Featured Student: Rithika Nair

What is your field of study and when will you graduate?  

I'm pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems (Cognition and Brain stream) and will graduate in May 2025.

Why did you choose to enroll in Co-op?

To me, Co-op was an opportunity to explore industry, as well as my interests, and enhance my skills before I graduate. 

Before Co-op, I knew I was interested in a tech role, but didn't know if I wanted to do front-end development, back-end development or something else. 

Through Co-op, I hoped to explore different roles to gain a better understanding of the industry and my path post-graduation while developing skills, both professional and otherwise.

Which positions did you work during Co-op?

I worked in two different positions during Co-op. 

During my first and last terms, I worked as a UX/UI designer and front-end developer at CultureFoundry Studios, a start-up offering creative and customized solutions to help preserve and revitalize languages to pass on to future generations. 

For the other two terms, I worked as a statistical analyst in Dr. Scott Tebbutt’s lab at UBC PROOF Centre of Excellence and Centre for Heart Lung Innovation. Here, I had the chance to explore academia, as I worked on a research project that aims to develop biomarkers to predict complications occurring post-heart transplant.

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

I was lucky to have great co-workers and supervisors in both my positions, who contributed to countless memorable experiences while I was in Co-op. 

If I had to choose, it would be from my time in the Tebbutt lab; on a sunny day, a few of the lab members bought some pizza and ate it on the beach. There were other similar moments we spent out of the lab getting food or coffee that fostered a connection beyond our work. 

Can you share any experiences you had as a statistical analyst with UBC PROOF Centre of Excellence?

My biggest takeaway from this role was my first-hand experience in academia — the process of writing grants, abstracts and manuscripts. I learned that results during the research may or may not be what I expected. In addition, I presented my research to different audiences and had many more learning experiences. 

Being involved and watching others work on these aspects of research gave me an insight into academia that I would not be cognizant of otherwise. Through these experiences, I improved numerous skills including scientific writing, presentation and collaboration. I also gained new bioinformatics concepts applicable in this field.

During my time at PROOF, I also got involved in other ways, including mentoring an R language hackathon with a few others and being part of the organizing committee for a research conference held by the centre, which helped me further build my network.

What was it like to analyze clinical and research data from open-heart surgeries? Can you share any progress of developments that occurred as part of your contributions?

At first, it was a bit unreal to me, considering my lack of knowledge at the time in bioinformatics, but exciting nonetheless. 

As time passed, I learned more about heart transplantation, as well as other related aspects, and it became more intriguing. I started having more and more questions and sometimes I got the answer, but there were times that I did not, which is expected in research. 

As the project is ongoing, most of my contributions helped advance the research study into the later stages and contributed to the foundation of a new study. One of my major contributions is findings of how an immunosuppressant drug and molecular biomarkers are associated with cytomegalovirus (a viral condition) post-heart transplantation. Cytomegalovirus post-transplant is not widely researched, so I was happy to make a novel contribution.

When you enrolled in a Brain and Cognition major, were software developer and statistical analyst originally positions that you saw yourself in?

Yes and no. 

On one hand, software developer was a position that I wanted to pursue since the beginning of my degree. I had heard experiences of Brain and Cognition alumni in similar positions and I hoped to find something thorough Co-op where I could apply my knowledge and interest in programming and computer science. 

However, statistical analyst was a position that I didn't expect. As I took more courses in data science, statistics and machine learning, I was introduced to other applications of computer science. I had done a project through the REX research mentorship program where my mentor was a bioinformatician and this experience further provided insights into the combination of biology and computer science. This gave me the confidence to apply for the statistical analyst job to see if this was a field that I want to pursue post-graduation.

What was your best achievement in Co-op?

My best achievement in Co-op was when I presented my research work at the research conference hosted by the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation (HLI). 

During my time as a statistical analyst, I worked on a project that aims to develop molecular biomarkers to predict complications occurring post-heart transplant. Some of my work on this project revolved around predicting cytomegalovirus (CMV) post-transplant and there were some significant findings that I then presented at the research conference. This was a great indicator of the progress I made as a researcher, and student, during my Co-op work term.

What did you feel most challenged by and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge in both positions was my inexperience in the respective positions. 

During my first term at CultureFoundry, I had minimal experience in UX/UI designing and HTML/SCSS, but I did have experience with other programming languages. Similarly, at the beginning of my time with PROOF, I had minimal knowledge of heart transplantation and the biological aspect of the project, but I previously worked with data and statistics. 

Because of this, I found myself uncertain of my skills and the quality of work that I would produce. However, it was these feelings that pushed me to start learning and expanding my knowledge (a form of on-the-job learning) to ensure that I provided my best possible work. I also asked for feedback whenever I could and applied it accordingly. 

Soon, I realized that the best skills that I can have are adaptability and the drive to learn; acknowledge what I know and don’t know and then use this to improve myself and my work.

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

Co-op pushed me out of my comfort zone and urged me to explore myself under different circumstances. 

From job searching while studying to working, Co-op helped me build my self-confidence and perseverance. Additionally, it helped me understand which type of working conditions that I would excel in.

How do you feel Co-op has helped your career?

Co-op has been a vital part of my degree and contributed to expanding my network and building professional skills such as work ethic, communication and collaboration skills. 

One of the biggest takeaways from my Co-op experiences, is the duality between a role in industry and a role in academia. This has helped me understand the path that I want to take in the upcoming years.

Which supports from the Co-op program (workshops, practice interviews, etc.) do you feel best supported you? Can you talk about the direct impact on your career?

My Co-op coordinator has been my biggest and best support. 

Not only has she reviewed my resumes and cover letters, as well as conducted practice interviews, but she has been a constant and reliable presence who ensured I was doing what was right for me. 

Her advice and insights not only helped me through the job search process, but also during the Co-op work terms. 

What advice would you offer to future Co-op students?

You won’t know until you try it. 

If you're hesitant to apply to a position that might be out of your comfort zone, who knows, maybe you’ll enjoy it and the challenges it brings. 

As you try new things, don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask for help, because as a Co-op student, you're not expected to know everything. Curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to learn are some of the best skills you can have in any role.

What are you looking forward to after graduation?

I'm excited to explore my journey as a professional and not as a student. 

Although I got a glimpse of it during my Co-op terms, a part of me knew that I was still a student and would have to go back to classes at some point. Once I graduate, I want to experience a lifestyle as just a working professional and take this time to explore the post-graduate programs I would like to pursue in the future.