The faculty profiles page, on the Food Science Department website, is very useful to help find research projects that you may be interested in. Do not hesitate to email or talk directly to the faculty members. They are always welcoming, and can even help you apply for scholarship funding!
I've been very privileged and lucky since coming to Guelph for my undergraduate degree back in 2010 as all of the opportunities I have been given have been gained through building strong relationships with faculty and staff on campus and finding mentors that have helped guide me along my career path. I've always found that the people on campus are incredibly giving and willing to devote their time to help out students. I've also found that simply starting with expressing an interest to be more involved and showing initiative can go a very long way to opening doors to new opportunities.
Grad school is demanding, but it's also an incredible opportunity for intellectual growth and discovery. Be prepared to work hard, face setbacks, and constantly learn. Find your passion. A strong foundation in your area of interest will fuel your motivation throughout the programme. Seek guidance, embrace the journey, and remember that your path is unique.
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.
Get involved in the community. Grad school is more than your research project; expand your contributions beyond your field of research and into the community where you are working.
The graduate life experience is great! There are a ton of activities and ways to get involved on campus. The administration, faculty and fellow student truly provide a supportive environment to learn, grow and be challenged.
Finding your passion will take you to the right place at the end of the road. Just keep doing your best and appreciate all the opportunities provided along the way.
My advisor was more like my mentor. He is very open, honest and helpful, which made me very comfortable to express my ideas and also to discuss different issues concerning my academic life.
Advice for a prospective grad student or someone who would like to follow in your footsteps...
My biggest advice is to follow what truly excites you. My passion for equine reproduction started as a vet student, and every challenge and success since then has only made me more certain of my path. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them — that’s where the growth happens. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, and remember why you started. There will be tough days, but if you love what you’re doing, it will all be worth it.
