Degree: MASc
Supervisor: Dr. Karen Cheung
Program Start: January 2019
Graduation: November 2022

Which lab and what degree you were pursuing at UBC and CBR? What was your research about?

I was working towards an M.A.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering with Dr. Karen Cheung in the BioMEMS Lab. My research was focused on developing an organ-on-chip model of the small airways in the human lung and using it to study effects associated with aerosol exposure, as well as on applying the silicon photonics platform to the real-time molecular sensing of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

What inspired you to pursue your program?

I was inspired to pursue graduate study in biomedical engineering through courses I took towards a minor in bioengineering during my undergraduate studies; applying engineering principles to biological and life-sciences-related concepts was a super exciting notion for me and it’s been a wonderful experience.

What is one piece of advice you would give a new grad student?

A piece of advice I’d give a new graduate student would be to begin thinking about opportunities, either in industry or academia, as early as possible and connect with as many people in the field as possible while in school (PIs, other grad students and post-docs, or individuals at companies whose work interests you).

Most memorable part of your graduate student experience?

The most memorable parts of my graduate school journey definitely centre around the people I’ve met through courses and labs, and the experiences we’ve shared outside of work — from ski trips to Whistler to intramural flag football, extracurricular outings have enriched my experience at UBC tremendously!

What is your favourite non-academic activity?

Outside of academics, I love to take advantage of Vancouver’s exceptional natural amenities by getting outdoors to ski and play golf whenever I can!