Conan Omori
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I felt a graduate degree would increase my employability, and that by the end of my undergraduate degree, I had only learned the basics and wanted to experience focused research to develop a more fundamental understanding of things.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
My supervisor's lab seemed very welcoming which was an important aspect as an international student. UBC also offered lots of great facilities and its location is great if you love the outdoors!
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
My research topic was something outside of my knowledge, and so I saw this as a good opportunity to learn about a completely new field. From a financial perspective, my program's level of funding and tuition cost made it feasible for me to study here.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
UBC's campus is much larger than what I anticipated and I'm still finding new places on campus. I also enjoy the close proximity to Pacific Spirit Park and the beaches which are good places to enjoy nature and are only a very short walk away.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My hands-on experience has been beneficial to my research. My ability to design and build test setups independently, and appreciating how the design and manufacturing of the apparatus affects the research goals has helped me a lot.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Something I was told is that studying isn't just leading onto the next part of your life, you're already living it. So take opportunities to try new things, explore, and enjoy the flexibility that a graduate program can give you.