A University of Northern British Columbia student won a top prize among 120 other university students recently at a national research competition in Vancouver. Fourth-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student Randi Woodbeck won the award at the Rising Stars of Research competition late last month.

“I went there thinking I would just try to have a good time and enjoy meeting fellow students – which I did – so actually winning the award came as big, and obviously pleasant surprise,” says Woodbeck, who hails from Houston, BC. “I got to network with some top-caliber researchers and learn a lot about many of the research-related options I might explore in my career.”

Rising Stars of Research is co-sponsored by UNBC along with six other organizations and hosted each year at UBC. The event represents an opportunity for young researchers to present their work to a diverse audience and build presentation skills invaluable to future careers. It is also a chance to develop a national and international network of like-minded friends and future scientific colleagues. This year, Woodbeck received the top award for her submission in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology division. Her research involves searching for enzymes capable of destroying the genes that cause cancer.

“I am delighted to see the continued success of our undergraduate research students at the Rising Stars of Research Competition,” says UNBC Chemistry professor Chow Lee, in whose lab Woodbeck carried out much of her research. “Randi is our third undergrad majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology who has been recognized for their research achievements at the national level. This is a testament to the high research caliber of our students.”

After graduation, Woodbeck plans to pursue a PhD and become a medical researcher.