Kalvin Kwan

Kalvin received his B.Sc. degree in Chemistry and Biology in 2019 from Acadia University located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. After obtaining his B.Sc., Kalvin returned to British Columbia and decided to continue on with obtaining a M.Sc. in Chemistry at Simon Fraser University. Having joined the Storr Lab Group, his research involves the development of anticancer agents designed to target mutated DNA-binding proteins.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose to come to SFU to further my education. Looking at the various programs and research groups available, the Storr Lab group was of great interest to me. Working at the interface of inorganic chemistry, biology, and medicine, the Storr Lab group members have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines to investigate innovative treatment strategies.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

My research broadly focuses on the development of precision/targeted cancer therapy. More specifically, my research focuses on the development of mutant p53 reactivators. p53 is colloquially named "the guardian of the genome" and has been found to be mutated in about 50% of cancer diagnoses.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

The community at SFU has been welcoming and supportive during these times. Everyone knows everyone! Everyone is always willing to help.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

I am the recipient of the BC Graduate Scholarship (BCGS) and the Dean's Graduate Fellowship. These awards have helped me focus on my education and research, and support me during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is often hard to balance research with part-time work, and already having to start during the  pandemic definitely put me at a disadvantage. However, these awards have provided me an opportunity to move forward and to grow as a graduate student throughout COVID-19.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

You will find that many research groups at SFU working at the interface of many different fields. SFU is a good place if you are looking to collaborate across disciplines to investigate various research questions and hypothesis, and to grow and develop your education in the context of the world.