Doug grew up in Calgary near the Rockies in western Canada. After finishing high school, he moved to Eastern Canada, trading in his downhill skis for canoe paddles, and enrolled at Queen’s University in Ontario. Having been “good” at biology in high school, he opted for a pre-med track as that was the only biology-based career path he knew of. However, as he progressed through university, his aversion to hospitals and cadavers made him question this choice... instead, he gravitated toward molecular pharmacology and cell signaling courses. A city bursary enabled him to work in a pharmacology research lab for a summer and, enjoying the discovery aspect of basic science research, he stayed on for a senior year research project and ultimately grad school in the same lab. As his PhD work came to an end, he recognized that basic science research was his jam and took a postdoctoral position at Duke University to broaden his exposure to cutting edge science. Being in such a setting opened his eyes to the possibilities of a research career and focused his studies on the biology of cardiac receptors. Several mentors and advocates later, as well as a move to Philly, he’s enjoyed a fulfilling research career at Temple University, including a total unforeseen foray into administration, a side gig he’s come to enjoy in balance with research.