Pragti Varshney

About

Year	Fourth Year
Degree	Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems
Hometown	Surrey, Canada

Finding Purpose Through Community & Connection as a Commuter Student

Pragti is a fourth-year Global Resource Systems student who discovered the best way to find belonging is to create it for others. As a commuter student, joining LFS US’s First Year Committee changed everything. Four years later, through roles including VP Engagement, Case Competition Coordinator, Senior Orientation Leader she has built the inclusive community she once searched for. Beyond her leadership roles, Pragti has spent three years researching cancer care, Parkinson’s disease, and eating behaviors. Now examining intuitive eating and food insecurity among students, she’s found her passion at the intersection of public health and nutrition.

What motivated you to get involved as a student and take on different roles?

As a commuter student with mostly core science courses, it was difficult to meet other LFS students. The LFS|US First Year Committee seemed like a great way to connect with the LFS community. What started as a way to meet people became something I was passionate about. Four years later, taking on different roles within various LFS teams has allowed me to grow, contribute, and help other students feel the same sense of belonging that first drew me in.

What key skills or lessons did you gain from your leadership experience and what impact do you hope you have had?

Through my leadership experiences, I have strengthened my leadership, communication, and event planning skills. I learned to balance multiple perspectives while ensuring every initiative reflected equity and sustainability values. Most importantly, I learned that meaningful engagement takes time, collaboration, and genuine effort to build community trust.

As I look back, I hope these projects inspire students to view EDI and sustainability as shared values that shape our community culture, not just responsibilities. By creating accessible spaces to learn about these topics, I want to foster a more inclusive, aware, and environmentally conscious student community.

What is your favorite memory from your time as a student leader?

Working alongside friends to overcome event planning challenges, from last-minute changes and hosting glitches to catering issues. Even when things didn’t go perfectly, we always made it work and had fun in the process. The people I worked with made every experience memorable and rewarding.

What research experiences have you participated in, and what steps did you take to find these opportunities?

Over the past three years, I have primarily focused on clinical studies related to cancer care, Parkinson’s disease, and eating behaviors. Currently, I am completing a directed studies project examining the association between intuitive eating and food insecurity among university students.

I found these opportunities by talking to my TAs to better understand what working in a lab was really like. That helped me narrow down my interests and feel more confident approaching labs. From there, I applied to Work Learn positions and reached out to professors whose research aligned with my interests, making sure to highlight my curiosity and willingness to learn.

What have you found most rewarding and most challenging about your research experience, and what skills have you gained along the way?

The most rewarding part of my research experience has been seeing how our findings can meaningfully inform health outcomes and deepen our understanding of patient experiences. Along the way, I have strengthened my skills in data collection, critical analysis, and scientific writing, as well as communication and teamwork through collaborating with diverse research teams.

Research also comes with its challenges, especially navigating the steep learning curve and wanting to get everything right on the first try. Complex methods, unfamiliar terminology, and unexpected results can feel overwhelming at times. But I’ve learned that mistakes are part of the process, and each challenge strengthens my problem-solving abilities. Over time, I have grown more confident approaching uncertainty with curiosity rather than hesitation.

How has your experience in research influenced your academic and career trajectory?

My research has deepened my interest in public health and nutrition, showing me, how evidence-based work can directly shape health policies and patient care. It has strengthened my desire to pursue a Master’s in Public Health, where I can continue combining research with community-based health initiatives, and taught me how important interdisciplinary collaboration is.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known before starting your research journey?

That it’s completely okay not to have all the answers right away. Growth comes from asking questions and staying curious. My advice: seek mentorship early, take initiative to learn new skills, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes—they often lead to the most meaningful learning moments.

How did you first become interested in public health and nutrition?

My Food, Nutrition and Health (FNH) courses opened my eyes to how deeply nutrition impacts well-being and population health, revealing connections between food systems, health equity, and community wellness. Changing programs from Applied Biology (APBI) to Global Resource Systems let me explore these interests from a broader, interdisciplinary perspective, linking nutrition, policy, and global health.

What advice would you have for your peers?

Making friends with similar goals can make adjusting to university much easier; they can help provide support, motivation, and a sense of belonging. Getting involved in clubs, volunteering, or campus events are also a great way to meet people and build connections.

Take advantage of resources like academic advising, wellness services, and study workshops; they can make a big difference in the first few months. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and find a balance between academics, social life, and self-care to ease the transition.

How has your experience in LFS shaped your vision for your future?

LFS has given me incredible freedom to learn both inside and outside the classroom. The Faculty’s emphasis on applying learning to real-world issues has helped me understand concepts on a deeper level. The supportive community has encouraged me to grow academically and personally.

Through my time in LFS, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about knowledge or achievement, it’s about using what you know to make a positive impact. This has shaped my vision by reminding me that being a good person and contributing meaningfully to my community should always come first, no matter what career path I take.