Still months away from completing her first degree, University of Lethbridge undergraduate student Sophia Bird has already opened her future to multiple career paths thanks to groundbreaking research she’s conducted in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.Bird’s study is advancing vaccine development while highlighting the national importance of the University’s Canadian Center for Hydrodynamics, which offers access to analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC).“The success of this research reflects a powerful convergence of student excellence, unique infrastructure and strong industry collaboration,” says Dr. Borries Demeler, professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. “At its core is the exceptional academic ability, biophysical research skill and dedication of our students — exemplified by Sophia — who work at a level comparable to researchers at much larger institutions while tackling critical challenges in biomedicine.”Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Michelle Helstein says Bird’s story stands out when compared to the opportunities at other post-secondary institutions but is not unique on the ULethbridge campus.“Being a comprehensive, research-intensive university, undergraduate students have opportunities here they simply cannot find anywhere else,” she says. “The facilities our students have access to, the focus on experiential learning and the relationships they are able to develop with their professors in smaller class sizes opens doors that would otherwise be closed until their graduate years.”Bird’s study, High-Resolution Characterization of Protein-Conjugated,mRNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles by Analytical Ultracentrifugation, was recently published in Advanced Functional Materials, a leading journal in the field.“It’s an incredible experience as an undergraduate student to become a first author on a paper, especially in such a prestigious journal,” says Bird, a fourth-year biochemistry student. “Being a first author means that I had a significant role in designing the experiment, writing the paper and collecting and analyzing the results. I had the opportunity to collaborate with a lot of great people who helped me understand the system, improve my research and interpret the results.”Pharmaceutical companies use the AUC to assess the purity of their vaccine formulations during development. Bird and the research team, working under the supervision of Demeler, developed a new technique to measure the purity. Purity is critical in vaccine development because contaminants can reduce effectiveness or trigger unwanted immune responses.“The method and software we created to analyze the data are really novel because they can identify contaminants that other methods were unable to detect,” says Bird. “This ultimately helps pharmaceutical companies and researchers create pure vaccine products.”The achievement was made possible with the support of AUC Solutions, ULethbridge and a MITACS grant.Being first author on a research paper will help Bird with applications to graduate school and show future employers that she’s capable of leading a research investigation and collaborating with scientists at other institutions. In Bird’s case, it has also helped her land a six-month internship with Roche, a health-care biotech company, at their facility in Penzberg, Germany.“I have the opportunity to go there and work in their gene therapy department and teach them some of the AUC techniques I use here and work in tandem with their researchers who are developing new vaccines,” she says.Bird’s path to this achievement began in high school through iGEM, where Dr. Laura Keffer-Wilkes introduced her to wet lab research. Since then, she has completed multiple independent studies, worked with international collaborators, attended conferences and workshops, and even spent a semester at a research lab in Christchurch, New Zealand. Following her internship at Roche, Bird is looking at graduate studies.For Bird, the publication marks both a milestone and a beginning. As she prepares for her next steps, her work stands as a reminder of what young scientists can achieve when curiosity meets opportunity — and of the vital role ULethbridge plays in nurturing that potential.Lethbridge Herald Special Section F Saturday, January 31, 2026 CAREERS IN EDUCATIONULethbridge Undergrad Breaks Ground in Vaccine ResearchApply today at ulethbridge.caHow far can a question take you?At ULethbridge, the deeper you go, the clearer everything becomes.Breathtaking views come with life-changing outlooks at the University of Lethbridge. Itʼs a place to build confidence, gain real-world experience and sharpen your sense of direction. See where your curiosity takes you.MAR - Campaign - CareersInEducation Herald - 2026-01-22.indd 1 2026-01-22 15:39ULethbridge biochemistry student Sophia BirdContributedPHOTO CONTRIBUTED
