Connor Thompson
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
This is my second graduate degree at UBC, having previously completed an MSc in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences studying non-canonical functions of telomerase reverse transcriptase in human cancer. After working for some years outside of academia, I was drawn back to research during the COVID-19 pandemic where I joined the laboratory of Dr. François Jean in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, first as a staff member and now as a PhD student. I think it largely comes down to personality type and natural inclination as to whether you enjoy research, are excited by ideas and if you like working in the lab day-to-day.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I was born and raised in Vancouver and even lived on campus in family housing as a teenager while my mom was a student here, so I was very familiar with UBC and comfortable attending school here. All of the resources that I need are here to do high-quality research, the rest is up to me.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I had already been a part of this research group for three years when starting my PhD program and was very happy with the core lab group, supervisor, and how we worked together. We have been highly-productive thus far and the aim is to continue that momentum.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I was not especially surprised by anything here but enjoy continuing to explore Vancouver and the surrounding area with my wife who is not Canadian. Through her I can continue to discover the good things about the city anew.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I have worked in both academia and industry, and this second run in academia has made me better appreciate and take advantage of the resources that are available to me. I now appreciate the freedom and flexibility of graduate school more than I would have otherwise.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
You need to learn to tolerate uncertainty and the open-ended nature of scientific research. Focus on small tasks and do something every day that moves you closer to your goals.
Learn more about Connor's research
Emerging human respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza A virus (acute respiratory infection) and respiratory syncytial virus or RSV (severe respiratory infection in infants and older adults) have had an enormous impact on human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses to be Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs). Coinciding surges “tripledemics” can result in co-infections of increased severity and place enormous strain on hospitals and public health resources. Despite continuing worldwide vaccination campaigns, the recurring appearance of new virus variants is creating a tremendous need for safe and effective therapeutics and prophylactics against SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and RSV infection. Our research team has discovered an exciting broadly acting antiviral drug that can block infections in human cells caused by SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and RSV. The drug, cladoniamide A (CA), is a natural product (NP) discovered at the University of British Columbia that blocks a human protein complex called vacuolar ATPase that helps human viruses get into our cells. NPs such as CA have the advantage of more favorable toxicological profiles, fewer side effects and a faster approval process in comparison to chemically engineered drugs, great advantages when dealing with a pandemic. In this research proposal, we plan to further improve the pharmaceutical and antiviral properties of CA and develop a new class of nature-based broad-spectrum medicines against SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and RSV viruses. Overall, our research will provide new insight into the potential of NPs as valuable inspirational starting points for developing desperately needed broad-spectrum antivirals.