Isabella Borea

Biological Science master's student in the Faculty of Science

I grew up in Oakville, Ontario and completed my BSc (Honours Specialization) in Biology at Western University in London Ontario.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU because the MET program is highly regarded in the toxicology field and the only one that offers a mixed course-based and thesis based approach. I also love the west coast and wanted to get the chance to live in the beautiful city of Vancouver.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My thesis project is looking at the toxic effects of petroleum products on Pacific Oysters to aid in oil-spill modelling and impact assessment for fisheries management. I am specifically looking for effects at the molecular level including: gene expression, enzyme activity and DNA damage following exposure to oil.

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

I am passionate about the environment and how we can protect it, so I appreciate how my research contributes to this goal. I have also really enjoyed my graduate courses, sharing memories with friends I have made in the program and having the opportunity to get involved with the rest of the department through TAing, conferences and events.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

It was a great honour to be a recipient of the Graduate Fellowship award and the J. Abbot and M. Fretwell Fellowship in Fisheries Biology in Fall of 2021. These awards have positively impacted my degree in terms of being able to fund my research and allow me to engage with the scientific community.

Contact : iborea@sfu.ca

Additional Links 

• LinkedIn 
• Personal Website