UBC Integrated Sciences

Congratulations to Dr. Denise Gabriel of Integrated Sciences on being honored with the prestigious Killam Teaching Prize at last night's graduation ceremony. This recognition acknowledges exceptional teaching excellence and is truly well-deserved!

ISCI 400 Student Research Spotlight!!!!!!!

Sarah Lim, Integration: Neuroscience and Immunology
“My project is on the typical and atypical development in infants and children and encompasses the fields of neuroscience, psychology and pediatrics. In this project I explore early and current research on early brain development, tips on how to support early brain development, and developmental milestones from infancy to early childhood. The project identifies detailed, age-specific milestones in both gross and fine motor development such as crawling, walking, jumping, writing and drawing. The project goal is to educate caregivers and early childhood educators about the significant role of environmental and social factors in nurturing healthy development in children.”

ISCI 400 Student Research Spotlight!!!!!!!

Vania Rezaei, Integrating Physiology, Neurobiology, Public Health

With approximately 4,529 new spinal cord injury (SCI) cases annually in Canada, a better understanding of recovery is crucial. This study investigates the role of remyelination post-injury between young and old mice, with either an SCI (contusion, 70 kdynes, at T9/10) or a sham injury (laminectomy). To assess the roles of myelin following injury, we selectively inhibited remyelination by targeting a key gene for oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) maturation called myelin regulatory factor gene (Myrf). This knockout was localized to OPCs only using the PDGFRa-Cre driver. This cross-breed is referred to as MYRF ICKO; due to the lack of mature myelinating oligodendrocytes, remyelination is effectively inhibited. Researchers were blinded to the genotypes during the experiment and behavior analysis.
Mice underwent the horizontal ladder test (for motor function) biweekly over three months following injury. After this period, they completed the Object Replacement Task (ORT) and Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) to assess cognition, and the three-chamber social test for sociability/depression-like-behaviors.
Young SCI mice showed no significant behavioral differences irrespective of remyelination ability. However, aged SCI mice without the ability to remyelinate exhibited cognitive deficits in ORT and NORT tests and displayed slower recovery compared to their matched aged controls in the horizontal ladder test. Sociability/depression-like-behaviors remained unaffected across groups. These results suggest that oligodendrocyte-based remyelination significantly influences SCI recovery in aged mice, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for enhancing recovery. Future research can investigate compensatory mechanisms in young SCI mice without myelin.

UBC's ISCI 361 students have arrived in Iceland! Today they met with Guðni Th. Jóhannesson the President of Iceland at Bessastaðir, his official residence. ISCI 361 students will spend the next few weeks visiting and experiencing Icelandic land, ecosystems and communities first hand, and hearing perspectives from locals and local experts on contemporary and historic factors influencing the Icelandic system.

Integrated Sciences Class of 2023 Spotlight: Jaya Kailley

My Integrated Sciences degree blends human physiology and behavioural neuroscience. I chose these two disciplines because I wanted a balance between learning about detailed pathways in the human body and bigger-picture ideas related to human behaviours. I am also completing a directed studies looking at how we can use social robots to support brain health across the lifespan.

Pursuing an Integrated Sciences degree was one of the best decisions I could have made during my time at UBC. At the end of my first year of undergraduate studies, I found myself torn between pursuing a physiology major or a behavioural neuroscience major. When I found out that I could combine these two disciplines in a unique way, I knew that I had to pursue that option. The Integrated Sciences major is a fantastic choice for students who want an active role in their education, as this major gives you the unique opportunity to reflect deeply on what you enjoy studying.

ISCI 360 students: Raiyana Alibhai, Jenna Ramji, and Gabriela Villamil won the UBC level Map the System competition with their project, Sexual Health Education in British Columbia School Systems!

They will be representing UBC at the National competition from May 10th-12th, with the chance of being able to continue on to Oxford's International competition.

Congratulations Raiyana, Jenna and Gabriela and best of luck in May!

Integrated Sciences Class of 2023 Spotlight: Monika Jandu

By integrating genetics, physiology and public health, I was able to explore how genes and the environment work synergistically to impact one’s physiological development. As someone who values hands-on learning with applications to real life settings, I made it a priority to immerse myself in a variety of engaging experiences, including Co-op and directed studies. Additionally, I aspired to help students navigate their unique Integrated Sciences journey, therefore I took on a variety of leadership roles through my involvement as a long-term executive member of the Integrated Sciences Student Association and as a mentor for new and prospective Integrated Sciences students in the department’s mentorship program. Through my academic and personal experiences during my undergraduate degree, I honed in on my passions for science education, mentorship and youth empowerment. Moving forward, I am excited to enter UBC’s Teacher Education program to become a high school science educator in efforts to continue my mission of educating and inspiring youth.