2 – LETHBRIDGE HERALD • Careers In Education • SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 SUCCESS go get itWhile I don’t have a crystal ball to predict what the 2026 job market will look like, I do have insights from numerous conversations with recruiters and hiring managers, coupled with a strong gut feeling that leads me to believe the following factors will continue to influence the job market:• Geopolitical self-interests causing economic friction between countries.• Companies investing in AI productivity tools, data processing technology, and automation instead of hiring new employees.• Employers will continue to lay off employees who don’t contribute measurable value to their profitability or whose roles can be automated, outsourced, or performed by AI.The job market implications:1. Technological advancement—economic conditions are a distant secondary factor—is the single most significant macroeconomic trend shaping job markets, and it’s not going to slow down or reverse anytime soon. 2. As technology improves productivity, companies find themselves with a surplus of redundant, ‘do the bare minimum,’ and underperforming employees. Therefore, employers are trimming payroll fat; consequently, I expect payroll growth in 2026 to slow down further or, at best, remain unchanged.3. Tension between job seekers and employers will escalate further. Needs to be said: AI isn’t on track to create enough jobs to replace the ones it’s displacing. AI is a 24/7/365 digital employee that employees and job seekers are competing against, an employee that never gets tired, sick, takes a holiday, or demands more (read: is easy to manage), and works much faster—all for no salary, perks, or ongoing overhead costs.AI isn’t a productivity enhancement tool; it’s a human replacement tool.The job market is reorganizing around revenue, efficiency, new technology that offers to increase productivity, and onboarding technological skills. Hiring booms or busts will not define 2026—there won’t be a January hiring spike—it’ll be defined by employers not willing to keep on payroll employees who don’t deliver visible, measurable outcomes that contribute to their profitability. Choosing to be a ‘good enough’ employee is choosing to risk termination.A September 2025 article from Staffing Industry Analysts reported that 58% of US companies expect layoffs or cutbacks in 2026.2026 will have job seekers contending with fewer job opportunities, along with a shift in hiring practices: employers increasingly relying on referrals, processing applications more slowly with greater due diligence, and using AI to determine which candidates are worth interviewing. The new hiring mantra: Smarter, not faster. Moreover, skill-based hiring is replacing degree requirements, with companies prioritizing certifications, project portfolios, and proven outcomes over job titles. Internal mobility is also gaining importance, as employers recognize that retraining existing staff for new roles is quicker and more cost-effective than hiring externally.As employers prioritize revenue and productivity improvements, they’ll only be hiring for essential positions. Job seekers who’ve established themselves as top performers in their fields and industries—visibility is a job seeker’s most valuable currency—and don’t feel entitled, have unrealistic expectations, and most importantly, can clearly demonstrate how they’ll contribute to an employer’s bottom line will be the ones who succeed in their 2026 job search.Furthermore, return-to-office mandates will continue as companies transition their employees from remote work and flexible schedules to more stringent office attendance policies. Productivity data, promoting collaboration and engagement, and strengthening company culture are influencing employers’ decisions about where the work they’re paying for is done. Job seekers who are willing to work onsite will have a shorter job search compared to those who insist on working from home.In 2026, the growth of interim and project-based hiring, known as fractional work—offering your skills to multiple companies or clients on a parttime or project basis, often in strategic, highimpact roles—will continue. Full-time employees without a steady workflow are seen as a financial burden, prompting employers to leverage contract professionals who provide flexible talent solutions—especially at the leadership level—for time-limited projects such as implementing an enterprise system or a cybersecurity initiative, or as a part-time Product Manager.Employers expanding their use of fractional workers instead of hiring full-time staff means that in 2026, more employers will freeze their headcount while increasing service agreements to take advantage of the financial benefits of:• No long-term salary commitments• No benefits packages• No onboarding cost• No managing employee risksHow can an employer not love fractional workers? They’re a straightforward P&L line item, a strategic service when needed. From a job seeker’s perspective, fractional work is easier to secure than traditional work (40-hour workweek, benefits, PTO); however, fractional workers are self-employed, which requires an entrepreneurial mindset that most job seekers don’t have.In 2026, job seekers need to prioritize showcasing their intent and providing evidence of the impact they’ve had on their previous employers. View your resume and LinkedIn profile as strategic tools, not afterthoughts. Cultivate professional relationships long before asking for referrals. Know your career story and value-add to an employer. More than ever, employers want to hear value stories with quantifying numbers and specific outcomes. Above all, remain flexible—whether that means working onsite, doing fractional work, or taking a step back. The mindset I’d bring into 2026: a paycheque is better than no paycheque.Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to [email protected] relaxed mind is the best tool against your challenges.Nick KossovanTake a deep breath.Exhale. Repeat a few times.
