Dr. Leonard Foster is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Michael Smith Laboratories, as well as the Director of the Life Sciences Institute, at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He studied biochemistry at Simon Fraser University for his Bachelors then moved to the University of Toronto to complete a doctoral degree in cell biology and biochemistry with Amira Klip. From there he went to the University of Southern Denmark to study mass spectrometry and proteomics with Matthias Mann. In 2005 he took up his current position at UBC. Initially focusing on proteomics and then expanding into other areas of systems biology, Dr. Foster’s research interests revolve around the application of mass spectrometry-based methods to study host-pathogen interactions and disease mechanisms. He is also known for his research in honey bees, particularly for understanding the mechanisms of disease resistance and using this knowledge to try to guide selective breeding in this important insect. Dr. Foster has trained more than 100 personnel, many of whom have gone on to work in biotech or the healthcare system in various applications of mass spectrometry. Dr. Foster grew up participating in science fairs, competing at the CWSF for six years. When he returned to BC after his training, he joined the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair organizing committee. Since 2008 he has been the Chief Judge of that fair and passionately helps with the fair every year. For the past five years, he has also been a Board member of the Science Fair Foundation of BC.