Science: Research propels

"I have the capacity to make a meaningful difference."

Meet Caden. Purposeful. Collaborative. Focused.
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Degree: Chemistry | Concentration: Analytical biochemistry

Caden Albright came to Mount Royal University with his sights set on becoming an engineer. But after taking his first biochemistry class, he fell in love with lab work and charted a new course. Now, he’s dedicated to contributing to research that will help improve people’s lives, particularly those with disabling conditions.

“I chose a minor in philosophy — it’s important to be able to assess the ethics involved in making research decisions,” Albright says.

He says he owes a debt of gratitude to MRU’s professors, lab instructors, support staff and fellow students. “Many professors and lab instructors inspired me to work hard and to be passionate about making a difference, including Dr. Nausheen Sadiq, Dr. John Chik, Dr. Dylan Webb, Dr. Eniko Kaposcsi-Kiss, and, in particular, Dr. Jeella Acedo.”

Albright, who was Acedo’s research assistant, extols her passion, dedication, generosity and leadership. “Dr. Acedo provides guidance and opportunities for her students to excel, from participating in research and publications to presenting at conferences and more,” he says. “Her research is ground-breaking, yet she always puts her students first.”

Albright says that some of his most valuable learning opportunities came from the practical hands-on experience offered at MRU. “I spent more time in the lab than I did in the classroom. Lab work creates a sense of community — it’s an opportunity to work together and get to know other students.”

Acedo says Albright is an exemplary student, with outstanding academics, leadership and extensive research involvement.

“While our department does not have an honours program, his research experience surpasses that of many honours students,” Acedo says, adding that Albright has been an excellent researcher, receiving multiple academic awards and serving as an important mentor to other student researchers.

Albright also volunteered for four semesters with the Peer Learning Program. ”Tutoring diverse students in a variety of classes taught me that I love to teach as much as I love to learn. One of my most memorable experiences was helping fellow students survive organic chemistry — a subject that I, too, found challenging,” he shares.

“I am committed to collaborating with other students, as opposed to competing with them. This makes a huge difference, especially when I hit a roadblock. Supporting and receiving support from peers has been critical to my academic journey.”

Acedo commends Albright for juggling an exceptional GPA, contributing to different research projects, mentoring other students and giving back to the larger Calgary community. He’s done such a fine job of this, in fact, that he has earned several accolades, including the Top Poster Presentation at Research and Scholarship Days, NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) Undergraduate Student Research Award, MRU Peer Learning Award and MRU Senior Learning Peer Awards, and an Alberta Innovates — Summer Research Scholarship.

Albright says these awards and scholarships, as well as being on the President’s Honour Roll every year, are the achievements he is most proud of.

After four years of classes and labs, research and exams, there is one main takeaway for Albright. “I have the capacity to make a meaningful difference.”

As Albright prepares to pursue graduate studies in biochemical pharmacology, he has some important advice for incoming students: step outside of your comfort zone.

“There are multiple ways to get engaged and become connected with the broader MRU community. To get the most out of your undergraduate experience, it’s important to commit to a work ethic and develop a community of peers that helps you to stay motivated.”