Koyah's Journey: From receiving CBT's Education Award to Studying Science at UBC

Photo Credit: Danielle Wilson

Koyah Morgan-Banke is a Toquaht student who received CBT's Central Region nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Education Award in 2023 and is currently studying Sciences at the University of British Columbia to pursue a career in medicine. She has recently gotten in touch to share an update on her academic journey as well as her personal growth since receiving the award. 

Thank you, Koyah, for sharing your experience with us and for your remarkable dedication. We're grateful to be able to follow your journey and we look forward to reading more about your research. Way to go Koyah! 

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Studying science at the University of British Columbia was the best decision I have made in my entire life. I strongly urge anyone who is even merely pondering the idea of pursuing a post-secondary education to do so. Living and learning at UBC has enriched my life in so many different ways – Academically, socially, motivationally… That being said, I do understand the apprehension many potential university-goers may have financially, and it is for this reason that I must recognize the sponsorship I have received from Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. Receiving this scholarship allowed me to focus my energy on my studies and relieved a lot of the financial burden I faced whilst adjusting to the cost of living. Throughout this past school year, I was able to use my extra time to make valuable connections and contributions to my new community, which has in turn better prepared me for this year. Here are some of the highlights of my first year : 

• I got to work as a Contract artist and undergraduate academic assistant at Micheal Smiths Laboratories. 
• Attained first-aid certification.
• Selected a major in Neuroscience.
• Became nominated for an undergraduate research award in February 2025!
• Established a network of connections with the professors, students, and faculty of UBC through the UBC longhouse 
• I also got to visit my friends in Spain over the summer! It was my first time leaving the country, and the experience has really opened my eyes to just how big the world is.

Moving into my second year, I feel more grounded and prepared. My summer contained a lot of productivity and moving parts that have set me up for a good start to my semester. Over the summer, I worked with many professors and facilities at Micheal Smiths Laboratories on delivering a science-based workshop for Indigenous youth from Tsawwassen. During this multi-day workshop, I not only got the opportunity to work with high school students from the area and share my knowledge as a first-year-science-student-survivor, but I also became connected to researchers in another lab that encouraged me to apply for a research lab position at UBC. Their support combined with various interviews/resumes has landed me a position as an undergraduate research assistant at Ciernia Labs this year. Presently, I will be researching the relationship between gut health and neurological disorders. In the summer, I intend to take on a work-learn position through this lab to research more about the neuroprotective effects of L-theanine and understand its potential against neurodegenerative diseases.  

To summarize where I am at in my life/studies presently : 

• I am currently living in Kitsilano, Vancouver.  
• I'm enjoying the process of learning – I tend to romanticize the learning process. I think you kind of have to if what you are studying requires a lot of your time and attention in order to be successful. I look forward to spending my hours studying neuroscience whilst I sip matcha and watch the Vancouver leaves change color.  
• Exploring a new niche (Neuroscience!).
• I remain invested in a career in the medical field, specifically somewhere involving the nervous system. The lab I currently am a part of is actually inside the UBC hospital and is largely connected to medical sciences in many ways. My goals have not changed since high school, and I am still dedicated to one day being a part of the medical society.  

To conclude, I couldn’t be happier with where I am in my life right now. It’s impossible to express in writing how grateful I am to be learning what I am, at the institution I am, on the lands that I am, under the support of the CBT. Until next time!"

-Koyah Morgan-Banke