Regan Thompson
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
In the second year of my undergraduate psychology degree, an academic advisor told me that pursuing graduate school would be essential for strong career prospects in the field. Graduate studies became a clear goal from that point forward. I completed an undergraduate honours thesis and gained valuable experience through leadership roles and research assistantships, initially with the intention of applying to clinical or counselling psychology programs. At that time, my motivation for graduate school was largely driven by career ambitions. However, after completing my degree, I took a gap year and was surprised by how much I missed research. I often found myself thinking back to a small research project I had done with ballet dancers during a third-year course, which left me with lingering questions I was eager to explore further through qualitative research methods. This reflection expanded my perspective on my options for graduate school, prompting me to explore research-based programs in Kinesiology, particularly those with supervisors experienced in qualitative methods. As a result, my reasons for pursuing graduate studies shifted from being primarily career-focused to being more grounded in genuine personal interest and intellectual curiosity. Today, those motivations (career development, research passion, and personal exploration) have converged in my pursuit of a PhD. My ultimate goal is to become a professor, and I feel incredibly fortunate for the flexibility and exploration I embraced while exploring my options for graduate school.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
It certainly helps that UBC is a beautiful, world-class research institution, and being based at the Vancouver campus allows me to stay close to my family. But the primary reason I chose UBC was the opportunity to work with my supervisor, Dr. Erica Bennett. We shared similar research interests, but we also met prior to my MA application. I immediately felt a sense of connection as her approach was supportive, attentive, and aligned with my values and expectations. She also generously guided me through the process of drafting my first funding application before I had even applied to the MA program, which was entirely new to me, and we stayed in touch throughout my gap year. I then chose to continue with her supervision for my PhD after completing my MA. Over the past few years under her mentorship, which consists of a thoughtful balance of autonomy and hands-on support, I’ve been able to grow significantly as a qualitative researcher and person. I attribute much of the success and fulfillment I’ve experienced in graduate school to our relationship, and I’m genuinely grateful every day for the opportunity to learn and grow at UBC alongside Dr. Bennett.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The School of Kinesiology is incredibly diverse. As someone with a psychology background, one of the most meaningful aspects of my experience has been the opportunity to build relationships with, and serve on my thesis and dissertation committees, sociology scholars within the School. These interdisciplinary connections have significantly enriched my thinking and helped me approach my research from more critical perspectives. However, Kinesiology also has many quantitative and physiology-based scholars! This offers many opportunities for multi-disciplinary dialogue and learning, which interested me as a prospective student. Beyond my thesis and dissertation work, the School has also provided a wide range of learning experiences that have been especially valuable as I prepare for a career in academia. The chance to be involved in various research, teaching, mentorship, and professional development through the School has been invaluable and allowed me to grow in well-rounded and meaningful ways.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Although I grew up in the Lower Mainland, I had seldom visited the UBC campus and had few personal connections to the university before beginning graduate school. Coming from a much smaller institution for my undergraduate studies and as a first-generation graduate student, I wasn’t sure how or where I would fit in at such a large, world-renowned university. However, UBC (and the School of Kinesiology specifically) has made me feel welcomed, supported and valued as a graduate student with meaningful contributions to the institution and School. I’m genuinely grateful that many of my initial concerns were quickly eased as I settled into my program.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I like to think of my journey as a convergence of many different paths that coalesce into where I am today. My background as a dancer and my experience in the corporate sport sector initially drew me toward sport psychology. At the same time, I spent much of my youth at an integrated arts school, where I developed a deep appreciation for personal expression and creative learning. This early foundation has fuelled my interest in embodied, arts-based research methods, which I see as offering an innovative and empowering contribution to the field. While each of these paths could have led me in very different directions, I feel genuinely fulfilled in being able to weave them together into a cohesive and meaningful research program.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
You will find yourself along the way, and that you do not need to have a clear end goal when you are first starting your graduate degree. My career aspirations, skills, and research interests have continued to shift and grow alongside me since I started graduate school, and this flexibility continues to be a central and meaningful part of my experience. Also, take full advantage of the quieter moments in the term or research cycle to rest and reset! Protect your weekends and evenings when you can.
