INTRODUCTION.
My name is Matthew Hanks and I am a fourth year chemical biology honours student. I have always been very interested in science and research. Throughout elementary school and high school I conducted several different small research projects and presented them at local science fairs. My research interests include environmental sustainablility and medicine.
My passion for research led me to become a volunteer researcher for the Rae Fawcett Breast Health Clinic in Kamloops during the summer after my first year at Thompson Rivers University. The study I helped with, focused on timely access to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. From there, I pursued many research projects at TRU. During the summer of 2022, I assisted in a bioremediation research project at TRU. The goal of the bioremediation research was to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of a bacterial consortium for degrading hydrocarbons like diesel and crude oil. During the Winter 2023 Semester, I completed a Directed Studies in Biology under the supervision of Dr. Cheeptham. This self-directed research project investigated the evolutionary similarity of Streptomyces that live in different habitats around the world and how this relates to the conservation of specific genes that are responsible for biofilm formation. From May 2023 to September 2023, I worked on a research project through the Undergraduate Research Experience Awards Program (UREAP). This research focused on the identification and quantification of major carotenoids in Mysis diluviana by capillary electrophoresis. I am currently continuing this for my Chemical Biology Honours project.
Throughout my research journey I have had the opportunity to learn many new things and meet knowledgeable people. I am excited to pursue many more research projects and continue to learn. Below is a collection that showcases my research knowledge.