Siti Hazneza Abdul Hamid
Effects of natural weathering on wood erosion
Georgetown, Penang
Malaysia
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I enjoy teaching and sharing what I know, especially the tricks to understand something :-) I also like to challenge, in a good spirit, how things are done, see if there are better ways to do them. I want to try a different method of teaching. I have experienced learning from all sorts of teachers, good and bad. I want to pass on their best attributes. And to be a faculty, a PhD is necessary.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
When I was offered the Academic Staff Training Scheme, I was asked to choose another place than the USA, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The program chairman then asked if I would have any problem to go to Canada, which, I didn’t. My supervisor then suggested UBC because British Columbia is rich with forest and forest products. She suggested that I contact Dr. Evans and emails after emails, here I am.
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
While this research cannot solve all problems related to wood weathering, I do hope that it explains in further details the findings of others. By adding new information to the body of knowledge in this area, it will be a joy if this research opens new pathways for the next researcher to build on.
What are your future career goals?
After getting my PhD, insya Allah, I will go back and teach in my home university. I want to design teaching methods that integrate research skills and scientific writing skills that I found lacking. I would prefer my future students to be able to explain their findings rather than bulking up their reports with throw-everything-in information and massaging their data to get 'perfect' figures. I would like my class to be as enjoyable as those of my teachers'.
What has been your most memorable Vancouver experience so far?
Living for a week in Richmond and having to catch the first bus at 6.45am with my firstborn only 3 months old and my husband and I did not know that we can bring a stroller on the bus so we kept folding it :-D First time we saw snow and... that's it? Having our second baby here. The public transport is good and the people... always have something positive to say.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Contact your supervisor ahead and know what exactly your research area would be so you can do some preparation. Understand the time line and the graduate study system and requirements; your supervisor may not be aware of these. Arrange for accommodation and check weather broadcast before you fly :-)
Personal Interests / Hobbies
I love reading, can't really stand not having anything to read other than study materials. I enjoy writing; I have five published Malay novels back home. Cooking is done on a daily basis; the hobby I guess is in the passion to try out new recipes and improvising. I miss hiking, camping and nature walking; used to do at least one of those every month. Though I am not very good in sports, I enjoy watching sports-inspired movies.