training & ktee

“It is difficult to articulate the enormous ‘value added’ impact that AllerGen has had on my training and career.

“The success of AllerGen’s networking opportunities, and especially the HQP programming, is illustrated in the fact that it wove itself into so many aspects of the HQP’s experience: meeting prospective supervisors; learning the highest standards of research from the AllerGen investigators; receiving invaluable training in ‘soft skills’ – which ultimately placed AllerGen trainees beyond other students when competing with non-AllerGen trainees for awards and opportunities – and of course the numerous funding competitions.

“I have considered AllerGen as my ‘family’ for the past 14 years. Thanks to AllerGen, I was able to attend and disseminate my research in multiple conferences, nationally and internationally

“AllerGen also supported my trips to Germany to take a course in next generation sequencing analysis, as well as to Seattle to train further in statistical genetics methodology. These invaluable opportunities, which could not have been funded otherwise, gave me an incredible edge and increased my technical skills as well as my confidence.

“The quality of the AllerGen Trainee Symposia were of such a high caliber that coming out of each of them, I found myself effectively making changes and improvements into my daily life in research. That is saying nothing of the numerous friendships and solid networking relationships with colleagues, in universities all over Canada, which span years and are ongoing to this day. The peer-to peer support and help is definitely one of the greatest legacies of the AllerGen NCE, and I am happy to continue to be part of that and making efforts to facilitate its continuity beyond the NCE program’s end.

“As the ASNPN Vice President from 2017 to 2019, I feel honored to have had a small part to play to enhance HQP experience, but mostly I am thankful to AllerGen for allowing me to have this leadership opportunity and to have been a witness to great governance and network dynamics. I would like to thank Drs Judah Denburg and Diana Royce for this incredible experience, and the AllerGen staff, which was always there to support and help with a smile and a kind word. May Michelle Harkness rest in peace, seeing the trainees she supported going off to do great things and more importantly being great people. I would like to thank all the AllerGen PIs for their generosity with their time, advice and support. And finally, I would like to thank all the present and past AllerGen trainees whom I have shared knowledge, technical training, papers, experimental troubleshooting, and lots of laughs with.

“The HQP are still here and we will hold our AllerGen legacy close to our career choices, professional endeavours and mentoring of others.”

“AllerGen made a significant impact on my training experience as a postdoctoral fellow.

“It served as a forum where I had the chance to interact with experts in the field of allergic diseases research. Attending the AllerGen Trainee Symposium provided me with a valuable professional development opportunity as I expanded my knowledge about the CIHR grant review process and gained insights on how to write a successful grant. This Symposium allowed me to improve my interpersonal skill sets by developing a better self-awareness, better understanding of other personality types and enhanced awareness of workplace barriers. It also equipped me with tools to communicate my research outcomes effectively in the current visual era.

“I cannot think of a scientific organization more invested than AllerGen in advancing the careers of its trainees. I am grateful to have been part of it.”

“I have benefitted tremendously from the AllerGen HQP program, both as a trainee, and more recently as a Network Investigator.

“I received AllerGen Travel Awards to attend international conferences, where I shared my research and connected with leaders and fellow trainees in my field. I received a Research Skills Exchange award to visit one of the world’s top microbiome labs. I attended Trainee Symposia and learned how to network and build my social media profile, and I developed leadership skills by serving on the ASNPN Executive Committee.

“I joined the CHILD Cohort Study team as a trainee, and ultimately got recruited to my first faculty position based on this connection. My first major operating grant was also co-sponsored by AllerGen. This launched my career by funding my first independent research project (using CHILD samples) and supporting my first PhD student.

“AllerGen has routinely helped promote and share my research findings, amplifying the translation and impact of this work.

“The AllerGen crew have always been my biggest ‘cheerleaders’ and this support has been truly invaluable to my training and career development. Thank you!!!

“Joining AllerGen during my PhD was one of the best decisions I have made.

“AllerGen helped me to strengthen my network within, and outside, academia. In times of limited lab funding, I am grateful to AllerGen for providing me with support to attend conferences and present my research, which otherwise would not have been possible.

“I attended several career development sessions at AllerGen-organized annual HQP meetings that shaped my professional expectations and helped me to identify my career path. After completing my PhD, I moved from Manitoba to Ontario and joined Dr. Judah Denburg for postdoctoral training. Working with an accomplished researcher like Dr. Denburg is probably every PhDs dream, and I thank AllerGen for facilitating this opportunity. From Dr. Denburg and his team (that included his research staff such as Delia and AllerGen staff such as Michelle Harkness), I learned some rare skills such as leadership, perseverance, humility, teamwork, flexibility, and maintaining a balance between social and professional life.

“In 2018, I accepted a regulatory affairs (consulting) position at TPIreg- a division of Innomar Strategies. At TPIreg, I work under Anne Tomalin’s tutelage, who is an expert in Regulatory affairs in Canada and is an exceptional leader.

“My whole journey from PhD to working with Dr. Denburg and Anne Tomalin could not be possible without the support and encouragement that I received from AllerGen.”

“Since 2010, with AllerGen support, I have established the largest Canadian food allergy and antibiotic allergy cohort (C-CARE) to assess the burden, diagnosis and management of these allergic conditions.

“The findings have been published in high impact medical journals and have quantified, in real time, the increasing rate of anaphylaxis presenting to emergency rooms across Canada and the disparities in management between centres and regions.

“The support of AllerGen NCE had been crucial to my allergy program success. In 2011, at the onset of my career, I was awarded the first AllerGen Emerging Clinician-Scientist Fellowship award. This $250,000 Fellowship allowed me to establish a strong foundation for my subsequent research program.

“With AllerGen’s continuous support for the C-CARE anaphylaxis and food allergy registry, I have addressed new research questions that bridge knowledge gaps and contribute to the improved management of patients with severe allergies.”

