Mark Seegobin has always been interested in science, but the dream of a career in Biology took root while he was studying at Trent.

“As an undergraduate I was able to get exposure to many of the disciplines within biology and discover what I was most interested in,” says Mr. Seegobin, a Ph.D. candidate in the Environmental & Life Sciences graduate program. “As a graduate student I’ve had the opportunity to continue to learn and apply myself while contributing to the scientific community.”

Mr. Seegobin, who calls cellular biology his passion, is currently making that contribution through a part-time position as a cell biologist at Noblegen, a biotechnology company based in Peterborough and with strong ties to Trent University. His own research involves studying signaling molecules called cytokinins. While cytokinins were once considered solely plant hormones (with a significant role in the lifecycle of plants) it is now known that they exist in all forms of life.

Mr. Seegobin is specifically looking at the antiviral potential for cytokinins, using the Inverted Fluorescence Microscope in Trent’s Biology Imaging Suite. He says working in the Suite has proven invaluable. As well as access to the Suite itself, Mr. Seegobin says Trent has provided him with significant access to a range of opportunities.

“During my time as a student I have always had opportunity for both personal and professional development through learning, practicing, teaching, and networking.”