Celebrating staff: Troy Locke

Designing a new experiment? Looking for support with data analysis? Need assistance with RNA sequencing or qPCR? Troy Locke provides all these services through his work as the RNA technologies specialist in the Molecular Biology Facility (MBSU) in the Department of Biological Sciences. In his work, Troy supports scientists and students as they conduct groundbreaking research at the University of Alberta and around the world.

Locke is the 2021 recipient of the University of Alberta's Support Staff Research Enhancement Award, which recognizes a staff member’s commitment to their work in providing outstanding service, fostering innovation, creating a positive influence in the workplace, and demonstrating leadership. Troy has helped to establish the MBSU as the premier biology service unit on campus and in Western Canada.

The countless and invaluable contributions of staff make the world go round in the Faculty of Science, and we are thrilled to introduce you to Troy Locke.

Tell us about your role.

I am the RNA technologies specialist in the Molecular Biology Facility (MBSU) in the Department of Biological Sciences. Whether it’s RNA Seq or qPCR, anything from extractions to technology, experimental design, or data analysis, I will do my best to help you. I provide both service and training to our clients.

What do you love about your field?

I love that there are so many applications of this technology. By providing guidance to our clients I am fortunate to be a part of so many diverse experiments in the fields of biological sciences, medicine, and agriculture—both on campus and across Canada.

What is the most common thing people ask you about your job? 

Whenever I'm talking to friends, or new acquaintances at places such as the dog park and it comes out that I work at the U of A as a scientist, the most common question I get is ‘What exactly do you do in the Faculty of Science?’ I laugh and I say, 'I help people.' 

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

I perform comedy on stage at the Castledowns Variety Show, MC cheerleading competitions across Alberta, and I play the saxophone.

Favourite thing about working at the Faculty of Science?

Definitely the people! The students, both undergraduate and graduate, the faculty, the staff, I enjoy the interactions, the collaborations, and the friendships that I've made over my many years as a part of the Faculty of Science! It is, in my opinion, truly the greatest place to work on campus and in our city.