Convocation spotlight: Spring '26 grads Anakhpriya and Payton

Anakhpriya Dhillon

This grad has a passion for science and is excited to contribute to scientific discovery.

Anakhpriya is graduating from the department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology with a Bachelors of Science, Specialization in Immunology and Infection. She was a student in Kalyan Das’s lab.

What drew you to this area of study?

My journey into this field was driven by immense passion in science and curiosity in the microscopic world. I have always been fascinated by the unique mechanics of viruses and the biological debate surrounding their classification as both living and non-living entities. Finding this area of study felt like the missing piece of the puzzle; it not only provided the technical answers I was searching for but also defined a clear professional path where I can contribute to meaningful scientific discovery.

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

SPP-ARC gave me an amazing opportunity to refine my understanding of molecular biology and study the structure of a viral protein. As an undergraduate student, I was provided with a huge support and guidance from my supervisors and mentors who helped me sharpen my analytical skills.

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

SPP-ARC was highly responsible for developing my laboratory and personal skills. It helped me reform and discover a new version of myself by building my confidence. I now have a clear professional path, all thanks to the skills that I have learnt during my studentship. I’m now well informed of the protein purification methods and the use of the state-of-the-art cryo-EM for visualization of viral protein.

What advice do you have for current or future students?

I would just like to say that if you are passionate about something, never leave it undone. Always believe in yourself and follow your intuition.

Message from Kalyan Das (Supervisor)

Dear Ana,
Congratulations on successfully completing your Bachelor’s Degree from University of Alberta. Your hard work and perseverance truly paid off. It has been a pleasure to have you in the lab. I wish you good luck for your bright future.
Kalyan.

Payton LeBlanc

This immunology grad is excited to work in industry and support researchers in making their research more efficient and impactful.

Payton is graduating from the department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology with a MSc (Thesis), Specialization in Immunology. She also has a BSc. Specialization Immunology, Certificate of Biomedical Research from the University of Alberta. She was a student in Stephanie Yanow’s lab.

What drew you to this area of study?

The COVID-19 pandemic began during my second year of undergrad, right as we were starting our introduction to virology. It was a fascinating and surreal time to be learning about viruses, immunology, and vaccines while watching these concepts unfold in real time. Seeing vaccine platforms that had once felt largely theoretical move into the real world so quickly sparked my interest in immunology and vaccinology, and made me excited to contribute to the field.

What is your favourite memory from your time with SPP-ARC?

I really enjoyed the SPP-ARCing Connections Outside Academia event because it gave me the chance to network with industry professionals and learn how scientific training can translate into careers beyond academia.

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

I'm grateful for the opportunities to present my research with SPP-ARC, both as posters and as an oral presentation. It's always exciting to get new questions and insight from other researchers.

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

SPP-ARC helped me continue developing my presentation and scientific communication skills. Through opportunities to share my work and engage with others, I became more confident in explaining complex scientific concepts clearly and tailoring my message to different audiences. These skills have been valuable both in my graduate research and as I think about future career paths.

Did you face any significant challenges while you were a student, and if so, how did you respond? Was SPP-ARC able to support you in any of these?

Yes, my time as a student included some significant challenges, both personally and academically. I responded by learning how to prioritize, communicate more openly, and keep moving forward even when things felt uncertain. Those experiences shaped me into a more resilient and grounded researcher. SPP-ARC did offer opportunities to connect with other trainees and professionals, which helped me feel more connected to the broader scientific community.

What advice do you have for current or future students?

My advice to current and future students is to advocate for yourself, stay tenacious, and build connections with other students. Graduate school can be challenging, and it is important to ask questions, seek out opportunities, and speak up for what you need. Having a strong support network of peers can also make a big difference, both personally and professionally.

How do you plan on celebrating?

I will be resting and spending time with my loved ones!

What's next after graduation?

After graduation, I am excited to move into industry, with a particular interest in scientific sales and research-adjacent roles. I hope to use my scientific training to support other researchers from the other side by helping connect them with tools, technologies, and solutions that make their work more efficient and impactful.

Message from Stephanie Yanow (Supervisor)

Payton was a hardworking student and very productive during her MSc. Although her project took us down a different path than we expected, we learned a lot about our new vaccine platform and the types of immune responses that it can induce. I wish Payton good luck with the next steps in her career.

Big Congrats to all the graduating trainees! You've been valued members of the SPP-ARC community, and we're proud of you for reaching this milestone. Best of luck with everything that comes next!

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