Madison Shiyuk
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in White Rock, BC as the oldest of four sisters in my family. I completed my undergraduate degree in Microbiology at UVic and started my Master’s just a couple weeks after graduating. I am currently in my first year of my M.Sc. at the Goodlett Lab, located at the
UVic Genome BC Proteomics Centre. My research involves using mass spectrometry imaging to investigate relationships between methionine cycle metabolism and immune cell infiltration in ovarian carcinoma.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is that I currently hold a deadlift Provincial Record of 176.5 kg/ 389 lbs! I have been powerlifting competitively for almost three years and will compete at Nationals in 2025.
How did you first get involved with UVic Women in Science?
I first got involved after meeting Angela (our current president!) and hearing about this club. The mission of this organization resonated with me and I got involved as quickly as I could.
What are your future career goals?
After finishing my Master’s program I plan to apply to medical school. Specifically, I want to be a family doctor. I approach my own health holistically and my goal is to provide this perspective for patients in the future.
Is there any field of research you are particularly interested in?
Metabolomics! Metabolism can provide an enormous amount of insight into living things. And, metabolomics is quite new as compared to other “-omics” (genomics, proteomics etc.) meaning that there are lots to discover.
How did you discover your interest in science?
I have been curious and enthusiastic about learning since even before I started kindergarten. I think science was the natural path for someone like me who wants to know how and why everything works. To me, science is a continuous effort to understand the world around you and it has always been a big part of me. In short, I don’t think I really discovered an interest in science but rather maintained the interest I always had as a kid.
What is your favourite non-stem hobby/activity?
My favourite non-stem hobby is powerlifting! Lifting heavy weights requires a lot of mental strength because you need to convince yourself that you are capable of doing something scary. This mindset is applicable to every other aspect of life and I believe it has allowed me to accomplish a lot of things that I would not have done without powerlifting.
What advice do you have for people looking to get into your field?
Anyone who is interested in graduate school should start to build relationships with potential supervisors as soon as possible. I also highly recommend that graduate students find a hobby/ activity that is completely unrelated to research. It is important to feel like you are hitting your goals, especially during times when your experiments aren’t working well.
What is your favourite way to relieve stress and recharge after a long day?
Aside from the gym, I enjoy playing guitar, ocean swimming, and walking to relieve stress.
What media have you been consuming recently? Music, films, books etc…
I have been reading a lot lately! Some of my favourite books I have read lately include Before We Were Yours, When Breath Becomes Air, and The Blue Sisters.
Who is someone that inspires you and why?
Someone who really inspires me is Karlina Tongotea. She is one of the best powerlifters in the world and she is a family doctor in New Zealand. I admire her because powerlifting and medicine are both incredibly demanding and she manages to excel in both. She has proven to me that I don’t ever need to choose between academics and athletic feats!
What do you find most challenging about your degree?
One of the most challenging aspects of graduate school has been learning to take responsibility for my own education. In undergrad, there are organized class times, office hours, and test dates. Students only need to focus on showing up and completing work at the appropriate times. In grad school, you are responsible for creating and executing your own learning plan. Independent learning is an incredibly valuable skill but it definitely adds to the mental load of academics!
What do you feel you have gained by being a part of UVic Women in Science?
I have gained the opportunity to create an inclusive and empowering environment for women in STEM fields. Science fields can be intimidating and challenging no matter what your background is, and I believe that it is important to create space for welcoming and mentoring those who are underrepresented in STEM. Science benefits from having diverse perspectives, and everyone in the scientific community is responsible for making that happen. The Women in Science club is a way for me to do my part in creating a more inclusive environment in science.