This month we feature Susanna Fang, a first-year MSc student in the lab of Dr. Daniel Drucker. Susanna is the recipient this year of the Stuart Alan Hoffman Memorial Prize, awarded at the LMP Annual Celebration of Excellence this month. This prize is awarded annually to the top LMP MSc or PhD graduate who has demonstrated excellence in research.
What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) based medicines developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes are being investigated for their therapeutic effects in other diseases such as neurodegenerative disease. Yet, the pathways engaged and cellular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of GLP-1 and GIP medicines are not fully understood. Therefore, I am studying the role of the astrocyte GLP-1 and GIP receptors in control of systemic and central inflammation and metabolism.
Metabolism has always been my favourite subject during my undergraduate education which led me to pursue a project in this field. It is particularly interesting to study GLP-1- and GIP-based medicines while there are ongoing clinical trials investigating their effectiveness in treating various diseases. I am also enjoying learning all about astrocytes – a fascinating cell type with diverse roles in the brain.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
What was the best career advice you ever received?
To do science carefully and rigorously.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
Being organized is crucial to managing your time and projects effectively. It is also important to give yourself the breaks that you need.
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
My parents are the biggest influence on my life. They have supported me endlessly in my academic and non-academic endeavors. Of course, I am also extremely grateful to have the guidance of my past and current scientific mentors.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
I can fall asleep (almost) anywhere and anytime. I also rarely recall any dreams that I have.
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of your studies?
I love doing all kinds of art. I mainly do traditional pencil drawing and acrylic painting, but I’ve also recently picked up watercolour, oil painting, and digital art. I also enjoy exploring the city, hiking, and cooking with friends and family.
What is your favourite album, film, and novel?
Album: Melodrama by Lorde (and most things by Taylor Swift).
Film: Good Will Hunting. I love heart-warming movies – especially if they make you cry at the end.
Novel: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Although, Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King is a close second.
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Joe Hisaishi, Marie Curie, and Princess Diana.
Where/what is your favourite place?
Anywhere with a beautiful view surrounded by trees or bodies of water.
If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?
A Kindle (solar-powered) full of different kinds of books for entertainment and learning/survival purposes. I’d also bring a snorkel to explore the ocean near the shoreline.
