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Yuancheng (Starry) LiuPosition/Title: MSc. Candidate email: yuanchen@uoguelph.ca Phone: 4389249766 Office: ANNU 206
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Education
1. BSc. (Life Sci, McGill, 2018)
2. MSc. (Animal Genetics, Toxicology, UofG, 2022)
Research Project Title: Efficacy of Mycotoxin Binders in Sow Diets to Mitigate Mycotoxicosis
About me
I came from Nanchang, the southern part of China. Being an animal lover, I have a great interest in nature, animal behaviour, and animal welfare. In keeping with my strong interest from a young age, my dream led me to study at the University of Guelph, known for its expertise in animal studies. As an INFJ introvert (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator Test), I enjoy playing multi-player simulation games such as Stardrew Valley and simply accompanying my cat at home in my spare time. Apart from indoor activities, I also enjoy travelling, snorkelling, and photographing wildlife.
Academic
I completed my BSc at McGill University, majoring in Life sciences. My final year of undergraduate studies was devoted to developing and validating stress-related behavioural tests for the evaluation of avian toxicity in young Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica), using chlorpyrifos as the test compound. That experience working with Dr. Jessica Head greatly enhanced my interest in research in the field of toxicology and animal stress behaviour studies.
Currently, I am pursuing a Master's degree with Dr. Niel Karrow, under the supervision of Kristen Lamers, a Ph.D. student in our lab. I chose a Toxicology specialization when I applied to the University of Guelph in line with my interest in the field.
Master Research:
In the winter 2023 semester, I will begin working on my master's research project. In feed and cereal-based feed ingredients, deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most prevalent mycotoxin. Swine are considered highly susceptible to contamination with DON compared with other farm animals. When they are exposed to high levels of DON, their body weight gain and feed intake are reduced.
My project will focus on the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge of the sows. From gestation day to post-farrowing day, sows are classified into different diet groups. In the LPS assay, sows are evaluated for their ability to mount an acute phase response to a stimulus that induces inflammation. Acute phase responses are characterized by a dramatic increase in the liver's production of a certain set of proteins. If time permits, I will also evaluate sow antibody responses to hen eggwhite lysozyme (HEWL) immunization and possibly delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH).
Work Experience
International Recruitment & Admissions Assistant, University of Guelph - Admission Services (September 2022 - Present )
-Connect with prospective secondary school students via email and other social media platforms to cultivate a relationship between potential applicants and the university
-Create and manage social media platforms that would be effective in the assigned country and in relation to domestic social media communications
-Update information on social media platforms on a consistent basis and reply to any inquiries in a professional manner
-Contact current students and alumni from the assigned country to assist with communications efforts
-Respond to emails, and provide website links and guidance when applicable