“Without AllerGen, my PhD would definitely not have been the same wonderful experience that it was.

“During my graduate studies, I participated in many events organized by AllerGen, such as the Trainee Symposia and Research Conferences, which offered great career-building workshops on a broad range of subjects. There, I met many other graduate students from across Canada, allowing me to build a solid network in health research.

“AllerGen also gave me the opportunity to work on my PhD project in collaboration with AllerGen’s Associate Scientific Director Dr. Kelly McNagny via an AllerGen Research Skills Award. This award was a turning point in my career development.

“I wouldn’t be the same scientist without these transformative experiences.”

“Receiving the 2016 AllerGen Emerging Clinician-Scientist (ECS) Fellowship Award has been a life-changing opportunity.

“From an early point in my training, I’ve wanted to become a clinician-scientist who advances knowledge on immune disorders. Although I had pursued research projects throughout my clinical training, I needed more time to acquire skills necessary for a successful research career.

“The AllerGen ECS Fellowship provided the exceptional opportunity for two years of dedicated training under the mentorship of a world leader in allergy and immunology research. I have been studying genetic conditions that lead to severe allergic disease. By understanding how changes in particular genes cause allergies and allergic inflammation, we can find new ways of treating and preventing these conditions.

“This Fellowship gave me the chance to develop advanced research skills critical for translational research in allergy and immunology. While presenting my work at international meetings and conferences, I established invaluable collaborations with researchers from other institutions. The workshops for HQPs provided extremely useful guidance on communicating research–information I still use as a reference when preparing applications or communications. By virtue of this Fellowship, I was able to remain in academia, and have now successfully secured competitive research investigator awards and a junior faculty position at The University of British Columbia.

“I am extremely grateful for the support provided by AllerGen and my mentors, who have made my career as a clinician-scientist possible.”

“I am very grateful for the support provided by the AllerGen network during my graduate studies.

“During my M.Sc. and my PhD degrees, I received two AllerGen Travel Awards to attend the American Association of Immunologists annual meetings, which allowed me to improve my knowledge on a variety of subjects such as infectious disease, allergies and inflammation. In 2017, I attended AllerGen’s Trainee Symposium in Burlington Ontario, where I networked with scientists from across Canada and attended workshops that helped me improve my presentation and communication skills. With this value-added training resulted, I went on to receive several student presentation awards.

“Opportunities to connect with other trainees, learn the art of science, and network with a diverse group of researchers and knowledge mobilizers have been nothing short of phenomenal!

“As a “type A” planner, my involvement with AllerGen was serendipitous. I learned about the CHILD Cohort Study from Dr. Meghan Azad during my last year of high school and I knew that someday I wanted to work with this cohort (and her!). Receiving an AllerGen Undergraduate Summer Studentship in my 2nd year of university allowed me to help out with CHILD clinic visits while building a solid research skillset in Dr. Azad’s lab.

“The opportunity of this studentship sparked a journey of growing personally and professionally as a researcher and has helped me figure out the next steps after my nursing degree.

“To me, AllerGen’s greatest impact was intentionally creating space for trainees through the HQP network and programming.”

“It has been a true honor and privilege to be part of this organization.

“As a trainee who has researched, and suffered from, asthma for many years, it was comforting knowing that we have the AllerGen network and its associated researchers in Canada. AllerGen provided me with an opportunity to work in collaboration with outstanding investigators across the country that I would not have encountered otherwise.

“The diversity of disciplines and expertise in the AllerGen network have significantly broadened my perspective towards my research and taught me many valuable skills that I am applying throughout my studies and career.”

“I joined AllerGen in its final year, yet in that short time I met many people and established connections that I will keep for years to come.

“The number of researchers doing work in a field such as mine (food allergy research) is quite limited in most individual institutions and universities. AllerGen united these individuals across the country and brought them together to meet, discuss, and collaborate on research together, pulling us closer to solving the global problem of allergic diseases.

“I am very grateful for what AllerGen has done for me as I start a career in food allergy research.”

“I am grateful for having participated in the AllerGen 2019 Research Conference.

“Sharing my work in the poster competition and seeing what other trainees were working on was an invaluable experience. It was exciting to hear the keynote/session speakers and learn more about the past and current work that AllerGen has supported.”

“AllerGen provided me with a great environment to network and talk with different researchers and trainees.

“I learned so much related knowledge in biology and epidemiology from different sessions. Through it, I developed a better understanding about why, what and how I should do my research and develop my further career.”

“AllerGen is a big family.

“It gave me the opportunity to chat with people with different backgrounds in research and it helped me realize how research and researchers change the world.

“I am so appreciative of belonging to this amazing Network.”

“Although AllerGen’s NCE mandate has come to an end, its impact on trainees will never wane.

“Every AllerGen meeting and Trainee Symposium increased my circle of communication and enabled me to meet new investigators and researchers. The constructive feedback that I received for every poster or presentation I gave had a tremendous impact on the direction of my project.

“Without AllerGen, I would not be able to stand in front of a professional audience and talk with confidence about my work.

“In 2017, I was fortunate to become a member of the ASNPN Executive committee, working with a wonderful team and the support of the unforgettable soul, Michelle Harkness, HQP Manager. This leadership experience has helped to transform me into an active member who has the courage to give opinions, suggestions and start discussions.

“I will be always proud to talk about this turning point in my life and I am certain that the skills we acquired through AllerGen will be paid back to our community through improved health care and meaningful research results.”

“AllerGen has had a significant impact on my professional development over the last four years.

“I benefitted from the Network’s Travel Awards, which allowed me to perform training visits at each of the CHILD Cohort Study sites across Canada in order to standardize spirometry testing and improve test results. The HQP Symposia were invaluable opportunities to gain experience networking with young research professionals and to expand my soft skills in the areas of speed networking and personality assessment. AllerGen’s Research Conferences reinforced how my individual clinical research role contributions have far-reaching implications.”

