Fall 2020 Convocation Spotlight: Adriana Airo, ’20 PhD

Adriana Airo, ’20 PhD

It was the University of Alberta’s strong focus on virology that drew Adriana Airo, ’20 PhD, to Edmonton for her doctoral studies, but she never could have imagined she would be defending her thesis in the midst of a pandemic. Read about her most valuable lessons learned at the U of A as the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry welcomes her and the Class of 2020 to the alumni family.

Adriana Airo, ’20 PhD in Virology
Medical Microbiology & Immunology
Supervisor: Tom Hobman, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology

UAlberta love at first sight

I think one of my most memorable experiences at UAlberta was when I first came to Edmonton to interview and meet with potential supervisors prior to commencing my PhD studies. I was so impressed by the facilities and the people I met during my trip that I knew by the end of the day I wanted to pursue graduate studies at U of A. In fact, some of the students I met that day turned into my good friends throughout my PhD and one turned into my significant other!

A fascination for virology

I was raised in Pitt Meadows, B.C. It was during my bachelor studies in microbiology and immunology at the University of British Columbia that I realized how much I enjoyed virology. I chose to conduct my doctoral studies in the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology (MMI) at UAlberta because of the strong focus on virology

Despite their relatively small size, the capacity of viruses to mutate and become a threat to humanity is astonishing. In particular, I really enjoy learning about the complexity by which viruses replicate and evade recognition by the immune system. As we have recently seen with COVID-19, these small agents can have a profound effect on every aspect of our daily lives.

Launching a career in the time of COVID-19

Defending my PhD virtually in the midst of a lockdown was anticlimactic, but I was very lucky in that pre-COVID-19, I completed interviews and secured a post-doctoral position in clinical microbiology at the University of Toronto. Moving and starting a new position during COVID-19 brought some unique and unexpected challenges, but one positive result of the pandemic is that everywhere I go now everyone wants to talk about virology!

The greatest lesson of COVID-19 for me is adaptability―to be prepared for a changing situation and to work to make the best of it.

Did you discover a favourite hidden gem in the City of Edmonton while you were studying at U of A?
Not exactly a hidden gem...but West Edmonton Mall is the best! It is truly undervalued among Edmontonians. To have everything under one roof is such a fun way to escape the winter blues.

Celebration with family across Canada

I am in Toronto with my partner, but my family resides in British Columbia. We will have a virtual gathering and celebration to mark my convocation.

Adriana’s advice to future UAlberta grad students
Be prepared for a marathon and not a sprint. Perseverance is key.