Sofia Colmenares

About

	Fourth Year
Degree	Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Health
Major	Food Science
Hometown	Columbia

From Curiosity to Confidence: A Transfer Student’s Research Journey

Sofia is a fourth‑year student in the Food, Nutrition and Health Program, majoring in Food Science. As a transfer student, she arrived at UBC with a fresh perspective and a strong curiosity about research. This curiosity led her to volunteer with a PhD student in the Castellarin lab. What began as weekly lab visits to process samples and develop hands‑on skills soon evolved into a paid laboratory‑assistant position. Her research journey continued when connections from that lab secured her a Work Learn role on the Honey Metabolomics Database over the summer. Now she pursues her passion for research through her FNH 499 undergraduate thesis while also volunteering at the Food Hub Market, linking her academic interests with community engagement.

What would you want transfer students to know about coming to UBC and LFS?

As a transfer student, you bring different experiences and perspectives that students who started at UBC don’t have. You’re not starting from scratch, use that to your advantage. You have another lens to bring to your work and academics, which is very valuable. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re behind; you’re just on a different path.

Also, don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out right away. Volunteering in a lab or trying something new doesn’t mean you’re committing to it forever. It’s about exploring and learning what resonates with you.

What steps did you take to find your research opportunity, and what was the most rewarding aspect?

I’d always been curious about research, but I had no idea what it actually looked like day-to-day until I joined the REX program. REX provides workshops where you can meet professors and graduate students, and they even give you email templates to reach out to labs. That structure really helps because reaching out to a lab can feel intimidating, but once you get your foot in the door, it’s a big win.

The most rewarding part has been proving to myself that I’m capable. I might not have all the knowledge upfront, like specific analytical techniques that my classes haven’t covered yet, but labs are designed to meet you where you are and provide the support and training you need to succeed. That realization has been empowering.

What has been the most challenging part of your research experience?

The challenge is accepting that you won’t always have all the answers right away. There are going to be techniques and concepts you haven’t learned yet, and that’s okay. What I’ve learned is that you need to be able to ask for help when you need it. There’s always going to be support available, and asking questions upfront is much better than making avoidable mistakes later.

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

You never really know what something is like until you’re living it. I also did co-op to get practical industry experience, and as a transfer student, I was very conscious of my time at UBC. I wanted to see both sides of research and industry, because I realized they might be completely different from what I imagined. Having both experiences side by side has been invaluable in helping me figure out what path I want to pursue.

Looking back, what advice would you give to students thinking about getting into research?

Research can feel intimidating, but once you take that first step, everything becomes more manageable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; there will always be support when you need it. Also, if you don’t have classes or experience yet, programs like RECS give you the opportunity to make connections with mentors, peers, and principal investigators. Just showing up and demonstrating initiative goes a long way.

One more thing I’ve learned is that interests will change, and that’s a good thing. As you meet different people and gain new perspectives, what excites you today might shift in a year or two and that’s completely normal. Stay flexible and don’t feel like you have to commit to one path forever. Your experiences will shape who you are, and being open to that growth is incredibly rewarding.

What resources did you utilize to find research positions, and why should others know about them?

RECS was a game-changer for me. Even if you don’t have the classes or experience yet, it gives you the opportunity to connect with mentors and peers. The workshops and events they host aren’t mandatory, but they’re incredibly helpful for building those initial connections. I also recommend checking out the Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO) program and connecting with the LFS Academic and Career Engagement (ACE) Team, they can help you stand out as a candidate and tailor your approach when reaching out to potential mentors.