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Emilie Théberge
Research topic
Investigating equity gaps in monogenic cardiomyopathies using large biobanks
Faculty
Home Town
Toronto
Country
Canada
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I’ve learned over the years that I love playing the “detective” and problem-solving human disease cases, and a PhD provides the environment and career opportunities for me to do so. I’ve been so lucky to be inspired by my colleagues around me that have encouraged and supported my curiosity as a researcher. I also love the lifestyle of the PhD where my work hours are flexible and I can work on a few projects at a time that are fulfilling to me!
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I fell in love with Vancouver while I visited as a teenager and thought that UBC offered the size and quality of upper education that I thought would lead to fulfilling scientific career opportunities. Since I now have roots here, I chose a PhD at UBC to deepen my knowledge, broaden my technical skillset and continue to grow the professional relationships I’ve cultivated in the last decade in my areas of study.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
Genetics piqued my interest in high school, and I haven’t looked back since! During my undergraduate years, I realized I was more interested in clinical research and interfacing with the medical community, so Medical Genetics naturally appealed to me. I have friends across different programs and appreciate the quality of our program in terms of its advisory support, course rigour and interdisciplinary variety from having students do such a range of theses across multiple campuses.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
How much my personality agreed with the change of pace of life and prioritization of outdoor activities compared to the culture I grew up with in Toronto. I’m so glad to have so many amazing parks, hikes and the seawall nearby, even when it rains, and the mountain views still put me in awe even after all this time!
I have friends across different programs and appreciate the quality of our program in terms of its advisory support, course rigour and interdisciplinary variety from having students do such a range of theses across multiple campuses.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
I’m keeping a close eye on the scope, accuracy and use of artificial intelligence (AI) among my colleagues and I as we navigate a rapidly changing knowledge ecosystem. I think the biggest challenge my generation has and will continue to face is the skepticism from the general public, and expert colleagues, about the validity of the research and writing we put out. AI is only as good as the material that feeds it, so I think it’s more important than ever to be transparent with the methods of how rigorous science is done, and put out original research that’ll help reduce health inequities that AI is unfortunately perpetuating in many cases. I think “learning how to learn,” adaptability and resilience to change are as important as ever, and practicing these skills in graduate school will be invaluable for our future careers.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I think having diverse work and research experiences, and really figuring out what I enjoyed, were invaluable insights in making the choice to do a PhD. Working with my current supervisor as a research coordinator before starting this degree helped make the decision a clear “yes,” as we knew we worked well together and had a clear vision of my career goals following this degree.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I love going for long walks or runs with a good podcast or audiobook, hanging out with my friends (and their dogs), hot yoga and getting cozy with TV shows.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Find and nurture your “village” (i.e., friends, loose social ties) in the real world (not just friends online) to help you take a breather from the marathon that is graduate school. The people can make all the difference in the quality of experience you have, including knowledge of or access to potential job opportunities afterwards.
Learn more about Emilie's research
I’m looking at equity gaps among people carrying genetic variants that can cause monogenic cardiomyopathy. Monogenic causes of cardiomyopathy can be relatively common (~1:250) to relatively rare for the more syndromic genetic diseases (~1:10,000). Access to large-enough biobanks with sufficient racial/ethnic diversity to study how these diseases present and get diagnosed have only recently become available to researchers. There is a lack of research looking at the intersectionality of race, genetic ancestry, sex and gender, so I’m working towards publishing any differences to improve access to equitable diagnoses for all.