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"I aim to make use of my programming, teamwork, and mathematical skills for social good, and have a passion for promoting science within the community."
Student Profile: Prince Kumar Lat
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry PhD student in the Faculty of Science
I have a background in Engineering with a particular interest in Biology. I have completed my B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), India, with a major in Biological Sciences & Bioengineering. After I graduated from IIT Kanpur, I got interested in exploring my passion for scientific research. To pursue my interest to its full potential, I joined SFU as a PhD student.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
SFU provides an enriched facility, contemporary infrastructure and renowned professors to work with. SFU's PhD program is well structured and it provides full flexibility of carrying out independent and novel research. The departmental labs are always friendly and open to make great collaborations.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.
I am interested in exploring the various functionalities of DNA, a basic biopolymer which underlines the existence of almost every living creature on the planet. DNA, as a part of its primary function, takes the responsibility of storing genetic information (information that our body needs to become a full-fledged human being from a single cell). One major area of my research focuses on studying how the structural changes within our DNA influence our health, particularly in the context of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The other area of my research focuses on technological development using the same biopolymer DNA. I try to make DNA electric switches, DNA nano-wires and other DNA origami, which are of huge interest in the emerging field of DNA nanotechnology and DNA computing.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
Doing independent research, presenting my research at international & domestic conferences and departmental Payday social activities.
HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?
I had/have the following scholarships:
- CD Nelson Entrance Schol
- Provost Prize of Distinction
- Special Grad Entrance Schol
- Weyerhaeuser Grad Schol
- David L. Baillie Grad Fellowship
- Graduate Fellowship
These scholarships have been very helpful to me, as it helped me focus my entire commitment towards my research. It also gave me economic stability and easiness of my stay in Vancouver.
Contact Prince: plat@sfu.ca