Daria Iskakova (she/her)

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born in Russia, grew up in Canada.

I now live in: I live in Vancouver, British Columbia.

I completed my training/education at: I have a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University.

What I do at work

I work in a genomics lab that looks at the DNA in animal and plant products. The main focus of my job is to identify plants and animals using a process called DNA barcoding. Most of the samples our lab receives are suspected to come from organisms that aren’t allowed to be brought into Canada. Many are part of legal investigations led by Wildlife Enforcement Officers.  This means these samples are evidence that may be used in a court case.

While working on a case, I perform different types of tests. These include DNA extractions, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA, and sequencing the DNA to obtain the A/T/C/G nucleotide sequence. After we obtain the sequence, I use software on my computer to piece together the genes we are looking at. Then I compare them to a global database to see what species they match most closely. All these steps involve using specialized equipment and software. This means I also get to do instrument maintenance and troubleshooting if something doesn’t look right.

My favorite part of the job is that I get to see the workflow from start to finish (even though the work is shared between several technicians). I am able to look at a sample when it arrives in our lab. Then I can go all the way through the workflow to finally identifying what plant or animal it came from.

Just like every individual is different, every case that is brought to our lab is unique too. This makes for a very dynamic work environment. Whenever our lab receives something, we haven’t seen before, we come together as a team to discuss how to proceed. We consider new approaches and research other labs have done in the past. This makes for lots of interesting scientific discussions. It also keeps everyone on their toes ready to learn!

My career path is

When I was in high school, I loved science fiction. I went to university hoping to study genetics and chemistry. During my degree, I wasn’t sure what kinds of science careers were out there.  It seemed like everyone was either on the way to graduate school to get their PhD’s, or to medical school.

I did the co-op program to learn more about what careers existed. This helped me get out of my comfort zone and learn how to network. Eventually, every time I heard of someone working in a cool science job, I would either approach them and ask them about their work. If I didn’t know them directly, I would ask someone to introduce me. This ended up leading me to meet people working at Environment and Climate Change Canada. I was encouraged to apply for some short-term work opportunities there once I graduated.

I am motivated by

I love science because it is always changing as we make new discoveries. I enjoy my job for the same reason! My position is very dynamic. It challenges me to constantly learn new methods and look for ways to improve the work we do every day. On a personal level, I am honored that my work allows me to help protect those in need. These are the plants and animals who literally have no voice to advocate for themselves. I am also helping support their conservation in natural environments.

How I affect peoples’ lives

The work I do helps identify plants and animals that are illegally transported across borders. It also provides scientific evidence that Enforcement Officers take to court in environmental lawsuits. I believe that this is very important work. My work can help the legal system catch and fine people who are harming endangered species by hunting, capturing, or harvesting them for profit.

Outside of work I

I love going for walks, paddleboarding, skiing and reading in my free time.

My advice to others

Don’t be shy to reach out to people who work in careers you’re interested in. Do this both online and through mutual connections. Chances are, they did the same thing when they were students. These people can give you valuable insight into what the work is like and how to get started in the field.