Award Winner Interview: Oualid Haddad

Mitacs award winner’s research makes study of devastating skin disease easier and could lead to a cure

The research led to the completion of a motorized incubator device that now enables researchers to observe live cells for days at a time as they are stretched under the microscope.  His work may help to cure a devastating skin blistering disease called epidermolysis bullosa simplex.  Below is an exclusive interview with Mr. Haddad, who won the Mitacs Post-doctoral Award for Outstanding Research Achievement, as presented as presented by the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, held November 28^th in Ottawa.

What is the greatest advantage you feel you gained by participating in Mitacs Elevate?

Through my experience with Mitacs Elevate, I feel more confident in leading research projects within strict deadlines, and to collaborate in ways that cater to individual students’ learning and personality styles. I have also learned a great deal about industry expectations which will help me enter my desired field and find a career placement.

Which skill do you think is most important for post-doctoral researchers to learn before entering an industry environment?

Clear communication and strong motivation are important skills to have when collaborating with an industry partner—they help you from the beginning of the process and all throughout your projects.

What advice would you give other researchers currently considering participating in Mitacs Elevate?

It is vitally important for researchers to be open to a new experience with a different approach than they are used to in academia. Coming from an academic background in which we only deal with methods, logic and results, it is easy to be sceptical or to underestimate the importance of small details—for example in presentations, communications, interviews,  as well as the importance of networking—often thinking that the findings and or the skills prevail . However, in a competitive world economy such as we have today, it is these small details which make the difference. Taking part in Mitacs Step workshops helps to build these skills. The workshops represent a one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact and learn from knowledgeable professionals—something that each researcher should take full advantage of.

What are your future plans?  Where do you see yourself in five years?

After my postdoctoral position at the University of Guelph ends, I am looking to continue my career in North America in either industry or academia. My hope would be to secure a permanent position at a university or to develop my own biotechnology start-up using the skills and experience which I learned through Mitacs Elevate.

Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and  the Government of Ontario for their support of the Elevate research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Elevate program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, the Government of British Columbia, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan and Research Manitoba.

Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca

Mitacs Team

Mitacs’s website content is created by people throughout our organization, united in their passion for innovation and eager to share their perspectives with others in the innovation ecosystem. 

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