Max Abercrombie
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
During my undergraduate degree I gained experience in the research setting. I enjoyed working on the numerous challenges that research presented and getting to hone my problem solving skills in the process. These experiences sparked a passion for research that I was eager to pursue further.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I originally came to UBC for my undergrad in Kinesiology and to play on the rugby team. As UBC has been my home for the past four years, I was eager to stay. Additionally, I had been lucky enough to gain experience with research in my undergrad and knew it was something that I wanted to be involved with in the future.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
To get the chance to be a part of the world class research being done in the School of Kinesiology was an exciting prospect and a real privilege. I had been a part of Dr. Mitchell’s lab in my undergrad and knew that the research being done on muscle physiology was something I greatly enjoyed. To be able to relate the lab’s expertise in muscle physiology to spinal cord injury and the clinical setting was a perfect combination for my interests.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
As someone who loves the outdoors, both UBC and Vancouver have a lot to offer. With UBC being steps away from Pacific Spirit Park, it was a welcomed surprise that you can easily escape the city. Additionally, the North Shore and Sea to Sky areas allow for endless exploring.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I really enjoy the challenge of problem solving that graduate school presents. Within research, there are constant roadblocks and detours that you encounter requiring perseverance and determination. As you overcome these challenges, you gain confidence in your abilities and expand what you previously thought were your limits. I look forward to growing my research experience further to be able to tackle these problems with growing proficiency.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
In the future, I plan on pursuing a career in medicine. A major challenge that I will face in the medical profession is making fast, critical decisions in high pressure environments.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
Running a research study demands a level of resourcefulness to make decisions. With experience, you slowly develop your resourcefulness through opportunities to think critically and make decisions that can carry consequences. In this sense, research offers a lower stakes environment to work on the decision-making and critical thinking skills that I will rely on in medicine.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
During my undergraduate at UBC I was fortunate to be involved with incredible researchers including Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Puterman, Dr. Alimohammadi and Dr. Skoretz. Through these opportunities, I gained experience at every level of the research process and learned how to be a researcher. Further, I worked alongside amazing graduate students who were kind enough to mentor me along the way and prepare me for what was ahead.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Something that I do for fun outside of school is running. After finishing my rugby career, running has been a great outlet and allowed me to stay active. I love being outdoors and Vancouver has no shortage of amazing places to run, my favorite being the North Shore Mountains.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My advice would be don’t be afraid to ask for help and reach out to those who are more experienced around you. Grad school is filled with people who have already experienced the problems you are facing and are more than happy to help.
