Turning campus research experiences into global opportunities

From helping to build technology that takes a closer look inside cancer tumours, to presenting research at an international conference, Emily Mahony’s VIU degree is setting her up for a successful science career.

Over the past three summers, Emily worked with Chemistry Professor Dr. Kyle Duncan on his research project. The team is building technology that takes a closer look inside cancer tumours than was previously possible. The goal is to get information that will help doctors more effectively treat the disease.

“This project is important to me specifically because I have had close family members affected by cancer, so being part of research with the potential to improve patient outcomes or be a catalyst for novel treatments is amazing, and I can see the possibility for large impacts to come,” she says.

In April, she presented her undergraduate thesis project at an ecology conference in Bamfield. This summer, she attends an international mass spectrometry conference in Lyon, France, to share her research yet again.

Emily, who graduated this spring with a double major in Biology and Chemistry, says opportunities like these are a major reason she chose VIU.

“Having the opportunity to attend conferences and share my research not only builds my professional network, but enhances my public speaking and communication skills,” she says. 

While the research opportunities became one of the defining parts of Emily’s time at VIU, she also enjoyed the close connections formed with her classmates and professors.

Those close relationships with classmates and professors became one of the most important parts of her university experience and she was drawn to collaborative learning environments.

“I loved group studying to learn from peers and see how everyone understood a concept differently. I also loved helping younger students through the chemistry help center,” she says. “Something I wish I knew on my first day was that that I would meet and become friends with people who fit likes pieces I didn’t know were missing. They bring so much joy and support to my life.”

Looking ahead, Emily will begin a master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Victoria this fall. She would love a career in toxicology or biomedical research, combined with a teaching role so she can help mentor the next generation of scientists.

With Duncan being an Adjunct Professor at UVic on top of his teaching duties at VIU, Emily will continue working in his lab while she completes her master’s degree.

“I will still be around and might even TA some of the chem labs,” she adds.

Her advice to current and future students is to be open to new opportunities, experiences and connections.

“Go to the events, join the clubs and study with peers, even if it feels scary at first! Don’t let fear stop you from going after something you want. Put in the effort because the worst-case scenario is that it doesn't work out, but the best-case scenario is that you succeed.”