ALT The pathway to independence awardee talks will take place May 21, 2025 at 3pm in the MSL lecture theatre and through Zoom. Hosted by Dr. Freda Miller, we will hear talks from: Dr. Lars Kruse from the Bohlmann lab, titled 'Elucidating short-chain alkane biosynthesis for the development of biofuels'; Dr. Marissa Lithopoulos from the Miller lab, titled 'It's all in the vessels - exploring the role of the neonatal brain vasculature on neural stem cell function'; Dr. Ross Jones from the Zandstra lab, titled 'Uncovering genetic circuit design rules to program human stem cells and development'; and Dr. Santanu Sasidharan from the Tokuriki lab, titled 'De novo designed therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2 and related beta-coronaviruses'.

ALT Dr. Freda Miller is pictured, smiling, on the left. To the right, text reads: Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science, one-on-one with Dr. Freda Miller.

ALT A bronze portrait (statue) of Dr. Michael Smith stands holding open his jacket on a bronze platform that bears his name. In the background is a DNA strand, as well as a plaque with his name containing additional details that cannot be made out.

ALT Pictured, from left to right, are: Tracy Redies (Science World), Dermot Kelleher (UBC), Victor Ling (BC Cancer, UBC), Ruth Abernethy (sculptor), Michael Smith bronze portrait, Martin Hirst (UBC MSL), Mark MacLachlan (UBC), Allen Eaves (STEMCELL).

ALT MSL Director Dr. Martin Hirst speaks at the unveiling event. In the background stands the new Michael Smith bronze portrait.