Meet Andrew — A tissue culture research technician with a zest for new experiences, both inside and outside the lab.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: As a research technician, I support a wide range of scientific studies, from foundational cellular research to clinical application. I manage a cell culture and tissue engineering program, while also overseeing a novel immunoassay platform at the Wellington Lab in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Our lab focuses on brain health research, using cells, animal models and blood samples to study biomarkers and the underlying mechanisms of brain diseases.
Q: What is your research area of interest, and what led you to that interest?
A: My interest in brain health started during my undergraduate studies and led me to pursue a master’s degree in neuroscience. My work at the Wellington Lab is personally meaningful, as someone close to me has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease. I am driven to contribute to research that aims to better understand and combat this devastating illness.
Q: What is the best part about your research job?
A: The excitement of discovery is one of my favourite aspects of my role. Working in a lab allows me to continually learn new techniques, master specialized instruments and explore different areas of research. It is also fulfilling to know that my work has a real-world impact on people’s health and well-being.
Q: What would you do if you were not in health research?
A: I find great satisfaction in creating and building things, so I probably would have pursued engineering or architecture. In a way, I get a taste of that in my current work, using cells to construct models and tissues — but working with non-living building blocks would probably be less frustrating!
Q: What do you do for fun in your spare time?
A: I enjoy learning new skills, both in the lab and in life. I have taken up hobbies like playing guitar, mountain biking and skateboarding. I also love exploring Vancouver’s coffee shops to track down the best pastries.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
A: I’d like to visit the most remote vending machine in the world — wherever that may be. It would be interesting to see what kind of items are stocked in a vending machine placed somewhere few people ever go.
Q: What is your healthiest habit?
A: I take many naps. I consider them to be one of the most important parts of maintaining my mental health!
Q: What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
A: As an introvert, I would tell myself to say yes more often than I might naturally would. Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to so many unexpected opportunities.
