Tarique Benbow
The CB2 receptor as a potential target for Vascular Headaches
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
My intellectual curiosity led me to pursue a graduate degree. As a pharmacist, I saw the many adverse effects that current pain/analgesic drugs had on patients. A graduate degree and by extension a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences would equip me with the skills, techniques, and knowledge necessary to develop more efficacious and safer drugs for those affected by painful disease conditions.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I wanted to attend a University that had high success in pharmaceutical drug discovery research, a diverse community, and researchers with similar research interests. UBC fit all these criteria perfectly!
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC consistently produces scientific research with huge impacts in drug discovery. The faculty has one of the best facilities and infrastructure for drug development and research with its newly built Pharmaceutical Sciences building. It is truly a magnificent building. Lastly, I wanted to learn from the best in my field! My research supervisor is well known and world-renowned for research in pain; a common interest that we both share.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I was really surprised at how friendly and helpful the staff at UBC were when I first arrived. Coming from another country can be daunting and scary. It's always great to have a helping-hand to lessen the impact of cultural and lifestyle differences upon arrival. At UBC I got so much help in settling in Vancouver from the UBC faculty and this helped to make settling in much easier.
The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC consistently produces scientific research with huge impacts in drug discovery. The faculty has one of the best facilities and infrastructure for drug development and research with its newly built Pharmaceutical Sciences building.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I’m looking forward to presenting the end results of my research work to the scientific community. It is interesting to plan and conduct the research and discover something new in your lab, however, it's being able to disseminate and illustrate to the scientific community these findings and its implication(s) that really excites me!
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My experiences in the pharmaceutical industry taught me many life skills. Most notably I learned the importance of setting goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Specific). I strongly believe establishing smart objectives and remaining focused, will guarantee success in the completion of my graduate studies at UBC.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I like going to the gym and running for relaxation. For fun I like hiking, reading, and listening to music, browsing the internet, watching anime series, movies, and having a drink from time to time!
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Try to have a holistic experience during your graduate studies. Become involved in outreach programs, graduated student societies, and clubs to enrich your graduate school experience. UBC has many student organizations to help you get involved during your graduate studies. Most importantly have some fun while at it!