Jenny Tran
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I have always been a curious person and enjoyed finding answers to life's complex questions. Research is exciting because it allows me to do just that, but with purpose where it can change the world for the better.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
After completing my Bachelor's degree here, I knew that UBC was a place I wanted to continue developing my skills and career. UBC has many resources for students to succeed, including clubs, tutoring programs, and a beautiful campus. Importantly, UBC is known to be at the forefront of renowned scientific research and I am honoured to be part of this incredible community.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Experimental Medicine program is a diverse and engaging program that fosters innovative medical research in the fields of basic and clinical sciences. I was particularly attracted to Experimental Medicine because it pioneers research and development in the field of medicine, which is always greatly needed to help treat and prevent disease. Mainly, it was my professor, Dr. Paul Keown, that gravitated me to towards the program as I believe his research exemplifies this, which aims to bridge basic laboratory benchwork to the patient’s bedside.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
One of the best surprises about UBC is all the delicious ranges of food and the rad new bookstore.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I have been fortunate enough to have gained experience in both research and clinical laboratories that prepared me for the type of research I currently do. I also am indebted to my family, friends, and mentors who have always been my encouragement and inspiration.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
I believe time management is important in navigating grad school. Balancing school and everything else can be hard, but I find that having a life outside of the lab allowed me to be more effective in my research when I return.
Learn more about Jenny's research
Kidney transplantation offers patients with kidney failure a life-long solution to their disease. Unfortunately, many transplants fail prematurely, affecting as many as 30% of transplant recipients. A leading cause of failures is antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), where the recipient’s immune system develops antibodies targeted against the donated organ. The CANPrevent Project aims to improve long term transplants and prevent AMR through a wide range of efforts, from better matching patients and donors to immune monitoring of graft health and personalized drug management protocols. My doctoral research focuses on the role of cell-surface proteins called the human-leukocyte antigens (HLA) in the matching process. Specifically, I am interested in key regions on the exterior portion of the HLA that may play an important role in antibody formation. Through sequencing HLA proteins in the BC population and studying its structural biology, I hope to provide insight on an alternative method of organ matching for better transplant outcomes and to improve the lives of transplant recipients.
