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May
2005
 Job title and General Description
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UBC
Research Scientist in the Nutrition Research Program at BCRI
My job includes working in the laboratory and teaching at
the graduate level in metabolism and disease. I am mainly
involved in research. I started my lab in BC’s Children’s
Hospital October 2004. As a research scientist I am responsible
for many things including, developing the research approach,
writing grant proposals and papers, setting up the lab and
training staff. I am also involved in some hands-on laboratory
work.
I study ways in which genomics and nutrition impact our health.
Proteomics and metabolism are included in the scope of my
research. My main focus is on epigenetic factors that impact
gene regulation and metabolism. This includes mechanisms such
as DNA methylation patterns that can change and impact gene
expression. One condition that I study is hyperhomocysteinemia,
which is due to elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine.
This condition can lead to cardiovascular problems. Diet has
an impact on epigenetic factors that impact gene expression
and subsequent levels of homocysteine in our system. We study
animal models that demonstrate changes in this metabolic process
due to changes in methylation and diet.
What
specific skills and qualities are needed to do your job?
Communication skills are essential in my work environment.
I need to have excellent written and spoken communication
skills. Explaining and promoting my ideas and research plans
is critical. When working on research it is very important
to be very diligent in following the planned course of action
without getting discouraged when things don’t go exactly
as expected. You need to be able to stick with it and carry
on.
What do you like most about your work?
My job allows me to be creative and innovative. My field is
relatively new and there are a lot of exciting areas to explore.
I also enjoy working with my new staff and students.
What don’t you like about your job?
As with most research, there is always the uncertainty of
funding. I need to be continuously applying for funding from
various sources. This can be frustrating.
Where do you see your career going from
here?
At the moment I am the head of my lab and setting up my own
research projects. I would like to continue to grow with this
and work on my own research program.
What is the range in salary that comes
with your job?
As an assistant professor, the salary ranges from $50-70,000.
It does vary depending on the school and department involved.
When did you know you wanted to work in sciences?
In high school I became interested in working in science.
I had a good memory and did well in my science classes.
What is your educational background?
Degrees? Specific courses?
I did my B.Sc. in Human Nutrition at the University of Western
Ontario. Then I came to Vancouver and did my Ph.D. at UBC
in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program including nutrition,
molecular biology and biochemistry. I continued my studies
at UC Davis where I did a Post Doc in the Department of Internal
Medicine, looking at Genetics and Nutrition. I studied polymorphic
gene variations and their impact on gene function. I did another
Post Doc in Iowa where I studied vascular biology.
What was your favorite course(s) and
why?
Some of the courses that I enjoyed the most include Metabolic
Biochemistry and Genetics, Biochemistry and Disease, and Inborn
Errors of Metabolism.
What other hobbies and interests do you
have?
My three year old daughter keeps me very busy and I love spending
time with her. We enjoy doing a lot of outdoor activities.
Do you have any advice for young
people thinking about getting into your line of work?
Try different options. Don’t give up on things….
be diligent and stick with it. Let things evolve and adapt
with the change. Don’t be ridged.
If you think working in the laboratory would be a good career
for you, try it out in your undergrad. Find out if it suites
you. Look into doing a co-op program to get the hands on experience. View All Scientists
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