“Through this research internship, I have learned a lot about the various applications and software used for mapping virus genes,” Ye explains.

Alongside Dr. Stephane Aris-Brosou, from the University of Ottawa’s Department of Biology, Ye is creating a novel algorithm to analyze the evolution and transmission network of the virus.

Hailing from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Daniela is stationed at the University of Saskatchewan for 12 weeks to work alongside Professor Adelaine Leung in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Her interest in neurocognitive and neurodegenerative diseases paired perfectly with Professor Leung’s research project on depression.

Working alongside Dr. Tim Storr in Simon Fraser University’s Department of Chemistry, Laura and her team of colleagues are screening compounds that bind metals, such as zinc and copper, to look for therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease. For Laura, the hands-on research and interactive laboratory setting has been a rewarding experience. “Collaborating with my labmates has been truly inspirational. We’re tackling the project from different perspectives and sharing our methods of research.”

Alongside Dr. Frank Rudzicz of University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, Soumendu is constructing software that will improve the quality of life of individuals with speech disorders.

Using electroencephalography (EEG) signals from patients, Soumendu is collecting data from linguistic centers of the brain and areas involved in motor planning. This data will contribute to the development of tools that will allow patients to communicate via EEG signals by the use of an artificial articulator.

This innovative system will allow for highly controlled quantitative data, which will provide efficient cell migration analysis. The research is important because it reveals the underlying mechanisms behind the process of wound healing and other vital cell functions.   

Song’s internship in Canada has provided him with hands-on experience that offered insight into a research field that he intends to pursue in graduate studies.

It is Luis Arvizu’s comprehensive prospective on scientific discovery that brings him to Queen’s University, where he is currently researching under Dr. Myron Szewczuk from the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences. Luis comes from Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey where he is pursuing his undergraduate degree in Engineering and Biotechnology.

Luis’ Globalink research project has him examining the novel use of a drug that inhibits the production and spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body, while making chemotherapy-resistant cells more susceptible to treatment. 

Currently, ovarian cancer is the fifth most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths for women in Western countries, largely due to its often illusive symptoms and lack of adequate screening methods.

“Participating in research on ovarian cancer has been a rewarding experience. I have learned what it means to be a researcher, what we do in the lab is for the greater good of society,” says Rebeca.

Daniel comes to Canada from Guadalajara, Mexico’s Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey’s Department of Biotechnology engineering on a 12-week Mitacs Globalink internship. Under the guidance of Dr. Peter Eck, from the Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, he is contributing to research on the genes implicated in complex chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes.

“I was inspired by one of my colleagues at university who was part of the program last year and now promotes it in India.  I was lucky enough to be selected to come here to Canada for research into leukemia in children.”

Manish is about to begin his final year of studies for a Bachelor of Technology degree with a major in Biotechnology and a minor in Computer Science at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.