2021 Graduate Studies Entrance Award
Project title: Engineering oncolytic vaccinia virus to deliver MHC I-vectored tumor antigens
How would you describe your research project to someone without a scientific background?
Cancer is a devastating disease and a leading cause of death worldwide. While effective treatments exist, many cause side effects and lack long-term protection. My research project focuses on using the Vaccinia virus to specifically deliver immunostimulatory molecules directly to tumor cells. Immunostimulatory molecules stimulate the immune system and causes the selective killing of tumor cells.
What impact do you hope this project makes once completed?
Current cancer treatments cause many side effects and do not provide long-term protection, resulting in potential cancer recurrence. The successful design of an oncolytic Vaccinia virus can overcome these issues by specifically targeting cancer cells and generating long-term protection through immune system stimulation. Therefore, this project will contribute to better understanding methods of improving cancer treatment effectiveness and outcome.
How has the support from Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology helped you?
As a current trainee at the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, I can see why its one of the best places to study viruses. The institute supports state-of-the-art technology that has allowed me to progress efficiently in my research. Furthermore, I am able to work alongside world-renowned researchers. As a result, I am learning every day about new advances in virology or new findings, which helps me advance in my scientific career.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue a degree / career in science?
I realized I wanted to pursue a graduate degree in science after completing an undergraduate thesis project at the University of Western Ontario. Although I experienced many hurdles throughout the research process, I was invigorated by the feeling of accomplishment and thrilled when experiments yielded exciting results. My experience also really honed my passion for microbiology in cancer research. I continually wish to dig deeper into understanding the relationship between microbes and cancer. Therefore, I decided to pursue graduate studies in Medical Microbiology & Immunology as this will allow me to further my education on the topic..
What has been the greatest lesson you have learned while doing your research?
Don’t be afraid of failure! Failure is almost always perceived as something negative or something that we should always avoid. However, since involving myself in research, I have realized that oftentimes, it is during times of failure that we are able to learn the most. By talking with colleagues or reading relevant literature when my experiments fail, I gain new knowledge that I can apply to current and future experiments, which hopefully leads to great results!
What is your favorite distraction or hobby?
One of my favourite hobbies is hiking. Since going on my first hiking trip with my family in Banff National Park in 2017, I have been hooked! Now that I live so close to so many hiking hotspots, I am definitely excited to lace up my hiking boots and tackle some serious trails.
What is one thing you cannot live without?
As a music lover, I cannot live without my earbuds. I have my earbuds in during my commute, as I clean, and as I’m studying! Whether it be the newest pop hits or lofi beats, my earbuds will be in with music playing almost all the time.