PATHOLOGY

Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Magazine

Meet our Students

Sequencing avian influenza genomes in mud from wild bird habitats to prevent outbreaks and prepare for pandemics

— Kevin Kuchinski
PhD Student, Research Supervisor: Dr. Natalie Prystajecky

  • RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Avian influenza viruses are a perennial threat to agriculture and public health. They cause costly outbreaks in commercial poultry flocks, and historically they have been the origin of all seasonal and pandemic influenza in humans. Diverse influenza viruses are naturally found in wild birds who spread them globally during seasonal migrations. Government agencies conduct viral surveillance in local wild birds to provide early warning when dangerous strains arrive. Unfortunately, the traditional methods employed typically fail to detect viral threats before they cause outbreaks. To improve surveillance, I am developing new genome sequencing techniques for characterizing influenza viruses in surveillance specimens. These techniques capture rare scraps of viral genome to reveal their geographic origins, the range of birds and mammals they could infect, and whether they are related to any dangerous strains that have already caused outbreaks. These techniques also enable surveillance using mud from wild bird habitats. Viruses excreted from numerous birds accumulate in the mud, making it a valuable and convenient specimen for surveillance.


  • WHAT DOES BEING A PUBLIC SCHOLAR MEAN TO YOU?

I think public scholars have two distinguishing characteristics. First, they are passionate about their academic and intellectual pursuits. Second, their motivation for scholarship is inspired by a commitment to improving their community as much as it is to improving themselves.


  • IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK THE PHD EXPERIENCE CAN BE RE-IMAGINED WITH THE PUBLIC SCHOLARS INITIATIVE?

The Public Scholars Initiative encourages doctoral research that engages with the needs of the community. This transforms the researcher from a detached observer into an active participant and contributor to the common good.


  • HOW DO YOU ENVISION CONNECTING YOUR PHD WORK WITH BROADER CAREER POSSIBILITIES?

My research allows me to engage with stakeholders in industry and government. Through them, I am learning the current approaches, needs, and culture of their organizations. These experiences have built connections with other professionals and shown me how I can effectively market my expertise.


  • HOW DOES YOUR RESEARCH ENGAGE WITH THE LARGER COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL PARTNERS?

I conduct my research at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and routinely collaborate with the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The techniques I am developing have been deployed for avian influenza surveillance in British Columbia. They have also been adapted to support public health responses to SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal influenza.


  • HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR WORK CAN MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE “PUBLIC GOOD”?

I would like my work to protect the health and livelihoods of British Columbians from influenza viruses.


  • WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE A GRADUATE DEGREE?

I wanted to learn cutting-edge techniques in my field and meet other curious individuals who share my passion for microbiology and public health. I also wanted to develop the skills needed to lead research projects and to effectively communicate scientific discoveries to my colleagues and the public.


  • WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO BRITISH COLUMBIA AND STUDY AT UBC?

I was fortunate to find a supervisor at UBC whose research areas and projects aligned very closely with my learning objects, academic interests, and career aspirations. I also had a great experience completing my Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology at UBC, so I had no hesitation returning for graduate studies.