Becca Beutel
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I honestly didn’t realize that being an oceanographer was a real career option until I was nearing the end of my bachelor’s degree (it was one of the suggestions in my high-school career test, but I didn’t take it seriously back then). When I learned that it wasn’t the craziest idea in the world, I decided to go for it, and a co-op position in paleoceanography solidified my passion for ocean science. Pursuing a graduate degree was initially aimed at qualifying me for my dream career, where I lacked some background knowledge, but I liked the research even more than expected, ultimately leading me to stay on as a PhD student!
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I visited UBC campus for the first time when I was 12 and absolutely fell in love (you could even find UBC written with hearts around it in my middle school diary.. I was not popular). When the time came to choose a graduate school, UBC remained a top contender because it aligned perfectly with what I was seeking – a renowned oceanography program, a serious commitment to the climate emergency, and a location close to the ocean. UBC's commitment to divesting from fossil fuels right around when I was making my decision, and its focus on environmental programs made me confident that our values matched. The campus’ location near the Salish Sea allows me to feel connected to my subject area, making UBC the ideal choice for me.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
What attracted me to my program at UBC is its outstanding reputation both in Canada and internationally, along with its emphasis on interdisciplinary research. The most critical questions in oceanography transcend disciplinary and national boundaries, so I was attracted to the vast opportunities for collaboration that oceanography at UBC has to offer. My experience has surpassed expectations. This year, my peers and I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Chile, where we collaborated with researchers on Patagonia’s fjords due to their similarities to the British Columbia Coast. Moreover, I'm currently collaborating with ocean modellers from the University of Victoria and the University of Washington, all brought together by our shared passion for studying the Salish Sea.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I’ve been amazed by how international both my program and Vancouver are! For my first two years I was the only Canadian in my research group, and interacting with diverse backgrounds and educational experiences has significantly enriched my research, especially how I communicate it. Outside of the research world, forming friendships with people from around the world has introduced me to new music, food, and activities that I couldn’t have foreseen getting to enjoy when I chose to stay in Canada for my studies.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
During my undergraduate degree in engineering I completed five coop terms in diverse sectors, including consulting, government, and academia, covering a range of topics such as groundwater, stormwater, paleoceanography, and wetland ecology. This background, albeit water centric, provided me with a broad knowledge base that I could not have learned in school alone, ranging from farming practices to building low-cost weather stations. Through these experiences, I discovered that I was more interested in being a well-rounded researcher than an expert in one area. Having professional work exposure before prior to my graduate program also helped me navigate the supervisor-graduate student relationship more effectively, viewing myself as both a student and a valuable team member.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Spending time outside, either as exercise or very lackadaisically, is the best way to brighten my mood, particularly long bike rides on trails or roads, beach volleyball, or a quick jump in the ocean – all perks of living in Vancouver. When the weather isn’t conducive to outdoors time (I’m a bit of a wimp about rain) I like to work with my hands: I find joy in mending and embroidering clothing, and I volunteer as a mechanic at a local bike coop’s women and gender-queer night. Being able to fix or enhance something that might have otherwise been discarded while empowering others to do the same is immensely rewarding.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My advice for new graduate students is to take control of your time by setting your own deadlines early on. While grad school might lack structured deadlines, creating your own and sharing them with your supervisor adds a sense of accountability. It's not your supervisor's responsibility to enforce these self-imposed deadlines, but it keeps both of you on the same page regarding draft expectations and graduation timelines. Personally, I find this approach essential for self-motivation, staying on track, and maintaining open communication with my supervisor.