Emma Kate Loveday
Characterization of strain-specific pathogenesis of (H5/H7/H1) influenza A viruses in human cells by identifying specific micro-RNA (miRNA) signatures during viral infection
Dr. Francois Jean
San Diego
United States of America
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
To gain the ability and knowledge to answer the scientific questions I am curious about. I also enjoy teaching others and would like to help future students appreciate science the way I do.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
The excellent opportunity to work in FINDER, Canada's largest level 3 facility within the microbiology department. I also take pride in the activities I participate in outside of grad school and all of those activities are available in Vancouver or British Columbia.
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
miRNA profiles are likely to provide vital information about cellular changes during infection with influenza and other RNA viruses, and have the potential to yield numerous targets for antiviral therapies. This information may be useful to the medical community by providing new ways to treat the deadly symptoms of highly pathogenic influenza A with new or existing medications, potentially providing ways to better prepare both hospitals and countries for a influenza A pandemics.
What are your future career goals?
To become one of the top scientists working on RNA viruses in North America and run my own lab at a top research institute as a professor and principal investigator.
What has been your most memorable Vancouver experience so far?
Snowboarding on the glacier on July 4th at Whistler/Blackcomb
Personal Interests / Hobbies
Snowboarding, cooking, travelling
