09/03/2026
In August, Chemistry MSc student Dani Moreno Devia successfully defended their thesis. Before she said goodbye to Victoria and back home to Columbia, she opened up about her time as a UVic student!
🌟What is your research about?
"My research focuses on using SERS to detect radiation induced biochemical changes in breast cancer cell lines. By analyzing the extracellular metabolites released after irradiation, I identify phenotype specific signatures of metabolic stress, apoptosis, and membrane integrity. These biochemical fingerprints reveal how different breast cancer subtypes respond to radiation at the molecular level. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a sensitive, label free method that supports more personalized radiation treatments, where therapy can be tailored to the unique biological behavior of each tumor rather than relying on average values."
🌟What was the highlight of your experience at UVic Chemistry?
"My favorite part of being at UVic Chemistry was getting to meet people from other research groups and learning about areas of chemistry I had never been exposed to before. The CGSS activities played a huge role in that, organizing trivia nights, social events, and student mixers gave me the chance to talk to people from other fields. Those moments made me feel connected, supported, and part of something bigger than my own project."
🌟Advice to incoming grad students?
"Find your people, the classmates, lab mates, and friends who make the hard days lighter. Don’t be afraid to ask “basic” questions; they save you weeks of frustration. Keep in mind that progress is not linear, so celebrate the small wins, because they matter."
