Calla McFadden digs into Ancient DNA

Calla McFadden is diving headfirst into the world of mammoth bones.

“When I was a kid, I was obsessed with learning about extinct animals. But I never imagined that I’d be working with mammoth bones when I showed up for my first day at Mac. I’m loving every minute of it,” said Calla.

Currently in her fourth year of studies in the Molecular Biology and Genetics co-op program, Calla is completing an eight-month co-op work term at McMaster University’s Ancient DNA Centre.

In the lab, Calla lives out the dream she’s cherished since childhood. Each day starts with a precise routine: mask, hairnet, two layers of gloves, and a full bodysuit. Working with ancient DNA means taking precautions to mitigate contamination.

Her current project focuses on figuring out how to extract DNA from the hide of Blossom, a cow with cowpox involved in Edward Jenner’s invention of the vaccine in 1796. “I’ve been fascinated by this since high school. Now, working on it as a co-op student feels like a dream come true. History feels so much more tangible now,” Calla said.

Beyond her immediate tasks at the lab, Calla is amazed by the broader implications of her work. “There’s still so much ancient DNA research to be done. Whether it’s about historical events or extinct animals, the list goes on.”

Yet, the lab isn’t without challenges. Each day she works in the lab, she says there’s always a degree of uncertainty of whether a given idea will work. “I try to overcome this by staying positive and bouncing ideas off other people in the lab. And when things work out, the feeling is unmatched,” said Calla.

Out of all her exciting days, Calla says the most fascinating thing she has seen is a tissue sample from Lyuba, a woolly mammoth calf which was formerly known as the best-preserved mammoth mummy in the world. Lyuba died 41,800 years ago at the age of 30 to 35 days.

Looking back, Calla always knew she wanted to pursue the Life Sciences Gateway program, but it wasn’t until taking courses in first year that she realized her passion for molecular biology and genetics. Co-op was a natural choice to apply her classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

Her journey was shaped by supportive peers like Neetu Rambharack, her Community Advisor from first year and fellow Molecular Biology and Genetics Co-op student. She says talking to Neetu about the program was helpful and reassuring at a time when she was feeling overwhelmed and unsure.

Along with her love for ancient DNA research, Calla thrives in community involvement. She has participated in May@Mac and Welcome Week as a Residence Orientation Representative. As a student who didn’t initially know what she wanted to do when she came to Mac, she said it felt fulfilling to answer questions and share her experiences with prospective students while giving them tours of McMaster’s campus.

Calla’s also a very avid intramural sports participant, spending her free time playing soccer, inner tube water polo, and ultimate frisbee.

“My journey so far has been so fulfilling. I hope to combine my love for biology and genetics and working with people. That would be my dream career.”