Award-winning biochemistry student follows in her family’s footsteps

Jennifer Tindall is continuing her family legacy as an award-winning co-op student.

The third-year biochemistry student’s passion for science was nurtured at an early age during family visits to Science World in Vancouver. Jennifer would later volunteer and work at Science World as a high school student. Her favourite gallery was the Sara Stern Gallery that takes you on a journey through nature’s wonders. Jennifer describes it as the most peaceful place in the entire exhibit. Although she didn’t want to go into a career related to nature, she’s always been fascinated with evolution and the natural world. Working at Science World, Jennifer thrived when interacting with visitors, especially when they asked questions about the Ken Spencer Science Park, a gallery that people could go to “renew their sense of belonging in the living world.”

Inspired by her family’s encouragement to pursue her interests, Jennifer set out to pursue a career in science. She wanted to attend a small, research-intensive university and live away from home. Applying to McMaster was the first step: enrolling in a co-op program was the second. Both her parents and brother had successful co-op experiences while they were at university and had received research grants. Jennifer knew that a co-op would let her apply what was she was learning in class and offer invaluable real-world experience.

Jennifer’s desire to explore the world of research led her to the Coombes Lab in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Science in January. “Coming up to the end of the first four months, I have already learned so much about myself and the opportunities available to me as a biochemistry student. It’s also a bonus that I can take a break from schoolwork and make some money.”

Dr. Brian Coombes says Jennifer has been a “tremendous asset” to his lab team with her research focused on better understanding how bacteria influence gut inflammation during Crohn’s disease. Jennifer’s research shows that certain bacteria in the gut evolve different properties, allowing them to either hide out from our body’s immune system or out-compete other microbes in the gut. These findings may lead to new treatments that better target the root cause of inflammation during Crohn’s disease.

Dr. Coombes recognized Jennifer’s potential as a researcher and encouraged her to apply for a Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research Summer Fellowship. Jennifer applied with the support of her supervisor and mentor Aline Fiebig.

Jennifer is one of five students who secured the IIDR fellowships. Emily D’Agostini, Paankhi Dave, Esther Jeong, and Aunika Venables were also successful IIDR applicants. Autumn Arnold, Mei Chiao, Anna Fan, Tiffany Ta, and Wesley Ta won the David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery fellowship. These awards will fund $4,000 of each student’s co-op salary, supporting undergraduate students in their pursuit of infectious disease research.

Jennifer says she is grateful for the institute’s vote of confidence and thankful for her confidence-building co-op experience. “I can’t wait to continue working on my research project for the next four months.”

To read more about the award winners, click here.