Date & Time: Wednesday, October 9, 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

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. Yu (Seby) Chen, a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Filip Van Petegem’s Lab.

Seby is a protein biochemist and a structural biologist. Seby performed his undergraduate studies at McGill University and stayed there for his PhD. In 2021, he came to UBC and joined the Van Petegem Lab. In addition to his research, Seby holds a passion towards Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, science outreach and hiking. Seby has been a postdoc member of the BMB EDI Committee for the past 3 years where he initiated and co-led their mentorship program. He also participates in various science outreach activities such as “Skype a Scientist”. Outside of science, Seby enjoys going on hikes and has found it something that he can do with his fellow lab members outside of the lab.

The presentation recording is available here: RECORDING.

Presentation Abstract

“Transporters and Ion Channels: Achieving Equilibrium Between Research and Beyond.”

Structural biologists use advanced imaging techniques to visualize three-dimensional structures of proteins, which provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases. My PhD work used X-ray crystallography and biophysical techniques to study CNNM magnesium transporters implicated in cancer and metal uptake diseases. My current research uses cryo-electron microscopy and electrophysiology to study Ryanodine Receptors, large calcium channels associated with neuromuscular, cardiac, and neurological disorders. Striving to achieve equilibrium between scientific pursuits and broader contributions, I am deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, having co-led the BMB Mentorship Program and organized EDI-focused events. My outreach and mentoring efforts further reflect my dedication to promoting inclusivity and fostering diversity, resonating with Dr. Michael John Page’s legacy of intellectual engagement and passion for life.

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.