Jacqueline Palik
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease about which we still know far too little. There is currently no cure, and most individuals diagnosed with ALS are given a life expectancy of only two to five years after symptoms begin. During my undergraduate studies, I became deeply interested in ALS through research examining environmental and exposure-related risk factors, including traumatic brain injuries. Through this work, I developed a strong passion for understanding the disease and contributing to efforts aimed at improving outcomes for patients. Pursuing a graduate degree allows me to explore these questions more deeply and contribute meaningful knowledge to the scientific community. Being part of research that advances our understanding of ALS and that may ultimately lead to earlier diagnosis or new treatments is incredibly motivating. Contributing even a small piece to the larger effort of improving the lives of patients and families affected by ALS is what continues to drive my work in neuroscience.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC offers a unique opportunity to combine world-class research with an exceptional quality of life. One of the factors that initially drew me to UBC was the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, the largest integrated brain centre in Canada. For someone interested in pursuing ALS research, the cutting-edge ALS clinic and research program led by Dr. Erik Pioro through the PROJECT HOPE initiative, in collaboration with the ALS Society of BC, provides an incredible environment to learn and contribute. Working within such a multidisciplinary team, including clinicians at the ALS clinic, the clinical trial group, and postdoctoral researchers with expertise in iPSC modeling and advanced MRI, has been an amazing experience. The collaborative nature of the group makes it feel less like a traditional lab and more like a supportive research community.
Beyond the academic opportunities, UBC’s campus is truly remarkable. As an avid scuba diver and divemaster, it has been especially exciting to discover that UBC even has a scuba shop on campus. Being able to teach diving while studying neuroscience, with several local dive sites full of aquatic life, makes the experience of living and studying at UBC incredibly special.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
One of the aspects that attracted me most to the Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN) at UBC is the wide range of opportunities to become involved beyond the research setting. The program encourages students to participate in faculty and trainee committees, which provides valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes work that supports research and training at the university while also creating opportunities to connect with faculty and other trainees across campus. For example, this year I serve on both the GPN Awards Committee and the Neuroscience Research Colloquium Committee. Through these roles, I have had the opportunity to help review CGS-M scholarship applications and contribute to selecting guest speakers for the weekly neuroscience research seminar at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.
I have also found the program to be incredibly close-knit. The collaborative and supportive environment has made it easy to connect with other students who share similar interests, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience in the program so far.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Moving from Ontario, one of the best surprises has been Vancouver’s incredibly mild winters. The rain really isn’t as bad as people often make it out to be. What I’ve found most remarkable is how easy it is to experience so many different outdoor activities in such a short distance. In the span of a single day, you can go for a swim at the beaches in the city and then drive an hour to ski in the snow-covered mountains near Whistler. Having that kind of access to nature and adventure has made living in Vancouver a truly unique experience.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
A large part of what prepared me for my graduate studies at UBC was the mentorship I received during my undergraduate research at Western University. I am especially grateful to my undergraduate supervisor, Dr. Michael Strong, who encouraged me to challenge myself and never doubted my abilities. He created an environment where I was able to learn alongside experienced research associates and gain valuable hands-on experience in the lab. Starting my academic journey in such a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment helped me develop strong scientific writing, critical thinking and research skills. Working with a leading ALS neurologist (and the former Canadian Institutes of Health Research President) also gave me an early appreciation for how rigorous research can translate into meaningful advances for patients. Those experiences played a significant role in preparing me for the opportunities and challenges of graduate training at UBC.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My biggest advice for new graduate students is to get involved in your community and on campus. It can be easy to spend all of your time in the lab, but graduate school offers so many opportunities that extend beyond your research project. Taking part in committees, student groups or campus initiatives is a great way to meet people, build new skills and make the most of your time as a student. These are experiences that are unique to graduate school and often harder to access later in a traditional research role.
Another important piece of advice is to remember that choosing the right supervisor is just as important as choosing the right research project. I have been incredibly fortunate to work with Dr. Erik Pioro, who has been exceptionally supportive and encouraging throughout my time at UBC. Having a supervisor who genuinely cares about your growth as both a researcher and a person can make all the difference during graduate training.
Learn more about Jacqueline's research
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis due to motor neuron loss. Certain individuals living with ALS show distinct changes on MRI scans, particularly along the corticospinal tract, the major nerve pathway that controls voluntary movement. These imaging findings have been associated with earlier disease onset and faster progression, yet the exact tissue changes responsible for this remains unclear. To investigate this, I study donated brain and spinal cord tissue from individuals with ALS. The tissue first undergoes MRI scanning at both conventional field strength (3T) and ultra-high field (9.4T), producing exceptionally detailed images. The same regions are then examined under the microscope to identify cellular and molecular changes, including motor neuron loss, inflammation, iron accumulation and abnormal protein deposits such as TDP-43. By directly linking MRI findings to the underlying biological changes, my research aims to clarify what these imaging abnormalities truly represent and help develop MRI tools that can better detect and monitor ALS progression during life.