In September, BPI welcomed doctoral candidate Rubina Ajdary from Aalto University in Finland to begin her 6-month exchange program at UBC under the Boreal Alliance initiative. On January 27th, Ajdary successfully defended her Ph.D thesis on biomedical solutions for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
Dr. Ajdary’s project investigates the applications of nanocelluloses as 3D functional materials in biomedicine that could help revolutionize the medical industry. The project’s vision aims to introduce customized solutions for patients to increase treatments available to individuals suffering from Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Ajdary highlights that “not everybody needs the same treatment, hence using additive manufacturing, we are provided with an opportunity to create customized solutions for a variety of patients.”
Dr. Ajdary completed her thesis defence at UBC as a hybrid event with the Finish review board on a conference call. Her decision to host the defence as a hybrid event allowed her to share this important moment with friends and family in both Finland and Vancouver. Ajdary explained that choosing the location for this important day was a “tough decision, but I’m happy that I had it at UBC, because on my big day I had my supervisor, Professor Orlando Rojas, which was wonderful, as he had a big role in shaping the person I am today, so I was happy to celebrate it with him, my new research group at UBC, and my family.”
During the defence, Rubina described feeling some stress, but knowing that all the work she had completed in the last 4 years was going to be evaluated in that moment awakened a sudden surge of power. Rubina explained “the moment I started speaking I wasn’t stressed anymore.” In fact, the support from her friends and family encouraged her to try her best as she recounts feeling “very proud of them for coming early in the morning to match Finnish time … and show them that waking up was worth it!”
As Dr. Ajdary looks back at her decision to apply to the FinnCERES and BPI exchange program, she exclaimed “time is going by so fast! But the journey has been exciting so far!” When asked what drew her to this exchange opportunity, Rubina said that “the opportunity for exchange really encourages researchers to bring fresh ideas, meet new people and go outside their comfort zone as we are pushed to collaborate in new research projects.” At BPI and UBC, she noted that “there are many researchers from different [nationalities and multicultural backgrounds] working at UBC that they bring new ideas to the table.” With her time at BPI Rubina remarked that she “loved the opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration at UBC which are highly valuable as they not only open new doors, but provide new perspectives.”
What’s next for Dr. Ajdary? Well, Dr. Ajdary will continue to collaborate with BPI researchers on novel projects, while enjoying the adventures of British Columbia and Canada.
Congratulations, Dr. Ajdary and all the best for the next chapter of your exciting research adventure!
