Shaelene Standing

Biography

Shaelene Standing is a talented campus and community luminary in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at the University of Calgary.

Being diagnosed with juvenile glaucoma at an early age and undergoing numerous surgeries growing up, ignited an unyielding passion to support others facing similar obstacles in vision health care.

Throughout her studies, Standing has been heavily involved in research, and is currently developing a web-based database for retinopathy of prematurity, an eye disease that is common in premature infants. This database will be used in treatment efficacy studies across North America. Her impressive research efforts have landed her many scholarships, including one from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.  

Alongside her research, Standing is a member of the Bachelor of Health Sciences Student-Faculty Liaison Committee, volunteering her time to create helpful guides for incoming first-year students to mitigate student stress and build morale.

As a member of UCalgary’s Scholars Academy, Standing also contributes to service projects to support local initiatives and has provided a motivational presentation. Another one of Standing's significant contributions to UCalgary was the creation of the UC Dance Company, a club she founded and conceptualized after her first year of university. 

In the community, Standing uses her skill and passion for dance to develop and lead dance classes for youth with visual impairments with the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind.

Additionally, Standing devotes her time to Kids Cancer Care (KCC), developing an accessible and interactive website for participants and leading youth affected by cancer in recreational activities to decrease treatment side effects.

At the heels of the global pandemic, Standing took it upon herself to sew over 300 masks donated to KCC and those staying at the Ronald McDonald House. She is lauded as a creative and innovative volunteer who goes above and beyond to ensure families at KCC foundation feel involved and well-supported. 

Standing continues to foster a legacy of community service, volunteerism, and leadership within her communities and is hoping to pursue medical school.