Namrata Jain
Fundamental and applied carbohydrate enzymology
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Achieving scholarly excellence has been of great value to me from the very beginning of my academic life and I have increasingly believed in its practical significance as a life training method throughout. My deep desire to learn led me to graduate studies, and intellectually stimulating exchange of ideas and problem-solving has kept me going thus far.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
My short visit to Vancouver as a research assistant intern a few years ago was highly rewarding and what the city had to offer resonated with my personal extracurricular interests. UBC being one of the top ranking universities in Canada promises excellent resources for interdisciplinary research and offers the fellowship of a highly intellectual crowd.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
Exploring alternate, renewable sources of energy from plant cell walls in the form of biofuels that the research group is currently undertaking was very appealing to me for a doctoral project. My research program is a unique collaboration between chemistry and botany with a variety of avenues of interesting interdisciplinary work such as biochemistrty, genetics, enzymology and molecular biology. It is a challenge to shift to such a multifaceted field from a purely synthetic organic chemistry background and hence a great learning experience.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The quality of life Vancouver as a city offers, the freedom to freely pursue your extracurricular interests, the multicultural environment and the very forthcoming and outgoing local crowd have been a few of my favorite things about the city.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
The majority of my motivation for the graduate program is credited to the very supportive and inspiring previous research supervisors I have had the opportunity to work with. A variety of undergraduate research projects that I had undertaken, I believe, would be very valuable during my current graduate experience.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Adventure sports, travelling, music (guitar and keyboards), reading.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Take the time to carefully think over what you’re passionate for. Research can be a very rewarding experience if you know what drives you. The best part about pursuing a research project in your area of interest is that it is yours to mould into whatever you like it to be. Find the right questions to ask and you’ll have the time of your life!