Jason Da Costa

Instructor
Jason Da Costa Staff Bio
Department
School of University Arts & Sciences
Credentials

BSc, MSc, PhD (U of Waterloo), Biochemistry

Tel
1 (888) 953-1133
Ext.
21317
Direct
1 (250) 365-1317
Location
Castlegar

Instructor, Chemistry

Jason spent his early years in Kuwait and Goa. His family immigrated to Mississauga, Ontario, where he completed high school. He enjoyed the next decade at University of Waterloo, studying biochemistry, volunteering for the campus first aid team and practicing Taekwondo. He earned his PhD for his thesis titled “Exploring Ligand Structure and Thermodynamics of the Malachite Green RNA Aptamer.”

After graduating, he worked in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at University of California Davis, developing RNA based therapeutics. Jason joined the Selkirk College Chemistry Department in 2015 to support the burgeoning Rural Pre-Medicine Program. He appreciates being able to contribute to the education of the next generation. When not at the college, he enjoys living in the mountains and spending time with his wife and children.

Jason enjoys watching students make connections and the light in their eyes when things make sense. He is grateful for the opportunity to share his love of chemistry and biochemistry with students. He believes fostering curiosity involves allowing for the student to be confused, which can be frustrating, but it is only when faced with the unknown that the benefits of using the scientific reasoning are realized.