Lisa Shao

Full Name: Lisa Shao
Country of Origin: Pickering, Ontario, Canada
Pre MSc Education: HBSc, Specialist in Cell and Molecular Biology Co-op, University of Toronto Scarborough

Recent Research Experience:
As an undergraduate thesis student, I studied epigenetic changes in neurological disorders at the University of Toronto. I also conducted clinical research in medical imaging and cardiology at St. Michael’s Hospital as an undergraduate co-op student. I am currently a MSc student in Dr. Julie Brill’s lab at the Hospital for Sick Children.

Current Research:
Gene expression involves the process of transcribing DNA into RNA and then translating RNA into proteins. It involves highly complex and tightly regulated cellular processes. Misregulation of these processes could lead to various diseases. My research focuses on how translational regulation controls the level of protein synthesis using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism.

Why Faculty of Medicine?
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto comprises of world leaders in scientific research. It consists of several institutes and departments with different research focuses. This brings together a large community of brilliant students and faculty, and creates a fantastic student life, collaborative and learning environment.

Future Education Plans and/or Career Goals:
One of the greatest things about this program, faculty and school is that there are so many networking opportunities for me to explore my career options. Although I am still deciding on what I want to pursue after graduate school, I know that I definitely want to incorporate research into whatever I do. I am sure my experience as a graduate student will help me figure things out!

Meet Graduate Ambassador Lisa Shao