Hi! My name is Chloë, and I’m in my 3rd year as a biology major. I’m from Tiny, a small town in Ontario and came to Vancouver for the mountains. I’m an executive for the UBC Nordic Ski Team here, and we race all over beautiful places in BC. This past summer I received a Science Undergraduate Research Experience Award and worked in the Fast Lab in the Biodiversity Research Center. After the award term, I continued my research in a directed study at the same lab.
What are you researching?
My research involved microsporidia, which are an understudied and diverse group of obligate intracellular parasites. Given that increased environmental sequencing data on microsporidians will help to resolve the questions of microsporidian evolution and diversification, the main objective of my research was to contribute to the fundamental understanding of microsporidian diversity and increase the sequenced genomic data to provide insight for future research of microsporidian diversity.
What do you most enjoy about doing research?
What I enjoyed most about doing research was connecting with the incredible people in my lab. It was fascinating to learn about their individual research projects and hear why they were so passionate about their work. I felt fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and friendly environment, where collaboration was encouraged, and everyone was willing to share advice and insights. Having supportive colleagues who shared my interests made the experience even more rewarding.
How has your unique background influenced your research experience?
My active lifestyle has significantly influenced my research experience by allowing me to integrate my passion for the outdoors into my work. For many of my freshwater samples, I hiked through areas around Vancouver and Kelowna, collecting samples from lakes and creeks. Combining my love for nature and physical activity with my research felt incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to connect these important aspects of my life in a meaningful way.
What advice would you give to other students considering doing a research project?
If you’re thinking about doing a research project, I highly recommend it as it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you delve into topics that genuinely excite you, but you’ll also develop valuable skills and gain insights that can shape your future. Working closely with a mentor and collaborating with peers will enrich your learning and open up new opportunities. The challenges you face will be part of the adventure, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of your field. Overall, it’s a chance to explore your passions and make a meaningful impact.