“The AllerGen HQP program has been invaluable throughout my graduate school experience.

“AllerGen provided support and the opportunity to attend meetings and professional development sessions to advance my learning beyond the scope of my university and research experiences.

“I especially enjoyed the ‘Trainee Symposium 2018’ where I met many friendly colleagues and learned skills for effective networking and knowledge dissemination. These skills have already been put to use in my presentations, meetings and publications. More specifically, I submitted and received a small grant from my university, where I applied skills I acquired during AllerGen’s ‘Mock Grant Review Session’ teaching what constitutes an excellent grant. I also designed infographics and figures for my thesis and oral presentations based on skills I learned in the ‘Infographic Toolkit Session.’ These visualizations have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback. Also, I feel more confident when giving an oral presentation thanks to the many opportunities AllerGen has given me to share my work over the past two years.

“AllerGen has been an excellent facilitator for networking opportunities. I have met many intellectual and friendly individuals who I hope to remain in touch with over the years. I have also spoken with many academics and individuals involved in the CHILD Study, which has been special for me as I have been working on a project with CHILD data. Meeting all the other investigators and even the CHILD Study participants was a highlight of the AllerGen 2019 Conference for me. I loved learning about all the work that others are doing with CHILD data and hearing from the families, which made the experience extra special.

“Although I was only briefly part of the Network, I feel strongly that when I am finished school and seeking employment, I will have an edge and confidence that will set me on the right track.”

“Becoming involved with the AllerGen NCE was one of the most fortunate events of my career and life.

“I joined AllerGen as an undergraduate student in 2012, as the recipient of an AllerGen Undergraduate Summer Studentship. Since then, through the direct support of AllerGen initiatives, I have had the opportunity to collaborate internationally in food allergy research (AllerGen International Research Visit), participate in the planning of AllerGen’s national scientific and training conferences, represent the interests of my fellow trainees and early career professionals in a leadership role (President of the AllerGen Students and New Professionals Network), participate in the adjudication of awards to promote and support excellence in research (member of the AllerGen Advanced Education and Training Opportunities Advisory Committee), and conduct my own asthma research, including dissemination of my work in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences through the support of AllerGen Travel Awards.

“In short, AllerGen has been there every step of the way in my career, pushing me to strive for excellence and to give back to the research community and the Canadian public.

“When I consider the legacy of the AllerGen NCE, I think of the more than 1,500 trainees who have become involved in the network. Many of us have at times felt isolated or directionless at the beginning of our science training and careers. Through the uniquely supportive Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) program at AllerGen, we had the chance to meet colleagues from across Canada, establish lasting and evolving networks, develop hard and soft skills, benefit from and participate in mentoring, and explore a range of career opportunities, from academia to government to industry and beyond.

“One of AllerGen’s most potent legacies is its investment in the future; for years to come, we will see the impact of AllerGen represented in the excellence of its trainees, as they make major strides in asthma and allergic disease research, knowledge mobilization and innovation.”

“Such an exceptional and inspiring experience I had with AllerGen over the years of my PhD program.

“AllerGen quickly integrated me into its inclusive community. The Network not only fosters the professional growth of its trainees, but it also lays the foundation for bridges between the trainees and their future mentors. AllerGen offered me numerous opportunities and advantages to advance my career. For instance, by attending the ‘Mock Grant Review’ workshop, I gained further knowledge about critical assessment and scientific writing techniques.

“In sum, I am indeed grateful to have been a part of AllerGen.”

“AllerGen NCE has been instrumental in my training, my career acceleration, and my recruitment of trainees as I have become an independent investigator.

“AllerGen first supported my postdoctoral training salary as a MSFHR/AllerGen NCE postdoctoral fellow, which was complemented by an AllerGen International Research Visit exchange with the University of Newcastle (Newcastle, Australia).

“This postdoctoral training period resulted in many publications with international collaborators and helped support my successful CIHR Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, CIHR New Investigator Researcher Award, and my Canada Research Chair in Respiratory Mucosal Immunology.

“Today, I continue forward supporting trainees interested in asthma research, but also in other chronic respiratory diseases.”

“I am very thankful for the resources and opportunities that AllerGen has provided me.

“Being an AllerGen Undergraduate Summer Studentship recipient in 2018 was an extremely positive experience. Working with the funding provided by AllerGen, and under the guidance of Dr. Jeremy Hirota, I developed many critical research skills such as designing experiments and troubleshooting inconsistent results. I learned to collaborate with peers in and outside of my lab and had the opportunity to showcase my research in various presentations and conferences, while networking with researchers and healthcare professionals in the field.

“The opportunities provided by AllerGen also allowed me to realize that I would like to incorporate health-related research as a part of my future career as well.”

“As a new PhD student, AllerGen supported my professional development in two major ways.

“First, AllerGen finically supported the first year of my studies through an Asthma Canada-AllerGen Bastable-Potts Graduate Student Research Award. This award allowed me to focus on my research and studies, leading to the preparation of a research and review article that is submitted and out for review.

“The second role of AllerGen in my development was through professional network building at the 2019 AllerGen Research Conference.

“Through a combination of HQP dinners and events, AllerGen provided a unique opportunity for me to build relationships with my peers working in allergy related research across Canada. I consider this a particularly unique part of being an AllerGen trainee since these opportunities were not available to me during my M.Sc. in different field of research, and these peers are the future scientists that I will likely be working with over the rest of my career.”

“The AllerGen Network has been such an incredibly useful resource for me.

“The workshops I attended at the Trainee Symposia have had a strong influence on my presentation skills. I have also had the amazing opportunity to meet experts in the field and potential collaborators through the AllerGen events.

“I am so grateful to have had the chance to participate in such a great organization.”

