News and events

Five University of Victoria (UVic) scholars are recognized by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), the pre-eminent body of independent scholars, researchers and creative individuals in the country. RSC celebrates UVic researchers with the country’s highest academic honour—peer-elected recipients chosen for their academic excellence and their remarkable contributions to the arts, humanities and sciences, and to Canadian public life. This year’s recipients work in the fields of physics and astronomy, civil and mechanical engineering, computer science and medical science. They have been elected fellows of the RSC and members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. To date, well over 100 UVic professors have been elected to the Royal Society of Canada. Brad Nelson, Biochemistry and Microbiology / Lynda and Murray Farmer Immunotherapy Research Chair (BC Cancer) Nelson’s research focuses on deciphering and engineering the immune response to cancer, with an emphasis on gynecological and lymphoid cancers. He has used advanced genomic and imaging tools to understand how lymphocytes collaborate to recognize and attack human tumours. In parallel, he has co-led innovative clinical trials of genetically engineered cell therapies that seek to transform patient outcomes while ensuring accessibility and affordability within Canada’s public healthcare system.  "Ever since a close family member was diagnosed with ovarian cancer over 30 years ago, I have focused my research on developing new treatments that harness the amazing ability of the immune system to recognize and destroy tumours. Thanks to my incredible team and the enduring support of our patients and community, we’ve been able to create innovative immunotherapies that are now helping cancer patients across the country. Immunotherapy has finally come of age, and the best is yet to come!”  —Brad Nelson, professor

For Shaeleen (Shae) Mihalynuk, there are three things in life that matter most: community, health and joy. There has certainly been joy in Mihalynuk’s life recently. On Nov. 18, the microbiology alumna was announced as BC’s Rhodes Scholar for 2025. I think the news is still sinking in. I feel totally honoured and overjoyed to be named a Rhodes Scholar. I owe so much to my support system, and I’m grateful for the people in my life who were able to look at a student who was quiet and find skills and potential.” —Shaeleen (Shae) Mihalynuk, UVic microbiology alumna and 2025 BC’s Rhodes Scholar Mihalynuk is one of 11 young Canadians, and the only one in BC, chosen for the prestigious scholarship, which provides two fully funded years of post-graduate studies at England’s Oxford University. She is UVic’s 13th Rhodes Scholar, and the third recipient in the last six years. Three of the last four Rhodes Scholars from UVic have come from the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, and all four have been from the Faculty of Science. Shae has a remarkable knack for enriching the experiences of those around her. It is rare to find someone who, while demanding so much of herself, has the empathy and capacity to raise others up from wherever they happen to be. I am thrilled that Shae has been selected as a Rhodes Scholar and am excited to see what amazing accomplishments she will make in the future.” —Caren Helbing, UVic biochemistry professor and Mihalynuk’s honours supervisor The Rhodes Scholarship is awarded to young people with proven academic excellence who also show exceptional character, leadership, the energy to use their talents to the full and a commitment to solving humanity’s challenges.

Environmental DNA—eDNA—is genetic material shed by living creatures, from creeping water-primrose to fishing spiders, bats and humans. It’s everywhere and scientists easily find it in water and soil samples. But what then? Since 2016, University of Victoria (UVic) biochemistry and microbiology professor Caren Helbing has led iTrackDNA, which develops tools to collect and identify the molecules collected in the wild. “iTrackDNA is a large-scale applied research project to build capacity for environmental monitoring and assessment,” Helbing says. “We continue to develop new methods, new tools to test for DNA and RNA in environmental samples to check on species at risk, invasive species and socio-economically important species.” iTrackDNA has more than 100 assays to test for specific animals from fish to moose and is adding RNA assays as well. We now have this capacity to collect very reliable data and use it to inform conservation and remediation.” — Caren Helbing

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect 150 million people a year, with symptoms ranging from discomfort to fever and even confusion. Health care costs can run to US$3.5 billion each year. Suspected UTIs are among the most common causes of visits to primary care settings, and it can take up to three days to get a definitive diagnosis.  Scientists led by PhD student Linda K. Nartey in the Goodlett lab at the University of Victoria have developed a faster and more accurate way to identify these infections, which means faster, more effective treatment and relief for the people suffering the symptoms. 

Lum Lab receives $1.1 million CIHR funding to study immune suppression in ovarian cancer.

Dr. Davey was chosen as a 2023 face of health research by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for her research on intestinal bacterium.

While completing a Biochemistry Honours degree, Matthew Thibodeau earned co-author credit on four research papers along with a first author paper on its way. Matthew also ran track for the University and won first prize in Honour's Fest 2022 before graduating this November.

A couple of outstanding BCMB students tied for this new award!

Non-Destructive Precision Genomics for Environmental Impact Tracking in a Global Climate Change Era

Monica Mesa Perez, PhD of the Howard Lab, has won the best talk award at the Western Canada RNA conference, RiboWest 2022. Additionally, Courtney Gauthier, MSc student in the C. Nelson Lab, was selected as one of the top 3 posters!

The Evans lab recently published paper named “Editor’s pick” by the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Dr. Caren Helbing is using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to confirm habitat of endangered species or to determine the spread of invasive species. All species shed DNA into the land or water they live in and it can be collected and quantified using these techniques and allowing collaboration with Indigenous communities, citizen scientists and other researchers.

In her blog, Eleanor Sheekey describes her experience visiting Victoria and her research placement in the Burke lab this summer. Eleanor is a Biochemistry undergraduate student at the University of Cambridge.

Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for new discovery on how human cells respond to changing oxygen levels.

Jenna Buhrmann, a BCMB student, won first place in the Co-op photo contest with a great photo showing Jenna enjoying the job at Category 12 Brewing.

Peer Mentorship Program from the Uvic Women in Science club

Leiden Rankings, a global ranking system, ranks Uvic #5 in Canada for research impact in Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Dr. Julian Lum, Associate Professor with the department of Biochemistry and Microbiology and an immunologist at the Deeley Research Centre, has received a $1.08 million research grant to study the link between nutrition and immunotherapy in the fight against cancer.

Biochemistry undergraduate, James Saville's Co-op work terms included research producing protein standards at the Proteomics Center and better beer in collaboration with Red Arrow Brewing Company.

Dr. Cameron was granted a patent to develop a vaccine for Syphilis to complement current treatment with antibiotics.

The Helbing lab has received funding for a project entitled "Enabling Rapid Evaluation of Biological Effects of Oil Spills on Juvenile Pacific Salmon in Coastal Habitats" from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Paul Kim wins both UVic and ACE Co-op Student of the Year awards

A collaboration between the Cameron and Boulanger lab on the structure of Treponema pallidum Tp0751.

Five University of Victoria scholars are recognized by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), the pre-eminent body of independent scholars, researchers and creative individuals in the country. RSC celebrates UVic researchers with the country’s highest academic honour—peer-elected recipients chosen for their academic excellence and their remarkable contributions to the arts, humanities and sciences, and to Canadian public life.