2021 Graduate Studies Entrance Award
Project title: Subversion of plant immunity by Salmonella effectors
How would you describe your research project to someone without a scientific background?
In recent years, there has been increasing evidence which suggests that plants, specifically leafy greens such as Romaine lettuce, are emerging as hosts to Salmonella enterica. How these bacteria are able to undermine the plant immune response is unknown. My project focuses on exploring how a group of Salmonella proteins alter the immune response of a plant model system to facilitate infections.
What impact do you hope this project makes once completed?
I hope my project will contribute to our understanding of the role bacterial effectors have in establishing infection. Specifically, I hope to improve our knowledge of the mechanism used by Salmonella to alter the immune response of plants. This could contribute to the design of new strategies to prevent Salmonella colonization during agricultural production.
How has the support from Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology helped you?
The Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology (LKSIoV) has provided me with valuable support in a variety of ways. Through the promotion of events, such as the ImmuNet and Graduate Research seminar series, it has given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge of science in areas outside of my research. The LKSIoV also provides an opportunity to network with other researchers. I would not have had the exposure to such a wide variety of high quality research or researchers without the LKSIoV support at the University of Alberta.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue a degree / career in science?
Growing up in a small Alberta town, I did not have a lot of exposure to possible careers in science though I always had an inherent interest in the idea of research and discovery. During my early high school education, this interest narrowed down to molecular science which led me to explore possible fields and specialties. I was immediately interested in cell biology, host-pathogen interactions, and genetics. Thankfully, I have had the opportunity to explore all these subjects and am now able to pursue a research career that I have always felt drawn to.
What has been the greatest lesson you have learned while doing your research?
Patience and appreciating the little things have been the greatest lessons I have learned throughout my short time as a graduate student. Experiments may take hours or they may take days, and their success often cannot be determined until the data is analyzed. So it is important to find the small advancements you can make with every replicate. I have been able to take this mentality, of looking for and enjoying the small steps of progress within the bigger picture, to other parts of my academic and personal life.
What is your favorite distraction or hobby?
My most consistent pastime throughout my years in high school and undergraduate studies has been sports. I have participated in numerous semesters of intramural sports, the Lister Dodgeball League, and pickup basketball games. Beyond playing sports, I am also an avid sports fan with a passion for basketball in particular.
What is one thing you cannot live without?
Bluetooth Headphones. Whether I am studying, relaxing or playing sports, I always have headphones on with a podcast playing. It is my primary way to keep up with various topics, mainly sports and science-related news, while still being able to complete other tasks.