Simon Qu

Hello! My name is Simon Qu, and I am entering my fourth year of studies in the pharmacology and biomedical toxicology specialist program at the University of Toronto. I was born in Shanghai, raised in Vancouver, and later moved to Toronto to pursue my post-secondary education. Ever since working as a pharmacy assistant during high school, I have become deeply passionate about the field of pharmacology and community healthcare. While pursuing these interests, I was fortunate to have explored a diversity of environments, including being involved in social care programs with HIV organizations, clinical research with AstraZeneca, as well as academic research on folate deficiency and HIV antiretroviral toxicities under the supervision of Dr. Reina Bendayan of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. During my own time, I am a city explorer who is always on a mission to try out all kinds of tasty food with my friends and family.

I am honoured to be working under the supervision of Dr. Mingyao Liu in the Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories this summer. Under his supervision, I will complete a review article examining in-vitro cell culture models that are used to understand and improve organ transplantation. Our goal is to highlight the significant impact of in-vitro approaches on transplantation research and their applications in delineating mechanistic pathways leading to clinical improvement. I am also excited to support a second project where we aim to improve the efficiency and stability of Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion by developing and selecting nutrient-enriched perfusate solutions.

 I am very excited to embark on a new research journey with the Amgen Scholars Program (ASP) and the exceptional cohort of students from across Canada. This is truly an invaluable opportunity for us to learn, share, discuss ideas of science and make lifelong connections with a group of like-minded peers. As an aspiring undergraduate student researcher, I am also grateful for the opportunities provided by the ASP to broaden my horizons through exploring my long-time interest in organ transplantation. I sincerely believe that the unique program of the ASP, which encompasses research experience, professional development, and symposium participation will help equip me with the essential skillsets and attributes of a prosperous and independent modern researcher.