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Our  Story What SYPA meant for us
I attended my first PrPCANADA conference in 2009 where I first met with members of the SYPA council and was instantly captivated by this dynamic team, bustling with energy and overflowing with enthusiasm. As part of the SYPA events committee, I had the great privilege of constantly interacting with individuals that were passionate about science, and that were prepared to share their ideas in a highly interactive environment. I was fortunate to join and contribute to multiple SYPA day events, where I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, learn about new cultures, and make new friends. From students and aspiring scientists to prominent professionals in the field, all were joined in the common goal of discussing science, exchanging ideas, and sharing
experiences. As SYPA Chair over the past year, all of these wonderful experiences had multiplied tenfold. Our fantastic SYPA team, along with the truly supportive and exceptional PrioNet administration, worked diligently to prepare two Career Workshop and Fairs for SYPA HQP. These fairs were great resources for many of us that are still in the early stages of our career paths, and were fertile ground for the exchange of ideas and career advice. Going hand in hand, the network had continued to grow and expand with the increased addition of multiple video conferences and ever-flowing SYPA communications in our SYPA periodicals. I hope that the previous year has met your expectations and provided you with a great share of these fruitful experiences. As the PrioNet network winds down to its conclusion, I would like to extend my overwhelming gratitude to the SYPA council, PrioNet administration, and PrioNet itself, for helping SYPA grow and flourish over the years, and for making this a truly exceptional experience.
DEENA GENDOO, CHAIR, SYPA
I had the opportunity to attend my first PrPCANADA meeting about three years ago. This was preceded by a SYPA day, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The schedule for the SYPA day consisted of numerous professional training activities along with a basic introduction to prions. Since I was new to the prion field, I gained valuable information from these sessions. The prions 101 lecture was of particular value as it covered a lot of basic knowledge regarding the pathological agent and the prion disease process. In addition, I had a chance to meet many remarkable HQPs throughout the day. As a final informal opportunity for networking, the SYPA council organized a karaoke night for all the SYPA attendees. Although I was a little reserved at first, by the end of the night I was up on stage, singing alongside everyone else. I have to say that I was very thankful that their voices were able to overpower my own off-pitched singing attempts. Overall, I cannot help but remember how much fun I had and how many great people I met that day. Every subsequent year I have tried to
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attend as many of the SYPA days as possible, and each time I have learned something new and exciting, meeting other HQPs along the way! Last year, I had the privilege of working with many distinguished members of the PrioNet Education Committee and the SYPA Council as a Training and Professional Development Committee Member. During my tenure, I was able to acquire a great deal of experience both scientifically and professionally. Sadly, PrioNet is nearing its end and I am sure we will all miss this incredible network, but I hope that all of you will look fondly on the times we shared and take the knowledge we gained into each of your respective studies.
Anna Majer, SYPA Exec