From the lab to the living room: Research in the time of Covid-19

This year the McCaig Institute has over fifty undergraduate students participating in research over the summer term. Usually many of our summer students would be working in labs, doing hands-on experiments. But the Covid-19 pandemic and its ensuing restrictions means in-person lab work has had to shift to virtual research.

Hear from two summer students about their initial expectations of working in a lab and their adaptation to an online research environment.

Maggie Chopra, Bachelor of Health Sciences Honors student, McMaster University

For the past two summers I have worked with Dr. Antoine Dufour at the McCaig Institute, but this summer is a unique one. Normally, I would be pipetting, handling samples and performing proteomics in the lab. However, with the challenges that COVID-19 has presented this year, my project had to be adapted to a virtual format. This summer I am working closely with two undergraduate students in the Dufour lab to write a literature review on the role of proteolysis in multiple sclerosis (MS). Proteolytic processing can influence the activation state and function of various proteins, in turn regulating a vast array of biological processes. We aim to highlight that targeting the microenvironment of the brain tissue is a promising strategy to promote tissue repair in neurodegenerative diseases such as MS.

While it feels different not interacting with my peers in person, virtual research has allowed me to practice self-discipline to prioritize my tasks while engaging in virtual events to learn more about research. Whether it is by tuning into McCaig Seminar series presentations, listening to a thesis defense, or joining weekly summer Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on-line lectures, there are plenty of avenues to stay engaged in research. Although it is uncertain when everything will return to normal, I am confident that there is a lot we can learn this summer.

Maggie Chopra is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences Honors (BHSc) with a specialization in Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University. She is now entering her fourth year of university and owing to her exceptional research mentors, including Dr. Antoine Dufour, she aspires to continue research in the future by pursuing a career as a physician-scientist. Maggie received an R.R. Singleton Summer Studentship Award for her summer research.

Jeff Ilg, Bachelor of Science student, University of Calgary

Initially, I expected my virtual research experience to be quite arduous, not in the sense that the projects would be overly difficult, but rather effective communication, support, and student engagement may be a challenge. However, I am pleased that the virtual environment has been better than expected, and the transition to online research been very smooth. Working with the Human Performance Lab and as a member of the McCaig Trainee Committee, I see firsthand how the research community is going above and beyond to ensure students get a meaningful experience. This includes virtual workshops, seminars, symposiums, and various other outlets for student support.

My project investigates the 2D strains in aponeurosis tissue, which is an awesome mix of aspects of kinesiology, engineering, and medicine. Aponeurosis is a connective tissue that surrounds our muscles, and by measuring 2D strains we are essentially mapping how stretch and stiffness are distributed across the tissue. I am learning lots from my project including the theory behind tissue biomechanics, how to operate software and how to further strengthen my scientific writing and presenting skills. Although we aren’t getting the hands-on learning that we expected the fact that we still get to work on incredible projects with talented research teams reflects the great versatility of science. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the McCaig Institute and the rest of this amazing research community.  

Jeff Ilg is a fourth year Bachelor of Science student in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Fueled by a passion for sport and outdoor activity, Jeff’s research interests focus on the biomechanics of the tissues that move us. Ultimately, Jeff aspires to apply his knowledge to a career in medicine or physiotherapy. Jeff received an NSERC USRA Award for his summer research.