Introducing Melissa Vermette from the Department of Chemistry

Name: Melissa Vermette
Year: 3rd year
Major: Chemistry

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: An anesthesiologist – however, this whole research gig is getting interesting.

Q: How did you get involved in research?
A: It started by enrolling in BISC 272 – A special topics in biological science research class. As predominantly 2nd year students we worked in teams and designed our own research projects. I learned an extraordinary amount of invaluable techniques and knowledge about research. I highly recommend taking it.
I also had the opportunity of working in Tony William’s lab and at the Animal Care Facility in the Summer. I gained experience working in the lab, in the field, and with some pretty awesome people. I am thankful to be continuing working with them again this semester.

Q: What have you been working on in your research so far?
A: Over the summer, in BISC 272, my team and I decided to conduct research on copper’s antimicrobial property. Specifically, the effect surface texture had on its effectiveness to kill bacteria. Currently, I am researching the physiological effects and quality of avian offspring whose parents were subjected to exercise training.

Q: What’s your favourite course that you have taken so far in your degree?
A: BISC 272 because it was very different than any other courses I’ve taken. Analytical chemistry is also a close favourite because of the fancy, expensive machinery we used in the labs.

Q: Favourite science joke or meme from your field?
A: 

Q: Who is your biggest science crush?
A: Albert Einstein – but really, who doesn’t? I think the most I admire about him is his determination to come up with an alternative to a theory many other scientists had accepted (although unsuccessfully). One of my favourite exchanges is between Einstein and Bohr. Einstein did not agree when Max Born proposed mechanics could be understood as a probability without casual explanation, to which Einstein stated, “God does not play dice” and Bohr replied, “Einstein, stop telling God what to do”.

Q: What scares you the most in the lab or the field?
A: Centrifuges. They are incredibly useful but absolutely terrifying.