Great mentorship from health sciences professor propels high school student into the limelight

It all began with a simple e-mail. Iveta Demirova, a 16 year-old science aficionado from New Westminster High School reached out to SFU Health Sciences professor Ralph Pantophlet after reading about his research on HIV. In her e-mail, she had expressed interest in volunteering at his lab. It was not long before she was spending her afternoons after school working alongside Ralph and his students.

Ralph was impressed with the way Iveta navigated the lab and her strong foundation in science. When she decided to enter the Sanofi Biogenius Canada competition, he knew that her experience and knowledge would make her a strong contender. 

The research project which won her the competition explored the development of a novel HIV-1 therapy and could offer numerous advantages to those living with HIV, which remains one of the world’s leading infectious diseases. Her work could have significant implications for those living with HIV who have become resistant to current treatment options.

Undertaking such an ambitious the project was no easy task. “This was not a project for just any high school students,” says Ralph. “We encountered a few setbacks, and it took considerable time and effort to design a good project. Iveta’s determination to enter a worthwhile project to the competition was admirable.”

Iveta’s success at Sanofi Biogenius Canada earned her a spot at the 2016 International Biogenius Challenge in San Francisco which took place in June.

Says Iveta: “I am truly honoured to have won the Sanofi Biogenius Canada competition, and to have represented Canada at the 2016 Biogenius Challenge. But more importantly, I hope that my project will have an impact within the field of HIV research, and in the lives of patients living with this disease.”