Biochem grad discovers the joys of research

When Luke Hughson graduates from UVic this month, he will receive a BSc with honours in biochemistry—an impressive accomplishment. Perhaps even more impressive is that, despite his dedication to academic excellence, he knows how to live a well-balanced life.

“It’s a matter of effective time management,” he says. “You just have to make a schedule and stick to it.”

Sticking to his schedule made it possible for Hughson to complete an eight-month internship with Dr. Julian Lum at the BC Cancer Agency’s Deeley Research Centre (DRC), during which he conducted a research project investigating tumour cell survival in low oxygen conditions.

Hughson’s project resulted in a 30-page thesis in the format of a scientific paper, a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation and an oral defence to his supervisor, Dr. Lum, and an external professor. Ultimately, he hopes, his work will contribute to finding ways to block tumour cell survival.

“Cancer research is a really exciting field,” Hughson says. “Biochemistry is changing so fast and students have a chance to participate in those changes.”

Prior to his internship, Hughson did three co-op terms with Lum at the DRC, an experience he describes as a “dream co-op job.” Lum, in turn, calls Hughson’s work “exceptional and outstanding.”

Although Hughson “spent at least a few hours in the lab every day,” in addition to completing his other academic work, he also managed to find time for volunteer work close to his heart. One project was a “Go-Cart” race called the Canary Derby, which raises money for the Canary Foundation, a non-profit that supports research at the DRC dedicated to investigating new biomarkers for the early detection of cancer.

“There’s a real team environment” at DRC, Hughson says. “Everyone rallies together and helps out.” The Go-Cart race is held in early June, and Hughson plans to volunteer again this year.

Playing in the Western Hockey League while attending high school in Swift Current SK and Smithers BC led to another cherished volunteer activity. Along with other players, Hughson participated in Big Brothers and Big Sisters, an activity he has continued. He has been matched with two “little brothers,” one in Saskatoon, where he resided while doing a co-op with Bayer Cropscience, and one in Victoria. He continues a relationship with both.

Hughson’s long-term goal is to pursue medical research, possibly as a doctor. He has already applied to do graduate work with Lum, the man he says “lit the fire” for research in him.