Priya Mistry, a doctoral candidate in cardiovascular science in LMP at Temerty Medicine in the University of Toronto, has been awarded the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. This accolade, one of Canada’s most prestigious academic awards, recognizes Mistry’s exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing cardiovascular research. Her journey from an undergraduate volunteer research assistant to an aspiring leader in her field showcases a unique perspective on leadership, rooted in personal connection and community impact.
A second-year PhD candidate in Dr. Jason Fish’s lab in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Mistry focuses on the role of the endothelium in mediating cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity. While improvements in cancer treatments have enhanced the survivorship of cancer patients, it is estimated that over 15% of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy can suffer from heart disease following their treatment. “The most important problem in this field is that we cannot predict which patients will develop cardiotoxicity until they progress to severe heart disease, such as heart failure, where treatment options are limited. This difficulty in identifying patients at risk of cardiotoxicity ultimately contributes to the poor prognosis and long-term survival of the afflicted cancer survivors. The goal of our research is to be able to identify those at risk to develop this complication before treatment starts, and to be able to inform treatment plans as to how to mitigate the cardiovascular damage.”
Mistry started her academic career with an undergraduate degree in Bio-Medical Science at the University of Guelph. While there, she undertook a summer research position in cardiac surgery in Hamilton where she recruited patients for large clinical trials aimed at helping patients heal after cardiac surgery. “I got to see very clearly the impact of cardiovascular disease on patients, and how much it changes their lives. That was what initially pushed me to pursue cardiovascular research”. She sees her clinical experiences as a huge bonus for her research “I can see what could be feasible for patients and what can be real strategies as therapeutics, but my basic science background helps to build a better understanding of what's happening in these diseases,” she explains.
While at Guelph, Mistry got involved in many groups and associations, including mentoring. Realising how much she loved science and solving problems, she decided to pursue an MSc investigating how circadian rhythms of the gut microbiome can impact healing after a heart attack. This experience and publishing her first academic paper confirmed her desire to be a research scientist and reinforced her passion for mentorship. She had been mentored by members of her lab, such as PhD candidate at the time, Cristine Reitz. “The women in my lab became my role models as they projected their own stories of resilience as women in academia into their advice to me. Their mentorship empowered me to navigate challenges and achieve one of my greatest accomplishments in publishing my first research paper,” she says.
Building on her experiences at Guelph, Mistry continued developing her leadership experience at U of T. Within her first year, she co-founded the Toronto Cardio-Oncology Network with colleagues, Mathepan Mahendralingam and Crizza Ching, and with guidance from Dr. Dinesh Thavendiranathan, to promote collaboration and crossover of expertise between basic science research, translational research and clinical care of patients affected by cardiotoxicity. Mistry is also Vice President Academics of CLAMPS, the LMP student union, which has seen her get involved in many activities and events like helping organise the annual LMP Research Conference.
She continued to develop her mentoring skills as part of the LMP Graduate Peer-to-Peer program and was recognized with the LMP Outstanding Student Mentor Award this year at the Annual Celebration of Excellence. “It’s been so rewarding to be able to mentor others, see them accomplish their goals and overcome their challenges. It’s quite a privilege to guide the future generations of students in science”.
Mistry leveraged the skills she developed as a leader to propel her growth as a mentor and a scientist. “Leadership is not always about the number of people you lead or your position of influence, but rather the impact you make on a few,” she believes. This realization has guided her throughout her academic and professional endeavors and aligns with the Vanier Scholarship’s recognition of academic excellence and leadership potential.
Applying for the Vanier has had some benefits Mistry hadn’t expected. As the first in her family to pursue a scientific career, the path has not always been clear or easy for her, and she was often plagued with doubts. “Spending time reflecting on what I’ve done and accomplished so far while writing my application has helped me build confidence in what I’m doing and my approach.”
Mistry acknowledges how her network is vital to her success. “Winning this award wouldn’t have been possible without the team of people who have been supporting me the whole way. From my mentors throughout my academic career so far, including Dr. Fish and my current lab members, to my friends, husband and family. They are all a huge part of what got me here today. When I opened the email from Vanier, I immediately sent it to my husband and asked if it was real! Winning a Vanier not only demonstrated the importance of the research I’m carrying out, but also helped to validate my decision to chase this path to becoming a scientist”.
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is not just an acknowledgment of Mistry’s past achievements but a promise of her future contributions to science and society.
