50 Remarkable Alumni: Empowering the next generation of physicists

Jennifer Owen experienced the scientific discovery of a lifetime — an amazing and remarkable event. And now, she shares the excitement of discovery with undergraduate students.

In 2006, Jennifer graduated from what was then called UCFV with a Bachelor of Science in physics. She then continued her education, completing her master’s degree and PhD at Simon Fraser University. As part of her doctoral research in particle physics, she worked with the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, contributing to the ATLAS Experiment. In 2013, she was among the scientists present for the discovery of the Higgs Boson, a particle unique for its lack of spin; as part of the Higgs field, it gives mass to other particles in space.

She joined more than 3,000 physicists from 166 institutions in 37 countries in her work on the ATLAS Experiment, a particle-detection experiment designed to observe phenomena that involve highly massive particles that might shed light on new theories of particle physics. For part of her time during her doctoral studies she was team leader (aka editor) for one of the analyses.

“It was amazing and very exciting to be right up front at the cutting edge of science with discoveries occurring all around me,” she recalls. After completing her doctorate, Jennifer returned to the classroom as an instructor where today, she dedicates herself to preparing the next generation of scientists, fueled by the excitement she felt at CERN.

Jennifer honed her skills and studied the art and science of teaching by earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. Then, in 2018, she joined Mount Royal University as a lab instructor in physics.

“Even if they decide not to move forward with physics as a major, I like to give them a positive experience.”

For Jennifer, teaching is about fostering passion in students; she strives to provide opportunities for experimentation and discovery. Although not every student will major in physics, she hopes to offer something valuable for everyone.

“Students have all sorts of predispositions about coming into physics,” she says. “They may be a bit nervous. Some are excited, which is nice. I always hope they find that there’s some neat things in physics for them. Even if they decide not to move forward with physics as a major, I like to give them a positive experience.”

In the summer of 2023, Jennifer moved back to BC to teach at Okanagan College. There, she teaches in both the classroom and labs. This new educational setting reminds Jennifer of her time at UFV.

“We have a conversational approach in the classroom,” says Jennifer. “So, when I’m teaching, the classroom is a space of conversation and questions.”

“You can come from an institute that has these small classes and one-on-one conversations, and still have aspirations to go to bigger places, to do the research you want, to have the profession you want.”

This aspect of her practice is key. She enjoys teaching in a more intimate environment, where she feels she can provide the strongest support. She shares her passion for particle physics, inspiring her students with her own lived experience.

Jennifer also takes pride in the education provided by smaller institutions like Okanagan College.

“One thing I always tell my students is: you can come from an institute that has these small classes and one-on-one conversations,” she says, “and still have aspirations to go to bigger places, to do the research you want, to have the profession you want.”

Jennifer credits UFV for preparing her for research and teaching. She fondly remembers her time as a research student working with geographer Olav Lian in the Luminescence Dating Lab, where she seized opportunities as they arose to advance her science career.

For Jennifer, these experiences helped her find her passion in the sciences and defined her career path. She hopes that others will do the same.

“There are great opportunities, like being a research assistant or a lab assistant,” says Jennifer. “The more of these experiences that you have, they either prepare you for something you already want to do or help you find what you are meant to do.”

More than 50,000 people have graduated from UFV since 1974. Over the next year, we’ll be introducing you to 50 remarkable alumni.

If you know a remarkable UFV grad that we should feature, nominate them today.

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