LETHBRIDGE HERALD • Careers In Education • SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 – 3 SUCCESS go get itMedicine Hat College’s School of Business and Continuing Studies is empowering students to turn ideas into real businesses, thanks to the support and involvement of ATB Financial.Each year, students in Management 270 – The Entrepreneurial Experience participate in the Design Venture Studio, led by instructor Miranda Davies. The project challenges students to develop a unique business concept, craft a business plan, and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges in a format inspired by Dragon’s Den.This year, ATB’s involvement raised the bar for the competition. Their support provided the necessary funds for students to develop prototypes of their business ideas and compete for cash prizes. Students took part in five separate opportunities to pitch and refine their ideas, receive expert feedback, and gain practical skills in areas such as business valuation and cash flow management, directly from ATB professionals. Their guidance and mentorship helped students transform initial concepts into viable ventures.“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Medicine Hat College on this initiative. The dedication and creativity of these students is truly inspiring,” says Jerri Gainer, branch manager at ATB Medicine Hat. “Providing them with real-world skills, mentorship, and the resources to turn an idea into a tangible business is an investment in the future of Alberta’s economy. The quality of the ventures we saw this year confirms the immense potential within our academic community.”The top six teams from Venture Design Studio pose for a photo in front of the ATB banner.In their final pitch of the semester, twenty-two teams competed for cash prizes to help start their businesses.Among the top concepts included a product that helps women put on bracelets unassisted, a beverage to relieve menstrual pain, a South-African dish made accessible in a pack, premixed spices for Indian cuisine, and an AI Shoe sole that tracks quality of movement and prevent injury.Landing first place was She Works, creating pants specifically designed for women in the trades. The winning team, second-year Business Administration - Management students, Sierra Loignon, Kadence Hermanson, and Madison Thurrott-West, credited the experience and ATB’s involvement for pushing them beyond their comfort zones and improving their product along the way.“Every pitch that we went through, we kept improving because we took the information from all the judges and just kept making it better,” says Hermanson. “Through having that hands-on experience of actually making the pants…we learned so much so that in the future we could start our own business.”Loignon adds that ATB’s partnership helped to enhance her learning, and she plans to continue to build She Works into a successful business.“[Venture Design Studio] was like a big capstone project of everything I’ve learned throughout the Business Administration - Management program, says Loignon. “It was a really big help to have outsider knowledge, other than instructors from the college, and I feel like I learned a lot.”To learn more about the Business Administration program, visit www.mhc.ab.ca/business.MHC students pitch new ideas, earn money to start businessContributedSierra Loignon and Madison Thurrott-West stand in front of the judges as they assess their prototype. We are incredibly proud to partner with the Medicine Hat College on this initiative. The dedication and creativity of these students is truly inspiring“”PHOTO CONTRIBUTEDStart Your New Career TodayTraining ProgramsHealth Care Aide ProgramOffice Assistant ProgramGovernment FundedWorkforce Training ProgramGovernment FundedConstruction FundamentalsProgramLethbridgetraininginc.ca403-320-5100The province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government ofCanada to provide employment support programs and services
4 – LETHBRIDGE HERALD • Careers In Education • SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 SUCCESS go get itThe Medicine Hat College Community Job Fair on Wednesday connected students and residents alike to summer positions, internships and permanent career opportunities.The fair hosted 48 different employers for the day, both locally and from further afield. The aim is to offer something for everyone, says MHC career services assistant Shelly Drefs.“It’s a great opportunity for attendees to get a good idea of the types of jobs they are qualified for in a more casual and low-stress environment,” said Drefs.The event saw steady attendance throughout its duration, with job-seekers able to interact with employers in various fields such as law enforcement, health care, education and several other industries.Foreman Jaden Gagnon with Grassroots Landscaping and Irrigation said the event has been incredibly successful with connecting them with potential employees.“We’ve got a lot of people coming by, dropping off their resumes, and it’s been really great seeing everybody’s faces,” said Gagnon. Through the fair, Gagnon says they have been able to meet people seeking temporary jobs for their college breaks, those leaving schooling or even those seeking work for their children.