2022 MitoScholars/+ Empowering youth living with, or family members who are living with, mitochondrial disease to focus on their futures

Jodi Young | Corner Brook, Newfoundland | Masters Boreal Ecosystem & Agricultural Sciences (second year), Memorial University

Jodi Young, a young woman who – along with her sister and mother – has MELAS (mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes), a rare mitochondrial disorder that mostly affects the nervous system and muscles.

MELAS quickly taught Jodi that the future is never promised, so she started throwing herself into what she enjoys, no matter what people thought. This led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science (she graduated at the top of her class in 2021) and she’s now in the process of completing a master’s degree in Boreal Ecosystems and Agricultural Sciences.

“After I complete my master’s degree, I hope to move forward toward a Ph.D. in entomology (the study of insects),” says Jodi. “I’ve been told many times my love for insects is strange or gross, but it is something I truly enjoy learning about, so I quickly brush off those comments. My personal and academic goals go hand in hand – I want to push people to take interest in weird and unusual things that they may be too scared to pursue.

MitoCanada is thrilled to support Jodi in her educational pursuits. “I can’t even begin to tell you how honoured I am to be selected as a recipient of your 2022 scholarship,” says Jodi. “Education is something I’m so passionate about and because of you, I can finish my master’s degree without any extra financial burden. I would just like to thank each and every one of you for what you do. You are truly making a difference in people’s lives.”