Featured Student: Clarisse Echavez

What is your field of study?

 I was a Microbiology/Immunology student and graduated May 2022.

Why did you choose to enroll in co-op? 

While I was still in high school, I had already heard about co-op from friends who were older than me and enrolled in the program. I heard good things about how they enjoyed their work placements and how it was a great way to gain experience before graduation. By the time I got to my third year, I knew that I enjoyed my laboratory classes and wanted to learn more about possible career opportunities that involved lab work, so I decided to enroll in the co-op program.

Which positions did you work during co-op?

My first co-op placement was a four month term in the laboratory of Dr. Horacio Bach at the Jack Bell Research Centre. I processed and digested proteins from the urine samples of individuals with Schistosomiasis to support parasitic antigen identification. My second placement was a sixteen month term at Zymeworks Inc. where I performed tissue culture and high-throughput screening to support lead candidate selection as part of the Antibody Discovery group.  

Can you share your favourite experience while in co-op?

One of my favourite experiences while on co-op was working with my Antibody Discovery team at Zymeworks. They made the workplace culture such a fun and welcoming place while also giving me opportunities to grow and challenge myself as a learner and a researcher. Throughout the year we had team building days where we would go out for lunch, go bowling, and curling together.

What was your best achievement in co-op?

One of my favourite aspects of working in a lab is the sense of satisfaction and fulfilment of knowing that the work I am doing is helping to drive a project forward. One of my best achievements was contributing to the development and optimization of target-specific screening assays at Zymeworks. During the development of an assay, I performed trouble-shooting activities including planning experiments, performing the screens and generating repeatable data, analyzing the data, and presenting my work at meetings.

How do you feel co-op helped your personal growth?

Through co-op I gained so much confidence in myself and my career path. Before co-op, I was very unsure about what I wanted to do after graduation. Although I knew that I liked being in the lab, I really did not know much about working in a lab, whether it be in an academic or industrial environment. My work experiences definitely solidified my interest in pursuing a career in research and I gained confidence in my own skills and abilities. Additionally, I was given the opportunity to regularly present the data I generated to my colleagues which greatly improved my public speaking abilities and my confidence.

Did you have any unexpected challenges during co-op?

I don’t think this was an unexpected challenge, but a challenge of starting any new position was getting up to speed at where the project was currently at. I think this is where it becomes very important to take detailed notes and ask lots of questions, because in the beginning you will be learning many different things and it may feel overwhelming at first.

Is there anything you wish you knew at the beginning - before you started co-op?

A positive attitude is everything! At first, I had some feelings of imposter syndrome because of my limited lab experience, but one thing I learned while on co-op is that any skill can be taught as long as you have an attitude that is hardworking and positive. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but always take initiative to learn from the mistakes you make.

What advice would you offer future co-op students?

Apply for as many jobs as you can during the job search and don’t be discouraged if you can’t find a placement right away! I applied to around 60 postings before I got my first co-op job. It definitely was disappointing when I didn’t get hired immediately, but I am so glad that I didn’t give up because I loved working at both the Bach Lab and Zymeworks. As well, during your job always remember to have a positive mindset, be open to learning, and ask lots of questions! One of the best things about co-op is that your employers know that you are a student with limited experience so they are very willing to train and teach you.

What are you looking forward to after graduation?

After graduation, I will be starting a position at STEMCELL Technologies as a Research Technologist in the Hematopoietic Team. I am very excited about this new chapter in my life, and I certainly would not be where I am today without all the skills I learned and the amazing mentors and colleagues I met while on co-op.