(June 11, 2025) - When Mitchell Slobodian left his hometown of Ottawa (ON) in 2016, he was looking for something “different”— a place where he could pursue his love of science while continuing to compete as a high-level cross-country skier. He found that place at Laurentian University, drawn by the rare combination of a strong Biochemistry program and a campus nestled beside a sprawling conservation area. "I wanted to try something new, someplace smaller, where I could meet new people, get a great education, and still ski every day,” he said, “Laurentian was the perfect choice.”
What began as a Bachelor of Science (2020) quickly grew into something bigger. From his earliest days on campus, Mitchell thrived in Laurentian’s close-knit academic environment. Small class sizes gave him the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with professors, peers and laboratory staff, and he benefited from what he describes as “incredible” hands-on lab experience. “By second year, I was doing some really exciting work, and my professors knew me by name. That’s something I always appreciated.”
According to Slobodian, extensive laboratory work in the early years of his undergraduate studies proved pivotal when seeking employment. Hired as a laboratory Teacher’s Assistant (TA) in his second year, he supported other students in Laurentian’s chemistry labs throughout his undergrad. Between his second and third years of study, he secured a research position at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, contributing to publications and further developing his skills. The following summer, he was employed as an Analytical Microbiologist at the Robert O. Pickering Environmental Centre. There, he sharpened the technical skills that would later shape his graduate studies. These roles were stepping stones that confirmed his passion for research and prepared him to take on more advanced academic challenges.
These challenges began in 2020, when in the midst of the pandemic, Mitchell started his Master’s of Chemical Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Merritt, Full Professor, School of Natural Sciences. “Dr. Merritt is a phenomenal researcher and science communicator,” said Slobodian. “He taught me how to think about and communicate complex ideas with clarity, and focus on what really matters when you’re explaining your research. It’s definitely one of the most important things I’ve learned.”
Slobodian’s thesis explored how sex and genetic background affect the response of fruit flies to toxic metals like copper and nickel. “Nickel is especially understudied compared to other toxic metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury,” he explains. “But both are relevant for our community given the level of toxicity of these elements in certain lakes and tailings ponds in the local Sudbury environment.” Slobodian stresses that community members are very unlikely to be exposed to these elements in their day to day lives, but this research is important and better assists our understanding of the impacts for people currently experiencing exposure around the globe and the wildlife of contaminated environments.
Outside the lab, Mitchell was also a dedicated athlete, competing with Laurentian’s Varsity Nordic ski team during the six year undertaking of his undergraduate and Master’s degrees. “I lived in Thorneloe Residence and would literally ski out the door, straight to the trails,” he recalls. “It was truly amazing. That kind of access to the outdoors is one of the best things about Laurentian’s campus. I always tell new students—take advantage of it. There’s no other university in the province where you can do this.”
After finishing his Master’s, Mitchell took a two-year break from academia—but not from the lab. He joined Laurentian’s Chemistry department as a full-time Laboratory Technologist, overseeing teaching labs and helping to instruct undergraduate students. “I had been a TA since my second year, so stepping into the Technologist role felt like a natural progression. I love teaching. And honestly, the Chemistry labs here are some of the best in the province. The experience I got in those labs is why I’ve been able to get jobs, earn grants, and keep moving forward.”
That hands-on experience opened the door to a new opportunity. While working in the lab, Mitchell joined a local biotech start-up, BioMine Ltd., of which Dr. Vasu Appanna, Full Professor, School of Natural Sciences and former Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, is a co-founder. Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam (NOSM University), whose expertise includes molecular biology, microbiology, and gene editing, also contributes to BioMine Ltd.’s numerous projects on sustainable and green technologies. Before long, Slobodian was invited to pursue a PhD under their joint supervision - an opportunity he could not resist.
Today, Mitchell’s research as a PhD student in Biomolecular Sciences, focuses on bacterial plastic remediation—an ambitious and innovative effort to tackle global plastic pollution. Using a consortium of bacteria, his work aims to break down plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into their subunits, metabolize them, and, in the process, generate valuable by-products that can be reused across various industries. “Our current recycling systems aren’t cutting it,” he says. “Most plastic ends up in landfills. The idea here is to use bacteria to break it down and make it profitable—so the solution is not just environmentally sustainable, but economically viable too.”
One of the key microbes in his work is a soil bacterium known for its natural bioremediation properties. “It’s non-toxic, found on plant roots, and we’ve shown it can metabolize components of PET. When we feed it the right combination of plastic subunits, it actually grows better. Even more exciting, some of the by-products it produces can be used in pharmaceuticals, photography, and even in making new plastics.”
Working across two labs—one at Laurentian and one at NOSM University, Mitchell continues to apply both the scientific training and communication skills he’s developed over nearly a decade on campus. He’s preparing to present his work at the upcoming 20th annual Northern Health Research Conference hosted by NOSM University on June 16 and 17, 2025. He’s also working to publish his Master’s research in collaboration with Dr. Merritt.
Looking back, Mitchell’s journey at Laurentian is a testament to what happens when curiosity meets opportunity—when a student finds not just a program, but a place to grow. From undergraduate labs to groundbreaking doctoral research, from ski trails to teaching classrooms, Mitchell Slobodian has carved out a path defined by perseverance, purpose, and a deep connection to the community that helped shape him.