Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Graduate School

Why did other students choose UBC?

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Manvi Bhalla

"I chose UBC for its strong interdisciplinary focus and commitment to social justice. UBC’s Public Scholars Initiative and its emphasis on collaborative, community-based research made it the ideal place to pursue my PhD. Additionally, UBC’s renowned expertise in…"

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Rachel N. Stern

"I applied to graduate school in the fall of 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the places I applied was UBC Geography, as I was excited by the work on social-environmental relationships there. I was drawn to the community-engaged work at UBC…"

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Fatimah Bahrami

"After completing my 12-month training period at the Perceptual Neuroscience Laboratory for Autism and Development at McGill University during 2019-2020, I was fortunate to come across the studies of Prof. Adele Diamond from UBC. Her systematic review in 2019…"

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Trinh Nguyen

"Years ago, while searching for a higher institution for my graduate program, I fell in love with a picture of UBC's rose garden and all the ocean and mountains surrounding it. After that, I felt the UBC online system was really professional, smart and effective.…"

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Esther Roorda

"Firstly, UBC has a great selection of classes and world class faculty who are engaged in interesting research in engineering, sustainability and education. I feel particularly appreciative and lucky to have had the opportunity to work with both my current…"

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Sharayu Jakhotiya

"The Faculty of Forestry at UBC is world-renowned, with exceptional researchers engaged in multidisciplinary work around the globe. UBC also offers abundant opportunities for learning and research funding, which are crucial for achieving one’s research goals. My…"

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Zeba Khan

"I remember falling in love with UBC in 2015 when I first saw the beautiful greenery and the stunning backdrop of the campus. I jokingly told my friends that I never wanted to leave UBC! I completed my BSc and MSc at UBC and built strong ties to the UBC community.…"

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Nicole (Nikki) Kaechele

"First and foremost, because Terre Satterfield was at UBC and I wanted to learn with her. I knew that studying at UBC would offer a truly multidisciplinary experience, and that the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) would support the…"

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Xiaocong Guo

"UBC is a top-tier university in Canada and across the world. I can leverage the exemplary training environment and its culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Choosing to study at UBC was easily the best decision I could have made for graduate school."

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Amin Adibi

"Before starting my program, I had the privilege of working, living, and studying as an uninvited guest on the ancestral unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nation at UBC for a few years. And what can I say, it is the most beautiful place! UBC is also…"

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Rinni Mamman

"UBC is renowned for its exceptional programs and the opportunities to collaborate with experts in various fields. As a person who has lived in several countries, I wanted to explore the Canadian way of life and education, and decided to pursue a master’s in…"

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Laen Hershler

"I chose to continue my studies at UBC due to my positive experiences during my B.Ed and Master's programs. The close relationships I formed with my supervisor and the relevant work being done here were significant motivators. My journey at UBC has shown me that…"

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Sarinn Blawatt

"Research is a touch point that influences the kinds of care people who use substances will receive, but it often stands alone without meaningful engagement, appropriate contextual framing or accessible representation. This is why I chose to come to the School of…"

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Tetiana Poliakova

"I was recruited to UBC by my supervisor, Dr. Cheryl Wellington, shortly after I evacuated the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia and was unable to continue my training back home. Cheryl recruited me via the Science For Ukraine NGO, run by volunteer…"

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Kai Jacobsen

"UBC is a top research university with many resources available to support community-engaged research and impactful knowledge translation. I am keen to join UBC initiatives related to community-based research and knowledge translation, such as the Public Scholars…"

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Pardis Semnani

"When I was admitted to the department of mathematics by my advisor and learned about her area of research, algebraic statistics, I found it intriguing that her problems of interest build a bridge between pure and applied mathematics. That is why I decided to work…"

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Jorden Hendry

"My experience with the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health solidified my decision to choose UBC for my graduate studies, as it offers a unique environment that values Indigenous perspectives and fosters meaningful research and leadership opportunities."

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Xue Qi (Amy) Wang

"The University of British Columbia (UBC) is an ideal institution for my PhD studies for several reasons. UBC is renowned for its cutting-edge research facilities, such as the Biomedical Research Centre, which offers state-of-the-art laboratories and resources…"

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Hebah Hussaina

"I completed both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees at UBC, and throughout those experiences, I became embedded within the community here. It was an easy choice to continue studying at UBC because of the love that I have for my community. Through my research, I…"

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Jamie Kwon

"The opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration at UBC were a key deciding factor. I was fortunate to work with a team of experts from a variety of seemingly disconnected fields such as engineering, pathology, and radiation oncology. Being part of a robust…"

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Genevieve Bonnor

"I completed my undergraduate degree at UBC and love the open research culture here, so I decided to pursue my graduate degree here as well. The faculty here are some of the best in the country and are always open to help with questions or ready to participate in…"

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Michael Sekatchev

"I was born in Vancouver, but I spent eight years living in southern France. I attended an international school there until 2018, when I returned to Vancouver to complete my final year of high school. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow up in…"

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Raha AtashPa

"I chose to study at the University of British Columbia (UBC) for its exceptional commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and its globally recognized support for innovative art-based scholarship. UBC stands out as a leading institution that not only…"

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Narsis Daftarian

"The experimental medicine program at UBC provides a uniquely wide spectrum range of study for graduate students like medical doctors who want to become professionally trained in clinical, population-based as well as basic science research. This program also offers…"

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Carly Hamdon

"I decided to study at UBC for several reasons, but the largest was to work with my supervisor, Dr. Emily Huddart Kennedy. When I came upon her work, I knew immediately that she would be an ideal academic supervisor and mentor for me. Her keen ability to ask…"

