Medal Winner Elisha Wong

Elisha Wong (BSc '24) spent four years working in Dr. Robert Sutherland’s lab where she completed her undergraduate honours thesis on cognitive enrichment and Alzheimer’s disease pathology. In completing this work, she mastered multiple disparate techniques that enabled her to undertake productive experiments including using a mouse model to measure sex differences in the way experience directs the birth of new neurons in a relevant adult brain circuit. She was also a leader on the iGEM team that won a gold medal in Paris in 2023.

Meet Elisha | Medal won: Faculty of Arts & Science (Science) Gold Medal
Program: Bachelor of Science | Major: Neuroscience

What does this academic recognition mean to you?

It is an honour to be selected as the Faculty of Arts & Science (Science) Gold Medal recipient amongst the variety of skilled students that I encountered throughout my time at the University of Lethbridge, and I am very grateful to have been recognized for the hard-work I have put in throughout my undergraduate degree.

Not only is this award a reflection of my own achievements and endeavors, but of all those who have taught me and enhanced my experience at the University of Lethbridge. I would like to thank Dr. Robert Sutherland, Dr. Vineet Rathod and PhD candidate Valerie Lapointe for providing me with knowledge and continual support throughout my studies, your contributions have been significant to my success within and outside of the University community.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I hope to pursue a career in medicine and run a marathon (maybe!). For the next year, I will be pursuing my education part-time and gaining further work experience.

What advice would you give to those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

I would encourage those beginning at ULethbridge to embrace every opportunity that comes their way. Stepping out of your comfort zone and getting involved with programs at the University will augment your experience. My involvement with student research and the Students' Union have been key parts of my time at the University of Lethbridge and are areas in which I made some of my fondest memories during my undergrad.