2023 Recipients

Matthew Kang

2023 Western Gold Medal Recipient
Major in Microbiology & Immunology

It is our pleasure to announce that Matthew Kang has received the 2023 Western Gold Medal for the Major Microbiology and Immunology.

Joining our community from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Matthew initially found himself uncertain about which modules or specializations to pursue within the medical sciences program at Western University but taking Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B proved to be a defining moment in his educational trajectory. Immersed in the captivating intricacies of viruses, as well as other aspects of microbiology and the immune system, he discovered a genuine passion for the subject matter. It became clear to him that studying microbiology and immunology not only provided an intellectually challenging opportunity but also allowed him to pursue topics that truly ignited his curiosity and enthusiasm.

Reflecting on his time as a student at Western University, Matthew cherishes the vibrant campus atmosphere and the energetic community of students. For incoming students, Matthew offers a valuable piece of advice—embrace the uncertainty and be open to exploration. It is perfectly normal to enter university without a fully mapped-out plan. The initial years present an opportunity to explore a wide range of interests—by following your genuine passions, success will follow.

Expressing his gratitude, Matthew extends heartfelt appreciation to the professors and colleagues who played pivotal roles in his success at Western University. In particular, he acknowledges the guidance and opportunities provided by Dr. Stephen Barr, whose mentorship allowed him to help start a new project involving mutant interferon genes. The experiences gained under Dr. Barr's tutelage deepened Matthew's understanding of research methodologies and fostered a profound interest in microbiology, undoubtedly contributing to his achievements in his studies.

As Matthew looks toward the future, he carries with him the knowledge and experiences gained during his time at Western University. He is currently seeking a position as a clinical research assistant, where he aims to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field of medicine and contribute to advancements in patient care. Simultaneously, he is preparing to apply to medical school in the upcoming cycle, driven by his desire to combine his knowledge of microbiology and immunology with his passion for providing compassionate healthcare.

Matthew, congratulations again on your Western Gold Medal—we wish you well on your next endeavour!

Lucy Shujun Dong

2023 Western Gold Medal Recipient 
Honours Specialization in Microbiology & Immunology

It is our great pleasure to announce that Lucy Dong is the recipient of the 2023 Western Gold Medal for the Honours Specialization in Microbiology and Immunology.

Drawn to Western University by its reputation for academic excellence, diverse student population, and vibrant school spirit, Lucy saw it as the perfect place to pursue her undergraduate degree. It was during her time at Western that she developed a keen interest in microbiology and immunology, thanks to an eye-opening experience in the second-year course Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B. She was captivated by the intricacies of the human body's defense mechanisms against infection, solidifying her decision to specialize in this field starting in her third year.

As an Honours Specialization student, Lucy also had the opportunity to participate in a research project in the labs of Dr. Lillian Barra and Dr. Ewa Cairns, where she investigated the histopathology of the Collagen-Induced Arthritis mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. Although the project pushed her beyond her comfort zone, Lucy eagerly embraced the challenge. With the guidance and support of her supervisors and fellow lab members, she quickly acquired the necessary laboratory skills and found the experience incredibly rewarding, leaving an indelible mark on her academic journey.

Reflecting on her time at Western University, Lucy cherishes the strong sense of community she experienced throughout her four years. From forging lifelong friendships in her first year of residence to countless late-night study sessions with her fellow microbiology and immunology peers, she found a supportive and welcoming environment. She credits Western University's dedication to providing various resources for academic, physical, and mental wellbeing as an instrumental role in her success.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Lucy dedicated her time to meaningful extracurricular activities. For three years, she volunteered at the USC Peer Support Center, contributing to the creation of a safe and inclusive space where university students could share their lived experiences. She also served as an English Conversation Facilitator with Western International for two years. Through leading weekly learning sessions, she helped international students develop their English conversational skills and fostered social connections. When asked about advice for incoming students, Lucy emphasizes the importance of being open-minded to new opportunities. She encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, as it is often through these experiences that personal growth and self-confidence are nurtured.

