Dr. Sing-Young Chen's research investigates the processes that regulate protein synthesis in pancreatic islets under conditions of stress, especially endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Research topic
Research Description
The key role of pancreatic beta-cells, located in the islets of Langerhans, is to make the hormone insulin, which is a small protein that controls blood glucose. My research investigates the processes that regulate protein synthesis in pancreatic islets under conditions of stress, especially endoplasmic reticulum stress. I hope that gaining a deeper understanding of islet cell protein synthesis, we can make progress towards developing new therapies to treat diabetes.
Why did you decide to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at UBC? Did you consider other opportunities?
Diabetes research at UBC is very strong and it's a great environment to grow ideas and explore the limits of what we know. There is a wonderful culture of collaboration and teamwork, which makes research more efficient, productive, and enjoyable. I did consider other opportunities around the world but ultimately decided that UBC would be the best place to take this next step in my career.
What advice do you have for new postdoctoral fellows?
If something feels like the right decision, do it even if you're afraid. Trust that your PhD means something, and that you have the ability to do good work. Be open to participating in the opportunities presented to you. Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't hesitate to help others.
What do you like to do for fun?
Knitting, cross-stitch, hiking, camping, figure skating
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your postdoctoral fellowship?
Engaging with others and discussing ideas. It's fascinating to watch how these ideas can come into being and then transform as they are bounced around between researchers (and also non-researchers!).
What in your life or career has prepared you for this position?
I've been fortunate to have had wonderful mentors at every stage of my career up to and including now. The education and training that I've had has taught me to never stop learning in all areas of life. Science is all about change, so I feel that learning to embrace change is a big part of being successful in research.
What does receiving this award mean for your career?
I have been fortunate to receive fellowship funding to support my postdoctoral research. This funding supports me to focus on my research, do experiments, establish collaborations, publish papers, go to conferences, and do all of the things that are required to keep producing good science.
What do you think the next step in your career will be?
I am still very early in my postdoctoral studies. I hope that I can one day be in a position to apply for faculty positions to run an independent research group. I also love teaching and hope to become more involved in delivering lectures/tutorials and developing curricula.