Corbin Glufka is a Master’s student in neuroscience at UBC under the supervision of Dr. Kurt Haas. His thesis focuses on the functionally characterizing variants of the gene PTEN, which are associated with disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and brain cancer. We caught up with Corbin to learn more about his research interests and plans for the future.
Corbin Glufka
What do you like most about the Graduate Program in Neuroscience?
My favourite thing about my program is the sense of community and how supportive everyone is. From answering a quick question, to showing you a brand-new technique, people are always willing to make time to help you.
Why did you choose Neuroscience?
I chose to pursue my studies in the neuroscience field because I wanted to contribute to the understanding of various neurological diseases, with the hope that my work could lead to a positive impact on individuals affected.
What is your educational background?
I have a BSc degree in chemistry from Brandon University (which is in Manitoba!). During my undergrad I was able to gain a lot of cell culture experience and knowledge of mass spectroscopy that has helped me in my graduate work thus far. Currently, I am gaining a lot of functional skills related to techniques such as flow cytometry and mass cytometry.
What is a typical day like for you as a graduate student?
My day usually starts with a sleepy commute from East Vancouver, followed by a warm cup of coffee once I get to the lab. After this my day typically consists of some combination of cell culture, work at the bench top and data analysis.
What advice do you have for students interested in the graduate program?
Make sure to spend time thinking about and understanding the rationale of your thesis. This can help put your project in perspective and keep you motivated and focused.
What do you like to do outside of research?
Outside of research, I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s running, hiking, camping or a combination of all three.
