HYRS student lands a job close to his heart
(Edmonton, Alberta) Edward Spink's favourite part of Grade 11 biology class was learning about the circulatory system and the heart. His long-term goal is to attend medical school and become a cardiologist. This summer, the Edmonton high school student landed the job of his dreams.
Spink was selected to take part in the 2010 Heritage Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) program, working in the laboratory of Gary Lopaschuk, PhD, scientific director at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Lopaschuk, PhD, is also a professor of pediatrics and pharmacology at the University of Alberta.
"It's just so awesome here," says Spink, a student going into Grade 12 this fall at École J.H. Picard. "This is such a rare opportunity. I get to learn how to do medical research while I am still in high school!"
Lopaschuk's team is investigating the delicate balance between sugar and fatty acids, the two main sources of fuel for the heart. "After a heart attack, or when diabetes isn't controlled, the heart begins to pull nearly all of its energy from fatty acids," says Lopaschuk, PhD, whose research is funded by Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions. "This shift increases the risk of congestive heart failure, heart attacks, and even death. Our team has worked hard to define precisely what makes the heart shift its preference to fatty acids. We are now exploring the potential for new medications to control how the heart chooses its fuel."
"I have learned how to do experiments, study the different proteins that help the heart to pump, and even how to do a cardiac function test," says Spink. "I want other students to know about this program, and encourage them to apply. They just may find this experience leads them into a career they will have for the rest of their lives." Spink is one of 20 Grade 11 students chosen to participate in the six‐week HYRS program, providing hands‐on health research experiences in laboratories and clinics at the University of Alberta.
"Our role is to support excellent people – from students to senior researchers," says Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions CEO Jacques Magnan, PhD. "By successfully mentoring young people like Edward we accelerate their understanding of and exposure to research, and we help build the next generation of research excellence in our province."
Media contact: Karen Thomas, Media Specialist, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, 1.877.423.5727 x225, 403.651.1112 (cell),
For more information about the Lopaschuk team's research, click on this link:
http://www.pmcol.ualberta.ca/faculty/glopaschuk.htm#
Background
Province‐wide, there are 45 students working this summer at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge.
This year, the HYRS program received 176 applications from Grade 11 students in 73 schools around Alberta. An adjudication committee of high school teachers from St. Albert, Lethbridge, and Calgary, as well as a scientist from the University of Calgary, selected 45 students. Sixteen of the HYRS students are from towns and rural communities across Alberta.
HYRS participants receive a grant to work on research projects supervised by AIHS and university research mentors. The HYRS program hosts guest lecturers, poster sessions, field trips, and an open house where HYRS participants spend a day sharing what they have learned with their high school science teachers. AIHS also offers three‐day workshops that give high school science teachers research training at U of A, U of C, and U of L.
Students who apply are required to have an 85% average, have completed core science subjects, two teacher references and a community reference, and write an essay about health research that interests them and why they want to be part of the HYRS program.
For more information about HYRS: Nancy Whelan, Education Community Outreach Manager, 1.877.423.5727 x260,
August 5, 2010
HYRS student lands a job close to his heart
(Edmonton, Alberta) Edward Spink's favourite part of Grade 11 biology class was learning about the circulatory system and the heart. His long-term goal is to attend medical school and become a cardiologist. This summer, the Edmonton high school student landed the job of his dreams. Spink was selected to take part in the 2010 Heritage Youth Researcher Summer program, working in the laboratory of Gary Lopaschuk, PhD, scientific director at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Lopaschuk, PhD, whose research into diabetes and the heart is funded by Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, is also a professor of pediatrics and pharmacology at the University of Alberta.
Media are invited to a feature story and photo opportunity on Friday, August 6:
| 1 p.m. | tour and interviews in Lopaschuk lab at the U of A |
| 2 p.m. | attend with Edward Spink as he dons scrubs and watches cardiac specialists doing a heart procedure in the Cath lab at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute |
| WHO: | Edward Spink, 2010 HYRS student |
| WHAT: | HYRS student lands a job close to his heart |
| WHERE: | 423 Heritage Medical Research Centre (4th floor) University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry HMRC is located on the south side of 87 Avenue Park in Lot C, beside the Zeidler Ledcor Centre, off of 112 Street |
| WHEN: | Friday, August 6, 2010, 1 p.m. sharp |
Media contact: Karen Thomas, Media Specialist, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, 1.877.423.5727 x225, 403.651.1112 (cell),