Chad Atkins
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I've always been passionate about school and learning new things, a fact my mother would gladly corroborate. Pursuing a graduate degree in science provides an opportunity to explore an area that has previously not been investigated. The prospect of participating in this process and furthering the knowledge of a certain area was something I was unable to resist.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
Having been part of smaller departments in my past degrees, I was looking to expose myself to a larger and more-extensive research community. Furthermore, I was interested in diversifying my pure chemistry background with aspects of interdisciplinary research. There were numerous opportunities for this at UBC, and coupled with the campus' commitment to being a leader in sustainability, I was eager to become a part of the community.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
For an outdoor hobbyist such as myself, there is no better place than Vancouver. While this wasn't necessarily a surprise, the vast array of choices (and their close proximity to the city) was remarkable. In the winter months, there are several ski hills to tackle and in the summer, multiple hiking trails waiting to be explored.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Take advantage of all of the opportunities that are afforded to a graduate student. Yes, you have to be diligent with your time and work hard, but try to avoid falling in the trap of associating with just classmates. Get involved with something in the community. Meet people. Do things you aren't comfortable with.
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Learn more about Chad's research
When blood is donated, it is separated into its specific components (red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and plasma) and stored according to defined regulations. Red blood cells comprise the largest volume of product transfused to patients, so determining the quality of these cells during their storage life is of utmost importance. Currently, stored red blood cells are considered to be viable for 42 days after donation. However, this timeframe is based on averages from conventional assays that are costly and time-consuming; in reality, blood from different donors will degrade at significantly different rates. My research involves the utilization of a tool known as Raman spectroscopy, which could provide a non-invasive way to assess the quality of stored blood rapidly and accurately without needing to destructively sample the contents of the bag.