Kathy Jacyniak | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

The Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies will be closed from December 23, reopening on Thursday, Jan 2nd at 8:30 am.

Kathy Jacyniak

Kathy Jacyniak

Research Area: 
Cardiac self-repair and regeneration

My Experience as a Grad Student at UofG...

Guelph offers great graduate programs for students that may or may not have research experience. What I have found is that faculty members are very willing to meet with students, and are available to talk about their research and to provide insight about what graduate school encompasses. In addition, getting to meet with current graduate students to talk about what their research is about is definitely an option here at the University of Guelph. I have found that many students are afraid to contact faculty members, but I found it to be very easy and helpful to reach out to the Faculty at Guelph. The University of Guelph definitely has the support system to help students get of glimpse of what graduate school has to offer. 

Program

Biomedical Sciences, PhD

Why I Chose Guelph… 

I recently completed my Master of Science (MSc) with Dr. Vickaryous in Biomedical Sciences, and I was excited to continue the project that we were working on over the last two years. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto and I was intrigued by the one year, course-based Master's program (Masters of Biomedical Sciences) offered in Biomedical Sciences, especially since I did not have any prior research experience. After being in the MBS program for almost a year, I transferred into the MSc program because I gained experience and interest in research. I just started my Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) this September and I am excited for what is in store in these upcoming years! 

About the City of Guelph… 

Moving from the suburbs of Toronto to Guelph was a drastic change for me, but definitely in a positive way. Being able to walk home from campus late at night and feeling completely safe is something that I did not feel back at home. There are many and diverse food options available on campus and in the city of Guelph. There are also beautiful trails and paths, especially at the arboretum, that are lush and filled with wild rabbits and deer that make every walk a new experience. 

Being a Graduate Student at Guelph… 

Being a graduate student at Guelph is something that I did not envision it to be. I came from a University where it was difficult for the professors to get to know their students because of the larger classroom sizes. At Guelph, you have the ability to get to know professors personally, and relating with them on a professional level. This has been something that I would never think was possible until this year. Planning, discussing and contributing ideas to your own research with individuals who are experts within a field makes research self-gratifying. 

About Campus… 

My favourite thing about the Guelph Campus would probably be the environment that is here. The faculty members, staff and students are approachable and friendly, and the food available is delicious. I enjoy walking through the various department buildings and seeing the interesting things that are on display, every item unique to what the department stands for.  

The personable and friendly atmosphere that is here. It is impossible to go unnoticed. From staff and faculty to the students, everyone is friendly and welcoming. 

About Financial Support… 

The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) scholarship is currently helping to fund the first 3 years of my PhD.