Shining Student Sophia Bird

Fascinated with living systems, Sophia Bird chose the University of Lethbridge for its outstanding research opportunities. At ULethbridge, she has engaged in impactful experiential learning, including independent studies in labs focusing on analytical ultracentrifugation and RNA-protein interactions.

Independent studies have provided me with a platform to work hands-on in a wet lab environment and navigate my own project through trials and results. These opportunities have helped to build the skill sets necessary to prepare me for my future goals in research.

Meet Sophia | Critical thinker. Ambitious. Active.
Program: Bachelor of Science | Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Lethbridge, AB

Why did you choose ULethbridge?

In high school, I became involved in iGEM, fostering my interest in research. ULethbridge offers many amazing opportunities for students at all experience levels to participate in research, which ultimately made my decision.

Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge?

I have always been fascinated by living systems, and was introduced to biochemistry through SynBridge. From there I started my Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, and now in my second year, I have no plans to deviate from the program.

Please tell us a bit about your experiential or work-integrated learning.

In the second semester of my first year at ULethbridge I did my first independent study in Dr. Borries Demeler's lab at the Canadian Center for Hydrodynamics, working on the hydrodynamic characterization of synthetic polymers using analytical ultracentrifugation. I am now in my second year, working on my second independent study in Dr. Trushar Patel's lab at the Laboratory of Medicinal Biophysics. My current project focuses on investigating an RNA-protein interaction using various analytical techniques.

Independent studies have provided me with a platform to work hands-on in a wet lab environment and navigate my own project through trials and results. These opportunities have helped to build the skill sets necessary to prepare me for my future goals in research. The professors, post-docs, grad students, and other undergrads combined have made a welcoming environment that makes unsuccessful lab results an opportunity to try again.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?

My most memorable experience so far would be spending a day in a study room with my best friend trying to learn the spelling and features of all the protist supergroups for the BIO 1020 midterm.

How have your professors impacted your education?

I would like to thank Dr. Demeler for providing me with opportunities to study and work on novel projects using analytical ultracentrifuges. His commitment to his students and research is evident through his presence, rigorous study, and constant flow of projects. By working on projects involving synthetic polymers, various protein, RNA, DNA, and nano-particle projects I have been exposed to learning topics that I would otherwise be introduced to much later in my degree. Dr. Demeler has consistently pushed me for excellence and took a chance on me when I was only a first-year undergrad trying to work in a biochemistry lab.

Sophia is an amazing researcher - she comprehends very advanced concepts in biophysics and translates our research projects into excellent data and manuscripts. – Dr. Borries Demeler, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Is there anyone else who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

Throughout my classes and independent studies, I have encountered many professors and advisors who have made my academic journey easier by pushing me to explore my options and providing encouragement along the way. In particular, Laura Keffer-Wilkes, who has put so much time and effort into reaching out to young students and introducing them to scientific research. Without her, I never would have presented my first scientific poster at the Chinook Symposium as a high school student or had such a fruitful experience in the high school iGEM team. I am extremely thankful for her dedication, as through her I gained confidence in myself as a young academic and found my passion in wet lab work.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My two favourite hobbies are rewatching Pride & Prejudice 2005 after any minor inconvenience and destroying myself at the gym at 6 a.m. before an 8 a.m. class.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I have been planning to take the MCAT next summer, keeping medical school as an option, but am also considering grad school.

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

Don't skip assignments. Even if it doesn't seem like it is worth a lot it will help at the end of the semester!

And talk to professors! There are so many professors who are invested in your education and want to see you succeed. Email them and don't be afraid to stop by their office!

Quick Answers

Favourite class: Introductory Biochemistry
Favourite place to study: The ‘lil’ cubicles on the 9th floor of the library