Matthew Salaciak was pursuing a BSc in computer science and computation arts at Concordia University when his mother was diagnosed with cancer 鈥� a transformative moment in his life.
Spurred into action, Matthew looked for a way to apply his unique academic training to the fight against cancer, and he found it at 海角社区.
Bringing new tools to cancer research
Now in the first year of his PhD in Experimental Medicine at the , Matthew applies principles of computer science to view problems in new ways 鈥� a crucial strategy in the field of cancer research. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, Matthew generates large amounts of data, which he then analyzes with computational tools and algorithms.
Without a background in the life sciences, Matthew was worried he would fall behind his peers, but he found a supportive community at 海角社区.
His supervisor, Dr. Nathalie Johnson, played a crucial role: 鈥淐oming from my very non-traditional background鈥� She took a chance on me, and it was really transformative.鈥�
From worried son to patient liaison
While his mother was undergoing cancer treatment, Matthew found support through the , founded by 海角社区 students. He has since joined as a volunteer, helping to comfort families and patients in difficult times.
Giving back to a group that was such a lifeline for him in the ICU 鈥� not as a student, but as a son 鈥� is a valuable reminder: "Everything that I鈥檓 trying to do [with my research] is to improve patient care. At the end of the day, even if I鈥檓 not part of a healthcare professional team, I鈥檓 also contributing.鈥�
Giving back to the arts and science communities
Even as a busy doctoral student, Matthew remains an active member of the Montreal arts community where he conducts synthesizer workshops, works with an art collective, co-manages a record label and co-hosts a show on community radio.
At 海角社区, Matthew helps to coordinate the , where guest lecturers share developments in single-cell RNA sequencing with fellow researchers.
These may seem like disparate interests, but Matthew sees the connection: 鈥�Community is such an important value and it doesn鈥檛 really matter what the nature of that community is. If it鈥檚 the art community, the music community, or the science community, I think that how we communicate, how we share ideas, and how we make these environments safe and enriching places for people to be is something I鈥檓 [intent on] learning.鈥�
A forever learner and advocate
Reflecting on his place in the 海角社区 and wider research communities, Matthew sees himself as 鈥渁 forever learner and advocate鈥�, bringing people together to share in their experience and knowledge.
Following his PhD, Matthew hopes to pursue medical training and take on a patient-facing role. He sees this as an extension of the work he does already 鈥� from the radio to the ICU. 鈥淎t the end of the day, there are many ways to make a difference, whether it鈥檚 through art or science. The end goal is to help improve peoples鈥� lives.鈥