Alumni Profile: Dorothy Dinh Chan

About

Name	Dorothy Dinh Chan
Title	Juris Doctor Candidate & Content Creator & Social Media Strategist
Company	Lincoln Alexander School of Law & Self-Employed
Grad year	2021
Program	Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health
Major	Food, Nutrition and Health

• LinkedIn

Dorothy is a 2021 graduate of the Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH) program who is now on her way in becoming a lawyer. While working hard as a current law student, Dorothy also dabbles into content creation. She gets to think both analytically and creatively in these two roles.

Dorothy reflects back on how her time in UBC has shaped her in developing the needed skills for her to thrive in her current roles. Being a student in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems has provided her with necessary experiences, opportunities, and skills that allows her to be both a law student and a content creator that can both have varying tasks. Her story provides a unique and new perspective on how to use an LFS degree to a different industry.

Why did you choose your program in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and what did you enjoy most about it?

As a first-generation student, I have always been fascinated with science, health, and nutrition. I chose the Faculty of Land and Food Systems because it offered a unique interdisciplinary approach that combined these interests, allowing me to explore the complex relationships between food systems and human health. What I enjoyed most about the program was that I was able to develop research skills which I’ve since leveraged as both an entrepreneur and a law student.

What was one of your most meaningful experiences at UBC? And why?

One of my most meaningful experiences at UBC was working as a summer research assistant. This role allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge I gained in the classroom to research projects. I had the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members, contribute to ongoing studies, and hone my analytical and problem-solving skills. This experience not only deepened my passion for science and research but also taught me valuable skills in data analysis and critical thinking, which have been instrumental in my journey.

What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?

What I enjoy most about my current roles as a law student and content creator is the opportunity to combine critical thinking with creativity. As a law student, I appreciate the intellectual challenge of analyzing complex legal issues, while my work as a content creator allows me to leverage my creative skills to engage audiences. Both roles require strong communication skills—whether it’s drafting memos or crafting compelling social media content. My LFS degree directly relates to these roles by giving me a strong foundation in research, problem-solving, and systems thinking. The interdisciplinary approach of LFS has helped me approach challenges from multiple perspectives—whether in legal analysis or crafting targeted content strategies.

From your experience, what has been the value of having an LFS degree?

The value of having an LFS degree lies in its interdisciplinary approach, which has equipped me with a unique skill set that I can apply to a variety of fields. The FNH program sharpened my ability to think critically and solve complex problems. Furthermore, the research skills I developed have been invaluable in both my legal studies and entrepreneurial work.

Before coming to UBC, during your time in UBC, or after your time in UBC, are there any awards or achievements you’d like to share with us?

One of my proudest achievements is being awarded the Staffieri Family Scholarship in Law (Women in STEM) at Lincoln Alexander School of Law. This scholarship recognizes my commitment to both law and STEM, fields I am passionate about, and serves as validation of the interdisciplinary path I’ve taken.

Now that you have completed your undergrad and, in your career, what advice would you give to your past self or current LFS student?

My advice to my past self or a current LFS student would be to try as many different things as possible and stay open to new opportunities. If I had explored more diverse fields earlier on, I might have realized my passion for law sooner. It’s easy to get focused on a particular path, but sometimes the value lies in stepping outside your comfort zone and experimenting with different roles and industries.

Are there any resources you would recommend for students who are looking to enter your industry and/or profession?

For students entering the legal profession, I highly recommend joining professional organizations like Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL), which offers networking opportunities and mentorship. For content creation, I recommend learning how to use video editing tools like CapCut, which is a user-friendly app perfect for creating high-quality, engaging content on social media