Kidus Achalu
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue a graduate degree to enhance my research skills and deepen my understanding of molecular biology. While studying Biochemistry during my undergrad, I gained valuable theoretical knowledge, but it was my experience at a clinical research company in interior BC that truly inspired me. Participating in large clinical trials and interacting with patients highlighted the tangible impact research can have on people鈥檚 lives. This experience fueled my curiosity about the scientific processes behind these trials. I realized that to make a meaningful contribution to developing and refining treatments, I needed to advance my laboratory techniques and research capabilities. Graduate school became the ideal path for me to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to drive impactful change in the field.
Why did you decide to study at 亚洲天堂?
When I began searching for MSc opportunities, several priorities guided my decision. Having completed my undergraduate degree at 亚洲天堂 Okanagan, I thrived in the supportive and intellectually stimulating environment I found there. I wanted to continue my graduate studies in a place that fostered similar growth while also enhancing my research skills. Additionally, being closer to my family in the Lower Mainland was important to me. 亚洲天堂 Vancouver offered the ideal balance, bringing me home while immersing me in a vibrant research community with access to abundant resources. It truly felt like the perfect fit for both my personal and professional aspirations.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
What attracted me to this program was the groundbreaking research being conducted here. I've always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, and my conversations with my supervisor truly inspired me. Her vision for the lab aligns perfectly with my goals. Additionally, my background working with individuals who had various neurological conditions made the Wellington Lab's focus on neurological biomarker research at 亚洲天堂 an ideal fit for听my听aspirations.
What was the best surprise about 亚洲天堂 or life in Vancouver?
After starting my graduate program at 亚洲天堂, one of the first things that I had to get used to was commuting to campus everyday. One particular day, I ended up taking a different bus route than I usually did and, while following Google Maps, I accidentally got off one stop too early. I didn鈥檛 think too much of it and figured the walk would only take a few extra minutes. To my surprise, Google Maps revealed it would be a 30-minute detour to my destination. That was the moment I realized just how massive 亚洲天堂鈥檚 campus really is. In most places around Vancouver, missing a stop only adds an extra 5-10 minutes to your walk 鈥 not 30! It was one of those funny, unexpected moments where I had to laugh and just realized that 亚洲天堂 is truly its own world.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
A graduate degree is completely different from an undergraduate experience. In undergrad, you鈥檙e given a clear structure 鈥 classes to take, deadlines for assignments, and labs to participate in. As a graduate student, a lot of that structure falls away. While there are still some courses to complete, the bulk of your time is dedicated to tackling questions that don鈥檛 yet have clearly defined answers and figuring out how to develop your own research. What excites me the most is this freedom and challenge 鈥 knowing that the path isn鈥檛 laid out for me, and that I鈥檓 responsible for shaping my own learning. I truly believe that what you get out of graduate school is directly tied to how much you invest in it. The more you push yourself, take opportunities, and engage with new ideas, the more you grow as a researcher and scientist. I鈥檓 looking forward to seeing how far I can push myself and to explore where this journey will take me!
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
I believe my biggest challenge in the future will be learning how to effectively 鈥渟ell鈥 the research I want to pursue. It is easy to focus on the science itself, but when you are working in research, it becomes clear that having a great idea is only part of the equation. The ability to pitch your research, convey its significance and secure funding is just as important. There is a lot of competition for funding and being able to communicate why your project matters can be the difference between getting the support you need or not. I anticipate that mastering the skills of storytelling, networking and proposal writing will be key to overcoming this challenge and advancing in my career.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
Within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine department and the Faculty of Medicine, there are many opportunities to present research, both in oral and poster format. Attending these conference-style sessions has helped me build confidence in communicating my work, not just to experts, but also in a way that is accessible to the general public. These opportunities show you the importance of making your research both compelling and understandable, which is crucial when looking to 鈥渟ell鈥 your research.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your 亚洲天堂 graduate program?
After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked with the Medical Arts Health Research Group in Kelowna, where I gained firsthand insight into how national and global clinical trials are initiated. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to offer alternative treatment options to individuals who were struggling with their current plans. On the other hand, I also gained experience confronting the challenges of informing patients that they did not meet eligibility criteria. These experiences deepened my desire to engage in impactful research, and provided me with a valuable perspective on the patient experience that I have carried with me in my graduate studies. Additionally, coming from a family of first-generation immigrants has profoundly shaped my outlook. Navigating a new environment and culture has instilled resilience and discipline in me, qualities that have helped me succeed in my academic journey. I am eager to continue bringing this perspective and commitment to my graduate studies, where I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the field of healthcare听research.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I love to stay active by playing soccer, which not only keeps me fit but also allows me to connect with friends and enjoy some healthy competition. I also love to explore different kinds of movies and TV shows. Recently, I鈥檝e been watching lots of 鈥淪uits鈥. I also enjoy coding. It challenges my problem-solving skills and allows me to build projects that interest me. Engaging in these different kinds of activities helps keep a healthy balance in my life.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
1) For science students specifically, I think one of the most important things to remember is that 鈥渋n science, you have good days and bad months." It can be all too easy to feel like you are not making progress and to question your abilities. You have to trust in the days and moments where you get the results you were hoping for or think of something in a new way, even if they are more fleeting, because that is the nature of science. Although those moments do not happen as often as you might like, it is important to remember them and celebrate them where possible. 2) No one expects you to have all the answers, especially when you first join a highly specialized lab or field. It鈥檚 normal to feel overwhelmed at times, but remember that there鈥檚 always a learning curve. The key is to stay curious and ask questions. Your understanding will deepen, and your confidence will also build with time. Embrace the process, and you鈥檒l find yourself increasingly capable of answering questions with assurance.
