Meet Eli LeDrew, Research Assistant and NSERC Student Research Award recipient, working at MSVU’s Bone Development Lab.
Eli is a recent MSVU graduate (spring 2024) with a BSc in Biology and one of the six students who received an Undergraduate Student Research Award this summer, from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Through this award, Eli has held an assistantship position in Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal’s lab.
Dr. Franz-Odendaal is the Chair of the Biology department and the President of the Canadian Society of Zoologists, past President of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science and a co-founder and the lead ally of the Canadian Black Scientists Network. Tamara’s research focuses on bone development, within the evolutionary developmental biology framework. The project Eli is assisting with is exploring the effects of simulated microgravity impact on bone development in larval zebrafish.
“This research project explores how Earth-based simulations of microgravity can be used to study bone development,” says Eli. “It can provide insight into the effects of space gravity on astronauts’ bone cells, help us to better understand the challenges of long-term space travel on developing bones, and can even explore the feasibility of maintaining a fish population on long-term space missions for protein sources. In addition to space, this research can also further our understanding of how simulated microgravity may be used for the advancement of regenerative medicine.”
Eli, who will undertake honours studies this fall, states that working on this project and the support from his supervisor and other lab colleagues has solidified his interest in further education and pursuing a career in research.
“I think the most interesting aspect of this research work is just how much valuable information we can learn from creatures as small as zebrafish. The experience working with live animal models has allowed me to garner an even greater appreciation for laboratory animals,” he adds.
This research project is funded by NSERC and the Canadian Space Agency.