Dr. Seby Chen is the 2024 Michael John Page Postdoctoral Fellow Award recipient. The Michael John Page Postdoctoral Fellow Award recognizes a postdoctoral fellow who reflects Dr. Page’s academic excellence and his passion for life. On Wednesday, October 9, we held an award ceremony and a reception. We got to interview Seby and learn more about him and his journey!
Tell us about your research.
Ryanodine Receptors (RyRs) are large calcium channels involved in the process of muscle contraction. Mutations in RyRs cause neuromuscular, cardiac, and neurological disorders. My current research uses cryo-electron microscopy and electrophysiology to study the impact of disease mutations, endogenous modulators, and pharmacological agents on the structure and function of RyRs under normal and diseased states. These structural and functional insights will help us understand the cause of these RyR-associated diseases and provide a framework for design of novel therapeutics to prevent and treat them.
How did you feel when you received the Michael John Page Postdoctoral Fellow Award?
I felt incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award, especially given the excellence of the previous recipients, many of whom have become successful scientists in industry and independent principal investigators. This award also made me feel greatly appreciated, as it not only recognizes my research output but also my broader contributions beyond research.
What’s so special about being in science?
Every day, I get to solve interesting puzzles and scientific questions that remained unresolved. I could be the first person in the world to make specific discoveries that advances the scientific community and the medical field.
What’s your passion in life? What motivates you?
My passion in life is helping people. I find great fulfillment in knowing my research has the potential to improve people’s health and their quality of life. The medical advances we take for granted today are thanks to the countless scientists who came before us. Therefore, I aspire to make similar impacts for the future generations.
What are some of your most significant extra-curricular achievements?
Over the past three years, I have actively contributed to several extracurricular initiatives focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), science outreach, and mentoring. As a member of the departmental EDI committee, I have initiated the BMB Mentorship Program. I also took part in planning EDI-focused events such as “Diversity in Biochemistry” and “BMB Mentorship Social”. My outreach efforts include engaging with the public at Science Rendezvous 2024 and participating in the “Skype a Scientist” initiative to inspire high school students about careers in science. In mentoring roles, I have supervised numerous students for their co-op/honours projects as well as mentored several students as part of the BMB Mentorship Program.
What advice do you have to current or aspiring Postdoctoral Fellows?
Doing science is just like hiking. Before going, you need to make the necessary preparations. It’s also best not to go alone. Climb at your own pace. Don’t give in to peer-pressure. Slow down and take breaks if you feel like you need them. Expect a lot of ups and downs along the way, but if you persevere, stay focused on your goal, and believe in yourself, you’ll often be surprised by how much you can achieve and ultimately be rewarded with the beautiful panoramic views at the summit.
The Michael John Page Postdoctoral Fellow Award recognizes a postdoctoral fellow who reflects Dr. Page’s academic excellence and his passion for life. In Michael’s memory, each year CBR recognizes a Postdoctoral Fellow who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement combined with significant extra-curricular achievements, both scientific and non-scientific.
An awards ceremony is held in the fall, and the winner will be presented with a memorial plaque and prize. They will also present a summary talk of their career to date together with their extra-curricular activities.