“I am immensely grateful to be part of the AllerGen legacy.

“I joined the AllerGen HQP network while I was in my undergraduate degree in a co-op research term at the University of Calgary and continued to be involved with the network over six years during my graduate degree.

“From the beginning, I found the AllerGen ASNPN network to be a wonderful and welcoming collaboration of like-minded, passionate students and new professionals from across the country.

Over the years, I participated and contributed to Trainee Symposia, national research conferences, and participated on the ASNPN executive committee. Through these events and experiences, I was able to network not only with my peers, but with well-established and highly impactful investigators in my field.

“My involvement with AllerGen provided me with unprecedented opportunities to discuss my research and career goals with academic researchers, industry collaborators, and government agencies.

“I truly believe that my involvement with AllerGen and the ASNPN has shaped my entire research career by preparing me with the necessary transferrable skills and giving me the confidence to network, prioritize professional development, and ultimately to pursue my dream job as I complete my PhD.

“I am currently weeks from defending my PhD thesis and I have recently been hired as a Medical Science Liaison within the Respiratory division of AstraZeneca.

“Not only did the support and training I received through AllerGen events and networking, help me to achieve my current role in industry, but I actually connected with the interviewers for my current position at an AllerGen national conference, and further, I now work alongside fellow ASNPN members in my new position.”

“The AllerGen Undergraduate Summer Studentship gave me the opportunity to expand my understanding of allergic diseases.

“As a young researcher working in the Denburg lab, I was able to conduct independent analyses within a lab with great support and guidance to further my scientific career.

“Through the Network, I also acquired soft skills in terms of science communication and writing, which are topics that undergraduate courses rarely teach.

“Connecting with like-minded individuals definitely enhanced my professional training and impacted the future trajectory of my career.”

“I am so grateful for AllerGen providing trainees a space to learn, take risks, network with renowned figures in our fields, and improve our ability to think critically while retaining our creativity.

“Although my time with AllerGen was short, I am confident that I have had the best start to my research career possible. Thank you to AllerGen and all of your amazing staff who support us trainees and thank you to all of the members of AllerGen for welcoming me into the family!”

“Being an AllerGen trainee provided me with chances to expand my knowledge in medical science and build solid relationships with my peer groups in Canada.

“As an international student from South Korea, studying in Canada was not easy. However, with the help of my excellent supervisor and mentor Dr. Scott Tebbutt, my friend and senior PhD student Amrit Singh, along with unimaginable support from Mitacs and AllerGen NCE, I succeeded.

“AllerGen’s travel awards allowed me to attend numerous conferences where I networked with Canadian and international experts in my field. I was also thrilled to be elected to the position of Pacific Director on the AllerGen Students and New Professionals Network (ASNPN) Executive Committee – a pan-Canadian team representing student trainees and early-career professionals involved in allergic disease research.”

“I am grateful to AllerGen for investing in their HQP and I am happy to have been part of the AllerGen experience.

“Being a part of AllerGen gave me the opportunity to network and connect with trainees and researchers across Canada, most of which I likely would not have met otherwise. Attending the AllerGen trainee symposium was one the best career development experiences I have had, allowing me to develop not only expand my skillset, but to learn from others who have ventured down similar paths.”

“Thanks to AllerGen, I now hope to choose a career path that extensively involves research.

“At Dalhousie University, my initial career plan was to complete my undergraduate degree and apply to medical school; I had no research experience and research was not a major goal that I had in mind.

“However, after joining the AllerGen network, I received two consecutive AllerGen Summer Studentship Awards to work in the lab of AllerGen Research Leader Dr. Jean Marshall. These Studentships allowed me to take part in two very interesting projects and experience an excellent laboratory environment.

“I also loved participating in the abstract and poster competitions at the annual AllerGen/CSACI conferences, which have greatly improved my presentation skills and gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with the members of the wonderful AllerGen community.”

“My sincere thanks to AllerGen NCE for its support to developing my research and interpersonal skills over the past years.

“I have been an AllerGen HQP since 2013. AllerGen has supported me to attend numerous Symposia and research conferences. These events not only provided a great platform for me to meet with outstanding students, mentors and scientists, but they also presented opportunities to strengthen my communication and presentation skills. I also benefitted from AllerGen’s clear language writing training through the ResearchSKETCHES program. My writing skills to share my research in an engaging way with non-scientific audiences have significantly improved.”

“The AllerGen network has been extremely impactful in my professional and personal development – the benefits are countless.

“Throughout my PhD studies, I participated in conferences and symposia, where I learned valuable skills, made great friends and developed a strong network of support from scientists in my field, including trainees, young investigators and senior faculty.

“Very generously, AllerGen awarded me with several travel and stipend awards that have facilitated my participation at international and national scientific events.

“In 2018-19, with funding from an AllerGen International Research Visit award, I undertook a two-month research visit to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health to study airway and systemic effects of inhaling a phthalate called DBP. That research visit strengthened my research, collaboration, scientific communication and time management skills, while broadening the cultural and life experiences that I so deeply value.

“As a result of that AllerGen support, I was extremely fortunate to be awarded the $20,000 Asthma Canada / AllerGen Bastable-Potts Graduate Student Research Award to study the effects of phthalate inhalation on airway immunology.

“The AllerGen network will forever be an indelible part of my graduate studies experience and a key to my success as a Canadian researcher.”

“AllerGen has been an integral part of my research career.

“From the beginning of my PhD, its HQP program connected me with colleagues and researchers from across the world. Through their many workshops and networking events, I now have access to amazing mentors as I prepare for the next stage of my career.

AllerGen saw value in my research and provided vital funding at a critical time in my program. In 2018, I received a $20,000 Asthma Canada / AllerGen Goran-Enhorning Graduate Research Award to support investigations into early-onset asthma by a PhD student.

