Building a Future in Genetics: A CMMB Student’s Perspective
Jasvir Nijjar is an undergraduate student in the Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology (CMMB) program at the University of Calgary. Her academic journey emphasizes the importance of initiative, adaptability, and balance while highlighting the realities of pursuing genetics-related fields, from competitive admissions to research-driven career paths.
Why She Chose CMMB
Jasvir's interest in genetics and its practical applications in healthcare drew her to biology. She explained that CMMB appealed to her because it combines molecular biology with practical research and gives students the freedom to pursue a variety of career options. Rather than forcing students into a single path at an early age, the program encourages exploration within biological sciences, which she believes is beneficial for students who are still honing their goals.
Program Requirements and Accessibility
Although the academic rigor of the CMMB program is reflected in the high school entry average of approximately 93–94%, Jasvir pointed out that students can also enroll through more general biological science programs and specialize later, providing flexibility for those who might not initially meet the cutoff.
Scholarships are offered annually through the university portal and are based on both academic performance and financial need. The program requires prerequisites in biology and chemistry; physics is not required, and calculus was recently eliminated, lowering barriers for incoming students. Applications include brief written responses focused on motivation and future goals, encouraging applicants to demonstrate curiosity and intent beyond grades.
Research Experience and Career Pathways
Jasvir's academic experience revolves around research. She stressed that obtaining research positions frequently necessitates perseverance, initiative, and relationship-building; she was able to secure her research role by attending office hours, meeting with professors, and cold emailing faculty members, demonstrating that proactive outreach is frequently required.
In contrast to many science programs, CMMB makes research opportunities more accessible by requiring students to complete a mandatory research project prior to graduation. Jasvir's current research focuses on creating a carrier screening panel that is adapted to Canada's changing population with the goal of improving genetic diagnostics by reflecting population diversity.
She highlighted alternative career paths in genetics, including genetic counseling (a two-year master’s program focused on patient education and support) and clinical cytogenetics (a two-year diploma centered on laboratory diagnostics). Both options allow students to work directly in healthcare without attending medical school.
Student Life and Social Integration
According to Jasvir, the University of Calgary's science community is intense and very career-focused, with many students pursuing careers in medicine. The campus's commuter-heavy layout and large class sizes can make it harder for students to make friends, necessitating deliberate effort.
Although there isn't a dedicated genetics club, students frequently connect through research labs, science organizations, or by starting their own projects. Jasvir also emphasized the importance of study spaces like the law library for quiet concentration and science building common areas for collaborative work. Living on campus can greatly increase engagement by reducing commute time and increasing opportunities to participate in events and group study.
Academic Challenges and Support
The transition to university academics can be difficult, particularly because grades often depend on a small number of major exams rather than frequent assignments. Jasvir stressed the importance of developing disciplined study habits and long-term planning early on.
She encouraged students to use office hours, noting that overcoming the intimidation of approaching professors and TAs can make a significant difference. Observing peers’ study routines, building structure, and maintaining social support are key strategies for managing stress. Jasvir advised first-year students to remain open-minded about career paths and avoid fixating on a single outcome too early.
Admissions and Application Insights
Jasvir applied only to the University of Calgary because she was confident in the system's flexibility. The University of Calgary's application process is mainly grade-based and fairly simple. Early admission increases acceptance chances by allowing applicants to select two program options.
The university website provides detailed course outlines and program descriptions, which she recommends reviewing carefully before applying. Application essays focus on motivation and goals, and involvement outside academics—such as volunteering—can strengthen an application.
Personal Growth and Long-Term Perspective
Jasvir views university as more than an academic experience. She emphasized self-discovery, networking, and mentorship as equally important components of success. Building genuine relationships with professors has opened doors to research and guidance, while maintaining balance through family time and scheduled breaks has supported her mental well-being.
Her journey reflects a strategic but flexible approach: combining strong academics, proactive networking, and openness to evolving career interests.
Final Thoughts
Jasvir’s experience in CMMB shows that success in science is not only about grades, but also about initiative, adaptability, and persistence. For students interested in biology or genetics, her advice is clear: stay open to exploration, seek out mentors, and take ownership of your university experience. The more effort you invest in building connections and skills, the more opportunities you create for yourself.