Tiffany Price
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
After completing my master’s in Epidemiology at the University of Calgary, I was confident that I had reached the end of my formal academic journey. However, I soon began working in a role that exceeded my expectations—an applied Epidemiologist position in pharmacoepidemiology, my dream field. I was fortunate to join a highly collaborative environment where I was surrounded by brilliant, deeply knowledgeable pharmacoepidemiologists. Many of them held advanced training, and through close professional and personal relationships with these colleagues, I was continually inspired to deepen my expertise. Over time, I came to recognize that while hands-on experience had taught me a great deal, it could not fully substitute for the depth of knowledge and methodological rigour offered through a formal graduate program. I realized that to become the kind of independent researcher and contributor I aspired to be, I needed more structured academic training. This clarity led me to seek out a PhD supervisor whose research interests aligned closely with my own and who could help support my growth in this next phase of my academic and professional development.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I was fortunate to be accepted into PhD programs at both McGill University and the University of British Columbia, but ultimately chose UBC because it offered the strongest alignment with my academic goals, research interests, and long-term career aspirations. UBC is recognized globally for its excellence in research and education, consistently ranking among the top 40 universities in the world. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in particular, stood out for its commitment to advancing evidence-based, industry-relevant research aimed at optimizing drug therapy and improving patient outcomes, an ethos that directly resonates with my professional focus in pharmacoepidemiology. A major factor in my decision was the unique opportunity to work under the supervision of Dr. Jacquelyn Cragg, a highly respected pharmacoepidemiologist and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair with recognized expertise in neurologic diseases and advanced analytic methodologies. Her research leadership and mentorship were critical to my choice, as I was looking for a supervisor whose methodological expertise and research vision aligned closely with my own. Additionally, UBC’s unparalleled access to high-quality population-based health data provides a valuable foundation for conducting impactful, real-world research. The infrastructure, academic support, and collaborative environment offered by the university have made it an ideal setting to pursue rigorous doctoral training. For these reasons, UBC was the clear choice to advance both my academic development and my contributions to the field of pharmacoepidemiology.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
One of the main reasons I chose to pursue my doctoral studies at UBC was the strength and reputation of its Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Faculty is recognized nationally and internationally for its leadership in pharmaceutical sciences and for fostering innovation through interdisciplinary, patient-centered research. It has an outstanding track record of tri-council funding and remains at the forefront of research targeting some of the most pressing health issues. What stood out to me most was the Faculty’s commitment to translating research into meaningful clinical impact. The focus on evidence-based, industry-relevant work to improve drug therapy and patient outcomes closely reflects the goals I have for my own research career in pharmacoepidemiology. I was also drawn to the collaborative nature of the Faculty, where students are not only mentored by leading researchers but also actively supported in their academic development. Additionally, as a trainee within the Faculty, I am part of the Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE), where I have the opportunity to work alongside experts in drug policy, real-world evidence, and health data analytics. CORE’s learning environment fosters professional growth through regular research seminars, monthly meetings, and retreats that promote knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines. Importantly, I’ve also felt deeply supported as a student. From the start of my program, I was awarded a four-year doctoral fellowship, and I’ve had access to a wide range of internal awards and funding opportunities offered through the Faculty, including spring and summer awards and the UBC President’s Excellence Award. Since beginning my doctoral studies, I have been honoured to receive both the CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS-D) Award and the Killam Doctoral Scholarship. These prestigious awards have not only provided meaningful financial support, but have also acknowledged the significance and potential impact of my research. They serve as a strong validation of my commitment to advancing the field of pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. The consistent support I’ve received from my Faculty, through funding, mentorship, and research opportunities, has only reinforced my confidence that UBC was the right choice for this next chapter of my academic and professional journey.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The best surprise about coming to UBC and living in Vancouver was how quickly I felt at home. From day one, I was welcomed by a supportive academic community, both within my Faculty and across campus, which made the transition seamless and free of homesickness. I was also struck by the natural beauty surrounding UBC. With the ocean, forests, and mountains in close proximity, I was immediately drawn into Vancouver’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle and year-round activities. It’s rare to find a place that combines academic excellence with a great quality of life. I've been able to establish a strong and sustainable work-life balance during my time here.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
What I enjoy most, and continue to look forward to, is the process of conducting meaningful research. I’m driven by the challenge of independently navigating complex questions, overcoming obstacles along the way, and ultimately reaching answers that matter. There’s something incredibly rewarding about building the skills and confidence to address a research question I am deeply passionate about, especially knowing that the work has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of patients with ALS. That sense of purpose and impact is what motivates me every day. I constantly remind myself that every data point represents a real person’s life and lived experience.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
One of the biggest challenges I anticipate in my future career lies in embracing and adapting to the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in pharmacoepidemiology. These tools offer transformative potential for signal detection, data mining, and predictive modeling, however they also require us to rethink traditional methodologies, regulatory frameworks, and ethical standards. As someone trained in both epidemiological methods and real-world data analytics, I see it as essential to stay agile by continuously learning, questioning, and refining how we integrate new technologies without compromising scientific rigor or public safety.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
My program is uniquely positioning me to meet these emerging challenges by providing rigorous training in both traditional epidemiologic methods and cutting-edge analytic techniques. Through coursework, applied research, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, I’m gaining a solid foundation in real-world evidence generation while also being exposed to evolving technologies like AI and machine learning. Being part of CORE has given me direct access to experts at the forefront of health data science and pharmacoepidemiology, as well as opportunities to critically engage with the ethical, methodological, and regulatory implications of using these tools in public health research. Most importantly, my program encourages critical thinking and adaptability, skills that are essential to navigating the rapidly changing landscape of drug safety and evidence-based decision-making.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My role as an Epidemiologist in the pharmaceutical industry, focused on drug safety and effectiveness, was instrumental in preparing me for graduate studies at UBC. It exposed me to the complexities of post-market surveillance, regulatory decision-making, and real-world evidence generation, while also sharpening my skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and collaborative research. This experience gave me a strong foundation to thrive in a research-intensive environment, but I also believe that every experience, big or small, has meaningfully shaped my ability to succeed. I don’t discount any part of my journey, and I encourage other students to value the full range of experiences that brought them to this point. Each step contributes to your growth and readiness in ways you may not fully recognize at first.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
For fun and relaxation, I love spending time outdoors, especially swimming in the ocean and exploring new trails. I also enjoy both domestic and international travel, as it gives me the chance to experience new cultures and perspectives. At home, I unwind by spending time with my husband and our 6-year-old Dalmatian, Django, who keeps life playful and active. I’m a bit of a foodie and love trying new restaurants, and I always appreciate a good book, especially historical fiction or a gripping mystery/thriller. Reach out if you have good recommendations!
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My biggest piece of advice for new graduate students is to find a friend or peer you can truly connect with, someone you can lean on when the program gets intense, whether you need to brainstorm ideas, talk through challenges, or just vent and decompress. Having someone who understands the ups and downs of the journey makes a world of difference and reminds you that you’re not in this alone. Also, be kind to yourself. Graduate school can be demanding, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison or self-doubt. But remember: you were accepted into this program for a reason. You’re here because of your abilities, your potential, and the work you’ve already accomplished. Trust that you belong, and give yourself the same grace and encouragement you would offer to a friend.
