A Milestone Achievement

A milestone achievement has left Shaeleen Mihalynuk, a microbiology graduate from the University of Victoria (UVic), in sheer disbelief as she celebrates her selection as a Rhodes Scholar for 2025. This distinguished scholarship is one of the oldest and most esteemed in the world, granting its recipients two fully funded years of postgraduate study at Oxford University.

A Proud Representation

Mihalynuk stands out not only as one of the 11 young Canadians awarded this honor but is also the sole representative from British Columbia. This accolade adds her to the impressive pantheon of UVic scholars, marking the third recipient in just six years and elevating the overall count to 13.

History of Rhodes Scholars from UVic

The history of Rhodes Scholars from UVic is noteworthy, especially with the recent trailblazers from the field of biochemistry and microbiology. Notable past winners include Rory Hills in 2019 and Julia Levy, who made headlines as Canada's first transgender woman to receive the scholarship earlier this year.

Commitment to Leadership and Societal Betterment

Since its inception in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship has recognized not just academic brilliance, but a commitment to leadership and societal betterment. Mihalynuk's involvement in the PeptAID project at UVic showcases her dedication to tackling real-world issues, specifically the fight against antimicrobial resistance. She has contributed significantly to this initiative, developing antibiotic alternatives for poultry diseases from naturally occurring proteins known as antimicrobial peptides.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Impressively, Mihalynuk's work has spanned multiple disciplines within science. She initially focused on understanding the stability of antimicrobial peptides in a medicinal chemistry lab, later collaborating with experts to investigate their effects on the immune system.

Praise from Peers

Caren Helbing, a respected microbiology professor and Mihalynuk's honours supervisor, praised her exceptional qualities, noting, "It’s rare to find someone who, while demanding so much of herself, has the empathy and capacity to raise others up from wherever they happen to be." Many are excited to see the path that Mihalynuk will carve for herself in the future.

Community Involvement

Beyond her academics, Mihalynuk is deeply involved in community service and cultural enrichment. A dedicated dancer with the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association, she has played a pivotal role in establishing a semi-professional dance troupe and offering classes to both youth and seniors. Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, she has been active in benefit concerts and fundraising efforts to support grassroots organizations, alongside volunteering to teach English to Ukrainian newcomers in her community.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead to her time at Oxford, Mihalynuk is eager to explore areas such as global health and genomic medicine, with aims to bridge the crucial gap between laboratory research and practical healthcare solutions. Her foundation in global health is rooted in her childhood experiences living in Vanuatu, where her mother worked on a health initiative.

A Promising Journey Ahead

Shaeleen Mihalynuk's journey is just beginning, and as she prepares for her Oxford adventure, the world watches in anticipation of the remarkable contributions she is destined to make in the fields of health and science!