Kirsten Chuli

Programs

Molecular & Cellular Biology, MSc

How My Research will Improve Life… 

My work is providing insight that will lead to better therapeutics for individuals with cystic fibrosis

Why I Chose Guelph… 

I completed my undergraduate degree here at Guelph and I fell in love with the campus and the city. I took a year off between my undergraduate degree and my masters, but even with that break, I still felt the pull to come back to Guelph. I had offers from other universities in Ontario but the combination of my advisor, the project I was to work on, and everything I knew about Guelph swayed my decision. I also had a couple friends working on graduate degrees here, and hearing about their experiences with graduate studies at Guelph further made Guelph my top choice!  

About My Advisor… 

My advisor and I have a great relationship. He is incredibly knowledgeable and a perpetual source of ideas. Sometimes, I walk out of his office after a meeting thinking my thesis has just grown three sizes larger, but I appreciate his enthusiasm and his willingness to take the time to discuss my project with me. He has a laid-back personality, and is always open to suggestions that I have about where I want my work to go. He also knows how to provide direction and constructive criticism when I need it. 

About the City of Guelph… 

The city itself is so vibrant, and there is always a variety of activities going on. The transit system (access included in student fees) and bike lanes make the city accessible and easy to navigate, even without a car. There are a lot of parks, trails and green spaces which make being outside pleasant. Guelph is close enough to Toronto that you can go for a weekend, but far enough that you can still be out in the country in a matter of minutes. Rental costs are also very reasonable here, especially in comparison to those in nearby university towns. 

Being a Graduate Student at Guelph… 

Being a graduate student at Guelph is about being a part of a community. We have a wide variety of ambitions and goals, but we all want to see each other succeed. It is a pleasant atmosphere where people respect one another and respect the work that they do. 

About Campus… 

The wide variety of animals on campus, whether it be the plethora of in training service dog puppies, or the horses and cows out by the OVC. It brings a special ‘Only-at-Guelph’ feeling! The campus is beautiful in every season.