Dr. Katherine Ryan

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Katherine Ryan. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Katherine S. Ryan is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia. She leads the Biosynthetic Enzymes Laboratory, focusing on elucidating pathways that lead to natural product molecules. Her research encompasses enzyme mechanisms and the re-engineering of enzymes for new reactions, utilizing macromolecular X-ray crystallography to obtain three-dimensional structures of these biosynthetic enzymes. This work is vital for understanding and synthesizing complex natural products, which demonstrate incredible chemical diversity and biological activity. Important topics in her research include the study of compounds such as antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs derived from living organisms. Ryan’s lab encourages diverse candidates to apply for postdoctoral positions, reflecting her commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment. She has received several prestigious fellowships, including a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and the HHMI Predoctoral Fellowship, and she holds a Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry from MIT.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC, Canada

Leads the Biosynthetic Enzymes Laboratory, focusing on the study of natural products and enzyme mechanisms.

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.