Date & Time: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
- Award Ceremony Presentation: 1:00PM – 2:00PM PT | Life Sciences Room 3 (LSC3) & Zoom
- Reception: 2:00PM PT, Life Sciences Centre 4th Floor Pod
L-R: Dr. Ross MacGillivray, Dr. Melina Messing, Roger Page
The Michael John Page Postdoctoral Fellow Award recognizes a postdoctoral fellow who reflects Dr. Page’s academic excellence and his passion for life. This year’s Michael John Page Award recipient is Dr. Melina Messing, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the McNagny Lab.
Originally from Germany, Melina spoke about the twists and turns that led her to UBC and a career in Immunology. In addition to her research, Melina shared her passion towards Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) advocacy, science outreach and mentorship. Melina is a member of the Canadian Society of Immunology (CSI) and participates in science outreach including fostering an immunotherapeutic community. Outside of science, Melina is a cellist for local orchestras which is her cultural/musical break from the lab. Melina emphasized the importance of shaping a community within the lab and also outside the lab, inviting CBR members to watch her perform.
The presentation recording will be available at a later date.
Presentation Abstract
“The ins(-ide the lab) and outs(-ide the lab) of a career in Immunology: a path reaching far beyond the four corners of the bench.”
Imagining the career of an Immunologists typically comprises long hours in the lab, pipetting liquids from one vial to thenext and many raised eyebrows at unexpected results that lead to new and exciting avenues of discovery. While these are certainly essential aspects of the life of an Immunologist, the true diversity of this career extends far beyond imagination. From scientific collaboration, communication and outreach to advocacy, mentorship, and leadership – a multifaceted path with unexpected twists and turns that certainly never lacks excitement. In honour of the late Dr. Michael John Page, I am excited to share my own journey along this path. I will present my own research on immune mechanisms driving allergic disease, which, in an unexpected turn of events, led me towards the discovery of immune biomarkers that predict disease outcomes of ICU COVID-19 patients. Importantly, I will also share some of my most valued outside-the-lab experiences as an equity, diversity and inclusion advocate, a mentor and community leader.
Many thanks to the Centre for Blood Research, the Michael Page Endowment Fund, and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for their generous support of the award and ceremony.
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