CPS Grad Spotlight - Maria Botero

Name: Maria Jose Botero

MSc or PhD Candidate: PhD Candidate

Location of Undergraduate Education: H.B.Sc. University of Toronto Mississauga

Name of the Lab at CPS: Shin Lab

Selected Awards: CSC Top Ten Poster Award in the Physical, Theoretical, and Computational Division 

Selected Research Contributions: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en&user=7CA5FqoAAAAJ

Maria, please tell us about yourself and your journey as a PhD Candidate!

How did you come to UTM? What interested you to join a lab here?

I did my undergraduate studies in Forensic Science and Chemistry at UTM. I’ve always wanted to work in an environment where I could make a big impact. This drove me to expand my experience by joining a bioanalytical lab, where the applications would be more meaningful. I met with Dr. Jumi Shin and was so inspired by her research in novel protein therapeutics.  

When did you realize that you wanted to pursue graduate study?

I completed my undergraduate studies in March 2020, at the very beginning of COVID-19. I was lucky not to have to endure much of online learning. However, it was now time to begin my career. I started working as a clinical laboratory assistant in a COVID-19 lab, where I handled high-throughput sample processing and PCR testing. After about a year and a half of working an entry-level job, I decided to apply for higher-level jobs and grad school. I was actually offered multiple technician jobs, which would be a promotion from my current position. However, after careful consideration, I decided to pursue a PhD as I knew that, although it seemed like a long-term investment, the benefits would pay off more than if I tried to work my way up the corporate ladder slowly. 

What are your research interests? Tell us few exciting things about your research.

I work on the rational design of unique protein modules – engineering proteins to enhance their function. My research focuses on intrinsically disordered regions, which are flexible, dynamic segments that lack structure. These disordered regions are notoriously difficult to predict – even with advanced AI structural tools – yet they often play powerful roles in regulating biological function. Currently, I am focusing on how these regions can sense distinct DNA shapes. By mutating specific amino acids to arginine, I investigate how electrostatic interactions and flexibility allow proteins to discriminate between closely related DNA sequences. My research is mainly focused on discovering how disorder can be harnessed as a tunable feature in protein engineering by transforming these unstructured regions into programmable functional elements. 

What is your goal when you finish your degree?

I would love to go back to the industry or work for a government agency. My dream job would be to work for the RCMP or Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS) as a forensic toxicologist. 

What are some of your achievements you'd like to share?

I have been very involved in clubs during the entirety of my graduate career. I have been the ongoing UTM Rep for the ChemClub since my first year, and currently a social events coordinator for UTMAGs. I love bringing people together and helping students by fostering a sense of community. 

Do you have any advice for students considering to pursue graduate studies in research?

I would say it’s a great opportunity to jump-start your career in science. A PhD sounds like a long time, but trust me, the time goes by very fast. Imagine working an entry-level job for 5 years with no growth, you’ll definitely regret not pursuing something more rewarding. Don’t get me wrong, it is hard, they don’t give PhD degrees out for free, but you will come out of it a much more resilient person than you came in as.