Program: PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology
I was drawn to the field of stem cell biology because of the exciting potential to understand fundamental mechanisms of cell development and contribute new knowledge to the scientific community.
My specific area of focus is blood cell development (known as hematopoiesis) and my program here at UBC provides an excellent environment to pursue impactful research in this emerging field.
Publishing peer-reviewed papers can be challenging, yet rewarding. I advise students entering my field to be very persistent and patient, as generating robust data and writing high-quality manuscripts takes a lot of time and effort. View the process as a valuable learning experience, not just a box to check or criteria to meet to graduate.
My research investigates how blood stem cells maintain balance as they produce mature blood cells. Using novel imaging techniques, I’ve uncovered that ongoing communication between developing cells synchronizes their behaviors and prevents stem cell depletion. The microenvironment where stem cells reside facilitates this homeostasis through developmental signaling. These fundamental insights into blood cell regulation could inform treatments for disorders like leukemia.
It means treating colleagues with respect, acknowledging people’s hard work, and ensuring my work benefits our society.
In practice, I involve undergraduate students in research to foster their growth and to train myself in supervision and communication skills. For society, my studies on blood cell biology may shed light on mechanisms of disease progression to improve patient outcomes, and I hope my research will create knowledge that serves all Canadians, who play a vital role in funding science research.