Young scientist becomes Rhodes Scholar

In his campus lab, budding scientist and space enthusiast Jeeshan Chowdhury shows off a plastic model of a Star Trek 'tricorder'.

The device, which scanned the human body to determine injuries and disease on the popular TV series, may not be science fiction for much longer. Chowdhury is a member of an interdisciplinary research team led by University of Alberta engineer Dr. Chris Backhouse and oncologist Dr. Linda Pilarski. They are presently developing lab-on-a-chip technology which may one day diagnose diseases and genetic conditions in mere seconds.

That he's involved in such a cutting-edge project at 22 years of age is an amazing accomplishment, but it's one of many highlights padding Chowdhury's student résumé. His most recent recognition is also one of the most exciting: acceptance to the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship program at Oxford University.

Next September, Chowdhury, a medical/PhD student, becomes the 23rd U of A student to attend the British university as a Rhodes Scholar.

"So many opportunities have now opened up, I can't even imagine all the things I'll be able to experience," said Chowdhury, noting that world leaders such as Bill Clinton and Jacques Chirac have visited Rhodes House.

"It's been so great to be at the U of A, because of the new energy that you can feel here. Just look at the lab we're in. We're in the newest field of nanotechnology, we're privileged to have such great funding. But it'll be great to go somewhere where there's a history and tradition, and to experience that," he added.

While Chowdhury isn't certain who he'll work with at Oxford, he believes the program will be a life-altering experience.

"I think it'll change who I am, hopefully for the better. I hope I'm the same person at the end. I hope I've had more opportunities to learn and to see the world. I hope I can come back to Canada and to Alberta and be someone who can contribute to what we have here."

Chowdhury has plenty of time to plan his Oxford experience, though his life in Edmonton is a busy one. In addition to his duties as a student and researcher, Chowdhury is a member of the U of A rowing team and the Canadian Ski Patrol, and a director for the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation.

And while his life on Earth keeps him busy enough, Chowdhury's love of space has propelled him into some rather unusual experiences. He was a member of a student team that participated in a zero-gravity experiment this summer in France, and he once attended a NASA space camp in California.

In fact, space has been a lifelong fascination for the Star Trek fan. He recalls his kindergarten Halloween costume, a spacesuit his mother fashioned for him, and admits he's dreamt of becoming an astronaut.

"It's definitely one of those childhood dreams you keep close to your heart. And if the opportunity came up, I'd do it," he said.

In the meantime, Chowdhury is happily pursuing medicine – a field that has long intrigued him.

"Science is about learning and discovering for the sake of discovery, but also to advance humankind and help people. And medicine really personifies that."