Kinesiology Student Feature

Hometown
La Ronge, SK

Year of Study
2nd year PhD

Program of Study
I am a PhD student in the Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology Research Program with Dr. Corey Tomczak, with a special interest in heart failure and myocardial infarction.

Why did you choose the College of Kinesiology?
I’ve always been involved in athletics and initially wanted to be a physiotherapist, so kinesiology was the perfect first step. In doing my BSc Honours I found a passion for research, so I chose to switch paths to pursue graduate studies. I’m fascinated with exercise physiology and disease pathophysiology and hope to meld the two together to optimize patient therapies.

What has been your biggest highlight so far?
In general, the people I have met and the relationships I have with others are the highlight of my graduate studies.

What are your plans after graduation?
I hope to secure either a post-doc position or assistant professor position where I can begin my own research program and teach disease pathophysiology to students.

Did anything surprise you when transitioned from an undergraduate student to a graduate?
I wouldn’t say I was surprised, but I did enjoy the new freedom in time management and the closer relationships I could develop with my peers and the college staff.

What advice would you give to a future graduate student?
The first/second terms might feel like you’re drowning, but you have support and peers to help you. Talk with them, vent with them, and share the load. You can do it!