Dane Sands
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I’ve always been curious about science, but it was during my upper-level undergrad courses that I knew I wanted to dive deeper. A course on protein chemistry really stuck with me. Learning how proteins could be used in medicine, industry or even for environmental work opened my eyes. It made me realize how powerful and versatile proteins can be. I wanted to keep learning and contribute to that kind of work, and graduate school felt like the best place to do that. My parents also encouraged me every step of the way, and I wouldn’t be here without their support.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC stood out because of the strength of its research community. The faculty and facilities are excellent, and I knew I’d be able to grow as a scientist here. A year in, I’m still discovering new labs and projects that inspire me. I also can’t ignore the draw of Vancouver itself. With the ocean out front and the mountains behind, it’s an amazing place to live. If you like the outdoors, it’s hard to find a better spot.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I was drawn to the supportive and collaborative culture in the program. When I spoke to students while deciding, I got the impression that they were a tight knit group that looked out for each other. That kind of community is really important during the ups and downs of grad school. I also liked how hands-on and available the faculty seemed. The chance to work with supervisors who are both knowledgeable and encouraging made it an easy choice.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The beauty of the campus and city still surprises me. I’m always finding quiet corners with incredible views. You have the forest, the mountains and the ocean all in one place. It makes a difference, especially on busy or stressful days. It’s a great environment to work and live in.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I enjoy learning new things, and this program gives me so many opportunities to do that. Whenever I present my work, I get thoughtful questions and feedback that push my research forward. It motivates me to get back in the lab and try new ideas. Being surrounded by curious and passionate researchers keeps things exciting.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
The biotech and pharma industries in Canada are smaller than in other countries, which means fewer job openings. It can already be hard to move from academia to industry, and with fewer companies, that challenge grows. I want to find work that fits my interests and skills, but it may take time and flexibility.
The BMB program has made a real effort to connect students with alumni who now work in industry. Talking to them has helped me understand the skills that matter and how to prepare for non-academic careers. The department has also run workshops on turning research into real-world products or startups.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I grew up in a small fishing town and went to a small school, so moving to Boston for undergrad was a big change. The courses were intense, and I had to adjust quickly, but I figured out how to handle the pressure. After that, I moved again for my master’s in Halifax. Starting over in a new city with new people and research helped me learn to adapt. Those experiences made the transition to UBC and to Vancouver much easier.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I enjoy hiking with my wife. There are so many beautiful trails within a short drive of the city. I also like running on the many trails around Vancouver. On weekends, I like exploring new restaurants and trying local breweries. There’s a great food and drink scene here, and it’s been fun to explore.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Don’t do it alone. Reach out to other students, especially early on. Most people have been through the same challenges and can help you figure things out. Sharing ideas, troubleshooting experiments or just talking things through can really help. It also makes grad school more enjoyable. These connections will also become part of your future professional network.
Learn more about Dane's research
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global problem, and we need new tools beyond traditional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising option, but producing them at scale is still a challenge. I’m working with the yeast Komagataella phaffii (formerly Pichia pastoris), a powerful host for protein production, to improve AMP secretion. I use transposon mutagenesis to create large mutant libraries and screen them with a high-throughput assay that links secretion to a measurable signal. This allows me to identify genetic changes that help overcome secretion bottlenecks. By engineering strains with these beneficial mutations, the goal is to turn K. phaffii into a more efficient and scalable biofactory for AMP production.