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Else Bosman
Research topic
UVB and vitamin D on intestinal homeostasis
Faculty
Research supervisor(s)
Home Town
Haarlem
Country
Netherlands
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I am passionate about how the human body functions, especially what is going on in your gut. You live in 'harmony' with a huge amount of microbes. It is more like a battle field where both host and microbe are fighting for resources and nutrients. With my graduate work I hope to further the knowledge of gut health.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
Vancouver and the BC Southwest coast is a gorgeous place to live. I got a taste of Vancouver living when I came here on exchange in 2013 for my Masters research internship. I decided that I wanted to spend some more time at UBC during my PhD program.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Experimental Medicine program hosts a wide variety of research topics and the PI that I wanted to work with seemed to be affiliated with the program.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The best surprise is the active lifestyle that people seem to have adopted here. A night of skiing after 5 pm is not uncommon and I can spend most weekends in the mountains.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I am excited to have this period of time in the lab to learn new skills and to develop the ones that I already have. I have learned many new techniques in the lab but also time management.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I joined the Varsity Outdoor Club when I moved to Vancouver which is one of the best decisions ever. In the weekends I am exploring the back country as much as possible, by foot, on ski's, by bike or on the water. I got into mountaineering and into doing triathlons
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Remember that graduate school is a two way street. Your supervisor wants you to do a ton of work but you are also here to develop yourself into an academic. Don't get run over by the workload but take some time every once and a while to reflect and evaluate if you are getting the most out of your degree.
Learn more about Else's research
I am looking at the effect of UVB light exposure on your intestinal environment. There are all kinds of metabolites made in your skin that have an effect on the immune system in your gut and the microbes that live there after you have gone out in the sun. I am interested in what beneficial properties UVB has when you have a healthy gut and what happens if you have intestinal inflammation.