“U of T has all the resources I need to acquire intensive postdoctoral training.”

The University of Toronto is a prestigious university with Nobel Prize Laureates and great scientists. What attracted me most is the world-renowned research team studying neurological diseases in U of T’s Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CRND).

I obtained my Bachelor of Medicine degree in China and completed a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Hong Kong. I chose to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at U of T because of the strong research lab and reputation of Dr. Peter St George-Hyslop.

Following my passion has been my guide throughout my career. During my PhD studies, I was working to identify the genes responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Hyslop has made major breakthroughs in the pathogenesis of AD, so I am very fortunate to work with him in his lab. I have been gaining knowledge, obtaining research experience, and most importantly, am learning how to think in a scientific way to resolve scientific mysteries rationally. My supervisor’s challenging guidance has helped me to break free of my limitations.

The CRND attracts me because of the strong collaboration between its biochemistry program and its other departments, its affiliated hospital, and overseas laboratories.

My long-term goal is to dedicate myself to the research field of neuroscience. I believe U of T has all the resources I need to acquire intensive postdoctoral training. The research facilities are excellent and people are friendly and ready to help. Besides learning a rigorous and thoughtful approach to science, I am learning how to give good presentations. These skills are invaluable for my future academic career.

I find Toronto is a very nice city, one of the most multicultural cities in the world. People here are very nice. I love it so far.

Yalun was a postdoctoral fellow in Prof. Mark Lautens’ research group.