Sara Matthews

About me

I was born/grew up in: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

I now live in: Montréal, Québec

I completed my training/education at: I completed a Bachelor of Science in Nanoscience with a minor in Biochemistry at the University of Guelph. This program included a co-op option, which meant I got to work at various places during my studies. I went on to complete a Master’s in Chemical Engineering at McGill University, during which I also completed a 4-month internship thanks to a scholarship.

What I do at work

I plan and perform laboratory experiments to understand how bacteria adapt to changes in their environment. My main focus is on the type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires Disease. I explore the behaviour of these bacteria in environments where they live and reproduce, such as in water.

My daily activities are related to my work. I read scientific papers on a regular basis. This helps me keep up to date on this subject. Reading papers also helps me learn if there are any new techniques and tools I can use in my own investigation. I also work on any active experiments that are taking place. I may be making observations and collecting data. I might have to examine samples using special microscopes. Or I might be using special methods that create millions of copies of bacterial DNA. These copies are then used in other experiments. I also ensure that the bacteria cultures have what they need to stay alive.

After I collect my data, I will analyze it. I use Microsoft Excel to create graphs. I also use statistics to analyze my data. Then I will discuss the results with my colleagues. Sharing early results and ideas is a key part of science. This helps make sure the conclusions we are coming to are reasonable. It also helps us to troubleshoot any problems that might have occurred. The experiments we perform can take anywhere from a few weeks to months. After all the experiments are complete, I’ll bring all the data together and write up a scientific article of my own for publication. Sharing our findings with others is a very important part of the scientific process. It helps other scientists learn what we have learned. It can also trigger new questions and that can lead to new experiments. Scientific research never ends!

My career path is

I was always interested in a career in science but had no idea what my career would look like. When I chose a university program, I combined my two favorite subjects: chemistry and biology. I went into a biochemistry program that had a co-op option. I did this so I could try different jobs during my studies. After my first year, the physics program coordinator introduced me to nanoscience. This is a new cutting-edge field with endless practical applications. As a result, I switched over to nanoscience.

I deeply enjoyed all the laboratory work in my classes and in my internships. Through the co-op program, I got to work at a nuclear research facility. I also had the opportunity to do research in an academic microbiology lab and in a materials research and development (R&D) department.  All this firsthand experience confirmed for me that I wanted a career in research. I knew I wanted to understand structures and inner workings of natural systems. To me it seemed like nature had already invented a lot of creative solutions to practical problems. All we had to do was figure out how to apply them to solve our problems.

I am motivated by

It’s great to work as a team to solve complex puzzles and generate information that can ultimately improve public health. I also enjoy that my work tasks change from day to day. I love that I am constantly learning something new!

How I affect peoples’ lives

Our research helps to understand how to prevent the growth of these bacteria in the environments where they live. This will help reduce the number of people who will contract a harmful infection. It also helps identify genes and traits that promote mutation and adaptation of bacteria.

Outside of work I

I love horseback riding and dance. I also like to try out new restaurants with friends.

My advice to others

Follow your curiosity.