-Monika Jandu, Integrated Sciences Class of 2023

Integrated Sciences Class of 2023 Spotlight: Varun Nair

My experience in Integrated Sciences has been nothing short of fantastic. Right from the get-go, seeing the unparalleled flexibility with which I could design my own degree and tailor my education path to my interests and strengths was highly motivating to take ownership of my own education. Early in my ISCI degree, the chance to work closely with a faculty mentor and develop professional and personal relations with them is something no other program in UBC Science presents. Even three years after completing my ISCI proposal process, I have maintained frequent contact with my mentor and know that I can lean on his insights and guidance whenever I reach out, and I have ISCI to thank for facilitating this connection. Furthermore, ISCI offers an experiential component that few other programs within UBC can offer, and the variety of these experiential learning opportunities is similarly amazing. Whether you want to examine systems sustainability in Hawaii or Iceland (with more unique locations coming soon!), explore the professional world and your future work environment through ISCI Co-op, or lead your own research project and gain vital research experience through Directed Studies (do ALL three if you can!), ISCI gives you the chance to build the most memorable degree you could imagine. The ISCI environment itself is also highly supportive, with the ISCI staff being approachable and knowledgeable, and ISSA (the student's association) being committed to building bridges within our community. Moreover, my time as both a mentee and now a long-time mentor within the Peer Mentoring Program has also been fruitful, with the program giving me the opportunity to meaningfully impact ISCI's culture by guiding members of each new incoming cohort in their early ISCI journey. As I look beyond my BSc towards the next chapters of my life, the uniqueness of my degree has made it much easier to land extracurricular and professional opportunities. Whether it be during interviews for higher education or professional roles, my ISCI degree differentiates me from the rest of the pack and gives me no dearth of unique stories to share with interviewers. If you want to gain complete control of your journey through your BSc, enjoy a wide variety of educational and professional experiences, and immerse yourself within the most constructive environment within UBC Science, there is no better program to do it through than ISCI!

Integrated Sciences Class of 2023 spotlight: Vanessa Mora

Vanessa Mora is a student in the Integrated Sciences program specializing in Biochemistry and Human Physiology. Biochemistry and Human Physiology is an interdisciplinary program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the processes that occur in the human body, including how cells communicate with each other, how nutrients are processed, and how organs and systems work together.

Integrated Science allowed her to combine knowledge from multiple fields to solve complex problems. Biochemistry and Human Physiology are two fields that complement each other well. A biochemist might work on synthesizing and testing various compounds to determine effectiveness in targeting the disease's molecular pathways. Meanwhile, a physiologist might study the drug's effects on the body to ensure that it is safe for use. By combining this knowledge and expertise, Vanessa has enabled to collaborate effectively with researchers and clinicians from diverse backgrounds.

Vanessa is currently the Director of Medical Research at the Visual Snow Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research on Visual Snow Syndrome. In collaboration with other experts in the field, she has contributed to the development of the first-ever treatment for Visual Snow Syndrome, called NORT, which was published in the Journal of Frontiers in Neurology.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.999336/full

Post-graduation, her ultimate goal is to continue her research and work towards finding a cure for Visual Snow Syndrome. Additionally, she plans to pursue further education to better understand the needs of patients in a hospital setting.

Congratulations Rishika Selvakumar (BSc Integrated Sciences) on receiving the 2022 BC medal of Good Citizenship!

Congratulations to UBC Science alumna Rishika Selvakumar who has been named one of the recipients of 2022 B.C. Medal of Good Citizenship for her dedication and selfless service to her community.

alumni UBC

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022TACS0067-001833

This summer we are bringing Iceland to students virtually in ISCI 361/ISCI 461! Through our long-standing relationship with Icelandic experts and our on-site travel guides, we take students through an incredible Icelandic experience. Apply by March 15.

https://students.ubc.ca/career/international-experiences/global-seminars/iceland-science-systems-sustainability-virtual-program

Hey ISCIers, drop by the Integrated Sciences Academic Workshop held by the peer mentorship program next Wednesday, November 18th from 7 pm to 8 pm. Zoom details are below and we look forward to see you there!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://ubc.zoom.us/j/62067417655?pwd=czIxeGp4ZG9saDZqWHIrUGVCTzhKQT09

Meeting ID: 620 6741 7655
Passcode: 278911

Why You Should Do Co-Op (ISCI Edition) As an ISCI student, it might seem odd to join the Co-op program. You might be wondering, what could I learn from Co-op that would actually be useful? You might think it’s a waste of time, adding an...