Looking ahead to the future, Lucy will be attending Waterloo University in the fall to pursue a 4-year Doctor of Optometry program. Our community is very proud of all that Lucy has achieved and we look forward to watching her continue to make a positive impact on people's lives as she studies to become an optometrist!

Sung Woo Chang

It is our great pleasure to announce that Sungwoo Chang is the recipient of the 2023 Western Gold Medal for the Honours Specialization in Microbiology and Immunology with Pathology.

Having chosen Western University due to its strong reputation and proximity to his hometown, Sungwoo began his academic journey in the Medical Sciences program. During his second year, Sungwoo enrolled in Microbiology and Immunology 2500A/B—a pivotal moment that ignited his interest in the subject. This newfound interest motivated him to delve deeper into the field, and in his third year, Sungwoo took Pathology 3500 as an elective course. The interconnection between these disciplines captivated Sungwoo, leading him to transition into the Honours Specialization in Microbiology and Immunology with Pathology for his fourth year.

As an Honours Specialization student, Sungwoo completed a fourth-year thesis project under the guidance of Dr. Jessica Prodger and Dr. Ryan Troyer. His project involved designing and conducting a novel ELISA to detect human nasal secretory IgA produced during an in vivo influenza infection. Although initially challenging, Sungwoo’s dedication and perseverance, combined with the support of his labmates and supervisors, allowed him to overcome obstacles and grow throughout the project.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Sungwoo actively engaged in extracurricular activities that enriched his experience at Western. Notably, he participated in intramural volleyball during his fourth year, building valuable connections with his thesis lab colleagues and alleviating some of the pressures associated with being a new member of the team. In offering advice to incoming students, Sungwoo emphasizes the importance of cultivating meaningful friendships. Throughout his time at Western, Sungwoo was fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional individuals who supported him during challenging academic periods and contributed positively to his wellbeing.

As Sungwoo looks toward the future, he plans to take a well-deserved break during the summer—a respite that eluded him last year when he participated in the Science Internship Program. Thereafter, Sungwoo plans to begin his career, and is excited about potential pathways in industry, clinical settings, and laboratory environments.

Sungwoo, congratulations again on this tremendous achievement—we look forward to following your exciting career ahead!

Leon Baronijan

2023 Western Gold Medal Recipient
Honours Specialization in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity

It is our great pleasure to announce that Leon Baronijan is the recipient of the 2023 Western Gold Medal for the Honours Specialization in Biochemistry of Infection and Immunity.

Coming to Western University from Toronto, Ontario, Leon had a keen interest in understanding the molecular events that trigger and sustain immune responses. Fortuitously, Western University offers a joint module in the Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology & Immunology that allowed Leon to explore key biochemical concepts essential to unraveling the processes of infection and immunity.

As an Honours Specialization student, Leon undertook a fourth-year research project under the guidance of Dr. Rodney DeKoter. His project involved investigating the impact of mutations in IKZF3, a lymphoid transcription factor, on the development of B cell leukemia. Within the DeKoter lab, Leon gained hands-on experience with a range of molecular biology techniques. His dedication and hard work yielded intriguing findings that generated new questions, inspiring further exploration in this fascinating field. This experience solidified Leon's determination to pursue a career in scientific research.

Reflecting on his time at Western University, Leon cherishes the connections he made with fellow students, faculty members, and campus staff. The supportive and inspiring individuals he encountered contributed to his academic and personal growth. Beyond his studies, Leon actively engaged in extracurricular activities that enriched his university experience. Joining the university tennis club in his first year, he quickly discovered a tight-knit community that became his second family—on and off the courts, they shared triumphs, nights out, and countless study sessions.

During his time at Western, Leon also discovered an invaluable aspect of his character—his resilience. Each year presented unique challenges and hurdles, from the apprehension of the unknown as a first-year student to troubleshooting failed experiments in his final year. Overcoming these challenges with determination and perseverance, he realized his ability to rebound from even the most stressful situations. The academic environment at Western University shaped Leon into a tenacious individual, ready to face and conquer any future hurdles that come his way.

Leon, congratulations again on your well-deserved success and we look forward to watching you continue your academic journey as a doctoral student in the field of immunology at the University of Toronto!