“We’re kind of looking for generally anything,” said Gagnon. “We’re just really open to give people opportunities.”Some employers conducted on-the-spot interviews, while others were able to provide details to jobseekers about their hiring process and direct applicants to submit their resumes online.Four dozen employers on hand for MHC’s popular job fairIt’s widely predicted that 2026 will be a more challenging year for job seekers than 2025. Although there will be fewer job openings, employers will still be hiring, albeit at a slower, more selective pace. The job seekers who’ll be hired will be those who hyper-focus on how they present themselves to employers.Throughout 2026 and beyond, the following factors will shape hiring processes and decisions:1. The continuing talk of a looming recession.2. Employers are realizing that artificial intelligence isn’t a novelty—it’s technology that can transform how work is done, enabling fewer employees to deliver the same level of productivity. (SUMMARY: Employers are banking less on employees and more on AI.)3. Employers are hiring only essential employees, those who can contribute measurable value to their profitability.4. The job market is flooded with bad actors.In light of the above, savvy job seekers are keeping in mind that employers are understandably trying to remain competitive (read: run lean) and therefore will:Demonstrate how they can add measurable value to an employer. Employers need to see how you’ll be a value-add to their business; therefore, your resume and LinkedIn profile need to clearly articulate how you improved your previous employer’s business. Employers are no longer willing to keep employees on payroll who aren’t contributing to their bottom line; therefore, they’re only hiring for positions that drive profitability.Being able to answer the question, via your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letter and especially when interviewing—how your skills and experience have made a measurable difference to your previous employer’s revenue—will expedite your job search.Have a 1 - 2-page resume. The ongoing debate about the ideal length of a resume is childish, as it overlooks that most resumes are viewed on mobile devices, and the reader’s likely age isn’t considered. Resumes don’t get read; they get skimmed. Therefore, you need to make your resume as concise as possible, enhancing clarity by getting to the point and leaving a lasting impression rather than long, opinionated explanations.Write your resume with the understanding that in the seconds it’s glanced at, the reader is looking for:• Job title relevance• Core skills that match the job description• Recent experience• Career progression• Employment stabilityWhen interviewing, demonstrate that they’ll be manageable.Showing you’re easy to get along with goes a long way toward getting hired. Fair or not, being likeable outweighs your skills and experience. Adopting a defensive attitude, or worse, showing a sense of entitlement, is how many job seekers get rejected.Gladly do assessment tests and assignments.Having interviewed thousands of candidates, I can unequivocally say that most talk a good game, but few can deliver. Increasingly, I’m seeing a disconnect between what candidates claim and what they can actually do.Motivated job seekers don’t hesitate to prove themselves. They don’t see assignments as free work, but as an opportunity to prove themselves. If, for whatever reason, you’re opposed to doing assignments and assessments, then you’re free—an announcement on LinkedIn isn’t necessary—to leave the opportunity to someone who actually wants the job. Regarding the unsubstantiated claim that employers steal job candidates’ ideas and assignments, I’ve yet to see any solid evidence of this having ever happened.Interview like a rock star! If you don’t believe in yourself, then why should your interviewer? Get good—really good—at interviewing. “I’m not good at interviewing,” or “I’m an introvert,” are excuses job seekers tell themselves to stay in their comfort zone. Interviewing well, very well, is essential to landing a job; therefore, let go of the limiting beliefs that keep you from interviewing with confidence. The key to interviewing well is to know your career story, where you want to take your career, and why and what value you have added to your previous employers.Move on quickly.Yes, ghosting is annoying, but you have to get over it. Ghosting is how younger generations, who are now gatekeeping jobs, communicate. As for rejection, it’s a given when job searching; therefore, expect it as part of the process. In terms of feedback, given the litigious world we live in, providing it is risky; hence, employers wisely don’t give it.Accepting ghosting and rejection without judgment isn’t only mentally healthy; it also saves your energy for your job search.Be willing to work on-site.Since the employer is paying for the work their employees do, they have every right to decide where that work is done. For many reasons, employers are introducing return-to-office mandates. Holding out for a remote job is a surefire way to prolong your job search.Not participate in the LinkedIn pity party or bashing employers.It amazes me how many job seekers still don’t understand that employers review their LinkedIn activity and digital footprint to determine whether they’re interview-worthy, and that venting publicly about job search frustrations or criticizing how employers hire only shows employers you can’t control your emotions. