Dan Werb
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
It was never my intention to go back to school after I got my BA in English Literature and Philosophy many years ago. But after working in a few different fields, I worked at an organization in Paris that advocated public health approaches to reducing the spread of HIV among injection drug users. The more I learned about the subject, the more complex and important the work became. I couldn't help but continue my education.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I have had the opportunity to work with incredible supervisors and mentors during my time at UBC. I have had access to some of the best applied epidemiologic training in the world in my area of study and have been provided with an environment in which I was able to excel. I credit my supervisors, committee members, and network of mentors for all of these benefits.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The best surprise was the willingness of faculty members at the School of Population and Public Health and at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS to mentor me, train me, and – when necessary – drag me kicking and screaming towards the finish line. I can't credit them enough.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Make a decision early about what issues you want to explore in your thesis project. That decision will make the search for a supportive supervisory team much easier. If you are already doing that, make sure you get out there and let the world know how important your work is. Pitch newspapers, cold-call experts you want to work with, apply for every award, and do not forget to have fun.
Learn more about Dan's research
This study involves a comprehensive approach that considers the entire trajectory of an individual's injecting career. The methodology focuses on assessing the role that socio-demographic, cognitive, and policy factors play in determining the risk of initiation of injection drug use among street youth in Vancouver, and also seeks to identify factors that may inhibit the cessation of injection drug use among established drug injectors. This research is conducted using a combination of observational epidemiologic methods, cognitive scale adaptation and validation, and systematic literature analysis. The project focuses on identifying gaps in our current policy approaches towards addressing both injection drug use initiation. It also seeks to determine whether currently-enacted public health interventions such as needle exchange programs contribute to a lengthening of injection drug using careers among their clients.