Sophie Langlois

Program

Master of Biomedical Science (MBS)

Why did you choose to complete your graduate studies in MBS at the University of Guelph? 

I chose to complete the Master of Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Guelph because it is a unique academic opportunity. This one-year course-based master's program will allow me to quickly enter the workforce in a field that I am passionate about. As someone who did not have any previous wet lab experience, I felt that a course-based master's program would fit my skills and interests better than a thesis-based program. The MBS program has allowed me to study assisted reproductive biotechnologies through lecture-based course content, while simultaneously providing me with extensive wet lab and IVF experience. I am very thankful that I was selected to be in Dr. Favetta’s lab, as it has provided me with the necessary knowledge, skills, and self-confidence to work successfully in an IVF clinic. I am glad that I have been able to dip my toes into laboratory-based research, and I am very excited to have the opportunity to potentially co-author an academic paper.

Tell us about the path you took to get to the MBS program.

I first became interested in reproductive health and fertility while completing my Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) at McMaster University. While at McMaster, I was very fortunate to be mentored by Dr. Eric Seidlitz for my final undergraduate thesis, which explored gaps in available literature regarding cannabinoids and breastfeeding. Eric was a great help with my research and encouraged me to continue my postgraduate studies in women’s health and fertility. Further, during my undergrad, I became a birth and labour doula to help young women improve their perinatal well-being through physical, emotional, and informational support. My passion for reproductive health inspired me to become a doula, which provided me with the opportunity to learn more about the entire perinatal experience. After I graduated from McMaster in 2021, I pursued a Graduate Diploma in Applied Health Sciences at Western University, where I entered the Health Equity stream of the program.

All of these choices have led me to where I am now and I am very happy to be in the MBS program working with Dr. Favetta. I am passionate about the research conducted in the Favetta lab, and I have worked very hard to get here.

What are you learning?

I have always been very passionate about reproductive health and fertility, but the first time I was exposed to a reproduction-specific course wasn’t until the third year of my undergraduate degree at McMaster. I took a perinatal and reproductive health course, which was my favourite class that I took at McMaster. From the time I was about halfway through the course, I knew this was the field I wanted to pursue. 

My current research focuses on the impacts of bisphenols on male fertility, and my project has allowed me to practice many laboratory techniques. Some moments that stood out to me this year were my first successful western blot and when I first grew bovine blastocysts using in vitro fertilization. Reproductive biology is fascinating to me, and I am grateful to be learning and researching in this field.

How do you think the work you are doing at U of G can potentially improve life?

Bisphenols are a type of plasticizer which can hinder many bodily functions. These compounds are found in many everyday items including food and beverage containers, water pipes, thermal receipt paper, and medical devices. Bisphenols can leach from plastic containers into food and beverages, especially when heated or exposed to acidic or fatty foods. As such, exposure is ubiquitous.
Bisphenols are considered to be harmful as they can mimic hormones in the body, particularly estrogen. This has shown harmful effects on both female and male reproductive potential.
Our lab has been working to show the impacts of bisphenol A, bisphenol S, and bisphenol F exposure on the reproductive potential of sperm. Research like this can help to push for further legislative regulations on these compounds, and thus protect Canadian citizens from high levels of bisphenol exposure.

What's it like to work with an academic advisor?

I have a lot of respect for Dr. Favetta and the way that she pushes her students to challenge themselves academically. While the program has been demanding, I have consistently felt supported by Dr. Favetta and the rest of the lab.

What do you plan to do after graduation? How has U of G helped you reach that goal? 

My goal after graduation is to become an embryologist at a fertility clinic near Toronto. Throughout the MBS program, I have learned and practiced many laboratory skills to produce bovine blastocysts through in vitro fertilization. As well, I am very grateful that the program has provided opportunities to tour reproductive health facilities, such as Semex, and multiple human fertility clinics. These experiences have set me up for success to become an andrologist or embryologist, as I feel very well prepared for the job.

What it is like to be a graduate student at Guelph?

So far, I have found being a graduate student at U of G very academically challenging, but incredibly rewarding at the same time. The MBS program has provided many collaborative opportunities to work with other students in my program, while simultaneously pushing my ability to complete independent research. I have had exposure to diverse course material that I did not have access to at other universities. Guelph has unique course offerings because of the OVC’s resources, and our proximity to different facilities such as the bovine slaughterhouse.

Tell us something about you, beyond being a grad student. 

I have a dog named Tilly, who I love to go camping with. I also love running! I ran the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in the fall of 2023 and plan to run it again this year.

What do you like best about U of G campus and the city of Guelph?

I love the green space on U of G campus! Going on walks and runs through the Arboretum has become one of my favourite activities. I also love it when students gather on Johnston Green in the nice weather.

I really enjoy the atmosphere of Downtown Guelph. There are lots of cute shops, delicious restaurants, and cozy cafes to try out. In the areas surrounding downtown, there are a bunch of off-leash dog parks, which is my dog’s favourite part about Guelph!