“Without a doubt, AllerGen has provided me with the skills and resources to become a better leader, communicator and collaborator in this multidisciplinary world.

“My future success will certainly be in part thanks to AllerGen.”

“I am proud to be part of the AllerGen community and grateful for the opportunities offered by AllerGen’s value-added programs.

“The activities at the Trainee Symposia allowed me to meet other graduate students and learn from their experiences and challenges; and nurtured my dreams of becoming a researcher as I explored new ideas. The activities were not only fun, but relevant. I also enjoyed networking with senior researchers and investigators as we were having dinner and hearing their tips on how to succeed in academics and research.

“I am very thankful to AllerGen for letting me be part of this great family!”

“I was extremely fortunate to join AllerGen as a trainee at the start of my graduate degree.

“In AllerGen, I found friends, an immensely large network of support, and a wealth of information to draw from. I was encouraged to run for an ASNPN Executive position, something I did not believe myself capable of doing.

“Over the course of just two years, I attended two AllerGen Trainee Symposia, one AllerGen research conference, and received funding to attend a CIHR trainee symposium AND an international research conference. I received specialized training in grant writing and infographic design, skills which have both directly benefitted my career.

“Through AllerGen, I have been surrounded by an amazing and supportive network of HQP and trainees, many of whom are women in science. I have been able to see, first-hand, how professional, academic women have handled raising a family while excelling in their field. Women like Michelle Harkness, Loubna Akhabir, and Jennifer Protudjer have given me the confidence to strive for the career I want while also planning the family I hope to have one day.

“Academia can be an isolating experience, and AllerGen has completely undone that. This is what AllerGen has given to me.”

“I am incredibly thankful to the AllerGen network for allowing me to learn from and be inspired by such a strong group of individuals.

“I was fortunate enough to receive an AllerGen Undergraduate Summer Studentship and attend the AllerGen Trainee Symposium in 2018. These opportunities provided me the ability to grow my professional network and strengthen my research skills.

“As an AllerGen trainee I became confident that I have the skills and support to pursue a career in research.”

“AllerGen is an innovative and collaborative network that has provided me with many opportunities.

“Among these opportunities has been the ability to travel across Canada to attend scientific conferences, present research, and learn from others experts and researchers in the field.

“Through AllerGen, I have been able to interact, network and collaborate with other trainees and investigators and develop professional skills which that I will carry with me throughout my research and into the future.”

“My experience with AllerGen has been incredibly helpful for the development of my professional skills as a doctoral candidate and for the expansion of my interpersonal and professional connections!

“I largely credit AllerGen with providing access and connection to research participants and the field of food allergy research for my qualitative doctoral study of the revival of immunotherapy for food allergies in North America. In particular, Dr. Lianne Soller, Michelle Harkness and Diana Royce were pivotal gatekeepers and mentors in the development of my thesis project by making these connections and by encouraging me to complete my studies.

“As a sociologist, I initially felt like a bit of an outsider (as we do!), but through networking events and conferences, I developed a better understanding of the scientific field and the people who work in it and have nurtured close friendships with other young professionals I would have not had the opportunity to meet otherwise.

“AllerGen has been pivotal in facilitating my travel around North America to present the results of my research at clinical and scientific conferences. These opportunities have broadened my horizons both professionally and personally.

“Practically, my involvement with AllerGen has translated into collaborating with my interviewees on the development of clinical practice guidelines – a rare opportunity for a sociologist!

“The connections made through ASNPN and AllerGen will thankfully continue on.

“Thank you AllerGen and ASNPN members for your faithful support and encouragement.”

“As a trainee in the AllerGen network I had the opportunity to collaborate, develop my presentation skills, and build relationships that still benefit my career today.

“I developed research communication skills in the AllerGen network, and use those skills daily today in my role as a Medical Science Liaison.

“My involvement in the AllerGen network also influenced my eventual career choice. I was exposed to the possibility of careers outside of academia through AllerGen Trainee Symposia. Michelle Harkness, AllerGen’s former Manager of HQP and Events, sent me the job posting that I successfully applied for and I have been working for the wonderful company Novartis ever since.”

“I am fortunate to have been a part of AllerGen.

“AllerGen’s annual Trainee Symposia provided a platform for me to interact with other trainees and to learn from experts in the field.

“This gave me the opportunity to network and meet possible collaborators. The workshops were remarkable and I gained a lot, especially from the ‘CIHR Mock Grant Review Session.’

“I also found the webinar sessions extremely useful.”

“I am grateful to AllerGen for the outstanding support and opportunities.

“AllerGen funding supported my five-year PhD study.

“While in my first year, I learned how to review grant proposals and to successfully ‘pitch’ my research at an AllerGen Trainee Symposium.

“The Network gave me countless opportunities to hone my research, leadership, and mentorship skills via training from the extraordinary AllerGen staff and investigators.

“These skills and relationships have provided a foundation for my ongoing career.”

“I would not be where I am today without AllerGen!

“I’ve been part of AllerGen since 2008. I’ve gone through multiple stages of my career as an AllerGen trainee/HQP (undergraduate, graduate, postdoc) and I would not have it any other way.

“Being a part of AllerGen has given me many positive career influences, including funding support, but more importantly, lifelong friendships and mentorship.”

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to be involved in the AllerGen trainee program.

“I have met some fantastic peers and made connections for ongoing and future research through this network and have gained invaluable skills and insight into my field of work.

“Standouts from the program include the Trainee Symposium that I attended in Winnipeg, as well as HQP and Events coordinator, Leah Graystone. The quality of my posters and proposals directly benefited from workshops hosted by AllerGen. I believe that these workshops facilitated my obtaining an Asthma Canada / AllerGen Goran-Enhorning Graduate Research Award, which has been a great help in funding my Master’s research.

