Convocation spotlight: Virology'26 grads Alberto and Ryley

Alberto Felix Lopez

This Virology grad is focused on community health and eager to contribute to research that makes a real difference.

Alberto is graduating from the department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology with a PhD in Virology. He was a student in Tom Hobman’s lab.

What drew you to this area of study?

My interest in virus research began with a curiosity about how microscopic organisms can profoundly influence global health and everyday life. Learning about viral outbreaks and their impact on communities sparked a desire to understand how viruses spread, evolve, and interact with the immune system. That curiosity grew into a commitment to studying viral biology and contributing to research.

How did SPP-ARC support you during your studies?

SPP-ARC was extremely helpful in providing valuable networking opportunities and increasing my awareness of the exciting projects being conducted in other laboratories. It also helped me identify potential collaborations and connect with researchers working in related areas.

What advice do you have for current or future students?

Experiments won’t always work the first time, and that’s part of the process. Learn to view setbacks as data, not failures. Take the time to understand the ‘why’ behind your work, not just the techniques.

How do you plan on celebrating?

I plan to celebrate by spending time with my family and friends who made this achievement possible.

Message from Tom Hobman (PhD Supervisor)

During his PhD training, Alberto developed an incredibly broad range of skills including generation and analyses of large genomic and proteomic data sets, molecular virology and viral pathogenesis studies. Much of this was made possible due to SPP-ARC funding. I will miss Alberto's contributions to our research program but wish him all the best in his postdoctoral training.

Ryley McClelland

This Virology grad is taking his learnings to the U of A MD program. The goal? Becoming a clinician-scientist

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

What drew you to this area of study?

Viruses are interesting to study. Highly clinical relevant and significant overlap with other basic sciences, meaning I got to learn lots of cool techniques from many different people. The Marchant lab was also such a great environment I felt compelled to join and learn from them.

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

Connection and collaboration. SPP-ARC helped me connect to colleagues in related fields through retreats and seminars. I think it also created a sense of community among trainees and staff, as we all worked towards a common goal of pandemic preparedness. This was much needed after the stress and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Absolutely. SPP-ARC helped me develop my communication and presentation skills. The integrated seminars, especially with trainees, were fantastic. They helped expose me to interdisciplinary research topics and create a mental framework to effectively communicate complex topics to both my colleagues and to the public.

What advice do you have for current or future students?

Talk to people, make friends, be polite, and enjoy your time! Part of the challenge is finding a mentor and lab environment that meshes well with your personality and work ethic. The right lab environment will be different for everyone, but it will make a huge impact on how you enjoy your time in and out of the lab. Science will always be tough, but having the right people around you makes it a lot easier.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation? 

Friends, family, sleep, and probably some studying too (unfortunately).

What's next after graduation?

I've already started the MD program at the U of A! I'm working towards being a clinician-scientist, but it's too early to say which specialty I'll end up in.

Message from David Marchant (PhD Supervisor)

Ryley was an outgoing and glowing example of a very bright and engaged hard working graduate student. He brought many innovations to my research program and I am so proud to be able to say that I helped train a member of our Indigenous community. Ryley has a very bright future.

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