Giulia Del Gobbo
The role of placental genetics in fetal growth restriction
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I have a long-standing interest in health sciences, particularly in human pregnancy, development, and genetics. Following my undergraduate studies, I ultimately chose to pursue a graduate degree because I wanted to learn more about and contribute knowledge to a field that has always interested me in hopes of improving healthcare and outcomes for others.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose to study at UBC because it provides a high quality educational and research environment for my professional development, and I was very interested to learn under the supervision of Dr. Wendy Robinson. Being from Vancouver, I was also drawn by the prospect of being closer to family and friends, and to all the outdoor adventures that the west coast provides.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Medical Genetics program provided the perfect combination of both basic science and clinical genetics that I wanted to pursue. I was impressed by the diversity and calibre of the research within the department, and was interested in being a part of such a productive group of individuals.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Though I grew up in Vancouver, I am continually finding new things to do and places to explore here. I love being able to enjoy the perks of living in the city while also being just a short trip away from the forest and some spectacular hikes and outdoor activities. I have also been happily surprised by the strong sense of community within my lab, graduate program, and research institute.
I chose UBC because of the high quality educational and research environment. Plus all of the outdoor adventures that the West Coast provides.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Take care in finding a supervisor/lab in which to do your research – ensuring that you are passionate about your graduate research and that you have a supportive supervisor and lab environment is so important; you could be there for a few years after all! Take advantage of personal development and outreach opportunities outside of your research - it’s a great way to meet new people and build your professional resume for success beyond grad school. Make sure you leave some time for yourself - having a work-life balance and time to spend with friends or family will prevent burnout and will ultimately make you more productive. Plus there is so much to explore around Vancouver and in BC, you’ll want to take advantage of it!