Congratulations to all the Integrated Sciences students graduating today! We wish you all the best and look forward to hearing about all of your amazing adventures after graduation!

ISCI 361 students met with Icelandic president, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson this past Tuesday at Bessastaðir, the official residence of the president, Iceland.

The UBC Women and STEM Conference 2019 is scheduled to take place on March 2nd from 9:45 am to 4:45 pm, at UBC Vancouver’s Hennings building. The main goal of this conference is to focus on the role of women in STEM fields and their positive impact in the past, present, and future. The conference will be open to the public, but will be aimed primarily at students from UBC and SFU.

At this conference, there will be three invited speakers/panelists who will share their experiences: Dr. Janis McKenna, UBC Professor and Heavy Quarks, Electroweak Physics and CP Violation researcher; Kristin Wilkes, Chief Information Officer for Capilano University; Dr. Lesley Shannon, SFU School of Engineering Science Associate Professor and NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (BC & Yukon). Four of the UBC Young Women for Science members will present as well.

More information about this conference can be found at the following links:
UBC Young Women for Science website: https://ubcywfs.wordpress.com/conference/
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1993938540723692/

For those interested, the first step is to register using this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GN3LQNH
Then, buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ubc-women-and-stem-conference-tickets-55846652842

Conference UBC Women and Stem Conference 2019 Location: Hennings 201, 6224 Agricultural Road V6T 1Z1 Date: Saturday, March 2 Time: 10am – 5pm. Morning check-in will begin at 9:45am and lun…

Applications close tonight! Apply on the Go Global website for an amazing opportunity to travel to Iceland April 27th-May 14, 2019 for ISCI 361.

https://students.ubc.ca/career/international-experiences/global-seminars/iceland-science-systems-sustainability

Iceland - Science, Systems and Sustainability ISCI 361 | 3 Credits

Námshópar frá University of British Columbia hafa verið árvissir gestir á Hornafirði síðan 2012. Í gær vorum við með fyrirlestra fyrir UBC-hópinn í Nýheimum, sem allir vörðuðu umhverfismál af einum eða öðrum toga, og fórum síðan í vettvangsferð að vestari hluta Fláajökuls, undir leiðsögn Snævarrs Guðmundssonar hjá Náttúrustofu Suðausturlands. Fengum allskonar veður, eins og stundum vill verða á þessum árstíma, en upp við jökulinn sjálfan var þó bongóblíða.

URO Executive Team

Interested in research but don't know how to get involved? Want to challenge yourself to reach that next level of excellence? Apply to be a URO exec today! URO (Undergraduate Research Opportunities) is one of Canada's largest student-run research club, and we're looking for ambitious, creative people to join our diverse and passionate team. There's something for everyone, no matter your experience, leadership skills, or schedule, and this is a meaningful way to make your own mark on UBC undergraduate life.

More info: http://www.uroubc.ca/recruitment/

Executive Recruitment The largest student-led research organization in Canada is currently recruiting executives for the 2018-19 school year! We’re looking for people who are passionate about: improving undergraduate research at UBC; developing professional connections with industry and faculty

The UBC Vancouver Summer Program is looking for Residence Mentors to work for both the June and the July/August sessions.
Their role is similar to Residence Advisors, living in the residences and checking on the students in the night. Contact Marg Toronchuk for more details. Deadline to apply is Feb 23 2018.

Cover Letter and Resume should be emailed to:
Marg Toronchuk
Program Coordinator
UBC Vancouver Summer Program
[email protected]

Today is the application deadline!!

Applications are open for ISCI 361: Hawaii Field Course in Term 2

How to apply: E-mail [email protected] for an application form.

Hawaii Field Course: Systems Approaches to Regional Sustainability | intsci.ubc.ca Click here for: ISCI 361 Application Course Description As argued in ISCI 360, to understand sustainability, we also need to understand unsustainability. We have deliberately adopted systems thinking as the approach for ISCI 361, using the logic that any region of the world needs to be understood as...

