Humans of LMP: Edyta Marcon

Each month we speak to a member of the Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology community and find out more about them as part of an initiative from our Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee (WIDE).

Visit the Humans of LMP page to read more stories and nominate yourself or others to be featured.

This month we feature Translational Research Program Assistant Professor, Dr. Edyta Marcon.

How long have you been at LMP and what does your role involve?

I have been a lecturer at the Translational Research Program at LMP for a few years but just this January I started a new position at TRP as the Assistant Professor, teaching stream. I am very excited to continue with the great projects at TRP and also to bring fresh ideas and initiatives. My role involves designing curriculum, teaching, mentoring, supporting projects, and designing diverse opportunities for students to learn and network.

What led you to pursue your current career path?  

My background is scientific research. I was a Post Doctoral Fellow and then a senior research associate at the Donnelly Center over the last 15 years. Our research fell under the umbrella of gene expression in health and disease using proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics and other techniques.

We made great strides in understanding the roles of many chromatin-related proteins and transcription factors but it seemed like all the findings were stuck in the lab. So, I started looking for something more and joined the TRP as a student many years ago. Now, using my experience as a student and as a researcher, I help students to identify and address pressing healthcare needs.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of? 

I am really most proud of the students’ growth as they go through the program. It is immensely satisfying to see somebody trying to find their way in life, bouncing from idea to idea and then with a little encouragement and direction, or really only a slight push, they find their purpose, their passion, and grow both on a professional as well as personal level.

What was the best career advice you ever received?  

“If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life”. I can safely say that I have never worked a day in my life!

What has been an important learning experience in your life? 

I had many learning moments, one of the most important advice in my life was given to me by Barbara Spyropoulos, a lab manager in my PhD lab: “take 24 hours before responding”. That served me well for the rest of my personal and professional life. The other learning experience that I embraced is to treat failure as a learning opportunity.

Who is an influential person in your life and why?

My PhD supervisor, he told me how to do research but more than that, he showed me the passion for it, passion for pursuit of knowledge, passion for life.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I am a hunter and gatherer, particularly of wild mushrooms!

What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Hiking, swimming, puzzles.

What is your favourite album, film and novel? 

Film: Pretty Woman

I read a lot of books: Robert Ludlum, Frederick Forsyth

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

My great, great, great, great, grandmother.

Where/what is your favourite place? 

Collins Bay, Georgian Bay.

If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?

Pen and paper, so I can write my own books.