Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Austin Pounder portrait

Austin Pounder

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Undergraduate research opportunities come highly recommended as they offer individuals a direct glimpse into the world of research and academia, allowing them to evaluate their own inclinations towards this field. Pursuing a PhD is not a path suited for everyone. A fourth-year project can serve as a litmus test to determine if this path aligns with one's aspirations. If it doesn't, one can easily leave without further commitment. However, if it resonates, exploring the possibility of joining a research group that fosters a strong connection becomes crucial. While enjoying the research itself is important, equally important is finding enjoyment in the people one works with, particularly their principal investigator.

Profile of graduate student Matthew Rudland (MSc, Environmental Sciences) in the atrium of Mac Donald Stewart Hall at the University of Guelph

Matthew Rudland

How Will Your Research Improve Life?

My research dealt with using biostimulants as environmentally friendly alternatives to fungicides, for preventing dollar spot disease, which is one of the most prevalent disease that affects turfgrass on golf courses worldwide. My research will hopefully help to identify species and cultivars of turfgrass that respond positively to various biostimulant applications and therefore have a lower disease incidence. This will potentially allow golf course managers to use fewer fungicides in the future by switching to biostimulant applications, which will reduce the environmental impact that they have on the surrounding ecosystems.

Portrait of graduate student Amy Zhou

Amy (Ziyu) Zhou

Advice for Prospective Students...

My advice is to challenge yourself to something new every day and be ready to learn as you go.

Portrait of graduate student Sarah Robinson

Sarah Robinson

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Graduate school is challenging and chaotic at times; don’t be afraid to seek guidance, whether it’s for academic advice, mental health support, or the best place in the city for live music. 
Imposter syndrome is real, but it can be overcome! Allow yourself time to adjust to graduate school; the dynamic will be very different from undergraduate studies.
Finally, don’t isolate yourself in your research. Reach out to colleagues, develop new friendships, make time for yourself!

Portrait of CJPP graduate student Becky McRae

Becky McRae

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

As a graduate student it is important to be flexible and adaptable to change as you work through your degree. Becoming a graduate student allows you to develop your professional brand, while contributing to academic literature.

U of Guelph Population Medicine Epidemiology MSc student, Mariah Crevier weighing a calf

Mariah Crevier

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

My advice would be that a Masters degree is like a roller coaster. You will have your ups and downs in your research but that is all apart of being a scientist! There is no such thing as a 'bad' discovery.

U of G MBS student Sophie Langlois in the lab

Sophie Langlois

Advice for prospective grad students

I recommend taking the time to thoroughly research potential graduate programs and supervisors to find one that is a great fit. It is important to work with a supervisor whose interests align with your own, as passion for your research will help you succeed in academia, especially when things get tough! If you are passionate about reproductive health and fertility, I wholeheartedly recommend the MBS program.

Portrait of graduate student Abdul-Rahim Abdulai

Abdul-Rahim Abdulai

Advice for Prospective Students...

The University of Guelph is a small family in itself with a lot of support to facilitate different types of lifestyles. My ability to feel safe and learn without worry is something I have admired.

Portrait of graduate student Sierra Rosiana

Sierra Rosiana

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Remember that research never goes as planned and to not let failed experiments or unwanted results keep you from working hard on your degree. No one gets through graduate school without failed experiments and huge changes in their project plans.