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that many job seekers exhibit online behaviour that’s hindering their job search.In 2026, job search success will come down to making yourself easier for employers to choose.Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to [email protected] Who Will Get Hired In 2026 Will…Nick KossovanAnna Smith - Alberta Newspaper Group
LETHBRIDGE HERALD • Careers In Education • SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 – 5 The Southern Alberta Medical Program (SAMP) is moving from vision to reality, with its first cohort of students set to begin in July 2026. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, delivered through an innovative partnership between the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine and the University of Lethbridge, will offer students the opportunity to earn a UCalgary medical degree while completing their training in southern Alberta. The key to the program is preparing doctors to care for patients in regional and rural communities. “Training physicians in southern Alberta requires trust, relationships and long-term commitment,” says Dr. Rebecca Schiff, Deputy Provost at ULethbridge. “Through this partnership, we’re helping students form ties to the people and places they may serve, beginning in medical school and continuing throughout their careers.” Admissions for the first cohort opened in July 2025 and closed in October, marking a key milestone for the program. Associate Dean, Dr. Richard Buck, says SAMP has been intentionally designed to create student success through a rural lens. “We’ve been building this program with students in mind from the very beginning,” he says. “From the curriculum to clinical placements, every element is centred around preparing future physicians for the realities of rural and regional care.” Dr. Todd Anderson, MD, Dean of the Cumming School of Medicine, echoes Buck in describing how SAMP will impact underserved areas of the province. “This innovative distributed medical education program offers an exceptional opportunity for students, especially those with strong roots in rural and regional communities, to begin their medical journey closer to home,” says Anderson. SAMP students will complete the Cumming School of Medicine curriculum, tailored to the local experience and expertise. This intensive, community-integrated program responds to the growing need for a sustainable, locally grounded approach to medical education with the goal of producing physicians with a strong skill set for rural and regional medicine. The program recently hosted a pilot week, welcoming 10 UCalgary medical students for a week of training on the ULethbridge campus to serve as a pre-launch quality improvement exercise. Faculty and preceptors worked together to deliver a full academic week — putting curriculum delivery, teaching models and student experience into practice. With strong engagement from preceptors and learners, the week offered valuable feedback and reinforced a shared confidence in the model taking shape. For ULethbridge, it means big changes on campus, including the need for a medical training facility. The Community Centre for Wellbeing, which formerly housed the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) before it moved into Science Commons, is being redesigned as the new home for SAMP including a multidisciplinary teaching clinic. Planning and design to update the building are underway, with construction now in progress and the facility set to open in July 2027. SAMP is one half of the Government of Alberta-funded Rural Medical Education Program Training Centre plan, which committed $224.8 million in 2024 to establishing centres in Lethbridge (UCalgary partnering with ULethbridge) and Grande Prairie (UAlberta partnering with Northwestern Polytechnic). The impact of that investment will soon be realized as students begin the journey to physician training within Lethbridge and other southern Alberta communities and regional centres. Southern Alberta Medical Program taking shapeA pathway for professional growth in a data-driven worldIn a world shaped by data, curiosity is a competitive advantage. ULethbridge, the Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Data Science helps professionals from any background build the skills to explore, analyze and communicate with data. “I completed the program before moving into a more data-focused role and found it extremely valuable,” says recent graduate, Ileana Garcia Ortegon (BMgt ’20, GC - Foundations of Data Science ’25). “A major