1. Please introduce yourself

I am currently a MSc student in Dr. Pamela Ohashi's laboratory located at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. I immigrated to Canada in grade 5 and always lived in Toronto area. This marks the 5th year of executive involvement in AKCSE. 

 

2. What is your field of interest? 

My research is in cancer immunology and immunotherapy, which gained significant enthusiasm from both scientific and non-scientific communities over the last decade. The human body possesses intrinsic defensive mechanisms against not only infections but also cancer as well. Our laboratory conduct clinical, translational and basic science research investigating the use of adoptive T cell therapy, and my specific research projects specialize in training these immune cells to target cancer cells better. 

 

3. Which part of your degree did you enjoy the most? 

The research itself can be simultaneously fascinating and challenging. Aside from having to solve the mysteries of science, the research we do is very translational and it feels gratifying to understand that our project matters for the patients who are suffering from cancer and current treatment methods. The best part of research would be that we become the world-wide expert in our fields and we push the frontier of medicine. 

 

4. What is your dream job? 

My dream job is not bound by the title of an occupation. After experiences in the field of oncology and witnessing limitations in current medicine, I wish to provide "hopes" to cancer patients and beyond. Whether it is in the form of becoming a PI, scientist in pharma/biotech, political advocate or clinician-scientist, all of these are nothing more than stepping stones to what I wish to achieve - to bring treatments that is lacking today. 

 

5. What do you consider the most when choosing graduate schools? 

Often students are not confident in bargaining for what they truly deserve, but you must be proactive in these. Is the PI invested in both your scientific and personal development? Does the laboratory or the graduate department have resources that benefit you? Is the research project promising with a lot of collaborations? There are multiple dimensions to consider and depending on the conditions, it can completely change your career trajectory. My advice to all undergraduate students is to make good relationship with graduate students or post-doctoral fellows who are working in what you are interested in and seek for true mentorship. Remember, mentorship plats crucial role in your development. 

 

6. What was the best experience in AKCSE? 

When we first founded YG National and AKCSE school chapters, it wouldn't have been possible without many of our dedicated student leaders. Whether it was in the context of leading YG national or the young generation conference, collaborating with many like-minded students across the country was indeed inspiring and satisfying. Even as of today, I believe that the most important asset of AKCSE is the opportunity for students to acquire life-long relationships with leaders across Canada. 

 

7. What is your priority in life? 

At this specific point in my life, the priority is to enjoy and do something that I strongly believe in. Whether it is research, community outreach, advocacy work or even travelling, I wish to spend my 20s without regrets. You don't win in life by how fast you do things, instead, you reach success by living a "meaningful" life at every moment.