Alumni focus: Grade 8 science fair winner to PhD in LMP
Alumni, Programs: Graduate
Dr. Amanda Mohabeer recently completed her PhD in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
She explains how she started a career in biological sciences.
“My parents emigrated from Guyana to Canada, and I was born in Toronto where I have lived my whole life.
After completing my BSc at York University, I started graduate studies in LMP in 2014.
I completed my PhD in December 2020 after working with Dr. Michelle Bendeck, whose laboratory is part of the Translational Biology and Engineering Program, a division of the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research. My research focused on the role of the extracellular matrix protein type VIII collagen (collagen-8) in arterial stiffening, extracellular matrix deposition and smooth muscle cell function.
I have always loved being in school and consider myself a lifelong learner.
My parents have been very encouraging of my pursuit for higher education and pushed me to follow my dreams pursuing research, even though it was something they were not familiar with.
I first began to develop strong interests in science in the sixth grade where my teacher Ms. Dehal would have us create dioramas of ecosystems and a tourist guide with facts about the solar system. Those projects inspired my initial curiosity about science. I also won the eighth grade science fair for a project on bread mold.
In high school, I enrolled in Advanced Placement Biology and my teacher, Ms. Loumanis, fueled my passion for studying biology through her own excitement for science and ability to challenge my understanding of complex biological concepts.
I pursued biology for my undergraduate degree and had two enriching experiences working in the laboratories of Dr. Patricia Lakin-Thomas and Dr. Robert Tsushima. Collectively all these experiences continued to motivate me to complete my PhD in cardiovascular science.
During my time as a graduate student working with Dr. Bendeck, I became very passionate about science education and student success.
I had the wonderful opportunity to mentor and supervise female undergraduate students and watching them grow as researchers was extremely rewarding. One student I worked with was Negin Khosraviani, who is now a PhD candidate in Dr. Karim Mekhail’s lab in LMP.
My long-term goal is to become a teaching stream professor at an academic institute. Right now, I am the acting course instructor for LMP 406. I still have strong interests in cardiovascular disease so I can’t say I’m finished with research yet.
Amanda’s advice for young women interested in science
If science is your passion then keep following your dreams!
Science is a field filled with endless opportunities so don’t be afraid to explore and grow.
I have benefited from having mentors throughout my educational career, and I would encourage you to find one too. A mentor is a person who is supportive of your growth, development, and goals.
Just remember there is no limit or time restriction on what you can achieve. If you would like to learn more about my journey feel free to get in touch. I am always looking for ways to connect with and engage the next generation of aspiring scientists!"
