Humans of RHSE: Introducing Kieran Coppens
Our Research and Health Science Education (RHSE) community is a diverse but close-knit group of undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, faculty and staff. In this series, we introduce you to some of our members, talk about their roles in the university and share a few fun facts about them.
Today, we introduce Kieran Coppens who is a Master of Science student in immunology at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. The MSc in immunology is a research-intensive degree that teaches students modern immunological concepts while honing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in preparation for more advanced doctoral studies.
Initially drawn to the University of Toronto to play varsity football, Kieran began his studies in biology and immunology. While maintaining his status on the Dean’s List, Kieran was recognized as a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian in 2021 and was awarded the Monica Ryckman Grant in 2022 for his outstanding academic achievements.
I was crushed. At the same time, I couldn’t just sit there, I had to do something. I had to find a way to make a difference.Kieran Coppens
As fate would have it, a devastating turn of events in his third year of undergraduate studies shattered Kieran’s life and set him on an unexpected path.
Tragically, Kieran’s dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although his dad fought courageously, he succumbed to the illness before Kieran started his fourth year of undergrad.
Through his grief, Kieran found purpose. He embarked on a mission to unravel the mysteries of cancer immunology, with the hope of someday being able to help people like his father.
“My father’s diagnosis and untimely death, were heartbreaking,” said Kieran. “I was crushed. At the same time, I couldn’t just sit there, I had to do something. I had to find a way to make a difference.”
His mind set, Kieran finished his bachelor’s degree and applied to graduate studies. Knowing it is the top-rated research institute in the country and has best-in-class faculty, Kieran didn’t hesitate to accept his offer of admission to U of T.
Working under the tutelage of Samuel Saibil, professor of immunology and medicine in Temerty Medicine, and staff oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Kieran researches adoptive cell therapy – a cancer treatment in which T-cells from the body are removed and modified to more effectively recognize and attack cancer cells, before being re-introduced into the body.
Adoptive cell therapy offers hope for people like Kieran’s dad, who do not respond to traditional treatment modalities. Kieran strives to translate innovative cancer therapies from the lab bench to the patient’s bedside, where they can have potentially life-saving clinical implications.
Having fast-tracked through his master’s degree, Kieran is excited to begin his PhD at U of T this September, ready to tackle the next stage in his quest to combat cancer.
Unsurprisingly, Kieran is the recipient of a Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research which will help fund his first year of doctoral studies.
Despite the adversity he’s faced, Kieran remains a shining beacon of resilience and balance.
He rounds out his academic pursuits with the warm laughter and camaraderie of family and friends, finding joy and solace in moments of connection.
Running through sun-kissed fields of grass, a football in hand, Kieran can often be found delving into his passion for sports.
“It’s impossible to avoid pain and setbacks in life,” said Kieran, “but you can use them as stepping stones to create something positive in the world. That’s what I’m trying to do and I think my dad would be proud.”
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