Louisa Ho | Academic-Industrial Liaison

Louisa Ho

Academic-Industrial Liaison

Wilfrid Laurier University

Created On: September 13, 2019
Sector:
Science
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Biology,  Chemistry,  Physics,  Science,  Social Sciences,  Technology & Engineering

Learn About My Career

Louisa Ho is an Academic-Industrial Liaison at Wilfrid Laurier University.

I was born/grew up in: Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

I now live in: Ancaster, ON, Canada

I completed my training/education at: PhD from University of Toronto

In order to do my job well I have to spend a lot of time getting to know Laurier's researchers. I need to know what they are doing and to learn how their research is addressing the world's most pressing issues. I also spend time meeting with businesses, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government funding officials to keep an ear on the ground of emerging technology trends. To be able to understand a broad range of scientific research on a fundamental level, I am constantly using critical thinking skills and independent learning practices. I also translate technical concepts to plain language that anyone can understand. A background in STEM has given me the necessary knowledge to understand science research from all disciplines at the basic level. Even if I am completely dumbfounded by the research, I have the ability to break down the technical jargon or ask the clarification questions needed to effectively communicate this work to others.

I thought I was going to be a cancer researcher. After receiving my PhD, I realized that I loved talking about science, but didn't like the slow pace of lab work or focusing on just one thing. While I was trying to figure out what was out there for me I took a chance on an internship that I wasn't sure would work out for me. This led me to the technology transfer profession, which kept me connected with the cutting edge of scientific research and allowed me to work in diverse fields and problems.

I am always learning new things and meeting new people. As a result, I have diverse perspectives to each problem and this continues to amaze and inspire me. The possibilities of new technologies that I encounter excite me. It is great to work with entrepreneurs who are trying to disrupt the status quo and scientists that are trying to understand how the world works. Seeing how an idea that was explored though research can become something that actually solves real-life problems is what makes my career personally rewarding.

Companies are always trying to create a better product or identify a better solution to an existing problem. However, they are not always familiar with emerging research. Sometimes researchers find something new that no one would expect. I help connect the two groups - academia and industry - to let them know, "hey, there is an opportunity here for you to collaborate and help each other!"

I like to play video games, cook, and binge watch some Netflix shows with family and friends. I love running; it gives you that time to be by yourself with your thoughts and challenges you to make that next goal.

Do what you love, take advantage of the opportunities that come your way, and don't be afraid to try something new.

What I do at work

In order to do my job well I have to spend a lot of time getting to know Laurier's researchers. I need to know what they are doing and to learn how their research is addressing the world's most pressing issues. I also spend time meeting with businesses, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government funding officials to keep an ear on the ground of emerging technology trends. To be able to understand a broad range of scientific research on a fundamental level, I am constantly using critical thinking skills and independent learning practices. I also translate technical concepts to plain language that anyone can understand. A background in STEM has given me the necessary knowledge to understand science research from all disciplines at the basic level. Even if I am completely dumbfounded by the research, I have the ability to break down the technical jargon or ask the clarification questions needed to effectively communicate this work to others.

My career path is

I thought I was going to be a cancer researcher. After receiving my PhD, I realized that I loved talking about science, but didn't like the slow pace of lab work or focusing on just one thing. While I was trying to figure out what was out there for me I took a chance on an internship that I wasn't sure would work out for me. This led me to the technology transfer profession, which kept me connected with the cutting edge of scientific research and allowed me to work in diverse fields and problems.

I am motivated by

I am always learning new things and meeting new people. As a result, I have diverse perspectives to each problem and this continues to amaze and inspire me. The possibilities of new technologies that I encounter excite me. It is great to work with entrepreneurs who are trying to disrupt the status quo and scientists that are trying to understand how the world works. Seeing how an idea that was explored though research can become something that actually solves real-life problems is what makes my career personally rewarding.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Companies are always trying to create a better product or identify a better solution to an existing problem. However, they are not always familiar with emerging research. Sometimes researchers find something new that no one would expect. I help connect the two groups - academia and industry - to let them know, "hey, there is an opportunity here for you to collaborate and help each other!"

Outside of work I

I like to play video games, cook, and binge watch some Netflix shows with family and friends. I love running; it gives you that time to be by yourself with your thoughts and challenges you to make that next goal.

My advice to others

Do what you love, take advantage of the opportunities that come your way, and don't be afraid to try something new.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Art
  • Science
  • Technology

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Liked helping people
  • Was motivated by success
  • Engaged in volunteer activities
  • Liked reading
  • Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
  • Learned Best by Doing
  • Other: Always liked to learn new things and gain new experiences

Related Topics

Careers Communication Nature of Technology Science Communication Scientific Practices

Explore More Career Profiles

  • Brianna Lummerding à genoux près d’un cerceau en plastique collectant des échantillons dans un champ herbeux.

    Brianna Lummerding

    Career Profiles

    Agronomic Innovation Manager

    I look after all things related to soil management for a group of retailers.
    Learn More Brianna Lummerding
  • Li Tan, vêtu d'une blouse de laboratoire de couleur blanche, souriant dans son laboratoire.

    Li Tan (he/him)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (he/him)
  • Tyler Mohard wearing lab coat and hair net as he works in the SyLMAND lab

    Tyler Morhart (video)

    Career Profiles

    Scientist, Beamline Responsible - SyLMAND

    I am responsible for the SyLMAND beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility.
    Learn More Tyler Morhart (video)
  • Five people, each wearing a white lab coat, standing around a lab bench that has scientific equipment on it.

    Li Tan (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (Video)
  • portrait par Rashell Featherstone

    Rashell Featherstone (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Senior Program Associate

    I coordinate projects for the development of new products at STEMCELL.
    Learn More Rashell Featherstone (she/her)
  • Kira Hoffman portant un casque rouge avec de la fumée en arrière-plan

    Kira Hoffman (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Postdoctoral Researcher/Fire Ecologist

    I am a researcher at both a university and a not-for profit organization where I am gaining experience to become a senior researcher.
    Learn More Kira Hoffman (she/her)
  • Zoe Ehlert closely examining a plan that has yellow flowers

    Zoë Ehlert (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert (Video)
  • Daniel Meister headshot

    Daniel Meister

    Career Profiles

    Master's Student, Kinesiology

    Learn More Daniel Meister
  • Zoë Ehlert, vêtue d'une blouse de laboratoire blanche, pose une boîte en carton sur une étagère.

    Zoë Ehlert

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert
  • Jennifer Baltzer portant une casquette et un tee-shirt violet avec des arbres en arrière-plan.

    Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Professor and Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change

    I work at a university, teaching students and conducting research on the impact of climate change on forests in Canada and around the world.
    Learn More Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)
  • Caitlyn Lyons, prête pour la forêt avec son sac à dos et ses outils de collecte de données. La photo insérée montre Caitlyn examinant une section de gazon.

    Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Ph.D. Candidate

    I am working towards my PhD and studying the forests in the Northwest Territories.
    Learn More Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)
  • Joann Whalen headshot

    Joann Whalen

    Career Profiles

    Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,

    I teach advanced courses on how to manage soils to produce healthy, nutritious food and maintain healthy ecosystem functions.
    Learn More Joann Whalen