Cracking the Code: Dr. Trushar Patel’s Mentorship Philosophy

Every virus carries a secret: a molecular strategy for hijacking host cells and turning them into little virus-cloning machines. At the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Trushar Patel is working to decode those secrets, uncovering how viral RNA molecules manipulate human proteins to pave the future for powerful new antiviral therapies.

But while viruses deal in manipulation, Dr. Patel chooses genuine human connection.  

Dr. Patel’s lab is a place of mentorship where he helps transform curiosity into confidence and skill, preparing researchers to make discoveries of their own. 

It’s this dual passion for science and people that earned him the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB) 2022 New Investigator Award. 

“[Trainees] have so much energy, many different ideas and I’m looking forward every day to go in the lab and work with them,” says Dr. Patel. “I want to provide them with opportunities for growth and development.” 

Dr. Patel’s passion for mentorship was shaped by his own winding journey into science—a path he candidly describes as “bumpy.” From studying biotechnology in India, to earning a PhD in the UK, and finally starting his own lab in Canada, his career has taken him across continents and through periods of uncertainty.  

“Every move helped me grow—not just scientifically, but personally,” he says.  

Each move brought new challenges, but also the chance to work with new colleagues, explore different scientific cultures, and develop the adaptability and empathy that now define his approach to mentoring the next generation of researchers. 

It’s these soft skills that he believes are the foundation of success.  

“You want to learn, expand your horizons, try to get exposure to different types of research areas,” he says. “Apply what you’ve learned in the past and gain new knowledge every time you move on.” 

That belief in lifelong learning is something Dr. Patel brings into the lab, where he tailors his mentorship style to meet each trainee where they are. 

“Depending on the level of trainee, there are different forms and different ways…to support them,” he explains, noting that undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs all benefit from different types of guidance and encouragement. 

Outside the lab, Dr. Patel is a passionate advocate for science communication and policy. He was part of the inaugural Science Meets Parliament program in 2018 and remains actively involved today. He’s also a regular participant in the Canadian Science Policy Conference, where he champions the role of researchers in bridging the gap between science and society. 

“Practice your pitch with your spouse or your partner or your parents and see if they can understand what you’re doing,” he advises. “Others don’t need to know the complicated methods… they need to know why you’ve been working on this research.” 

That belief in communication—and in meeting people where they are—extends into his mentorship style. It’s a mentorship-first approach that hasn’t just shaped the scientists around him; it’s shaped his own path as well. 

Since receiving the CSMB New Investigator Award in 2022, Dr. Patel has earned multiple honours recognizing both his research and his broader contributions to the scientific community. These include the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Award, the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, and a Fellowship from the Royal Society of Chemistry. 

His article in Biochemistry and Cell Biology exemplifies the impact of his recent research: uncovering a highly conserved RNA structure in the Zika virus that could serve as a new target for antiviral therapies.

Reflecting on his journey—and what he’d say to early-career scientists—Dr. Patel emphasizes curiosity, adaptability, and a broad view of success. 

“Don’t restrict yourself to one particular topic or one particular technique,” he says “Publications are really important, but they are not the only things that are critical… skills development, particularly transferable skills, are really important.” 

Every virus has a secret. But so does every scientist: a story of mentors, lessons, and leaps of faith that shape who they become. Dr. Trushar Patel’s journey reminds us that behind every discovery are the people who made it possible—and those who inspired them to try. 

The CSMB New Investigator Award is offered annually to recognize research excellence and leadership. Visit the CSMB New Investigator Award page to learn how to submit a nomination and read about previous recipients.

Biochemistry and Cell Biology is proud to partner with the CSMB. Stay updated about journal-sponsored awards and early-career opportunities by following the journal’s Bluesky or X account.