Olivier Hinse
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
My desire to pursue a graduate degree is inspired by my unconditional love for research and an interest in conducting it properly. I want to deepen my knowledge, refine my skills and contribute meaningfully to the academic community.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC offers a fantastic research environment led by exceptional research mentors. Also, the technical facilities housed at UBC are outstanding and promote collaborative innovation.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program allows me to develop the fundamental skills necessary to become an expert in a field I am passionate about.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The mountains here are incredible! Being from Montreal, I am not used to such heights around where I live.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
Science is about novelty and might require some travel. It's essential to keep that in mind before considering a research career.
Meeting people from all around the world undoubtedly facilitates transitions to new places!
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Being from a French-Canadian background, making my first jump to an English-speaking institution (McGill University) during my undergraduate studies helped!
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Hiking, skiing, anything that can get me up the BC mountains.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Do not be afraid to try stuff; errors are essential to learning. Some experiments will fail.
Learn more about Olivier's research
My research project aims to uncover the potential of hybrid peptides between self-proteins to induce rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Little is known about how these hybrid peptides are generated and the specific mechanisms that lead to their formation. In that context, cathepsins, proteases involved in antigen processing and bone remodeling, may play a pivotal role in catalyzing the formation of such peptides in RA. By investigating this potential pathway, I aim to uncover the existence of these peptides and better understand how they might contribute to the breakdown of immune tolerance.
