What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree at UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

I'm from Wheatley River, PEI and chose UPEI because it's close to home and family. A great opportunity also came up to work with researchers at both UPEI and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

What is your research focused on, and what impact do you expect it to have on society?

My research is focused on culturing microorganisms through an unconventional technique (iChip), and isolating bacteria with antagonistic activity against a fungal pathogen (Fusarium graminearum) that causes a detrimental cereal crop disease known as Fusarium Head Blight. This work will hopefully reduce the negative impacts of the aforementioned crop disease through the development and application of effective biopesticides, enhancing the yield and quality of cereal crops, while improving overall profitability for farmers.

How did you decide on your research topic or area of focus and what about it excites you most?

Having previously worked with AAFC, I was interested in agricultural issues and how we could contribute to sustainable agriculture. There had also been a recent PhD graduate that had investigated the proposed culturing technique and briefly explored F. graminearum, thus creating an opportunity to build on the topic. The potential for novelty in this work is something that I find quite exciting, along with the ability to merge various scientific fields (ie. microbiology, genomics, chemistry).

Describe the supports you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members.

During my time here, I have felt genuinely supported by students, staff, and faculty members. In the Department of Chemistry, I’ve built meaningful friendships which have been important sources of encouragement both academically and personally. My supervisors have been especially supportive, providing guidance, constructive feedback, and consistent encouragement in my research. Beyond academics, many people have shown sincere interest in my work, creating a welcoming and motivating environment.

What co-curricular and extra-curricular activities have you been involved with at UPEI, and how have these enriched your time at UPEI?

Throughout my undergraduate studies at UPEI, I was a member of both Senate and the Pre-med Society. Since beginning my graduate studies however, I had the opportunity to help organize a Chemistry conference. This provided me not only with experience in coordinating an event of this scale, but also allowed me to learn from and network with other students and faculty from the Atlantic provinces. 

What's unique about your program, UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

Having such a small and close-knit community in the Department of Chemistry has been an incredibly beneficial and rewarding experience. Because of the university’s relatively small size, I’ve had the opportunity to instruct first-year students in their lab components, which has allowed me to gain valuable experience and hopefully help them start their chemistry journey on the right foot. Studying at UPEI has provided the ideal environment to carry out my research.

"My supervisors have been especially supportive, providing guidance, constructive feedback, and consistent encouragement in my research. Beyond academics, many people have shown sincere interest in my work, creating a welcoming and motivating environment."

As for PEI as a whole, being from here has sometimes made it easy to take our beautiful island for granted. However, interacting with people who are experiencing it for the first time has been both eye-opening and meaningful. Seeing the island through their perspective has deepened my own appreciation for the place I call home.

How did graduate school shape your career goals or ambitions?

Between graduating with a BSc and beginning the MSc program, I took some time to work in an analytical chemistry lab, where I gained professional connections and hands-on experience. Through that experience, along with my time in grad school, I’ve realized that no matter which career I choose, I want to have the ability to collaborate with others and find ways to make meaningful impacts to the public. 

What skills or knowledge did you gain during your studies that you feel will be most beneficial in your career?

Throughout my studies, I feel I have become more comfortable and confident presenting my ideas in front of peers, while improving my ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. My research has also required me to think critically, collect and interpret data, and has provided me with a deeper background in not just chemistry, but also the inner workings of biological systems.

What advice would you give to new UPEI graduate students?

If you’re a new graduate student, or even just considering beginning a grad program, I would suggest that you choose a research topic that you can be passionate about. It makes a world of difference to be excited about starting new experiments, obtaining results, and sharing your findings. Prior to beginning grad studies, if possible, I would also recommend taking some time to explore the work force and decide if grad studies is something that you really want to commit to and are really interested in.