strength is the program’s emphasis on the full data-science lifecycle, from asking meaningful questions to preparing data, modelling results and considering ethical limitations. Classes are designed to build confidence gradually while introducing practical tools used in real data work.” Designed for those without a coding or computer science background, this graduate certificate focuses on in-demand skills that support evidence-based decision-making across industries. There are flexible options to study online or on campus to fit your career and schedule. “Computer science at ULethbridge is a great place to network, make friends and expand your knowledge. It is a fantastic choice for advancement in the world’s need for technology. Get into co-op! Study hard and don’t be discouraged by failure — it’s a stepping stone to success.” Prosper IbhamawuComputer Science (Co-op)Keep Learning. Keep Advancing.ULethbridge programs prepare graduates for diverse careers New Fine Arts major prepares students for Alberta’s creative economySouthern Alberta is emerging as a hub for the film and media industries, and ULethbridge is responding with a new Bachelor of Arts major in Cinema and Media Studies. Launching in Fall 2026, this interdisciplinary program blends media theory and history with hands-on studio practice, giving students the skills to both analyze and create film and media in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape. Students build a customized degree path while gaining experience with professional-grade equipment and real-world creative opportunities. “We live in a media-rich world, and having the tools to navigate it is a necessity,” says Ryan HarperBrown, New Media Instructor. “Our students and alumni are uniquely situated to take advantage of this landscape, and their flexible skill sets are extremely valuable when they enter the workforce.” Graduates are well positioned for careers in film and television, broadcasting, arts administration, policy, research and communications — fields where job growth is projected across Alberta. Applications are anticipated to open in February 2026. Learn more:[email protected] EventsLearn more about all the program options at: ulethbridge.ca/future-studentFor all upcoming events, visit ulethbridge.ca/eventsPlay DayLet’s play – and build together! Join us on Family Day and discover what we can create when we combine play, family and community. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness Free admission16FebruaryInternational Women’s Day Leadership ConferenceA day filled with insights, conversation and networking opportunities that will uplift, ignite and inspire 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Science Commons Atrium Tickets available at ulethbridge.ca11MarchVibe FestWhere the Arts Spill Out Into the World. Vibe Fest is a contemporary, immersive celebration of artistic excellence in the Faculty of Fine Arts. 3 to 10 p.m. University Centre for the Arts Free admission18AprilAtMAR - Campaign - CareersInEducation Herald - 2026-01-22.indd 3 2026-01-22 15:40
6 – LETHBRIDGE HERALD • Careers In Education • SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 Bring your questions. Leave your mark.Apply to ULethbridge today! At the University of Lethbridge, we are guided by a deep sense of interconnectedness.We create space for collaborative thinking, using questions and shared ideas to turn expertise into accessible wisdom that shapes careers and broadens perspectives.By connecting deeply and seeing clearly, students move ideas into action and gain the confidence to create meaningful, lasting impact that shapes lives and futures beyond their own.Through this interconnected approach, the University of Lethbridge builds a community of learners fluent in many perspectives, united by shared purpose and responsibility.Curiosity has no limits. Raise your hand, ask bold questions, and discover how far it can take you.We speak in perspectives.MAR - Campaign - CareersInEducation Herald - 2026-01-22.indd 2
LETHBRIDGE HERALD • Careers In Education • SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 – 7 ulethbridge.caFluent in perspectives. Poised for impact.University of Lethbridge student Sydney Whiting has been named a 2026 Rhodes Scholar and will pursue her studies at Oxford Universityʼs Blavatnik School of Government in the fall. Whiting is the fourth ULethbridge student in history to receive the prestigious scholarship, which recognizes public-spirited leaders and fosters international understanding.During her time at ULethbridge, Whiting has engaged in climate and gender advocacy, represented Canada at the Y7 Summit and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, contributed to political campaigns, and completed research at the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy. Her undergraduate honours thesis examined sustainable development in corporate settings, and she has presented her work nationally and internationally.“Sydneyʼs achievement reflects not only her intellect and leadership, but also her commitment to making a positive impact in the world,ˮ says ULethbridge president Dr. Digvir Jayas.Whiting completed her undergraduate degree in December and will continue as a research associate at the Prentice Institute before beginning her two-year masterʼs program at Oxford, earning degrees in public policy and public policy research.Read Sydney’s full story.2026-01-22 15:39
