Program: MD/PhD
Year in Program: 6
What inspired you to pursue your program?
The MD/PhD program allows me to merge my passion for discovery with my strong desire to improve the lives of patients. Combining medical training with rigorous scientific research, I aim to bridge the gap between the lab and the clinic, translating discoveries to benefit patients. This program offers the perfect platform to cultivate my dual aspirations of becoming a compassionate physician and a pioneering researcher in the future.
Why did you choose UBC?
UBC is an internationally renowned institution where cutting-edge research is performed and there is unprecedented access to research infrastructure. Additionally, the UBC medical school is one of the best in Canada, offering excellent clinical training. On top of all that, Vancouver is such a fun place to live – from the awesome beaches to local mountains, not to mention the amazing craft beer scene, I love living and studying here!
Tell me about your research.
I work with an amazing team in Dr. Sriram Subramaniam’s lab where we visualize proteins in 3D using a technique called cryo-electron microscopy. By firing beams of electrons at samples frozen to nearly -196°C, our team produces detailed structural images of the proteins within human tissue, tumours, bacteria and viruses. Our efforts are focused on accelerating the development of effective therapeutic agents to treat cancer, disorders of the brain and infectious diseases. My specific research focused on characterizing the structure, function, and vulnerabilities of SARS-COV-2 variant spike proteins during the COVID-19 pandemic
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am completing my final year in the program and am super excited to go through my medical electives, graduate and see where the next phase of my training will take me!