Sonia Carrier, a fourth-year student in Laurentian University's Bachelor of Science, Spécialisation en Biochimie program, has earned a top honour at the 53rd Southern Ontario Undergraduate Student Chemistry Conference (SOUSCC). Held on March 29, 2025 at the University of Guelph, Carrier stood out among more than 150 student researchers, and was awarded one of two prizes for Best Presentation in the Biomedical/Medicinal Chemistry division.
The SOUSCC, a highly regarded annual event, brings together undergraduate students in chemistry, biochemistry, and related disciplines to share their research, engage in academic dialogue, and form lasting professional connections.
Carrier's award-winning presentation, The regulatory roles of H S on retinal epithelial cell functions, drew attention not only for its scientific merit but also for Carrier's clarity and passion as a communicator. "Hydrogen sulfide in large quantities is a very toxic gas, however, our bodies do produce it (H S) in very small quantities, which has previously been found to play a beneficial role in the overall health of tissues such as the lungs, heart and liver .We wanted to see how hydrogen sulfide would affect the health of our retinas, and what we discovered is that there is a benefit which sheds new light on developing novel therapeutic strategies for eye disorders." According to Carrier, more studies are needed to better understand exactly how hydrogen sulfide functions to preserve retina health.
Reflecting on her conference experience, Sonia said: "I felt very proud. It was a rewarding experience to share my research with my peers. I also learned a lot about other research in my field that I had never really considered it was all very interesting and informative."
This award isn't the first of Carrier's academic achievements. It was preceded by her second prize for Best Student Communication earned at the 32nd Journée des sciences et savoirs, hosted by L'Acfas-Nouvel-Ontario.
Sonia's research was supervised by Dr. Guangdong Yang, Full Professor, School of Natural Sciences. "Sonia represents the best of what our students can achieve," said Yang. We are incredibly proud of her success and the dedication she shows to her studies and the broader research community."
Originally from Cochrane, Ontario, and a graduate of École Catholique Nouveau Regard, Carrier chose Laurentian for its welcoming atmosphere and bilingual education. "Laurentian felt like the right fit," she explained, noting the added inspiration of her mother, who is a Laurentian alumna.
Over the course of her studies, Sonia lived on campus in West Residence; a place she calls home. "I've made some great friends here at Laurentian, and have really felt a sense of support at the University." For Carrier, support has come in the form of friends and family, as well as compassionate faculty and staff. "Being a smaller school, you get to know your Profs by name, which is pretty cool."
Set to graduate in Fall 2025, Carrier is a model for francophone students from Northern Ontario pursuing ambitious goals in science. Her drive, curiosity, and academic excellence have made her an inspiring presence within Laurentian's scientific community.
