Johanna Bock
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
During my BSc in Psychology, I took every course I could, certain I would move into HR after earning a "psychologist" title with a master’s. However, as I progressed, I became increasingly drawn to positive psychology and the study of how we develop to live happy, healthy lives. When the time came to choose two areas for my Master’s, I focused on clinical and developmental psychology. Several internships then confirmed that clinical practice wasn’t for me, but I loved working with participants in a researcher-participant context, engaging with patients, children and adults alike. I’ve always been passionate about teaching and learning, and I find universities to be intriguing environments; they’re places where “traditions” and rigid structures coexist with a drive for innovation, encouraging new ways of thinking and questioning the status quo. Pursuing a graduate degree became a logical way for me to build on my skills, knowledge and curiosity.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I came to UBC for a research internship and fell in love with the university and the city. The structured program and interdisciplinary nature of the faculty together with UBC’s great reputation were added bonuses. As I became more certain that my future research would evolve around humans interacting with their environment, I could not imagine a more perfect setting.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I was drawn to the interdisciplinary approach of UBC’s urban forestry program, particularly the focus on environmental justice and social equity in Dr. Lorien Nesbitt’s lab. Coming from a more quantitative and traditional psychological background, I’ve found it exciting to engage with mixed-methods research that includes community-focused, participatory projects. I also enjoy the Urban Forest Research Hub’s collaborative environment, where no two people have the same background, yet we all share a common interest in making nature accessible for (health) benefits for all.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Starting my program during Covid meant I didn’t fully experience UBC’s offerings for newcomers right away, so I’m still discovering all it has to offer, from the Aquatic Centre to the many well-being groups on campus. Living in Vancouver, though, has been a continual surprise — it just feels right for me to be here, and nature plays a big role in that feeling. I miss my lovely friends and family back home, but looking out each morning at the trees and mountains, going for a spontaneous hike or ski day, or spending a weekend in the forest gives me a deep sense of peace and belonging.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
One of the biggest challenges I see in my future career is navigating interdisciplinary work, especially in academia where fixed timeframes and slow-moving processes can complicate collaboration. I spend a lot of time thinking about how to bring together different fields, and the difficulty of finding a common vocabulary and shared goals before any actual research can begin. It’s also challenging to balance being knowledgeable enough to represent one discipline without getting too entrenched in its rigid ways of thinking. I believe a lot of careful thought should go into the processes of interdisciplinary collaboration before it’s even possible to engage vulnerable communities in a meaningful and respectful way.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I think one of the experiences that has best prepared me for UBC’s PhD program is having worked in a job that made me feel a bit stuck. It really made me appreciate the freedom and flexibility that come with pursuing a PhD, where so much of your work revolves around topics you are passionate about. I have also gained a lot of practical experience as a research assistant, managing tests and surveys and by being a participant myself. This has not only helped me develop a strong understanding of research processes, but it has also given me more confidence and the ability to approach challenges with professionalism and a bit of humour — all of which are really helpful when working with research participants.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I have played field hockey for over 20 years and the main things it has taught me is to be passionate even if you loose almost every weekend (at least as a child). I love getting entirely consumed in following a tiny plastic ball, the exhaustion and joy — or fury — that comes with it. As we only play in Vancouver during rainy season, I have also had the chance to find my love for hiking and camping; I’ve never been on a more relaxing vacation than doing the West Coast Trail this year!
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Oh, where to start! Probably the most important one: ask for support. Be considerate of others’ time but also don’t waste your entire week on a problem that someone else in your lab solved already. Also, get into strategic planning. Even though it can be so frustrating to not fulfill your targets, setting time aside to reflect on where you're going, what’s holding you back and how you feel about the next steps has been extremely useful for me. It not only helped me organize my work but also to verbalize my next steps, to plan ahead and to identify more with my work.
