What is your position within the GCI and what interests you in this field? 

Samyak: I am the Video and Graphic Designer for the GCI. I came to Canada 5 years ago to pursue my education in this area at Simon Fraser University’s School of Interactive Arts and Technology (IAT). My family is very creative, so I was always interested in User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX). The difference between UI and UX is that UI refers to the aesthetic elements by which people interact with a product, while UX is about the experience a user has with a product or service. Outside of UI/UX, I also enjoy visual design and video editing.  

Jocelle: I am the Communications Assistant for the GCI. With my academic background in Health Sciences, I’ve always been interested in health promotion, knowledge translation, and health communications. Being in this position has provided me the opportunity to advance these interests, while also expanding my skill set. I really enjoy the creativity and flexibility of my role!  

What are your career goals or hopes for the future in this field? 

Samyak: Within the UI/UX field, regardless of where I work, I want to make an impact on people. Just like at the GCI, I want to make people’s lives easier by ensuring our platforms are accessible to them. My dream job would be to have my own designing firm!  

Jocelle: I’m leaving the future possibilities quite open but I want to work in the areas I’ve mentioned previously, especially in health promotion. In particular, as a Filipino-Canadian, I hope to do work within the Filipino community to improve health outcomes by ensuring access to culturally relevant care, spaces, and other support services. Regardless of my future career path, I want to work towards health equity!  

What have you learned from working at the GCI? 

Samyak: From talking to patients and hearing their stories in this role, I’ve learned about how the GCI is revolutionizing gynecologic cancer research. This helped me recognize the significance of my work in supporting the GCI’s online presence to support patients and researchers.  

Jocelle: Admittedly, I did not know much about gynecologic cancers before I started working at the GCI. Through my time working here, I’ve learned so much about this type of cancer and the impact it has on many people every day. Hearing the stories of patients has taught me the importance of self-advocacy and awareness of gynecologic cancers.  

What do you like to do outside of work? 

Samyak: I really enjoy gaming, whether it be board games and videos games. I also like to spend my time hanging out with friends. 

Jocelle: When I’m not working I like to obsess over skincare, go on walks or hikes, and organize community initiatives with my friends!