Presentation Day
Every summer, UGC hosts an exciting competition to encourage students to learn about different genetic disorders! Junior students are paired up with senior students to present a topic of interest to a few professors in the field of genetics. The top presenters are awarded.
We aim to...
✔️Help 1st and 2nd-year students with literature searches.
✔️Allow 3rd and 4th-year students to become mentors.
✔️Improve science reading comprehension.
✔️Develop powerful presentation skills.
✔️Raise awareness and knowledge about genetic disorders.
✔️Connect you to professors in the field of Medical Genetics
MEET THE JUDGES OF 2020
Alison Elliott, MSc, DPHIL
James Daniel Johnson, PhD
Catherine Van Raamsdonk, PhD
Wendy Robinson, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Medical Genetics
Professor
Department of Medical Genetics
Associate Professor
Department of Medical Genetics
Professor
Department of Medical Genetics
WINNERS OF 2020
1st Place: Emily Mei Yi Kon & Charu Sankaran
Emily and Charu carried out a thorough literature review on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They decided to study current genes associated with ASD, focusing on CYFIP1, a largely uncharacterized gene. They focused on current research on CYFIP1 and its impact on ASD, focusing on two recently published studies. They found that the gene plays a role in ASD but still needs further research.
"It was definitely an interesting experience presenting. Charu has been my mentor and friend for a long time. With her experience in research and ASD, I was excited to work with her on this presentation and learn from her knowledge. It was a good experience to help develop literature-based research skills. Furthermore, receiving feedback from the UGC team and the judges was invaluable. It is always a pleasure to learn from UBC Faculty. These are some of the key takeaways from my experience in the UGC Presentation Competition."
- Emily Mei Yi Kon
2nd Place: Gabriel Dall Alba & Emily Li
Gabriel and Emily focused their presentation on the genetic causes of Albinism, and how science has come to characterize this genetic disorder. The presentation also highlighted what is currently being explored in the field of genetics, and how this relates to Albinism in our near future.
3rd Place: Grace Chu & Parvin Malhi
Parvin and Grace conducted a theoretical research project with my mentee on the role of TGF-β pathways in modifying the disease severity of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) and the use of decorin as a potential treatment method. Not only did this experience allow them to research a genetic disorder that was extremely interesting, but Presentation Day also helped Parvin and Grace grow on a personal level.
"I had the chance to network with professors in the Department of Medical Genetics and receive their insightful feedback during Presentation Day. This experience was the main reason why I wanted to be a part of UGC’s executive team and particularly the Events Coordinator."
- Parvin Malhi