Alumni Directory

Astrid Opsetmoen

B. Sc. Chemistry, Co-op Education, Minor in Environmental Toxicology

Astrid completed four coop work terms while attending SFU and graduated in the spring of 1991. While an undergraduate, she took an active leadership role with the Chemistry/Biochemistry student union as it was known then^*.

 Astrid was awarded a Distinguished Student Service Award in1991 from the Department of Chemistry. Her coop work terms were of note, since two of them were overseas Bochum, Germany.

 Astrid has spent the last 11 years in a variety of positions, both employment-related and voluntary. Her passion for education has led to teaching positions at Douglas College. She has also taught at a Community School in Port Simpson, BC as a science teacher and worked at University College of the Fraser Valley as a Laboratory Technologist.

 Her volunteer contributions include work as a visiting scientist with Scientists and Innovators in the Schools, an initiative coordinated by Science World. She is very active in promoting the involvement of young women in science, including work with CAGIS, Canadian Association for Girls in Science. 

Her personal passions in life include Ultimate Frisbee, sailing, cross-country skiing, knitting, sewing, reading and photography.

 Astrid is the driving force behind the annual Science Alumni Reunion and BBQ held in August on the SFU campus near the reflecting pool. Last year, approximately 45 people arrived to munch on burgers and enjoy themselves. The children were entertained with face painters. Tours of the university were provided, including a preview of the Burnaby Mountain Development Community, now known as UniverCity. 

^*Readers will be interested to know that the expansion of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB) at SFU has resulted in a separate student union for the MBB students.