From May to August, undergraduate students had the opportunity to work with world-renowned biomedical researchers and gain experience in professional laboratories and facilities at the School of Biomedical Sciences, the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, and elsewhere, as part of the 15-week McGill Biomedical Research Accelerator (MBRA) program.
Participating students were thrilled with their experience, and how it can help inform their future. “I loved being able to learn in such an academic environment. I’ve never had the opportunity to do so before, and I loved being able to talk with people who have such a vast knowledge of the field. It definitely opened my mind up to new ways of thinking in science and where I would like my future scientific career to head,” said Stephanya Zimakas, an undergraduate student at McGill. “I am truly grateful to have been selected for this program,” added fellow McGill student Mansour Abou-Chedid, of the program, which is a funded opportunity for the students. “This summer flew by as I immersed myself in learning a variety of new lab techniques, expanding my understanding of biomedical sciences, all the while forming bonds with my lab mates.”
It was not only McGill students who enjoyed the experience. “This summer, I had the great opportunity to participate in a research program at McGill, one of Canada’s premier institutions for biomedical research. My time in Montreal was both enriching and enjoyable, filled with new experiments and invaluable learning experiences. Under the guidance of my supervising student and the esteemed professors at McGill, I gained profound insights and honed my research skills,” shared Elizabeth Cheng, a student at the University of Toronto. “The weekly meetings were particularly beneficial, as they provided a platform to learn various academic skills and explore the diverse research labs at the institution. This experience not only broadened my knowledge but also deepened my appreciation for the collaborative and innovative spirit of McGill. As a student from the University of Toronto, this program has been a pivotal chapter in my academic journey, equipping me with skills and experiences that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors in biochemistry.”
For more information about the MBRA program, including key dates for 2025, visit: https://www.mcgill.ca/sbms/summer-program
