In honour of National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW), we spoke with different Postdoctoral Fellows at the CBR to highlight their research, share their stories and celebrate their journeys.

Dr. Lihua Hua – Pryzdial lab

Tell me about your research.

My project is about Factor X, which is a really important coagulation protein. Normally, it gets activated into FXa by different complexes and that usually needs phospholipids and calcium. The part I’m focusing on is the Gla-domain of Factor X. We know it helps the protein binds to membranes, but we don’t really know much about its role in direct protein-protein interactions. So, I’m testing what happens when FX gets activated without phospholipids, to see how much the Gla-domain matters. The bigger idea is that this could open up new ways to target FX activation for therapies.

 

 

What led you to the lab?

I used to be a physician in China, and working with patients showed me that without progress in research, treatments can only go so far. That experience made me want to be on the side of discovery, not only just application. I prefer projects that feel closer to the clinic, where the work has a clear path to translation. That’s actually why I joined my current department.

 

What do you like to do outside the lab?

Outside the lab, I like being outdoors. Hiking around Vancouver is amazing, places like Joffre Lake and Panorama Ridge are some of my favorites. I also like trying new activities through UBC. I’ve gotten into skating, swimming, and I also want to try something new. For me, staying active and picking up new skills is a nice balance to research.

What advice would you give someone still searching for a program/postdoc position?

I’d say first, be clear on what you want, like what field, what questions excite you, or what techniques you want to build. But also stay open to related areas, because sometimes the best opportunities come from a slightly different angle. Second, make your application strong: highlight the skills that are in demand, read the PI’s recent papers, and show how you’d fit into their work. And lastly, don’t get discouraged. Many people send out a ton of emails before finding a position. A “no” is often just about timing or funding, not about your potential.

 

 

Thank you for speaking with us, Lihua! Learn more about National Postdoc Appreciation Week at UBC which recognizes the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to research and discovery.