Anton Dobrin is a multi-year SBCC alumnus, whose project, “Studying the Effects of the pH level on Protein Activity, Inhibition and Structure,” won fifth place prize at the GTA SBCC regional competition in 2008. In this interview, Anton shares what the SBCC experience was like for him and how it has helped him beyond high school, including earning an internship with Sanofi Pasteur after his first year of university. Persistent and dedicated, Anton also shares some important advice for future SBCC participants.

Tell us about your history with the SBCC.

I first heard about SBCC in grade 9, and it got me very excited about the possibilities of biotechnology and doing a project in a real lab. While my high school was very well equipped, it was not equivalent to a well-funded university lab. Read more

Adrian Chan participated in the Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada in 2009 and 2010. His project in 2009 examined the role of the protein TRIM22 in inhibiting HIV replication.

Currently working on a degree in Microbiology and Immunology at Western University and interning at Sanofi Pasteur, Adrian strongly believes that his participation in the SBCC has helped him get to where he is today. In this interview, Adrian provides a lot of insight and advice for students who are interested in submitting a project to the SBCC.

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Miranda Wang is a Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada 2012 alumna, whose project with her research partner, Jeanny Yao, looked at the plastic degradative potentials of soil bacteria from the Fraser River area in BC. They collected 14 strains of soil bacteria from contaminated sites along the river, and identified three strains that could efficiently degrade phthalates – a plasticizer found in common items ranging from pharmaceutical pills to toys. The bacteria that were discovered by Miranda and Jeanny could be used to treat a lot of environmental contamination.

Miranda took time out her busy schedule at the University of Pennsylvania to talk to me via email about her experience and successes with the SBCC and what she’s doing now. She provides a lot of encouragement and motivating insights for students who are interested in participating in the SBCC and pursuing a career in science. Read more

Daisy participated in the SBCC in each year of high school (2010-2013), winning second place at a national science fair competition in 2011. She says the SBCC helped her realize her potential and has given her invaluable experience and confidence as a first-year student in both the Science and Concurrent Education programs at Queen’s University. Daisy provides a lot of insight, wisdom, and advice for current high school students interested in participating in the SBCC and pursuing a career in science.

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