Tegan Haslam
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
During my undergraduate program I undertook an independent research project in molecular biology, where I examined the genetic regulation of chemical defenses in lettuce. This experience introduced me to molecular lab work, which I enjoy, and sparked my interest in plant metabolism. However, at the end of my project I found that I had far more questions than answers, and so I decided to learn to investigate metabolism by beginning graduate studies at UBC.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC was an obvious choice for a place to study any aspect of plant biology. The faculty here is exceptional; it was a challenge to select only one supervisor within the Botany department. Further, Vancouver was a very appealing place to stay for the duration of my graduate studies. The beautiful landscape and the lifestyle here are great incentives to keep a healthy work-life balance.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The level of support and encouragement I have received from my department, especially my supervisor, was unexpected and is deeply appreciated. Since starting my program, many things I had thought were unreasonably high hopes have become reality, especially with regards to research opportunities and the ability to travel abroad to meet and collaborate with scientists whose work I admire.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Research projects are always slow, and often frustrating, to begin with. I think that it is essential to be stubborn and work hard to overcome your challenges.
Learn more about Tegan's research
All land plants are coated by a waxy surface known as the cuticle. The cuticle is an essential plant structure that restricts water loss in the terrestrial environment, and serves as the plant's first line of defense against pathogens and herbivores. The cuticle is composed of very-long-chain lipids that are made exclusively in the epidermis. Beyond their importance for the production of plant cuticles, very-long-chain lipids are of chemical and biochemical interest as they have unique physical properties, and are uncommon in nature. Many labs have worked towards deciphering the biosynthetic pathway of cuticular lipids. We have identified a novel protein family, CER2-LIKEs, which have necessary roles in the first step in the production of cuticular lipids, the elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids. I am characterizing this protein family within the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana and throughout the plant kingdom, in order to better understand their biological function.