Jeff Holmes

About

Jeff graduated from the Food, Nutrition and Health program. He received the Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism Undergraduate Research Excellence Award for his research on micronutrient interactions within a multiple micronutrient supplement on Cambodian women. Jeff was also the recipient of a donor-funded scholarship during his studies - learn more about the impact this had on his time at UBC here.

What are three adjectives that describe you?

Hungry, exhausted, and happy.

Why did you choose to study at UBC?

I chose UBC because I knew I would have to work hard to get accepted, and I wanted something that would challenge me. Not having a high-school diploma and a poor academic history, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do what it takes to get into a school like UBC.

What did a typical week look like for you during the academic year?

Early morning lifeguarding shifts, then off to classes for the afternoon. With 5 courses a term, I usually had 2-3 classes a day that spread throughout the afternoon. I would take a break before dinner and go work out at the gym on campus, head home for dinner, then to the library where I spent 4-5 hours trying to figure out what my professor was trying to teach me in lecture!

How did you first become interested in your field of research?

I spent some time working in Uganda when I was 16. It was during my time there that I gained an appreciation for both my education and health that I had taken for granted my entire life. I returned to Canada determined to study a field in nutrition that would allow me to help others.

You can read more about Jeff’s research here.

What advice would you give to a new student?

Everyone has their own reason to pursue post-secondary studies. Realize yours, and then remind yourself everyday why you are here. When it gets hard - which it will - my reason for coming to UBC is what has kept my head down and my grades up!

I've also found that learning is both an individual and a social experience. Don't limit it to either or - take individual responsibility for your education, but let others help you.

Which resources on campus would you recommend to current students?

When it comes to creating a timetable that works for you, the LFS academic advisors in Student Services can work magic!

Your professors and teaching assistants are also more than happy to have extra conversations with you outside of the classroom, and they will often open doors or point you in the right direction.

Interested in studying in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems? Learn more here!