Isabella DiBerardino
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I quickly discovered my passion for research during my first year of undergraduate studies. Upon receiving an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA), I had the opportunity to work with two of my favourite professors on various projects involving electroencephalography (EEG). I really enjoyed learning this neuroimaging technique, interacting with participants and learning about the various fields of research I could pursue from my professors. I have a love for learning anything new and innovative and am always looking for ways to challenge myself, so I thought that a graduate degree was very fitting.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I decided to study at UBC because I wanted to have both a great educational and life experience. I always knew that I wanted to pursue further studies after my undergrad, which is one of the reasons I attended my hometown university first before moving away. I knew that coming to UBC from a school of approximately 4000 students was going to be an overwhelming adjustment, but I am always up for a challenge. I discovered that UBC had a really great Neuroscience program, and I was able to find a wonderful supervisor who would support me and my goals as a graduate student. I wanted a chance to learn more about myself, experience a new province and essentially live out my dreams by studying at UBC.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I really like that my program offers the opportunity to take other courses (i.e. electives) that are outside of Neuroscience. I think this is a great way to enhance my knowledge base, especially if they are related to my thesis project. I also really like that we can learn more outside of our courses through Neuroscience Colloquiums and Journal Clubs because we can interact with fellow master's and PhD students and learn from renowned professors outside of UBC. What really attracted me was the opportunity to work with a supervisor that focuses on the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer's Disease because that is what I am most interested in and want to learn more about.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
UBC's campus feels like its own city with how much there is to see and do across campus. I don't think I will ever get over seeing the mountains every day, both on campus and when exploring Vancouver. I can't help but smile each morning when I walk to my bus stop knowing I have the opportunity to live and study here; it feels very surreal.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I think that being an undergraduate student research assistant really helped prepare me for the rigour of my UBC graduate program. It further taught me to manage my time well; multitask; collaborate with students, professors and members of a clinical population; and stay extremely organized. I believe that being disciplined and open to new experiences has also helped prepare me to be successful in this program. Although change can be intimidating, I have to remind myself that the only constant is change. I know that this will only help me grow and flourish as a graduate student.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
I would tell new graduate students to never doubt themselves or their abilities. It is really easy to get caught up and tell yourself that everyone you are working with is better than you, smarter than you or more experienced than you, but the truth is, they were all once in your shoes too. A big part of graduate school is learning how to think scientifically, which doesn't come easy to everyone. Once you adjust to this new way of thinking, you will discover something different about yourself, both as a student and a person. I also want to remind students that it's important to be able to work independently, but it's also not a sign of weakness to ask for help. You can learn a lot from your fellow trainees and supervisor, so don't be hesitant to bounce ideas off of them or ask for advice because they are there to support you throughout this journey.