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Detail-oriented Second-Year Biological Sciences student (GPA: 3.65) with foundational training in molecular biology techniques, genomic data analysis, and an academic interest in prion diseases.
GPA: 3.65/4.0
Dean’s List
University of Lethbridge
Relevant Coursework: Cellular Basis of Life, Diversity of Life, General Chemistry I & II, Principles of Genetics, Introductory Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry I, Biostatistics, Principles of Ecology
Wet-Lab Skills & Certifications: DNA extraction & purification, PCR, gel electrophoresis, aseptic technique & streak plating, tissue culture, spectrophotometry, Gram staining & bacterial identification, microscopy & oil immersion, protein crystallization.
Certifications: Laboratory Safety & Biosafety, Understanding Molecular Biology (PCR/DNA Isolation), Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry, Immunology Techniques (ELISA, Western Blotting), Histology, Microscopy, Anatomy and Disease, Concepts in Biosafety, WHMIS.
Computational Skills: Python, R, Git, Linux.
Ulofe Uduokhai
Email | LinkedIn | GitHub
September 25, 2026
Dr. Waqas Tahir
Research Scientist and Head, Canadian and WOAH Reference Laboratory for BSE
National Centre for Animal Diseases,
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Township Road 9-1, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Z4
Dear Dr. Tahir,
I am writing to apply for the Co-op Student position in the Canadian BSE reference laboratory. I am a second-year Biological Sciences student at the University of Lethbridge. I recently completed an independent literature synthesis on atypical BSE and the E211K mutation, so the questions behind these projects, the germline mutation found in Canadian case 20 in 2021 and how many carriers it implies across the national herd, are ones I have read into and thought about carefully.
The E211K screen needs steady molecular work and data analysis at scale. In my undergraduate courses so far, I have run DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, and I analyse data in Python and R. In my research internship with Dr. Hoover Shelley, I designed and executed independent projects and authored formal scientific reports. At a recent St. Jude Children's Research Hospital biohackathon my team worked through a 41.6 GB genomic dataset under a three-day deadline. I am comfortable moving between the bench and the analysis a screen of 1,000 to 1,200 samples depends on.
The sheep transmission work relies on immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and ELISA. I have completed certifications in ELISA and Western blotting, and in histology and microscopy, which give me a working familiarity with these methods to build on. I have also spent time working on and around farms, which is part of why animal health interests me.
Beyond the science, I would be constantly willing to learn and adapt and I would take the laboratory's standards and the reliability clearance seriously from the first day. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I could contribute. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ulofe Uduokhai.
Term Posted: Winter 2027
Job Title: Co-op student: Canadian BSE reference lab
Duration: 8-12 Months
Job Location: Lethbridge, Alberta
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for delivering federally mandated programs for food inspection, plant and animal health. The Agency relies on high-quality, timely and relevant science as the basis of its program design and regulatory decision-making. Scientific activities inform the Agency's understanding of risks, provide evidence for the development of mitigation measures, and confirm the effectiveness of these measures. CFIA scientific activities include laboratory testing, research, surveillance, test method development, risk assessments and expert scientific advice. Agency scientists maintain strong partnerships with universities, federal, provincial and international counterparts, as well as industry, in order to effectively carry out the CFIA's mandate.
The National Centre for Animal Diseases (NCAD) in Lethbridge, Alberta, is an integral part of the CFIA, contributing to the health of animals through diagnostic testing and research initiatives. The laboratory is designated as the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) reference laboratory for anthrax, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD). WOAH Reference Laboratories are designated to pursue scientific and technical problems that relate to a specific disease or topic. Its role is to function as a center of expertise and standardization of diagnostic techniques for its designated disease.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of cattle and belongs to a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The underlying pathogenic mechanism of BSE involves conversion of a host-encoded cellular prion protein (PrPC) into its pathological isoform called scrapie prion protein (PrPSc) leading further to its deposition and aggregation in the central nervous system. BSE can be classical (C-BSE) or atypical (H-type BSE and L-type BSE) based on biochemical characteristics of PrPSc resulting in different disease phenotypes in each of these BSE types. The C-BSE is linked to the consumption of TSE-contaminated feed whereas atypical BSE is considered sporadic and attributed to the old age of cattle. Canada has reported so far total of 20 case of BSE (C-BSE = 17, L-BSE = 1 and H-BSE = 2). No pathogenic mutation was identified in the first two cases of atypical BSE, however E211K pathogenic mutation was identified in the last case of H-BSE which was confirmed in December 2021. Further analysis showed that E211K mutation in the last case of H-BSE (the Canadian BSE case 20) was a germline mutation, indicating the likelihood of more carriers of this mutation in the Canadian cattle population. Based on this, we aim to analyze the prevalence rate of E211K mutation in the Canadian cattle population by testing samples from 1000-1200 cattle using high-throughput analytic workflow for direct and rapid screening for E211K mutation. At the same time, we also want to analyze if atypical BSE could be transmitted to smaller ruminants such as sheep with various genotypes (susceptible or partially resistant) to BSE by testing the tissues of previously BSE challenged sheep with Immunohistochemistry, Immunoblotting and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
We are seeking for two highly motivated Co-op students with strong interpersonal and communication skills to join our lab full time to work in person in above mentioned projects for a period of 8-12 months (depending on availability of the student) at NCAD, Lethbridge. The rate of pay for the position will range between CAD $18.84 and $28.30 depending on the years of education and experience.
Qualification: Students with strong academic background with prior knowledge and laboratory skills in molecular biology methods (such as DNA extraction, PCR, DNA sequencing and data analysis) as well as biochemical methods (such as Immunohistochemistry, Immunoblotting and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and microscopy will be preferred.
Successful candidates must be able to complete the mandatory security clearance to work at the CFIA lab.
Security Clearance - Reliability Status (Initiated by the employer once hired) - In order to be hired, students must pass a security clearance and the start date will be dependent on when the security clearance process is finalized. The security clearance process is started by the employer once the student passes an interview and is selected for the position (students cannot initiate their own security clearance). The process typically takes 2 - 8 weeks but may take longer if the student has lived outside of Canada in the last five years. If selected for a position, please let us know if you have lived outside of Canada during this time frame.
Both domestic and international students are encouraged to apply.
Preferred Academic Level: Undergraduate
All Programs: No
Targeted Degrees and Disciplines: View Targeted Programs
Salary: Salary Not Available, 37.5 hours per week
Salary Note: Based on Treasury Board of Canada
Projected Start Date: 01/04/2027
Projected End Date: 08/31/2027
Start/End Date Note: Start date dependent on security clearance