SFU Science

Molecular biology and biochemistry student Sadia Sumiya completed an Undergraduate Student Research term with professor Dustin King where she worked on developing a new method to identify the proteins that sense changing levels of CO₂ in pathogens.

"I found it interesting to work at the forefront of CO₂ sensing, as it can uncover novel mechanisms of how host-dependent adaptation is initiated and pave the way for the next generation of antibiotics. With antimicrobial resistance on the rise and many treatments losing their effectiveness, this kind of research feels more important than ever—it pushes us to think outside the box and find innovative ways to tackle tough bacterial infections."

"During the USRA, I got to dive into the world of enzyme kinetics and proteomics. At the start, research papers related to my studies felt like it is written in a different language, but over time, as I was applying those concepts, I could actually follow along. That moment of ‘hey, that makes sense!’ was honestly the biggest achievement for me."

Learn more about undergraduate research at SFU Science: https://ow.ly/vALb50Zz83l

Need a confidence boost for math? We got you! Math Prep for Science Students is a week-long workshop designed to help you review key math concepts and learn how to solve the kinds of problems you will encounter in intro physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences classes. https://ow.ly/WxkG50Zz7H0

We’re very grateful for the Trottier Family Foundation’s continued support for astronomy and science outreach at SFU. This endowment will helps us expand astrophysics research at SFU and reach more people through outreach!

SFU will be exploring new frontiers thanks to a $2 million endowment from the Trottier Family Foundation to support astronomy research and outreach at SFU. Learn more!

https://bit.ly/sfu-engage-trottier-07-26

SFU Science
Simon Fraser University

With incoming clouds predicted for this evening, there will be NO Starry Nights, tonight, August 7. We hope to see you under clearer skies next week, along with our friends at Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Vancouver.

SFU Biological Sciences professor Isabelle Côté is embarking on a new adventure, starting today! Over the next 30 days she will swim 1,375 km from the Fraser River headwaters to the Pacific Ocean with Fraser Riverkeeper to raise awareness about watershed conservation. Learn more about their journey: https://ow.ly/URnP50ZxeiU

Congratulations to SFU Molecular Biology and Biochemistry professor Dustin King on being selected as a 2026 Gairdner Early Career Investigator!

🌟 Announcing the 2026 Gairdner Early Career Investigator winners! 🌟

Please join us in congratulating:
▪️Bahaa Abu-Raya
▪️Ann Gregory
▪️Dustin King
▪️Tammy Ryan
▪️Rajae Talbi
▪️Michael Wozny

Hear from them at October 19–23

Learn more: https://www.gairdner.org/resource-hub/announcing-the-2026-gairdner-early-career-investigators

Delve deep into the strange world of shark reproduction with a fascinating Radiolab episode featuring SFU Biological Sciences professor Nick Dulvy. (do do do do do)

Baby Shark There’s a lot more to baby sharks than that song you can’t get out of your head.

Congratulations to SFU Molecular Biology and Biochemistry researchers who have received $2 million in new funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Spring Project Grants. https://ow.ly/lLWF50ZtFiL

Starry Nights is ON tonight! Join us in person at Burnaby campus 10pm to midnight to view a wetland-themed line up of targets tonight including the Lagoon Nebula, Swan Nebula and Wild Duck cluster, along with Bode's Galaxy.

Observatory guests will sign up for entry using a queuing website (scanning the QR code) for virtual queuing. Last call to sign in to the queue is at 11:30pm.

Thanks to Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Vancouver for helping us make these events happen! https://ow.ly/Lobw50ZstFF

SFU Earth Sciences major Marissa Pimentel completed an undergraduate research term with earth sciences professor Dan Gibson and PhD student Gaby Jones where she did field work studying ultramafic rocks and their potential for carbon sequestration in the Southern Chilcotin Mountains and near Harrison Lake.

"I was able to apply the knowledge I've gained from my geology classes in a real-world setting," she says. "Not only did I gain first-hand experience of what research entails, I got the chance to work, hike, and camp in beautiful locations in BC that I might have never experienced otherwise."

"This opportunity deepened my passion for research and the earth sciences and solidified my decision to pursue a master's degree after graduation. For students considering applying for a URSA, my advice is to go for it. Even if it feels intimidating, the growth you'll gain in knowledge and skills is worth it."

Learn about undergraduate research at SFU: https://ow.ly/lO9i50Zmfsv