Liam Murdock
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
The largest reason I wanted to pursue a graduate degree revolved around what I felt in my undergraduate degree. I had many industry-based projects but was bogged down by different courses and was not able to pursue them to as great an extent. With this graduate degree, I am really excited about doing an impactful project where I could focus most of my time on generating the best possible results. Career-wise, my hope is to enter the research and design industry, so I believe this will give me a leg up on my competition.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC was an easy choice to make. I applied and interviewed with many professors and schools, but the work Dr. Hodgson was pursuing and the reputation of the engineering program really appealed to me. Earning the Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and gaining membership into a graduate college were the final deal breakers for me.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Faculty of Applied Science here is so large that there are many opportunities to pursue all areas of my interest in terms of courses, clubs and initiatives, preparing me as best as possible for industry.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I am from the East Coast and have only been in Vancouver for three weeks, but my favourite part of living here so far has just been the easy access to amazing hikes. The biodiversity here is amazing and is a great mental refresh from the working life. I recommend adventuring out as soon as possible.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I am super excited for the validation stage of the project. I think it will be extremely fulfilling and emotional to observe a surgeon utilize my design. I am also excited about many of my classes and the opportunity to pursue conferences abroad.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
Something I struggle with a lot is making career decisions, like what program to pursue and what job to take. In a world of opportunity, the abundance of choices presents more problems than solutions. I foresee that being a problem throughout my career.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
I feel like this program is allowing me to better understand myself, my skillset and my values, so when these choices come up in the future, I will be able to choose wisely.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering at the University of Prince Edward Island definitely set me up nicely for this program. It was a small and new program which allowed me to have more time with professors and instructors to gain the foundational knowledge needed for this stage. Leading and initializing various clubs and societies also gave me the confidence and professional skills needed.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
My favourite form of relaxation is to do an activity with a friend. I find this the simplest way to relieve a lot of the stress. Taking up meditation, journaling, walking, exercising in the gym and reading have also aided me tremendously.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My largest recommendation for new graduate students is to have a sense of agency. This opportunity to do research out here will truly be as great as you make it, so create goals and take actionable steps each day to reach them.