Vivian Tsang, a third Year BSc. Integrated Sciences student in Public Health and Therapeutics was recently recognized as a Wesbrook scholar and awarded the Thelma Sharp Cook Premier scholarship. Vivian was one of 20 students to be recognized as the university’s most outstanding undergraduate students across all faculties in areas of leadership, academic achievement, and community involvement.

Vivian founded and served as the director of the Humanitarian Organization for Providing Empowerment (HOPE) for the past six years, an organization that empowers marginalized community groups through mutual aid and interpersonal humanitarianism. She is a co-author on various publications on prostate cancer and masculinity and serves on the International Children’s Advisory Network Board of Directors as chair of their Paediatric Youth Council. Locally, Vivian also chairs the Dream It Be It Girls Program at Soroptimist International and is a Science Peer Academic Coach on campus. As a result of her work, she was invited to speak multiple times at WE Day, presented a TEDxTalk, and is a model for youth on the international stage as one of eight young people selected in Canada for the WE are Canada150 Campaign.

ISCI 361 students visiting a glacier in Iceland!

A group of students from the University of British Columbia on route to Fláajökull earlier today.

ISCI 361 Students met with Icelandic president, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson this past Wednesday at Bessastaðir, the official residence of the president, Iceland.

Just a reminder the deadline to apply to Science Co-op, for this intake period, is Wednesday, March 1st. Students are to apply on-line through the Science Co-op website. Details about the application process may be found here: http://www.sciencecoop.ubc.ca/prospective/applyreq.

Apply for Co-op | Science Coop for each discipline and discipline-specific information; please ensure that you have reviewed all available information with respect to your discipline before applying.

CS/Life Sciences (Microbiology, Biology,...) Panel: How Technology is Transforming Medicine & Health Care

Join us for a panel to explore career and opportunities in the combined field of Computer Science and Life Sciences

Experts from medicine, data science and the health care industry will come and share their knowledge on how technology is transforming research and delivery of health care.

Food will be served. Please sign up below.

https://survey.ubc.ca/s/CS/LifeSciencesPanel/

Date: Tues., Feb 28, 2017
Panel: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Food & Networking: 7:00 PM onwards

Location: Life Sciences Centre Lecture Hall 3 (LSC 3), 2350 Health Sciences Mall


Moderator:

Dr. Michael Gold, Professor & Head, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, UBC


Panelists:

Paul Fijal, Head of Product Development, AwakeLabs

Dr. Martin Hirst, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, UBC

John LaRusic, Development Lead, AnalysisWorks

Lerly Luo, Medical Student, UBC

Dr. Raymond Ng, Professor, Department of Computer Science; Director, Data Science Institute; CIO, PROOF Centre of Excellence, UBC

Dr. Raymond Tang, Clinical Assistant Professor, Anesthesiologist, VGH

CS (Computer Science)/Life Sciences (Microbiology, Biology, ..) Panel: How Technology is Transforming Medicine & Health Care - 0% CS (Computer Science)/Life Sciences (Microbiology, Biology, ..) Panel: How Technology is Transforming Medicine & Health Care - Tuesday, February 28, 2017 - 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Life Sciences Centre, LSC3

Science Co-op has opened the intake this term for applications. The deadline for students to submit their application for this intake period is March 1st. If you have questions about Science Co-op or are just curious, attending the information is an excellent first step. Details are below:

Life Sciences Co-op Program Info Session

(Geoff Anderson)
Date: Thursday, February 16th, 2017
Time: 12:30-1:45pm
Location: IBLC 261 (Irving Barber Learning Centre)

http://www.sciencecoop.ubc.ca/

Home | Science Coop

2 spaces have become available in ISCI 361 (Systems and Sustainability) this term! The course heads off to Big Island, Hawaii during reading week and has a few meetings during the term. If interested please contact me ([email protected]) ASAP for the application.

More Info can be found here: https://intsci.ubc.ca/hawaii-field-course-systems-approaches-regional-sustainability

Integrated Sciences students are encouraged to apply for 3M Canada scholarships and awards. Deadline is January 31, 2017.

https://www.stlhe.ca/awards/3m-national-student-fellowship/

STLHE - 3M National Student Fellowship For many years, 3M Canada has funded scholarships and awards for undergraduates in colleges and universities across Canada. In 2012, 3M added a student fellowship using the long-standing 3M National Teaching Fellowship Program for university professors as a model. The 3M National Student Fellowship…