For Claire Langille, a passion for research and campus community made continuing at Memorial an easy choice as she studies new ways to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.

Where are you from?

I’m from Windsor Junction, Nova Scotia, which is about 30 minutes from downtown Halifax. I love living in Newfoundland! St. John’s is a very welcoming city, and I like the tight-knit community I’ve found here. I’m also a big fan of being outdoors, so I’ve really enjoyed becoming a more experienced hiker while living in Newfoundland!

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

I have a lot of things I like to do that keep me very busy! I am a dual sport varsity athlete. I play for the women’s soccer team and run for the track and field team. Staying active is what I like to do best, and outside of organized sports, I also like to run and hike. When I have some down time, I love to cook, bake, and read.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

After my undergraduate studies, I found myself without a defined plan for my future after I didn’t get accepted into some professional programs. I decided to pursue a graduate degree because I wanted to expand on research I had started as an undergraduate student. Completing an honours degree opened the door to me doing a master’s degree, as it fueled my passion for science and introduced me to all kinds of research that was going on within the Biochemistry department here at MUN.

Why did you choose Memorial University for your graduate studies?

For me, choosing Memorial was easy. I completed my undergraduate studies here and wasn’t ready to leave! As an undergrad, I was exposed to all the different areas of research carried out in our department. I got the chance to try a little bit of everything, and when I was ready to pursue a graduate degree, I had lots of options in terms of what I wanted to study. The department faculty and staff here are amazing and made me feel very welcomed and supported as I transitioned from undergraduate to graduate studies.

What is your research/thesis about? How do you describe your research to a general audience with no background in the field?

I am studying ways to combat the global health threat of antibiotic resistance. Usually if you have a bacterial infection, you can get a prescription for antibiotics and be on your way in a couple of days. However, antibiotic resistant infections don’t respond to antibiotic. We lack other effective treatments for these infections, and they cause millions of deaths annually. I am investigating small peptides as alternatives to antibiotics. Some of these peptides can kill bacterial cells that make you sick without harming your own cells. What we don’t know is why they’re able to target bacterial cells over host cells. That’s where my research comes in! I want to determine factors that allow these peptides to be so selective, so that we might use the information down the road in drug design.

How would you describe your experience as a graduate student at Memorial?

I’ve had a great experience so far as a graduate student! I’m still only in my first year, but so far, I’ve really enjoyed my studies. My supervisors are a huge part of that- they’re very supportive and encouraging. I’ve also made some great friends within the department and am passionate about my research. I’m looking forward to continuing my studies throughout this year!

What scholarships or awards have you received?

As a graduate student, I have received the A.G. Hatcher Memorial Scholarship, the Sea Hawks Athletic Award, and the Dr. Kevin Keough Graduate Scholarship in Biochemistry. In addition, I received a CGS M scholarship from NSERC!

Have you faced any challenges in life that you’ve overcome to pursue graduate studies?
For sure! I think everyone encounters some bumps along the road of graduate school. For me, I was initially hesitant to take on a master’s degree after I didn’t get into medical school my first time applying. I am passionate about entering the healthcare field and didn’t quite know what to do next when my plans fell through. Looking back, starting my graduate studies was the best decision I could have made. It’s made me a more independent researcher and person, gained me valuable laboratory experience, and challenged me academically. While the transition from undergraduate studies was a bit tricky for me, I’ve learned to love the flexibility my grad studies offer me.

What career path are you interested in pursuing after graduation?

I still hope to pursue medicine once I’ve completed my graduate studies. I am personable and friendly, and hope to apply my passion for lifelong learning to a profession where it can benefit others. I know that the independent learning and constantly changing pace of grad school, among many other things, will be beneficial as I explore new career beginnings down the road.

What advice would you give to current or future graduate students?

My advice to current graduate students is to get involved on campus. Since starting my graduate studies, I’ve joined multiple graduate student groups, and it has been a highlight of my time as a grad student. I’ve made so many new friends, networked with people from different departments, and had a lot of fun doing it!

My advice to future graduate students is to explore your options, even if you’re not sure what you want to do. Come and talk to professors, talk to current graduate students, and ask every question you can think of. It never hurts to see what could be out there for you!

Anything else you would like to share?

Thanks for taking the time to ask me these questions! I enjoyed it!

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