and teaching program. The program, administered by the Japanese government, is highly competitive and the prized positions pay a starting salary of $48,000 Canadian.
"I’ve lived in Vancouver for 23 years," says the 23-year-old Burnaby North Senior Secondary graduate, "and although I’ve travelled a little in Europe and Asia, this is a great opportunity to get away from home, go to a different place and learn about another culture."
Bounds was chosen partly on the strength of his volunteer work. He was a volunteer English teacher at a language exchange centre in Vancouver where, in return for his teaching, he received tutoring in Japanese.
Volunteering is a way of life for Bounds. He’ll be on the Miracle Makers panel in June for the Children’s Miracle Network telethon to raise money for the BC Children’s hospital.
He was also a volunteer for the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Leaders of Tomorrow program and a member of the board of directors of the Greater Vancouver region chapter of the Canadian Liver Foundation.
"I like doing volunteer work because it supports good causes and you get to meet people from different backgrounds," Bounds explains. "It’s excellent for becoming a well-rounded person."
At SFU, Bounds worked with Willie Davidson, Dean of Science, sequencing genes and creating a library of data as part of the federally funded Genomic Research on Atlantic Salmon project. The project aims to increase the viability of Atlantic salmon.
When he returns from Japan, Bounds plans to complete an MBA and work for a small biotech firm. "I think it is a good idea to diversify and have both a science and business background," he says. "With the growth in the biotech sector, people with that combination of skills are in demand." In the meantime, he’s brushing up on his Japanese and packing his bags.
—30—
(digital photo available)
CONTACT
Marianne Meadahl/Julie Ovenell-Carter, Media & PR, 604.291.4323
At the end of July, Bounds is headed to Japan to teach English in the Japan exchange and teaching program. The program, administered by the Japanese government, is highly competitive and the prized positions pay a starting salary of $48,000 Canadian.
"I’ve lived in Vancouver for 23 years," says the 23-year-old Burnaby North Senior Secondary graduate, "and although I’ve travelled a little in Europe and Asia, this is a great opportunity to get away from home, go to a different place and learn about another culture."
Bounds was chosen partly on the strength of his volunteer work. He was a volunteer English teacher at a language exchange centre in Vancouver where, in return for his teaching, he received tutoring in Japanese.
Volunteering is a way of life for Bounds. He’ll be on the Miracle Makers panel in June for the Children’s Miracle Network telethon to raise money for the BC Children’s hospital.
He was also a volunteer for the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Leaders of Tomorrow program and a member of the board of directors of the Greater Vancouver region chapter of the Canadian Liver Foundation.
"I like doing volunteer work because it supports good causes and you get to meet people from different backgrounds," Bounds explains. "It’s excellent for becoming a well-rounded person."
At SFU, Bounds worked with Willie Davidson, Dean of Science, sequencing genes and creating a library of data as part of the federally funded Genomic Research on Atlantic Salmon project. The project aims to increase the viability of Atlantic salmon.
When he returns from Japan, Bounds plans to complete an MBA and work for a small biotech firm. "I think it is a good idea to diversify and have both a science and business background," he says. "With the growth in the biotech sector, people with that combination of skills are in demand." In the meantime, he’s brushing up on his Japanese and packing his bags.
—30—
(digital photo available)
CONTACT
Marianne Meadahl/Julie Ovenell-Carter, Media & PR, 604.291.4323