"It really opened my mind to what goes on in real research labs and became a big influence in my career choice."
Robert Merson
"It was my first experience in applying science and that confirmed for me that I wanted to work in the life sciences."
Until the Connaught Student Biotechnology Exhibition came along in 1994, Robert Merson was thinking about becoming an accountant. The Connaught, which later renamed the Aventis Biotech Challenge (ABC), generated a new interest in the applied sciences for Merson.
"It was my first experience in applying science and that confirmed for me that I wanted to work in the life sciences."
Merson's project in 1994 was to look at the effects of acid rain on microorganisms that were being used by commercial waste management to degrade wastes. Working along side scientists inside a company's lab "gave me perspective on what careers were out there in the life sciences".
Merson went on to do medical research and for the past four years has worked for SHI Consulting, a life sciences consulting firm. Instead of doing basic research, Merson is now helping Canada's diverse biotechnology sector grow into a strong industry through partnerships, product development and marketing.
"It's critical to have experience in the lab to be able to do this kind of work."
Merson says he's a big supporter of the ABC and suspects that many academic institutions keep a close eye on the finalists in hopes of attracting them into their programs.
"I really enjoyed the competition ba
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Contact: Terry Collins
terrycollins@rogers.com
416-538-8712
Canadian Biotechnology Education Resource Centre
30-Sep-2004