Tom Lai is a second year Occupational Health & Safety student at BCIT and the 2023 Julie Cole Bursary recipient, With a bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University. His journey into Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) was prompted by practical experience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tom served as a COVID-19 Contact Tracer, where he recognized the paramount importance of workplace safety, further motivating his pursuit of a career in OHS. In the summer of 2023, Tom worked as a summer OHS student at EllisDon, contributing to their COR certification maintenance.

Tom is committed to advocating for worker well-being and fostering strong safety cultures within organizations, reflecting his dedication to the field and its impact on the lives of workers