Meet Danielle Hanke

What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree in the field of pharmaceutical sciences? 

The medicinal chemistry course that I took in the final year of my undergrad was my favourite course of the entire degree, and it inspired me to pursue graduate studies in the same field. I had always been interested in the health sciences, and I loved the idea of being able to apply my love for chemistry in a way that would help people by developing new pharmaceuticals. Our Faculty has such a diverse range of research groups, which also really drew me to this field; I love working and learning in such a multidisciplinary environment which allows for a lot of opportunities to collaborate and learn from my colleagues. 

Why did you choose UBC Pharm Sci? 

I fell in love with the west coast when I did my undergrad at UVic, and knew that I wanted to stay in BC for graduate school. UBC has one of the top Pharmaceutical Sciences programs in Canada, and the research in Dr. Brent Page’s lab is really what drew me to this program. The Page Lab is a medicinal chemistry and chemical biology lab that focuses on conducting research in early-stage drug development, which is the exact area of research that I was interested in pursuing. 

What is your research project about?

My research focuses on developing small drug-like molecules that target different proteins involved in disease. The topic of my thesis is making molecules that inhibit two particular proteins that are involved in cancer. The ultimate goal for my research would be for the molecules that I make during my PhD to eventually be developed into successful anticancer drugs. 

What has been the highlight of your time at Pharm Sci so far?

The highlight of my time at Pharm Sci so far is definitely all of the incredible people I’ve met. I feel very lucky to have a great supervisor and lab mates, and I have learned so much from all of the people I have worked with while studying at Pharm Sci. Many of the graduate students in the Faculty have also turned into my best friends, which makes coming into the lab every day lots of fun. 

What was the most challenging part of the program so far, and how did you handle it?

I think the most challenging part of the program so far was the comprehensive exam. I handled it by making a study plan and doing some mock exams with my lab mates, which were very helpful and made me feel very prepared for the actual exam! 

How have you found support and community at Pharm Sci/UBC?

Our graduate student society, PharGS, holds many social events and other initiatives throughout the year that really helped me find community within the Faculty. There are at least one or two events every month, which are great opportunities to meet other students within the Faculty and make some new friends. 

What are some fun activities you enjoy doing in and around Vancouver?

I love spending time outdoors, which is why I think Vancouver is such a great place to live! There are so many great areas nearby to hike, camp, ski, swim, climb, and so much more. I also play quite a few sports (beach volleyball, soccer, hockey, softball, basketball), which keep me busy throughout the year!

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering pursuing graduate studies at UBC Pharm Sci?

I would say that the most important things are finding a research project that you’re passionate about and a supervisor that you get along with. There is so much interesting research happening in many different topics within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, but I think it’s really important that you are excited about the work that you’re doing and enjoy working with your supervisor and lab mates.