Program: Master of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Year in Program: 1
My interest in pathology really started in undergrad when I became interested in human disease and medicine. I did my undergraduate degree in UBC’s Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Program and enjoyed learning about the field of disease research. I decided this was something I wanted to pursue further, as I liked the idea of being able to help people by researching ways to better understand disease and hopefully help advance the medical field. To do this, graduate school seemed like the next perfect step to get involved in this research.
My research focuses on finding a greater understanding of neurological biomarkers and how they can be utilized for diagnostic, prognostic and screening purposes in a variety of diseases. My thesis work will focus specifically on applying this to Alzheimer’s and other dementias in hopes of making the first steps towards creating a blood-based screening test. I have also had the opportunity during the pandemic to explore what these biomarkers might be able to tell us about the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in critically ill patients.
There are quite a few things I am looking forward to this year that will go along with starting grad school. I think the thing I am most excited about is publishing my first paper. Being able to take a large role in my group’s involvement with COVID research has allowed me to get a paper out and recently into review. This will be a very exciting opportunity to be able to have a first author paper this early on in my education.
I have been in a somewhat unique position during the pandemic being involved in COVID-19 research. It has resulted in not having a lot of free time, with most of it dedicated to analyzing patient samples daily in the effort to help advance COVID-19 research. For me, personal wellness has been making sure I appreciate every moment I get to relax and recharge.
During this pandemic I have gained a large appreciation for being able to do the simplest activities that allow me to see the people I care about. Just sitting out in a circle of lawn chairs with friends or family to chat over a couple of drinks has been one of the things I’ve enjoyed the most.