John Wigg
John Wigg is on the brink of a medical breakthrough.
Working for the Thunder Bay Research Institute, the chemistry graduate is currently researching the plausibility of a non-invasive, diagnostic imaging test for cancer-causing protein, HPV-16 E6. As a specific test for high-risk HPV is lacking at present, Wigg's research has great potential to enhance current detection methods.
"I recall reading that 70% of the cases that led to cervical cancer are HPV-16 or HPV-18 positive-yet there's no fast, specific way to test for that particular HPV infection."
Wigg adds that certain mutations of protein E6 increase its likelihood of causing cancer. He envisions a fast, efficient screening method, which will notify patients if they express the mutated form of HPV-16 E6. Those patients positive for both, explains Wigg, could be prioritized for further diagnosis and treatment.
Why did he choose Lakehead for graduate studies? Besides wanting to work towards advancing healthcare, Wigg desired to gain experience in multiple areas of research. Throughout his degree, he's also worked in many different settings from the university labs and the local research institute to the hospital's cancer clinic.
He hopes the well-rounded skillset he's acquired will help him to land his dream job in pharmaceuticals - an industry in great demand for talent and expertise. "It's why I went into science in the first place," says Wigg. "Pharmaceuticals is a field that's ever-changing, a blend of science and business."
And while his many years of lab experience have well-prepared him for the former, Wigg is also quite passionate about the business end of biotechnology. To further his knowledge in this area, he recently completed a business development course in Toronto through the Ontario's Centres of Excellence.
"I'd like to know both sides of pharmaceuticals; while I'd like to contribute to the science, I also want to work more closely with the people. I think this would allow me to play a larger role in the company and keep things very interesting and fresh."