Kailee Rutherford

Current Degree Pursuing: PhD in Biochemistry and Medical Genetics; University of Manitoba
       Supervisor: Dr. Kirk McManus         
       Area of Research: Chromosome instability, ubiquitin, and colorectal cancer (see our laboratory’s webside                                           for more details)  
Undergraduate Degree Achieved: BSc in Genetics (Honours); University of Manitoba
Advice for First-Year Undergraduate Students: While your studies are extremely important, I found the key to a successful degree and gettting the most out of it is to find the balance between your studies and personal life. What this means to you will vary, and isn’t a one-size-fits-all. For me, at times this was balancing in a consistent workout plan, while other times I needed to get outside, socialize, or just take some time for myself. As Schulich Leaders we all have high aspirations that likely require many years of schooling. It can become easy to fall into an isolated ‘study cave’, which is fine in the short-term, but long-term isn’t sustainable and most will reach burn-out attempting this (I know I have). So, don’t be afraid to take breaks when needed, and don’t forget to have fun in your university journey – it can be a a long road, make the most of it :).
What is your favourite inspirational quote? 
“You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’ about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
– Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa