UVic Graduate Shaeleen Mihalynuk Named BC's Rhodes Scholar for 2025!

In an impressive achievement, Shaeleen (Shae) Mihalynuk, a microbiology graduate from the University of Victoria (UVic), has been awarded the coveted Rhodes Scholarship for 2025. This honor makes her one of just 11 young Canadians to receive this prestigious recognition, and she stands out as the sole representative from British Columbia.

The Rhodes Scholarship is renowned for providing exceptional students with the opportunity to pursue two fully funded years of postgraduate study at the esteemed Oxford University in England. Mihalynuk is following in the footsteps of 12 other UVic alumni who have previously gained this honor, marking her as the third Rhodes Scholar from the university in the past six years.

Expressing her gratitude, Mihalynuk stated, “I feel totally honoured and overjoyed to be named a Rhodes Scholar. I owe so much to my support system and I’m grateful for the people in my life who recognized my potential despite my quiet demeanor.” Her emphasis on mentorship and community speaks volumes about the importance of support in reaching academic and personal goals.

Mihalynuk exemplifies the qualities sought by the Rhodes Scholarship, which are not just academic excellence but also leadership, character, and a commitment to addressing global challenges. At UVic, she has been at the forefront of the fight against antimicrobial resistance through her involvement in the PeptAID project. This innovative initiative focuses on developing antibiotic alternatives for poultry diseases using naturally occurring proteins known as antimicrobial peptides. Her dual experience in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry showcases her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to groundbreaking research.

Taking her passion for innovation further, Mihalynuk has also ventured into biotechnology. She conceptualized a new diagnostic device aimed at point-of-care medical applications while participating in co-op programs at UVic’s Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC) and the BioInnovation Hub. Her efforts not only spotlight her inventiveness but also highlight the pressing need for entrepreneurial training in the scientific community.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Mihalynuk actively contributes to her community through dance. A member of the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association, she has played a key role in establishing a semi-professional dance troupe and teaching classes for both youth and seniors. In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, she has lent her talents to organize benefit concerts and fundraising campaigns aimed at supporting grassroots organizations. Her volunteer work includes teaching English to Ukrainian newcomers, showcasing her commitment to compassion and service.

As Mihalynuk prepares for her journey to Oxford in the fall of 2025, she is already gearing up to focus her studies on global health, genomic medicine, and translational health science. With her remarkable track record, there is no telling what incredible contributions she will make in the future.

Stay tuned to see how Shae Mihalynuk continues to inspire and break barriers as she embarks on this exciting new chapter at one of the world's most prestigious academic institutions!