Student of the Year Award: Abhijit Parolia (Biotechnology)

Abhijit Parolia is one of the top five students admitted to the Joint UBC/BCIT program over the past ten years. He already has co-authored three scientific papers and has kept a very high grade-point average in a very demanding program. Abhjit also volunteers for the Two World Cancer Collaboration. This society promotes and supports the improvement of standards of palliative care in developing countries through education and training of healthcare professionals. He is also a member of the UBC Debate Society.

Abhijit has completed three Co-op work terms. His first work term was with the ICORD (International Collaboration for Repair Discoveries) group at the Vancouver General Hospital. This work term was arranged through BCIT. His second and third work terms were at the BC Cancer Agency where he worked with the Experiential Therapeutics group. His research work primarily focuses on studying the complex biological existence and the curative resistance of prostate cancer. Earlier this year, his work was awarded the British Columbia Cancer Studentship, which gave a further impetus to Abhijit’s work in the area of cancer research. It is also Abhijit’s life endeavor to find an affordable cure to cancer. His supervisor at the BC Cancer Agency, Professor Cheryl Helgason, summarized his performance as follows: “Abhijit has accomplished more in seven months in my laboratory than many of my previous graduate students accomplished during their 3-6 years of training. He is an incredibly intelligent, creative, and hardworking young scientist”. It is rare to see such impressive work by an undergraduate student in any research environment, Co-op or otherwise.

In addition to his contributions in the work place, Abhijit has received numerous awards and scholarships for his academic achievements as well as community work. As a student, he was always eager and willing to help fellow students by providing free tutorials. We are very proud to have an outstanding student like Abhijit in our program, and would like to recognize his accomplishments by awarding him the Science Co-op Student of the Year award.

Quote from Abhijit:

“Co‐op or work‐integrated learning has allowed me to undergo a holistic learning experience..

In my 10 months of Co‐op experience spanning two work‐terms, I have achieved the following: established valuable contacts; co‐authored scientific reviews and full manuscripts; helped file for patents; ideated and currently pursue an independent research project; collaborated with senior scientists; and initiated a meaningful association with a NGO. All of this has enriched me intellectually, professionally and as a person.”