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Haopu (Lily) Ren

"UBC has been ranked one of the best universities in the world. Further, as a graduate of the University of British Columbia (UBC) from Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP) in Seniors Care, continuing my study at UBC at the doctoral level is the natural…"

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Veronika Larsen

"I completed my MA at UBC in 2021, and my time on campus has been quite wonderful. I decided to study at UBC largely because of the expert faculty members that I have learned from, and that I believe I can learn much more from. Members in my department continue to…"

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Jordan Bird

"I actually did not think I would pursue a graduate degree after my MSc. However, by serendipity I met my PhD supervisors while they were conducting a study at UBCO. We spoke about their research and challenges with current assessment tools that are used in…"

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Belinda Chi

"Being born and raised in Vancouver, I wanted to stay close to my family and friends as I pursued my studies and was grateful to be accepted into the PhD program in EDCP at UBC."

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Melanie Mackay

"I graduated from UBC Geological Sciences and so I was aware that UBC is one of the best universities in Canada for research in geoscience and mining engineering. The smaller department sizes allow for rich collaboration among professors and graduate students."

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Fang Fang Li

"UBC is a world-class institution known for its many multidisciplinary collaborations, particularly with its many industry, government, and non-profit partners. I was fortunate to find supervisors at UBC matching my research interests who also had clinical…"

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Monir Shahzeidi

"UBC is a well-known university with higher education options and world-class facilities. UBC provides educators with resources and undoubtedly with the most experienced mentors in each field. These opportunities help students expand their knowledge and collaborate…"

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Brook Hadwen

"UBC's Kinesiology department is ranked first in Canada and fourth globally, with esteemed faculty members to work with and learn from. After reading some of the top-notch research that the department conducted, I couldn’t wait to be a part of it."

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Ian Hill

"Vancouver has always been the city that I consider home, getting to both return to the place I love while studying at a world-class university was not an opportunity to pass up. I feel very fortunate that the supervisor I was interested in studying under works…"

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Ashley Gilliland

"I was fortunate as a child to grow up in the greater Vancouver area and was eager to return home to continue my academic endeavors. Luckily for me, UBC is one of the top microbiology research schools in Canada and is host to a wealth of world-class researchers.…"

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Becca Beutel

"I visited UBC campus for the first time when I was 12 and absolutely fell in love (you could even find UBC written with hearts around it in my middle school diary.. I was not popular). When the time came to choose a graduate school, UBC remained a top contender…"

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Mohit Pandey

"Prior to joining UBC for my Ph.D., I was working in deep learning applications in late-stage drug discovery - particularly with large clinical trials. I had a chance to talk with my supervisor before coming to UBC. He made me realize how even early-stage drug…"

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Jackson Moore

"UBC is a world-class university and a leader in genomics research. Having done my undergraduate here as well, I developed a love for the city and the lifestyle it offers."

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Betty Shea

"My experience as a non-degree student was really positive. I loved the way lectures, tutorials, labs, assignments and projects all complemented each other. I found the lectures stimulating and the professors and TAs encouraging. I also loved just being on the UBC…"

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Heather Baker

"A big part of what brought me to UBC was the research. Professor Thibault Mayor’s research interests in proteostasis, aging, and using proteomics tools to explore these topics were what drew me to the idea of a PhD at UBC. The Department of Biochemistry and…"

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Rane Simpson

"UBC is a fantastic institution in an amazing country. Add to this that it is home to the nations premier environment for nuclear physics experiments, and you will have a picture that describes why UBC was my number one destination for graduate studies."

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John Harvey O'Hara

"I decided to study here because the CENES department is a hub for queer German studies, and there are few places like it in the world. The mentorship and sense of community here have encouraged me greatly as I've developed my project further. I also selected UBC…"

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Ash Larnder

"Coming out of the pandemic, I wanted to stay closer to my family. And the mountains of course - it was too hard to leave them. UBC is a beautiful campus by the ocean. My program has a lot of great health scientists in the province, so it's a good opportunity to…"

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W. Austin Guild

"I had a very enjoyable time at the UBC Okanagan campus over the five years I was completing my undergraduate studies. I really wanted to continue my education at UBC, however, I also wanted to experience life in a new city; therefore, I chose to pursue continuing…"

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Kabir Bhalla

"I knew that pursuing a PhD would be an arduous and demanding journey, so when considering my options for graduate studies, finding a campus that felt like home was crucial to me. UBC stood out as the clear and natural choice. Having formed strong connections and…"

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Arash Mousemi

"The field of my interest is not studied in many labs around the world, and UBC is one of the few universities that offered conducting research on what I really like. Also, my supervisor is kind and supportive."

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Rocio Hollman

"Having done my undergrad at UBC I knew that not only were the labs stunning, but so is the campus! I wasn't ready to leave such a beautiful place just yet."

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Aysha Allard Brown

"UBC has consistently offered me an exceptional research environment with opportunities I could have never envisioned. Upon completing my Bachelor’s at UBC in Biology and Kinesiology, I knew that pursuing my graduate degree here would continue to promote my…"

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Bronwen Grocott

"I applied to UBC because I wanted to work with my present supervisor, Dr. Joelle LeMoult. I was especially interested in researching social stress and depression using a mixed-methods, experimental approach and working with Joelle has made this possible."

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Sharada Balaji

"My supervisors! Having done my undergraduate degree at UBC, I was looking for a change of scenery for my graduate work. Meeting with both of my (then potential) supervisors, seeing the work they did, and their enthusiasm and friendliness made me change my mind…"

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