Andrew David Gunter
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
The most interesting problems to solve are the ones that nobody has solved before. While there's a lot to learn from the "already solved" problems, they're not as exciting as exploring the intellectually unknown. For me, my graduate degree is my first step toward a career of being the person who gets to work with unsolved problems.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
It's hard to go wrong with a university surrounded by the most beautiful parts of Canada that also has plentiful resources for conducting top-quality research. Before applying to UBC, I visited Vancouver and the UBC campus; I could see myself staying here for at least a few years, and eventually that came to be.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I was most interested in working with my PhD supervisor, Dr. Steven Wilton. He and I are very well-aligned in research interests, and he's a highly accomplished professor in our field. Additionally, UBC's Electrical & Computer Engineering department is well known and highly connected with other institutions globally, putting me in a strong position for my future.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Having lived in Toronto previously, I found transportation in Vancouver to be unexpectedly pleasant. Public transit here is relatively cleaner and more reliable, cycling is more comfortable (albeit with some challenging inclines) and car share services have left me with no desire to purchase my own vehicle.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
Definitely collaborating with my supervisor and labmates. I have had no problem working alone throughout my program, but the most enjoyable (and memorable) aspects of research were found with a team of cool people.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
It's tough to know exactly where I want to work and what I want to research in the future. There are many viable places in the world, so it's not easy to pin down what's best for me personally.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
I've gotten to attend many conferences across North America and Europe, and this has let me experience more of the world and make friends from a variety of backgrounds and regions. Hearing perspectives from many different people has given me more insight into what I'd like to do after I graduate.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
While still an undergraduate student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, I was part of a research lab for a summer. During that time, I was mentored by very helpful senior students and professors who allowed me to work on research problems independently. Without having taken on that summer position, I probably would not be at UBC today!
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
It has varied a lot over my years at UBC but I've played in soccer leagues, video game tournaments, entered long distance running events, rock climbed around Vancouver, hosted board game nights and most recently I've joined the archery club here on campus. I also spent a year as the treasurer for my department's graduate student association.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Research is very demanding, and it can be easy to focus on that entirely without enjoying the rest of what UBC and Vancouver have to offer. Make an effort to carve out some time for enjoying something completely unrelated to your studies; exploit the unique opportunities available to students before your time as a student is over.