Biography

Hi, my name is Jerzy! I am a Miawpukek First Nations Student currently in the final year of my biology degree, and I will be completing my Honours project in the Wijenayake Lab! My project involves the investigation of how maternal obesity in Long Evan’s rats affects the cardiac and metabolic health of offspring. I will be evaluating the gene expression of targets related to cardiac hypertrophy and fatty acid metabolism; both previously observed to upregulate under metabolic stress (high fat diet exposure). Additionally, we strive to determine whether milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) can promote metabolic homeostasis and lessen the severity of the cardiac outcomes.

I am taking this project on because of my profound interest in cardiology. My little brother was born with a congenital heart defect, hypo plastic left heart syndrome: the severe underdevelopment of the left ventricle. Due to his condition, I spent my childhood at his beside in the hospital and became fascinated with those caring for him. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to follow the footsteps of the cardiologists who gave him a fighting chance. Outside of the lab I enjoy cooking, crocheting, and going on adventures with my loved ones.

• Fav Scientist: Dr. Barbara McClintock
• Fav Book: From the Ashes
• Fav Movie: Spirited Away
• Fav Artist: Fleetwood Mac