8 – LETHBRIDGE HERALD • Careers In Education • SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 If you or someone you know in Lethbridge is experiencing cold or flu symptoms, you may be eligible to access free, convenient at-home rapid testing through PREPARED, a multi-provincialresearch study.PREPARED is a national collaboration that includes the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, bringing togetherresearchers and care providers across Canada. PREPARED makes testing easier for community members while also strengthening public health across the nation.Respiratory illnesses often present with similar symptoms; a runny nose, cough, or sore throat could be a common cold, but it could also be influenza, COVID-19, or even allergies. Not knowing what is causing your symptoms can lead to unnecessary worry, delayed orinappropriate treatment, and the unintentional spread of illness within the community. Dr. Kerry McBrien, MD and Alberta study lead, says “PREPARED offers convenient testing to people in the community, so they can make informed decisions about their health care. Most people don’t need treatment for cold symptoms, but they may choose to stay home if they have a more serious infection like influenza, COVID-19, or RSV, and if they are at higher risk for complications, they may be a candidate for certain anti-viral treatments that work best if started early.”In addition to providing free rapid testing at home, PREPARED collects important information that helps researchers and Canadian health care providers better understand how respiratory illnesses are spreading, changing, and affecting communities.Pandemics like COVID-19 or SARS and outbreaks like bird flu and mpox have shown us that Canada needs to do much more to prepare for future health emergencies. Dr. Pinto, Unity Health Toronto lead investigator for PREPARED says “PREPARED is building a system to help us track seasonal flu, but also to help alert us if there is something new and unexpected, like we saw with the COVID-19 pandemic.”PREPARED aims to improve patient care, identify new viruses, detect future pandemics earlier, and accelerate the development of treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic tests. The study also helps link patients to relevant clinical trials. “We are building into PREPARED a way to rapidly engage patients in important research studies to help identify treatments that work.” Dr. Pinto says.Community members experiencing two or more cold and flu symptoms are encouraged to find out if they qualify. The study is seeking participants aged 5 and older who are experiencing at least two of the following respiratory symptoms, with symptom onset occurring within the past 7 days:Eligible participants will have a rapid testing kit shipped directly to their homes. The process is simple: check your eligibility and request a test kit by text message, follow the athome testing instructions, and upload a photo of the results to a secure database.The kitincludes testing for influenza A, B and COVID-19.Because results are available right away, participants gain immediate insight into what may be causing symptoms. This information can be especially helpful when deciding whether to seek medical care, attend work or school, or take part in community and social activities.With a clearer understanding of what is causing symptoms, participants can discuss potential treatment options with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. Together, they can plan how to protect themselves and others while receiving the appropriate treatment.Lethbridge residents experiencing cold or flu symptoms can take part in the study by texting 1-855-600-5644 to see if they qualify. The screening process is quick and easy.For more information about PREPARED, visit preparedcanada.org/Alberta.“Every single person who is part of PREPARED is helping us understand the health of our community and also building our security in the case of a future pandemic.” Says Pinto.With PREPARED, you can get information right away while helping build a healthier and safer Alberta for everyone. Free At-Home Rapid Testing Delivered Right to Your Door - PREPARED Study• Rhinitis • Wheezing • Hard to breate • Trouble sleeping because of breathing difficulties• Rapid breathing• Nasal congestion• Blood in sputum• Cough• Sore throat• Loss of smell or taste• Excessive mucus production• Fatigue• Feeling weak• Chills• Feaver (over 37.5° C)• Painful or sore muscles• Joint stiffness or pain• Tired and may be unable to stand• Night sweatsOR one of the respiratory symptoms mentioned above plus one or more of the following: Every single person who is part of PREPARED is helping us understand the health of our community and also building our security in the case of a future pandemic.“”