Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Grad Students' Words of Wisdom

Portrait of Megan Lalli

Megan Lalli

Words of wisdom for a prospective grad student

Lean in, stay curious, and be open to the opportunities that will come your way. Don't be afraid to reach out to your professors for ideas or support - the faculty affiliated with this program are well connected and eager to continue strengthening their existing networks. Your cohort will also become like family. Don't be afraid to open up and share, ask questions, and provide support for each other. Lastly, embrace all the prompts for reflection. Those are the opportunities to think critically about yourself, your work, and apply meaning to what you've learned. Enjoy the ride!

Portrait of Ishrat Zahan

Ishrat Zahan

Advice for prospective grad students... 

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.

Portrait of Gabriella Salvadore

Laura Dawson

Some words of advice...

Talk to your professors and TAs! They are there to help you and I wish I reached out to them sooner in my undergrad.

U of G MBS student Ainsley Rooney in the lab

Ainsley Rooney

Advice to prospective grad students

My advice to prospective graduate students is to stay curious and open to new opportunities. Grad school is a journey of discovery, and being open-minded can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences. Through working in a laboratory setting, you learn a plethora of new skills and techniques that not only could be useful in future careers but enhance your knowledge in the field. 
It's also essential to build relationships with peers, professors, and mentors. These connections can offer invaluable support, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to grow.
Lastly, remember that graduate school can be demanding, so take care of your mental and physical well-being. Balance is key to sustaining your energy and focus throughout your program. Stay motivated and persistent, and don't lose sight of your long-term goals.

Charlie Keown-Stoneman

Charlie Keown-Stoneman

About Student Services...

“As a U of G student I have taken part in many intramural sports including soccer, softball, football, hockey and volleyball. I have had great experiences, both as an intramural player and captain. The availability of such a wide variety of athletic opportunities for students is a great addition to the university.”

Portrait of graduate student Rana Telfah

Rana Telfah

Advice for prospective grad students...

I highly recommend University of Guelph graduate studies for the prospective grad student who is looking to build their skills and improve their knowledge. This great learning experience will make students more employable in the labor market. The best thing in grad studies is the working opportunities offered to students while studying which improves their networking and can prepare them for the labor market.

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.

U of G graduate student, Anastasia Stellato (PhD - Epidemiology) in the Science Atrium at the University of Guelph

Anastasia Stellato

About Being a Grad Student at U of G… 

There are animals everywhere, from seeing eye dogs in training to horses and cows at the research barn.

Portrait of Dr. Yazmin Osornio Maganaz

Yazmin Osornio Maganaz

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.