“Having that support and the mentorship of my supervisor and other investigators in the CHILD Cohort Study team is a uniquely privileged position to have as a graduate student and one that I don’t take for granted.

“I am optimistic that the culture AllerGen has created among allergy and asthma researchers, particularly through its support of early-career researchers, will persist for years to come and to the great benefit of understanding, predicting, and managing these important health conditions.”

“Not only did AllerGen help enhance my professional skills, the Network advanced me academically.

“Attending specialized workshops at the AllerGen Trainee Symposia were eye-opening. These sessions helped me to recognize my strengths and weaknesses – and most importantly, how to overcome my struggles. For instance, presenting complicated research in an effective manner was a challenge for me, but after these workshops, I learned methods to entice my audience, speak concisely and to a degree that was comprehensive to the general public.

“Furthermore, these workshops also provided insight on my personal characteristics. This was key in understanding the way I could handle difficult conversations and interactions with colleagues.

“Thanks to the interactive nature of these Symposia, I have built network connections and friendships with other professionals in the field that I am sure will last a long time.

“As a recipient of the $10,000 Asthma Canada-AllerGen NCE Goran Enhorning Graduate Research Award, I had devoted time for research, which had an enormous impact on my career by helping me stand out academically when applying for positions.

“In addition, AllerGen funded my travels to the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) and AllerGen Research Conference. As a result, I have been able to present my own research in an abstract and oral presentation and keep up-to-date on the Canadian research findings in the field.

“Without a doubt, these experiences and skills will benefit me for the rest of my career.”

“I joined AllerGen as a trainee in 2016.

“I had the pleasure of attending the AllerGen Trainee Symposium in 2017 and 2018, where I was able to meet fellow trainees from across Canada. The conference and its workshops were particularly valuable for me as I was able to learn skills outside basic research and experience unique network opportunities.

“AllerGen has generously supported my attendance at several international conferences through their Travel Awards.

In 2018, I was fortunate to receive the Asthma Canada-AllerGen Goran-Enhorning Graduate Research Award to support my final year of my PhD.

Overall, attending talks and workshops, facilitating presenting my research at conferences and the networking opportunities provided by AllerGen has helped further my PhD project, and has been invaluable to the development of my career as an academic researcher.”

“Although AllerGen may have concluded as an NCE, the relationships formed and scientific success will continue for years.

“It seems so difficult to believe that 14 years have gone by since AllerGen was formed.

“In 2005, in AllerGen’s early days, I had the enormous good fortune to be doing my Master’s degree with AllerGen investigator Dr. Allan Becker. I realised very quickly that he, and everyone involved in the Network, believes deeply in collaboration and dedication, and nurturing the next generation of scientists.

“Throughout my Master’s degree, then PhD, I had unparalleled opportunities: transdisciplinary education, professional and collegial relationships with scientists at all levels, and leadership opportunities, to name but a few.

“It is also thanks to AllerGen that I have developed several important friendships, and travelled to many places across our glorious country.

“During my PhD, together with my supervisor, AllerGen provided the opportunity to be involved in an International Partnership Initiative, which aims to produce globally-engaged scientists in the fields of allergy and asthma. This sparked the subsequent opportunity to do a postdoctoral placement at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden.

“Having returned to Canada as faculty and an AllerGen investigator in 2018, I feel that my academic training has come full circle.

“I have no doubt that AllerGen, and the dedication and generosity of its investigators, leadership and administrative staff, was critical in launching my career. I owe all these individuals an enormous debt of gratitude.”

“It is without a doubt that the AllerGen network, and my involvement in it, both as a trainee researcher and as a member of the ASNPN Executive Committee, has shaped my professional development.

“I’m currently a patent agent with Aird McBurney LP. I’m sure that part of the reason that I was hired for this job was because of the number of soft skills such as relationship building, networking, research communications, and collaboration that I have acquired through my involvement with the Network. For example, during the interview process, I was able to demonstrate that not only can I understand the science behind the inventions we see day-to-day, but I can also connect with like-minded individuals (my patent group and our client inventors) on a personal and professional level.

“I acquired advanced networking, relationship building and communication skills through the numerous AllerGen network events and committee meetings that I have participated in over the years.

“My involvement in the Network also influenced my decision to enter my current career field. At an AllerGen trainee seminar, a guest speaker spoke about intellectual property. I remember finding her discussion on patenting really interesting and thought that it would be something worth pursuing as a career. When I was googling different science-related jobs after graduation, I came across an advertisement for my current position and decided to apply for the job. I’m sure that if it wasn’t for that seminar and my resultant interested in IP, I probably would not have applied to the job posting, and would have missed out on what has been an incredible endeavour both professionally and personally!

“Thus, not only did AllerGen play a role in perfecting a variety of soft skills I gained through during my university tenure, it also directed me to a career path I thoroughly enjoy and am so thankful that I ‘stumbled upon’!”

“AllerGen provided a platform for creating bridges in the form of friendships and collaborations among trainees based in different labs and companies across Canada.

“The Trainee Symposia were always helpful and provided wonderful suggestions to improve ourselves as humans and members of society, and most importantly – they were fun.

“The friendships that we created through AllerGen have consolidated over time and we now see our colleagues as an extension to our families – truly, friends for life.”

“I am incredibly grateful for everything that AllerGen has done to help me in developing my career!

“I have been an AllerGen HQP since April 2013, and I believe that my membership within AllerGen was key to securing a postdoctoral position in the lab of Dr. Chris Carlsten at The University of British Columbia.

“AllerGen continued to support my career development by providing funding for me to attend the AllerGen trainee symposium in 2015, the Canadian Respiratory Research Network conference in 2017, and the American Thoracic Society conference in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

“AllerGen financing has also underpinned my work in the Carlsten lab in establishing a clinical study to examine the effects of diesel exhaust on responsiveness to glucocorticoids, the major anti-inflammatory therapy used in asthma treatment, which I hope will launch my career as an independent investigator.”

