Parnia Mohammadi’s journey to OVC began when she completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at Azad University, in Babol, Iran. After completing her DVM, she moved to Tehran to work in the veterinary field, but she remained unsure of where to go next. Should she stay in Iran and continue as a practicing veterinarian, or should she step outside her comfort zone and try something new.
When trying to figure out what her future held, Mohammadi spent her time reading scientific literature that captivated her. While exploring recent publications on reproductive medicine, she came across a name and an organization: Dr. Pawel Bartlewski, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College. Bartlewski’s research focuses on understanding and enhancing reproductive processes, with applications in both veterinary practice and human medicine.
When asked about working with Mohammadi, Bartlewski highlighted her resilience and determination despite any challenges she faced. “Throughout her studies, she approached challenges with resilience and professionalism, working diligently and without complaint to overcome all obstacles,” he shares. “She has consistently demonstrated energy and determination, particularly in her research,” he adds.
Mohammadi was fascinated by the research topics discussed in Bartlewski’s publications. She soon decided that this was a passion worth pursuing, so she reached out to secure Bartlewski as an advisor for OVC’s Master of Biomedical Sciences program. Her choice to pursue the MBS program was strongly informed by her background in veterinary medicine.
Leaving her home country was a daunting task, despite the importance of passion she was leaving to pursue. She felt excited but afraid. Mohammadi soon arrived in Toronto with her younger sister, determined to make the most of her experience in Canada. When asked about what it was like to leave her home country to pursue the MBS program, she spoke of both challenges and triumphs. “I had to become familiar with a new educational system, learn how to interact with others in my second language, all while adjusting to a new country,” shares Mohammadi. “It was an almost impossible task,” she adds.
Despite her initial challenges during her transition to the MBS program and living in Canada, after a few months, she started to get accustomed to her new life. She expressed that her transition to living in Canada was made possible by her advisor, Bartlewski. His support and encouragement were clear from before she even stepped foot in Canada. “The day I left Iran for Canada, Dr. Bartlewski kindly reached out over email wanting to make sure I had a ride from the airport,” shares Mohammadi.
Outside of her MBS studies, Mohammadi loves to spend time staying active and cooking healthy meals to maintain her fitness goals. When she’s not exercising and trying new recipes, she loves to explore her local area in Toronto. She expressed that living in a neighborhood with a high concentration of other Iranians has helped to prevent her from feeling homesick.
After completing the one-year MBS program, Mohammadi reflected on the opportunities for professional development offered by the program. She shared a story about a field trip taken at OmniaBio, a biotechnology company in Hamilton, Ontario. While visiting their facility, she was inspired by the cutting-edge cell and gene therapy technologies they develop. “During our trip to OmniaBio, I was able to meet with the Human Resources team and discuss how to prepare my resume to stand out from others,” shares Mohammadi. She emphasized that this opportunity was crucial to her development as a researcher, as it gave her the confidence to enter the field of regenerative medicine as a working professional.
Looking to the future, Mohammadi says she hopes to leverage the connections she’s made during her time in the MBS program, to build a life and career in Canada. Her fearlessness, enthusiasm, and open-mindedness when taking on the MBS program should be an example that all incoming students strive to emulate.
