Hometown: Abbotsford, British Columbia
Program: Cell and Developmental Biology
What attracted you to your field?
I am fascinated by how the human body and its 200 different types of cells develop from a single fertilized egg. This field, known as developmental biology, has the potential to inform new treatments for many diseases, including diabetes.
During my PhD studies at UBC, I focused on understanding how the pancreas forms during development. My research may inform regenerative medicine approaches focused on treating diabetes by generating the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas from stem cells.
In 10 years, what UBC moment will you still be talking about?
In 10 years, I will still remember the fantastic people that I trained with at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHRI). The Canucks for Kids Fund Childhood Diabetes Laboratories at BCCHRI are some of the best training environments at UBC. I will still be talking about the great friends I made and the laughter-filled beer Fridays.
What’s next for you?
I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford where I am continuing my research in diabetes and developmental biology.
As you look ahead, what (or who) inspires you?
I am inspired by the many unanswered questions in the fields of developmental biology and diabetes. Every day, I am excited by the possibility that we may discover something that will lead to a new treatment for diabetes.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
I love to travel and have a very long list of places I want to visit.