“AllerGen helped me succeed in graduate school in many ways.

“I found my superstar PhD supervisor, Dr. Carlsten, through the AllerGen Network.

“I learned many valuable skills beyond laboratory techniques: mentoring other students, engaging with the public about my research, and organizing workshops.

“I made countless friends across Canada who are also passionate about research and helping others.

“Being a member of the AllerGen ASNPN gave me a sense of belonging in the research community. This sense of belonging motivated me to get involved and develop my leadership skills.”

“I’m grateful to AllerGen for the many wonderful opportunities!

“I joined AllerGen in January 2018 as a HQP. Thanks to the travel award by AllerGen, I was able to attend the 2018 American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology/World Allergy Organization Joint Congress in Orlando, Florida, where I gave an oral presentation about my research.

“I also attended the 12th AllerGen Trainee Symposium where I learned a great deal, especially during the ‘CIHR Mock Grant Review’ session where I learned to think like a reviewer.”

“AllerGen NCE provided me with a unique opportunity to develop as a post-doctoral clinical research fellow at McMaster University.

“I was new in the country and was completely oblivious to research opportunities and professional development.

“However, AllerGen offered training workshops, online seminars, and travel awards which allowed me to develop my professional leadership and management skills, improve my understanding of the research taking place across Canada and network with the best scientists and clinicians.

“This led to collaborations being formed, grants written, and studies that are now ongoing. I am confident these will have a big impact on patients, particularly on developing new treatments targeting cough for patients with uncontrolled asthma.”

“The job of professors is to profess, to declare what you believe to be true.” Danny Dorling

“Through my experiences in AllerGen, I’ve consistently found that professors believe in mentorship, in the power of paying forward the kindness, honesty, and wisdom they have received in the past.

“At AllerGen meetings, I had numerous opportunities to build relationships with colleagues from all over Canada; young scientists whose expertise and cleverness have made the meetings even more enjoyable.

“I look forward to preserving these teachings and friendships in my professional practice, and to honor our mentors’ gifts when my turn comes.”

“AllerGen has played a huge role in both my personal and research growth over the years.

“I have had the privilege of being an AllerGen HQP for the last 12 years. During this time, AllerGen-funded Travel Awards helped me to attend and present my research at seven international conferences and the Network has a whole has been an exceptional resource for me, providing opportunities to attend research conferences and trainee workshops where I enhanced personal and professional skills including; presentations, networking strategies, and grant writing. All these learning opportunities were provided in the friendly and inclusive environment of the ASNPN network.

“I have been blessed to meet and work with the amazing team members of AllerGen NCE, who always inspired and encouraged me to do my best. Michelle Harkness (former HQP Manager) was one of those influential people whose selfless approach to life and HQP trainees inspired me to give back to my own community and motivated me to mentor and engage high school students in research.

“I am proud to be part of the AllerGen NCE network which has enriched the lives of countless trainees.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to AllerGen and year I hope that the impact generated by this wonderful and collaborative program will help start a new future program.”

“AllerGen has paved the way for institutions looking to develop transferable skill sets in the next generation of Canadian researchers.

“I was fortunate to enter the AllerGen network early in my graduate studies. Attending the research conferences, annual Trainee Symposia and being part of the ASNPN Executive Committee have all contributed in various ways to my development as a researcher.

“Being given the opportunity to serve as the ASNPN Pacific Director (2013-14) and ASNPN President (2015-17) was an important component of my development because I was able to experience other aspects of academia such as planning symposia and conferences, moderating sessions, reviewing grants and chairing Executive Committee meetings and teleconferences.

“I believe that these capacity-building opportunities have made me a well-rounded and competitive candidate which has resulted in repeated scholarship funding through my career.

“Master’s and PhD programs are solely focused on developing the science and publishing papers and little to no time is spent on developing the trainee, resulting in poor career preparedness regardless of academic achievements.

“Networks such as AllerGen (which are hard to come by!) should be part of every student’s journey through graduate school.”

“Without AllerGen, I don’t think I would be where I am today in my career:

“a PhD in the epidemiology of food allergy and acting as allergy research manager at BC Children’s Hospital.

“AllerGen has provided me with many opportunities to meet new people, including my current supervisor at BC Children’s Hospital, Dr. Edmond Chan, whom I had dinner with at a trainee symposium in Vancouver years ago. A casual conversation where he said ‘Maybe one day you can come join me in Vancouver’ turned into an incredible employment opportunity where I get to interact on a daily basis with allergists, nurses, researchers and students.

“AllerGen has also provided me with opportunities to visit different countries to attend international allergy conferences where I presented some of the ground-breaking research I worked on as a trainee with Dr. Ann Clarke.

“Through an International Research Visit Award, I lived and worked in Ireland for six months studying the psychology behind parental behaviours and decisions affecting food-allergic children.

“I was fortunate to serve three terms as the ASNPN President, as well as earlier roles in the positions of Vice-President, and Regional Director for Québec and the Atlantic provinces.

“To top off an amazing journey within AllerGen, I received the Michelle Harkness Mentorship Development Grant in 2019. Receiving this award is such an honour; I truly appreciate being recognized in this way.

“What a great pleasure it has been to be a part of the AllerGen community – I’ve had a blast!”

“The AllerGen Network has been integral to my current career as a researcher in the field of allergy and asthma.

“Upon receiving the CAAIF-AllerGen Research Fellowship in 2017, I was able to begin research at the Cameron Lab at Western University. Within a few months, I was applying my bioinformatics training to archived samples in the lab to help evaluate the effects of sex hormones on the immune system.

