MATTER & NALS Family BBQ 2025
June 28, 2025 – Prince George, BC
After months of experiments, tight deadlines, and virtual meetings across time zones, nothing recharges the team like sunshine, great food, and laughter. On June 28, the MATTER Lab and Northern Analytical Lab Services (NALS) came together for our much-anticipated annual family BBQ at Forests for the World Park. This event, now a cherished tradition, brought together over 40 participants, including postdocs, students, staff, visiting scholars, and their families, for a day of relaxation and reconnection. With burgers and hotdogs on the grill and potluck dishes from around the world (special thanks to the kimchi fried rice, Persian saffron cake, and Venezuelan arepas!), the celebration reflected the diversity and warmth of our community.
Beyond the food and fun, this gathering served as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. We’re not just a research team; we’re a community of people who support one another inside and outside the lab. Our members come from over ten countries, each bringing a unique voice and perspective to our work. Including families in this event acknowledges the vital role they play behind the scenes, cheering us on, celebrating our milestones, and holding space during late nights and long experiments.
Although our PI is on sabbatical this year, returning to host this BBQ reaffirmed one important truth: science is a team sport, and our greatest strength lies in our shared commitment to collaboration and care. Huge thanks to everyone who made the day possible, from those who flipped burgers to those who chased runaway frisbees and helped with clean-up. You make MATTER and NALS more than labs, you make them families. Here’s to another year of curiosity, connection, and community (with just a little bit of BBQ smoke in the air). 🔬🔥
#TeamScience #LabLife #DiversityInSTEM #CommunityBuilding #MATTERLab #NALS #UNBCResearch