Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of graduate student Lilas Randrianarivony (MSc, Apacity Development & Extension) in the atrium of Mac Donald Stewart Hall at the University of Guelph

Lilas Randrianarivony

About the City of Guelph… 

Coming from New York City, Guelph was definitely different but I would say it was a relief. It truly grounded me to not be amongst the hustle and bustle every day and it's a small town full of nice people.

Portrait of Nicole Prudenciano in the lab

Nicole Prudenciano

Words of wisdom for someone considering grad school...

My advice would be to not be afraid to try anything. Take any opportunities you have for new experiences because you never know what you will end up liking! If I had not tried a wide variety of courses during my time at the University of Guelph, I would not have discovered my interest in reproductive biology. Also, take any opportunity you can to speak with other graduate students; everyone is extremely friendly and always willing to lend a hand if you need it. Your peers are a great resource and are always willing to offer some advice on school, research, or life.

Portrait of graduate student Minhajul Haque Minar

Minhajul Haque Minar

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

If any student wants to get research experience, he/she should get into this graduate school. The University of Guelph has unique and fully equipped laboratory facilities. Any grad student can take a long step on their desired research path. Meanwhile, coursework will also help students for learning the different disciplines.

MSc Organic Chemistry at the University of Guelph graduate student Scott Sammons

Scott Sammons

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Networking is essential when considering graduate studies. I met my research advisor at an informal chemistry meet-up in Brass Taps two years prior to working for him. You'll never know when opportunities present themselves, so it's important to take chances and meet everyone you can.

Portrait of graduate student Lydia Wang (MSc, Food Science) in the atrium of Mac Donald Stewart Hall at the University of Guelph

Lydia Wang

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

Life as a graduate student at UofG is always exciting! Every day brings new experiences, learning opportunities, and challenges. One day, I could be conducting lab work, another day I could be attending classes and finishing assignments, while the next day I could be running sensory tests. At the same time, I am surrounded by smart, curious, and enthusiastic students who are all actively looking for ways to improve life.

Emily Vis

Emily Vis

About My Advisor...

“My advisor has allowed me to grow as an independent researcher, and ensures I stay on track. I have had a wonderful experience growing into the student I am now. ”

U of Guelph grad student Jonathan Khosravani

Jonathan Khosravani

Advice for someone considering grad school...

My advice to any prospective grad student is to not rush into graduate school without some self-reflection about your passions, what you love doing and what you would like to study. This is because grad school can be a challenging place but also incredibly rewarding as it teaches you how to read critically, learn systemically, and think deeply. As such, I invite potential students to engage in some introspection and self-reflection about your motivations, desires, and commitments as this is a weird (but wonderful) experience distinctive from both undergrad and from other jobs so its important to not rush into anything without thinking.

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 Guelph Food Safety & Quality Assurance MSc candidate Andrew Peeples

Andrew Peeples

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Make sure your decisions are based on a meaningful purpose. The phrase “What you put in is what you get out” is what I return to repeatedly. It applies to you as a person, the work you do, and the food you make. You need purpose to make anything of consequence happen. It’s been over a decade since I made my first decisions to enter the field of food safety, and I’m even more committed to it today than I was then.

Portrait of graduate student Sidra Sarfaraz (MSc, Human Health & Nutrtional Sciences) in theScience Atrium at the University of Guelph

Sidra Sarfaraz

Advice for Prospective Grad Students… 

We have AMAZING faculty for cardiovascular research, as well as nutrition, exercise and food science. If you're trying to choose universities and advisors, come drop by Guelph- chat to the professors, other lab members, our support staff. You'll see the difference yourself and be able to make an informed decision!