Laura Evgin
Title: Assistant Professor, Scientist
Department and Affiliations:
Medical Genetics Department, UBC
Genome Sciences Department, BC Cancer
Program: Medical Genetics, Integrated Oncology Program
Location: BC Cancer
Tell us about your research and what makes you passionate about it.
Our lab uses mouse models of cell therapy and cancer to better understand mechanisms of treatment failure and success, and to evaluate novel therapeutics. I am very interested in the complexity of the immune system and excited that using synthetic biology we can harness its power to eradicate cancers.
Is there a translational aspect of your research that you are most excited about?
Cell therapies are being evaluated at all stages of the pre-clinical and clinical spectrum. T cells that are engineered to express a synthetic receptor, termed a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR), have made a big difference in the lives of patients living with B cell leukemias and lymphomas. Although these therapies are not perfect, and there is still a lot to learn, CAR T cells have in some instances generated cures for previously uncurable disease. The work that we do in our lab therefore could directly shape the way patients are treated.
Are there any initiatives you would like to see at UBC to accelerate translational medicine in your area of research?
Collaborative pilot project seed funding opportunities are very helpful to get new partnerships off the ground and put us in a position to generate preliminary data for larger competitions.
You are part of the Academy of Translational Medicine Early Career Researcher cohort at UBC. What is the most important aspect of that community for you?
I started at UBC in November 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Almost everyone was working remotely, and although hybrid models are now in place, spontaneous communication and connection have been in short supply. The ATM ERC event was a catalyst to meet other new investigators that are navigating the same challenges.
Is there a resource that you found impactful and would recommend to others interested in translational medicine?
The Canadian BioCanRx Network was created to bridge the gap between early-stage discoveries in cancer immunotherapy and their clinical implementation. BioCanRx funds research at various stages of development, provides studentships for trainees, and hosts frequent workshops and an annual meeting. I have been involved with the network in various capacities and have benefited from connections with many highly motivated and like-minded PIs, trainees, and patient partners through this initiative. I would encourage anyone interested in this research space to explore the website (https://biocanrx.com/).
How do you like to recharge outside of work?
I try to spend as much time outside of work with my family. We like to go to parks or to the beach to hunt for crabs with our son.