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"At SFU, I have taken many interesting classes and have had the opportunity to work in different labs to gain research experience that I would have never been able to learn in a class setting."
Shaianne Stein
Molecular Biology & Biochemistry master's student in the Faculty of Science
Hi, I'm Shaianne and I am a first year master's student in the Braid lab. I love movies, sushi and craft breweries!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
I came to SFU in 2015 with few expectations, but ended up enjoying it and decided to pursue a masters. During my time here, I have made life-long friends throughout my undergraduate (and now graduate) career. At SFU, I have taken many interesting classes and have had the opportunity to work in different labs to gain research experience that I would have never been able to learn in a class setting.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are a special cell type which play an important role in tissue repair. We study how these elusive cells are affected by certain environmental stressors including aging, diet and chronic stress, and we use cutting-edge techniques to study MSC interactions in normal and pathological (disease) states. Right now, my project explores MSC interactions in the context of wound healing, and the role that inflammation plays in these processes.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
I had the unique opportunity to help my supervisor set up a new lab during the pandemic which has been an exciting, difficult, yet extremely rewarding experience all in one. I enjoy the constant challenge of my research and the ability to learn many new techniques. Having done my undergrad in MBB and continuing on with several of my peers for graduate studies, I feel incredibly lucky to have a strong support system within the department. As well, I feel the same about the faculty/mentors that I have worked with and have learned from, and all of this makes coming to work and seeing familiar (masked!) faces everyday so much more enjoyable.
Contact : snstein@sfu.ca