CPS Grad Spotlight - Rebecca Allan
Name: Rebecca Allan
MSc or PhD Candidate: PhD Candidate
Location of Undergraduate Education: MChem, Cardiff University, UK
Name of the Lab at CPS: Gunning Lab
Select Awards:
2022-2023 PRiME Fellowship
2022 UTM Graduate Leadership Award
2021-2022 Max’s Big Ride – Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Fellowship
2021 & 2022 P.E.O International Peace Scholarship
2019 Gollop Scholarship for Chemistry
Selected Research Contributions:
Alcinesio, A., Meacock, O. J., Allan, R. G., Monico, C., Restrepo Schild, V., Cazimoglu, I., ... & Bayley, H. (2020). Controlled packing and single-droplet resolution of 3D-printed functional synthetic tissues. Nature communications, 11(1), 2105. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15953-y.
Rebecca, 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 came to UTM in my 3rd year of undergraduate studies. I was enrolled in a combined master’s undergraduate program in the UK which allowed me to conduct a year of research abroad in my 3rd year. I chose UTM as I knew I was interested in medicinal chemistry and combined with my love of Canada from travelling growing up, I knew that the Gunning Lab would be a perfect fit! Fortunately, I was accepted to continue my studies (after returning to the UK for 1 year to complete my undergraduate degree) in the PhD program as part of the Gunning Group.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a graduate study?
I originally enrolled in the 3-year BSc Chemistry program at Cardiff University (UK). In second year I still had the motivation to continue learning and there were areas of chemistry I was yet to learn that I knew would be beneficial for my career. I transferred into the Master’s program converting the 3-year degree to 4-years. During my year abroad at UTM I knew I wanted to continue to build knowledge in the drug discovery area so applied for a 4-year direct entry PhD.
What are your research interests? Tell us few exciting things about your research.
I am fascinated by the way in which molecules can modulate the function of proteins to exert therapeutic benefit for patients. Most of my research has focused on designing and synthesizing small molecules that target a variety of proteins, more specifically, those involved in rare diseases. My thesis describes two drug discovery projects aimed at designing novel small molecule ligands for the proteins: DNAJ-PRKACA, for the treatment of Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a rare liver cancer; and Histone Deacetylases, transcriptional regulators involved in muscle differentiation, and targets for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
What is your goal when you finish your degree?
I am passionate about early-stage innovation especially within life sciences. There are many exciting start-ups designing novel therapeutics and drug discovery tools using artificial intelligence. I hope to be involved within this ecosystem in some capacity, whether working with a start-up, creating new companies, or working within venture capital which plays a large role in financing such companies. My overall goal is to contribute to Canada’s life sciences ecosystem to help expedite the delivery of precision medicines to patients worldwide.
What are some of your achievements you'd like to share?
I am proud of the research I have conducted during my PhD. I am grateful that our lab is supported by Max’s Big Ride, a charity that raises awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I have fortunately been able to get to know Max and his family during my studies and helped organize the Max’s Big Ride IDEAthon. I was also fortunate to be able to share my research updates with the P.E.O community, an organization that funds international women conducting graduate studies in North America. Lastly, in the summer of 2022 I was a Fellow for Amplitude Venture Capital who taught me the process of venture creation, refinement, and launch. I was able to build on these skills during the past year at Front Row Ventures, where in my capacity as an investment associate, I helped source and perform due diligence on Canadian-student-led start-ups.
Do you have any advice for students considering to pursue graduate studies in research?
There are many exciting and rewarding jobs that are attainable with a bachelor’s degree. However, should you feel like you have the motivation to keep learning, I would stay in school and complete some graduate school (whether that be a Master’s or PhD) as this will only open more doors. You can make your graduate studies fit your research interests, take courses in areas of science you previously haven’t been able to explore, and meet many new people from all over the world that are equally passionate about science. UTM is a great place to be a graduate student due to their generous travel fellowships that allow you to meet researchers worldwide, strong graduate community, and number of resources available to ensure you are supported.