MIRC’s Trainee of the Month

Can you describe your research?

I am studying HIV and TB co-infection pathogenesis and the efficacy and immunogenicity of TB vaccines using humanized mouse models. People living with HIV are vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as TB, and when an individual is co-infected with both HIV and TB, disease outcome is greatly worsened. I hope that my research will contribute to advancing our understanding of HIV and TB co-infection in vivo, help develop safe and efficacious vaccines for persons living with HIV, and address the stigmas against HIV.

What advice would you give to future scientists?

The biggest advice I’d give to future graduate students would be to talk to as many fellow scientists and students as possible during your time. Not only can you help each other with experiments or share tips/insight on data, but you can become life-long friends as you’ll be going through similar ups and downs so you can really understand and support each other. The COVID-19 pandemic had made this a bigger challenge, but some of my most enjoyable times in grad school was when students could spend time with each other during social events (either online or virtual)!

What do you like to do when you’re not in lab?

Outside of research, I really enjoy staying active and being outdoors. During my free time, I love playing basketball, badminton, and going for a run. When I’m at home I’d try my best to tune in to all the Raptors games during the game season, but during the off-season I’d enjoy watching any action/thriller movie!