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"In 2019, I joined SFU as Visitor Research Student for my internship. I was fascinated by the research itself and the work environment. After completing my Masters, I rejoined the SFU to pursue a PhD on analyses related to healthy aging."
Olga Vishnyakova
doctoral student in the Faculty of Science
As a second-year PhD student, I am working on my thesis project, which aims to identify physiological measures under homeostatic control. This topic allows me to examine hypotheses using different sources, such as phenotype information, genomic data, and metabolomics data, taking into account lifestyle factors and population stratification. I have a BSc and MSc in Applied Mathematics, and MSc in Computing Science, Big Data Specialization.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
In 2019, I joined SFU as Visitor Research Student for my internship under Angela Brooks-Wilson supervision and carried out an analyzing genetic data from the Super Seniors study at the Genome Sciences Centre in Vancouver. I was fascinated by the research itself and the work environment. After completing my Masters, I rejoined the SFU to pursue a PhD on analyses related to healthy aging.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
We are examining the biological foundation of health through the lens of homeostasis. My research proposes a systematic search for phenotypes associated with healthy aging which has the potential to identify biological processes and pathways that are relevant for successful aging. Due to the projected prevalence of the over-65 age group among Canada’s population, early diagnostic and preventive measures are beneficial for a person’s quality of life and the healthcare system.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
I appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of the INS program. This allows me to learn a lot from my incredibly knowledgeable supervisors and move my research forward.
Contact : olga_vishnyakova@sfu.ca