Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of Emma Harris

Emma Harris

Words of advice for someone considering grad school:

There's no "right time": just do it! The time will pass anyway. You may as well be accomplishing big goals. 

Portrait of graduate student Emma Plater (PhD, Human Health and Nutritional Sciences with Neuroscience) in the Science Atrium at the University of Guelph

Emma Plater

What Makes U of G Unique?

I love the amount of green space, and how relatively small and compact it is compared to other schools.

Safia Mahabub Sauty

Safia Mahabub Sauty

Some words of advice...

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.

Portrait of graduate student Sarah Ranby (MSc, Family Relations and Human Development) in the atrium of Mac Donald Stewart Hall at the University of Guelph

Sarah Ranby

About the City of Guelph… 

I came from a small town, so when I first moved to Guelph I was kind of intimidated by the transition due to leaving a rural area to come to a city. I have lived in Guelph for almost eight years now and even though it is a city, it has that small town feel which I like.

Portrait of graduate student Valencia Gaspard (PhD, Rural Studies) in the atrium of the Albert A. Thornbrough Building, University of Guelph

Valencia Gaspard

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

Being a graduate student at U of G means being part of a commitment to improve life.

Gary Csöff

Gary Csöff

What makes Guelph Unique… 

World-class facilities with world-class professors! In addition, the atmosphere of campus and being able to spend each day with truly genuine people!

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 Carrie McMullen

Carrie McMullen

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

Sometimes as an undergrad it's easy to stay 'behind the scenes' and just go to classes and complete what's required of you. But grad school has SO much to offer, and there are opportunities to gain new experiences around every corner that contribute to both personal growth and look great on a CV. I think getting involved is so important, and creating new relationships with faculty/other students is key.

Portrait of graduate student Olivia Grafinger

Olivia Grafinger

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

I would advise a prospective graduate student to do their homework before contacting prospective advisors. Check out their profile on the University website, read their most recent paper, and even reach out to a senior graduate student currently in the lab!    

Portrait of graduate student Keely Kavcic

Keely Kavcic

Advice for Prospective Grad Students...

I would tell any prospective grad students to visit the campuses they are applying to, and talk to students in their program(s) of interest! A major factor in my staying at Guelph was the campus community, and knowing that I would be supported throughout my studies in not only my academics, but also through the social atmosphere on campus.