✨ Thank you for an amazing Science Rendezvous with Chemistry! 🧪💙
We loved welcoming curious minds of all ages into our spaces today—thank you to everyone who came out to learn, play, and explore with us! From hands‑on chemistry to liquid nitrogen ice cream made right before your eyes 🍨❄️, and high‑energy chemistry shows featuring colours, materials, and fuels, your excitement made the day unforgettable.
#UBC #UBCChemistry
Vancouver researchers have created a new way to build radioactive DNA molecules using enzymes that could help reimagine how radiolabeled drugs are built.
Using enzymes that normally copy genetic material, scientists at UBC Chemistry and the BC Cancer Research Institute programmed synthetic DNA to carry cancer-fighting isotopes in precise patterns, opening the door to developing drugs that could both image tumors and destroy them with the same molecule.
Read more at the link in our bio.
#ubc #ubcchemistry
An innovative approach to combat the overdose crisis has just launched in BC.
The Ministry of Public Safety’s new two-year pilot program, Track and Trace, is a first-in-Canada technology that analyzes and tracks the flow of toxic drugs in BC communities – helping identify emerging threats sooner and inform faster, more effective health responses.
Track and Trace was inspired by donor-funded research at VGH through the Innovations in Mental Health, Addictions and Pain Program (IMAPP), led by Dr. Pouya Azar. We are proud to empower bold leaders like Dr. Azar, who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in health care – with the support of donors like you.
Learn more at the link in our bio.
VGH+ @dr_pouya_azar
VGH+ @governmentofbc
VGH+ @ubcchem
VGH+ @ubcscience
A new UBC-led initiative, Track & Trace, aims to make a real difference in the toxic drug crisis.
The initiative builds on nearly a decade of work by UBC researchers. The concept first emerged in 2016, when chemistry professors Drs. Glenn Sammis and Dan Bizzotto began exploring how their expertise could be applied to the newly declared public health emergency.
“The program’s focus is on supply patterns and prevention, not arresting people,” said Dr. Sammis. “We want this to have a real-life positive impact on people’s lives. That’s what we’re all trying to achieve: no deaths, fewer overdoses, and better managed care. We want this technology to be useful, and used.”
Read more at the link in our bio.
#UBC #UBCChem
Five amazing teachers across UBC Science have been recognized with 2026 Killam Teaching Prizes! Congratulations to Varada Kolhatkar (Computer Science), Nadine Borduas-Dedekind (Chemistry), Roman Krems (Chemistry), Jess McIver (Physics and Astronomy) and Janis McKenna (Physics and Astronomy).
https://bit.ly/4tacExJ
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Chemistry Spring Alumni Reunion — it was truly special to reconnect and celebrate our amazing community.
From catching up with old friends to making new connections, the day was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and inspiring talks from our guest speakers. See you next year!
#UBC #UBCChem
VSP Chemistry Package 🧪💙
Meet VSP Chemistry Coordinator, Tori Christianson, as she shares about the fun activities students get to experience in VSP CHEM 🔬, what makes it special and what new skills students can learn 👩🏻🔬🧑🏼🔬
Apply by April 17 to join in! 💚
#stem #ubc #canada #internationalexchange #university
VSP Chemistry Package 🧪☀️
Meet Dr. Montserrat Rueda-Becerril, a professor in the VSP Chemistry Package! Learn about the fun activities that students can experience in the program, tips for incoming VSP students, and more! 🥼
Apply by April 17 to join in! 🫧
#ubc #canada #summerabroad #science #STEM
VSP 2025 Chemistry Recap 🔬✨
From hands-on experiments in the lab to in-class discussions with UBC professors, this summer was filled with discovery, collaboration, and unforgettable experiences.
Students explored Vancouver’s iconic spots, visited TRIUMF (Canada’s national particle accelerator centre),and learned both inside and outside the classroom. Beyond the lab, students built friendships, explored Vancouver, and experienced campus life at UBC.
Thank you to our amazing students and instructors for an incredible summer. 💙
We can’t wait to welcome the next cohort!
✨Interested in joining us this year?✨
📌Applications for the 2026 VSP Chemistry program are open now — apply by April 17!
🔗Link in our bio.
#UBC #UBCChemistry #VSP #UBCVSP #StudyAtUBC #Vancouver #InternationalStudents #STEM
We loved welcoming girls and female identifying students to our department for a day of inspiration and discovery. 🔬💙
From hands on experiments and research lab tours to an empowering panel featuring women leaders in chemistry, the day was filled with curiosity, connection, and community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
#UBC #UBCChem
Chemistry alum seeks paw'sitive solution to pet fertility
“I love dogs,” says UBC Chemistry alum Dr. Sherry Zhao. “I had dogs growing up in China. My husband had dogs.”
But recently, when the couple looked in to adopting a puppy in Vancouver, Dr. Zhao was surprised to find out that most dogs in North America are “fixed” by surgery.
“In Qingdao, my dogs were never neutered,” she says. “It just wasn't part of the culture. And it was also a very urban environment—we just raised our dogs in our apartment—so neutering was less of an issue.”
She thought that there must be a better, less intrusive way to deal with animal fertility. After graduating from UBC in 2015 with a PhD, Dr. Zhao has spent the past decade at the intersection of research, industry and entrepreneurship in Vancouver's biotech community. She tapped into her extensive network, looking for a solution.
“I started interviewing pet owners, veterinarians, people at the animal shelters trying to understand whether this is a problem that’s as big as I think it is.”
Clearly it is. In 2024, the American SPCA reported that about 334,000 dogs were euthanized in U.S. shelters, often due to overcrowding. For veterinarians, spaying and neutering dogs is the priority when they’re brought in. But this surgery takes up such a large portion of shelters’ veterinary resources that dogs with other uncared-for medical issues may not get treatment.
The situation for our feline friends is not much better. There are about 1.3 million homeless cats in Canada.
Dr. Zhao’s findings led to her newest entrepreneurial effort, Kalino, a biotech company that is developing a method to spay and neuter dogs and cats with injections. The product is now undergoing studies.
“Using injections rather than surgery, we can help dogs get the treatment they needed faster and allow a longer window for veterinarians to have a permanent solution.”
Read more: https://bit.ly/40O5SkF
Congratulations to Professor Zachary Hudson for being a recipient of the 2025 UBC Science Excellence in Service Award!
The annual award recognizes the outstanding staff and faculty whose contributions have had a significant positive impact in achieving the Faculty’s goals.
#UBC #UBCChem
