MIRC Trainee of the Month

Our February Trainee of the Month is Kevin Zhao, a PhD candidate from the lab of Dawn Bowdish!

Read our interview with him below:

Can you describe your research?  

My research focuses on understanding why older adults are more likely to catch and die from respiratory diseases as they age. I specifically focus on a cell type called the macrophage, which are the first-line defenders in the lung, and why they may become worse at killing pathogens and signalling to other immune cells in older adults. Since older men are especially susceptible to infectious respiratory diseases, I am also interested in studying the sex differences in the immune system that emerge in aging.

What advice would you give to future scientists?

Read broadly and feed your curiosity! Science has a lot to offer but also demands a lot of you sometimes. Remember to take care of yourself as you pursue your career.

 Why did you choose to do your graduate studies at MIRC?

MIRC is a world-class institute that has made McMaster a national leader in immunology research. The laboratory in which I study also boasts extensive expertise in aging research and is the only research group in Canada that maintains an aging mouse colony. As someone interested in studying the immunology of aging, there was no other option in my mind when considering where to do my PhD!

What do you like to do when you’re not in the lab? 

I like to recharge in my off-time by playing Dungeons and Dragons with a group of other grad students every other week. I also enjoy reading science fiction and listening to podcasts.