Brianna Bristow
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue a graduate degree to deepen my understanding of neuroscience and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. My choice to earn a bachelor's degree in biochemistry was driven by my desire to understand how things work. Completing my undergraduate thesis in Dr. Annie Ciernia's lab provided me with my first opportunity to generate my own hypotheses and design experiments to test my research questions. This experience solidified my desire to continue learning and exploring scientific inquiries in graduate school.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose to wait until after the COVID-19 pandemic had calmed down before pursuing grad school. During this time, I was fortunate to secure a position as a research technician in Dr. Mark Cembrowski’s lab. I enjoyed the multidisciplinary environment and the exciting research being conducted, which led me to my decision to continue my graduate studies there. As for why UBC specifically, I love being close to my family and friends, as well as having access to the ocean and beaches when I feel like taking a break from research.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
What initially attracted me to the UBC Neuroscience graduate program was its scientific diversity. In my cohort, students came from various academic backgrounds, which fostered engaging conversations and diverse research perspectives when discussing projects in class. This also made it feel less daunting to ask questions as a student who didn't come from a neuroscience background since everyone's knowledge base was different.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The best surprise about UBC and life in Vancouver has been the perfect balance between a world-class academic environment and the incredible natural beauty surrounding the city. Whether it's taking a break from research to walk along the beach, hiking in the nearby mountains or just enjoying the vibrant, diverse culture that the city has to offer, Vancouver has plenty of activities that complement the rigorous demands of grad school. After growing up here, it's hard to imagine completing this journey anywhere else.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
What I enjoy most about my graduate program is the opportunity to attend conferences and engage in research collaborations, which allows me to build a strong professional network and exchange ideas with others in the field. I'm consistently blown away by the interesting research being conducted in neuroscience, and it's quite exciting to be a small part of that myself. I'm also excited to continue learning new techniques and apply them to my research, specifically to uncover more details about the role my novel cell type could be playing in the brain.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My decision to participate in the co-op education program and work as a technician for a few years before applying to graduate school have been key experiences in preparing me for the UBC graduate program. Through these opportunities, I was able to build a strong foundation of research skills and gain practical experience, which helped me discover my scientific interests. This experience-led approach helped me choose a graduate program and project that aligned with my passions and expertise.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
For fun, I love catching up with my friends while trying a new restaurant, going to concerts and lounging at the beach as much as possible during the summer months. For relaxation, you can find me reading a good book or exercising my brain with a puzzle.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
I believe there's a common misconception that you need to have your exact career path determined before pursuing graduate studies. In my experience, that's not the case. Grad school opens the doors to many future possibilities and gives you the time to discover which of these opportunities works for you. If you choose to follow what genuinely interests and inspires you, that passion will guide you in shaping your career journey.
