Convocation spotlights: Spring '26 PhD grads Melanie and Shae

Melanie Folkins

This virology grad has already started a postdoc in parasitology and her thesis solved a very difficult paradigm.

Melanie is graduating from the department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology with a PhD in Virology. She was a student in David Marchant’s lab.

What drew you to this area of study?

I have always found viruses very interesting, how something so microscopic can exert such a massive impact on global health. What hooked me was the dynamic nature of the field, it's essentially an ongoing arms race between the pathogen and the host immune system. And because of this the biology is always evolving, which keeps the research incredibly fresh. It also happens to be an area that overlaps with so many basic sciences, which allowed me to pick up a broad range of techniques from different experts.

In what ways did SPP-ARC help in your time as a student?

The greatest value of SPP-ARC was the access to a collaborative network that extended far beyond my own lab. SPP-ARC provided the resources to explore interdisciplinary projects that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.

Did SPP-ARC help you learn any new skills (professional or personal)?

The most significant skill I gained through SPP-ARC was adaptable public speaking and interdisciplinary exposure. The SPP-ARC seminars allowed me an opportunity to see how researchers in different fields framed their questions and helped me broaden my own lens.

What advice do you have for current or future students?

My advice is to avoid tunnel vision. It’s easy to get discouraged when a specific experiment doesn't give you the answer you expected. But I’ve learned that if you step back and look at the broader context of your work, those nothing results are often telling you exactly where the answer actually lies.

How do you plan on celebrating?

I'm planning to spend time with friends and family who supported me through this journey.

What's next after graduation?

I've already started my Postdoc at the University of Calgary, switching from virology to parasitology studying Entamoeba histolytica.

Message from David Marchant (PhD Supervisor)

Mels is such a bright, diligent, and careful scientist. Her thesis (and soon paper) cracked a very difficult paradigm in virus replication, and that is how viruses form filamentous virus particles. She will be doing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Calgary, so watch this space for more great work.

Shae Komant

This immunology grad’s research focused on generating cancer-specific tumor immunity.

Shae is graduating from the department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology  with a PhD in Immunology. She also has a BSc. in Immunology and Infections from the U of A. She was a student in Troy Baldwin and Ryan Noyce’s labs.

What drew you to this area of study?

My undergraduate research on therapeutic oncolytic viruses in glioblastoma inspired me to continue working in this area of oncology during graduate school. I chose this specific program to join Dr. Baldwin’s lab, which focuses on the immune response and generating cancer-specific tumor immunity by using oncolytic viruses as therapeutic vaccines.

In what ways did SPP-ARC help in your time as a student?

During my time as a SPP-ARC trainee, the program has been instrumental in my professional development by significantly expanding my communication and networking skills. Through SPP-ARC lunch seminars, I gained valuable experience presenting my research to a broad scientific audience, while the industry-focused mixers provided a unique platform to engage with companies and discuss future career steps. Finally, the annual SPP-ARC retreat combined these elements, allowing me to share scientific talks and network with peers across all affiliated labs.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation? 

I plan on celebrating convocation by enjoying an outdoor BBQ and get-together with my family, as well as attending an Edmonton Riverhawks baseball game. I also can't wait to finally wear the graduation regalia to celebrate this major achievement!

Message from Troy Baldwin (PhD Supervisor)

Shae's passion to use the immune system to treat cancer brought the Baldwin, Noyce, and Evans labs together to develop novel cancer vaccines. She blended our strengths in immunology, virology, and cancer biology to design, construct, and rigorously test new therapeutic approaches. Additionally, Shae's collaborative and inquisitive nature supported a variety of SPP-ARC funded vaccine projects including one with the Shmulevitz group. I'm excited to follow Shae's future endeavors.

Congratulations to all our graduating trainees! You are valued members of the SPP-ARC community, and we're proud of you for reaching this milestone and excited to see what you accomplish next. 

If you or a trainee of yours is graduating, please let us know! Email imoleogo@ualberta.ca