Faculty of Arts & Science
Biochemistry

BSc Biochemistry (Co-op) student Harland Brandon Discovered the World of Research at the UofL!

The University of Lethbridge is a small university with so much to offer those who want to make the most of their education. I know it is always mentioned, but the small class sizes and the fact that you can actually go talk to your professors is truly amazing. On more the one occasion have I gone to see a professor during their scheduled office hours and it helped me succeed where I might have otherwise just scraped by. This is unique, and I think that it is this connection with the students that inspires and drives the students to want to do bigger and better things.

I have had many professors impact the way I think about things, most of which are in the chemistry & biochemistry department. But it was not just professors in the chem and biochem department that have impacted me, but also professors in English, Math, and Philosophy. Thus many professors from various backgrounds have helped me not only do well in university, but have helped guide me in ways of studying and rewarding myself for the hard work I’ve put in so I don’t burnout.

Namely, Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden is the professor who has most impacted my life. His genuine intrigue with how things work is truly reflected in his dedication to his research, but it is not just how much he enjoys the research as it is how much he likes to teach others. Meeting Dr. Wieden midway through my degree, through iGEM, and getting to work in his research lab changed how I thought about everything and what I wanted to do with my life. Medical school was no longer my main focus, but a fall back plan that was still open to me.

The biochemistry program is quite a challenge and time demanding, but I find it very interesting to know how and why certain biological processes work. Furthermore, the most enjoyable part of the biochemistry program that I have come across so far is the ability for students to work in an actual research lab for an independent/applied study, honors thesis, or summer research scholarships.

Get involved on campus, it will change you
Get involved in clubs or other activities on Campus. Study, but know when to relax and take a break. Ask for help if you are having problems, don’t be shy just go see your professor if you need help.

If it wasn’t for me jumping into iGEM and meeting Dr. Wieden who convinced me to do an independent study I don’t think I would be where I am today, nor as happy as I would never have come across the research field. Working in a research lab is truly rewarding. It takes a certain type a dedication and commitment, but in the end discovering something that no one has ever discovered before, and pushing the forefront of scientific research is the greatest feeling. You truly feel like you are, in a small way, helping make the world a better place.

I am in the Co-op Program working in a research lab, and in doing so I have realized that a career in research is something I would be more than happy doing for the rest of my life. So much so that I have done all three of my co-op terms working in a research lab! Working hands on doing the experiments and techniques that you are taught in class gives you a whole new understanding of how things actually work and why they work. Working in a research lab early in ones undergraduate degree would be a tough learning curve, but it would be very beneficial down the road.

My most memorable experience at the UofL
I would have to say my most memorable experience at the U of L so far is going to various scientific conferences around the world after getting involved with iGEM and Dr. Wieden’s research lab. These conferences really let you know that what we are doing at the small little U of L, is just as amazing and groundbreaking as what you could do at any of the big universities in the world like Cambridge, Stanford, MIT, etc. Not only do you get the feeling that our university is capable of great things, but you get to meet new people who are just as excited about science as you are. It is truly amazing to get to see the research being done in the world, and that even here in Lethbridge we can be a part of the greater scientific community.

Technically iGEM isn’t a sports team, but a scientific team that competes against universities from across the world. It is a team that has the same dynamics a sports team would, trying to coordinate everyone and motivate everyone to get the work done so we can continue to represent our school on the world stage. Being part of iGEM is what really got me into research, and what gets me pumped up about science all the time. And what really makes iGEM unique is the fact that it is multidisciplinary. While the science may be the main component, all other aspects of how science affects the community and world are also part of the competition. This includes political science/law students to help with government regulations, philosophy students to help with the ethical issues that might arise from the new technology developed, art and new media students to help create new mediums that can help get information and awareness out about synthetic biology, and the list goes on. Thus students from various education backgrounds are needed on the team.

Where do I go from here?
Originally I had planned to apply for medical school after getting my degree at the U of L. However, over the years I got more and more involved in a research lab and the idea that I could do cutting edge research that challenged my creativity and intellect to try and solve different problems really interested me. Every day you can walk into lab and do an experiment to try and solve another piece of the scientific puzzle and that requires you to think logically and critically. These are both skills for thinking about things, whether scientific, schoolwork, or other aspects in life, are truly beneficial for everyone to try and develop. Stepping outside my boundaries by getting involved with clubs, iGEM and coop, has helped my overall education during my bachelors and greatly influenced my career path in the future. After getting my Bachelor’s Degree I plan on going to graduate school, after which I may continue on in academia or pursue medical school yet again. The possibilities are still open, but without all the advice and knowledge I have received from everyone I have met through the university I know I will find some path to success in the future.

Why would I recommend the UofL to other students?
The University of Lethbridge is truly a unique school. The size of the campus is what really sells me on it. While the U of L may not have that stereotypical college/university feel, it provides a different sort of atmosphere that engages students to learn and excel. From the professors to the staff at the university, they all want to see the students succeed in their life goals, which I would assume is unique for an institution for it would be near impossible to try and help them all succeed. Thus I would stress to any high school student that it is not just the name of the institution on your degree but what you get out of your education from that degree, and that the U of L has plenty of great opportunities that can help students really excel.