“In this position, I managed new trainees and used hypotheses generated from the next-generation sequencing projects to develop new experiments and spin-off projects to validate our findings. By training the next generation of scientists, my skills and expertise will not only be retained at the Cameron lab but also disseminated to other institutes as young thesis students head off for their own graduate training.

“Working at Western with both the Pathology Department and Microbiology & Immunology department, allowed me to develop new collaborations and benefit from external expertise.

“Since joining the Cameron Lab, I have assisted in the preparation of four manuscripts, two of which have already been accepted for publication.

“In the future I hope to continue working at the interface of Pathology and Immunology, using my AllerGen training to apply “big data” thinking to how the immune system works, and why it behaves badly during allergic disease.”

“The AllerGen Network as a whole and the connections I have made over five years have played a crucial part in both my academic and personal development.

“I had the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and world-renowned researchers during multiple Trainee Symposia. The conversations that emerged helped me appreciate the different facets and perspectives of research and these experiences have served me well in communicating my research to a variety of audiences such as professors from other research areas, high school students, and even my parents.

“Through my work with the ASNPN Executive Committee, I had the privilege to work with talented and passionate individuals from across Canada. From thinking of new networking opportunities for trainees to facilitating connections between trainees during the symposiums, I naturally strengthened my own soft skills such as my ability to work in large teams, the ways in which I communicate and provide mentorship to others.

“More importantly, my participation in AllerGen helped build my own network of individuals whom I can provide support to and rely on for peer support.”

“I cannot say enough positive things about the Network!

“I was fortunate to have joined AllerGen in the last year of the HQP program.

“While attending the final AllerGen conference, I realized that this network stood for all the pillars of science. At the meeting, I was exposed to research ranging from understanding the social implications of health to how to change health policies and the development of novel therapeutics that eventually get to the clinic.

“Seeing studies that ranged from basic fundamental sciences to global impactful studies was something I had never experienced previously. It helped me tremendously with my understanding of many research projects and what the global impact of my work as a scientist can be!”

“AllerGen has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development.

“I joined the AllerGen Students & New Professionals Network in 2014 when I began working with Dr. Malcolm Sears and the CHILD Cohort Study. Since then, I have participated in two AllerGen Summer Studentships, presented at several conferences, and received AllerGen Travel Awards (to attend the American Thoracic Society International Conference in San Francisco, and to do a research visit at UBC).

“Through my participation in the AllerGen network, my research capacity has expanded significantly. I have improved ‘hard’ skills such as critical appraisal and data analysis, while concurrently strengthening ‘soft’ skills such as communication, leadership, and mentorship.

“I have built relationships with leading researchers in the field of allergic disease, which has led to exciting collaborations and publications.

“I am very thankful for AllerGen’s support over the years, as it has provided the foundation for my future work as a clinician-scientist.”

“The support I have received through the HQP program has been instrumental in accelerating my growth as a student researcher.

“As an undergraduate student, AllerGen introduced me to the field of academic research. Being involved with AllerGen opened me up to opportunities to gain both technical and soft skills.

“Through the AllerGen Undergraduate Summer Studentship, I acquired transferrable skills in laboratory techniques, solidifying my understanding of performing robust scientific projects./p>

“Further, participation in the HQP network connected me with a wide range of research interests, building valuable relationships with trainees and fostering opportunities for collaboration.”

“AllerGen was a wonderful network for a postdoctoral fellow who studying the microbiome and childhood allergic diseases, as I was.

“In January 2019, I had the opportunity to present my research at the AllerGen 2019 Research Conference in Toronto, through an AllerGen Travel Award. That was a great opportunity for a young researcher like me to learn about research studies in the area of allergy, genes and environment from the excellent network of leading researchers and trainees across Canada.

“There were excellent networking events during the conference, where I developed my connections with other researchers and trainees that I believe can bring potential collaboration in my future research work.”

“AllerGen has given me an important opportunity as a medical student.

“The summer studentship given to me has contributed to my career development as it allowed me to be part of great research community. I was able to immerse myself in an excellent research environment and develop my research skills as well as my autonomy and critical sense.

“Moreover, as a medical student, this experience allowed me to understand and grasp the impact of research on clinical practices. It contributed to my desire to pursue a career as a clinician-researcher. As a matter of fact, I am currently enrolled in a MD-M.Sc. program.

“AllerGen has thus allowed me to be part of an incredible experience.”

“From my journey as an undergraduate co-op student to a PhD candidate in asthma research, AllerGen has made tremendous impact on my development as a scientist and growth as a global citizen.

“As a direct result of my AllerGen-funded co-op research experience, I became especially interested in studying the pathobiology of asthma and allergies and decided to further pursue graduate studies and a career in biomedical research.

“With generous funding from AllerGen and the support of a rich network of expert researchers in the field of asthma and allergy, my team and I were able to make novel discoveries in IL-13 signalling biology and advance our understanding of airway epithelial biology as it relates to asthma pathobiology.

“Our research findings translated into several published peer-reviewed publications and submitted manuscripts. With AllerGen’s support, I have also been able to attend several international research conferences to share my research findings, engage in valuable and insightful discussions with experts in the field of respiratory research and further establish productive collaborations.

“As a member of the AllerGen ASNPN Executive Committee from 2015 to 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to serve the AllerGen research trainee community and to develop valuable leadership and mentorship skills in the process. Through my involvement with organizing the annual trainee symposia and facilitating networking among trainees and new professionals, I found my voice, connected with talented and hardworking individuals, developed and grew as a researcher, formed life-long lasting friendships with my peers.

“This was a rare and valuable opportunity that has been integral in my growth as an aspiring scientist and an individual who strives to be socially aware, informed and involved.

“AllerGen’s investments will persist far into the future as we continue to work together as a supportive community of researchers in the field of allergy and asthma.

“I am proud to be part of this tribe of hardworking and passionate people, and I am excited for all our past accomplishments and future advances.”