Meet Haley Branch
Haley Branch graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Evolution & Forest Conservation Science, as well as a Master of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Toronto in 2015 and 2016, respectively. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Botany at the University of British Columbia. In her spare time, Haley likes to crochet (amigurumi), knit, and also loves music and dance. She had previous plans to pursue a career in ballet, however injuries in high school prevented her from continuing down that pathway. She also loves to bake, and tries to bake something new once a month. This month she made a butternut squash, herb and cheddar souffle. Next month she’s thinking of making lavender and pistachio macarons.
Postdoctoral Fellow in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University
Honours Bachelor of Science, University of Toronto; Master of Science, University of Toronto; Doctor of Philosophy, University of British Columbia,
When did your love of STEM begin?
I hadn't really considered STEM as my career of choice until I was around 17 years old. It wasn't that I disliked science, I just wouldn't have called it my passion. However, I have always loved nature; the trees, the animals, the grass. Seeing "An Inconvenient Truth" in the 8th grade was when I first really become aware of and upset about the impacts that humans have had on the Earth. So, when I realized that ballet was not going to be the right path for me, I started to take classes that would allow me to apply for a science degree, so that I could do my part against Climate Change.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
As someone who grew up as more of an artist, I always have friends ask me whether or not I miss being creative. However, I find STEM to be incredibly creative. I love how there isn't an end to science. I can ask a question, dream up ways to answer that question, and the more you answer, the more questions you have. Now that may be daunting for some, but the infinite directions one can go is what really inspires me.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in STEM?
Stand up for yourself. You know your capabilities better than anyone, so don’t let other people’s opinions of you affect how you view yourself. You’re completely awesome!
“I danced ballet throughout my childhood. I loved the creativity, beauty, and discipline of it. I had no idea that I would end up
in science for those same reasons. Here I am at Lake Erie playing with my dog, Soda Pop, during the summer when I was 16.”
-Haley Branch
