Robert Pazdzior '11, B.Sc. Honours, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vernonville, Ontario

Robert oozes enthusiasm over his course of study. “Proteins and enzymes are fascinating, complex, biological molecules,” said Robert. “They’re the molecular machinery that keeps us going, and yet we have much to learn about nearly every aspect. The elegance and unknowns of protein chemistry drew me into Trent’s Biochemistry program.”

His time at Trent has been marked by academic excellence. His above 90 per cent average and ongoing success in Chemistry and Biology has honoured Robert many awards and scholarships as well as a summer research project  in Dr. Steven Rafferty’s laboratory, who he credits with having a significant impact on him throughout his upper years at Trent.  

According to Robert, “He has given me many great opportunities to learn and experience research first-hand during my Honours thesis project investigating electron transport proteins from the organism that causes Beaver Fever (Giardia intestinalis), and also in his lab as part of the Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) offered by NSERC.  His guidance along the way has been invaluable.”

An avid rock climber, Robert’s interests expand beyond the lab. He is an active member of the rock climbing community in Peterborough and at Trent.

Robert plans to start graduate studies in the fall and hopes to attend the Center for Molecular Medicine in Vienna, Austria as a Ph.D. student. He feels his lab experience at Trent has provided key preparation, ensuring his eligibility for direct entry into Ph.D. programs.

Going forward Robert wants to develop the field of bacteriophage therapy in North America. His work would include the research of viruses that only infect specific bacteria and that could serve as an alternative to antibiotic treatment.  He dreams of developing a process for raising viruses against specific strains of infectious bacteria in order to produce infection-tailored treatments, or anti-bacterial cocktails for common infections.

Looking back at his time at Trent he is grateful for the experiences and opportunities he encountered along the way.

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (2013,2014,2015)
• Trent National Renewable Entrance Scholarship (2011-2014)
• Canadian Society for Chemistry Silver Medal (2014)
• Joseph Ernest Goodhead Prize (2014)
• Makhija Prize in Chemistry  (2014)
• Robert Annett Scholarship (2014)
• Graham Hartley Prize (2013)

 Extra-curricular Activities:

• Rock Climber and Rock Wall Volunteer, Trent Athletics Centre