Sarah Ravoth
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I chose to pursue a graduate degree because ecology is fascinating! I like to be able to ask questions about how the world works and then go out and answer them — the opportunity to continually learn and discover new things is super motivating.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I decided on UBC because it checked all my personal and academic boxes. I wanted to live somewhere with easy access to mountains and the outdoors, so I could make the most of my time outside of work. Academically, UBC has one of the best programs for ecology, but more importantly, the work done in my lab was a good match for my scientific interests.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The diversity of topics in ecology and evolution and the expertise of professors in the department initially sparked my interest in the program. Ultimately, the topics researched in the lab and my supervisor’s supervision style were most influential in choosing UBC for my graduate degree. The Zoology department and Beaty Research Centre also offer various opportunities for professional development aside from TAing and thesis research, like internships and working groups, which are a highlight of the program.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I love the beaches! Going to the beach for lunch at UBC never gets old.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
For me, field work is the part of research I enjoy most. I'm grateful to travel internationally for my field work and for the opportunity to learn from and work with biologists in these places. I have also enjoyed the flexibility to work with non-academic organizations and explore topics of interest outside my dissertation via internship programs at UBC.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My undergraduate degree prepared me well for grad school in a few important ways. First, taking diverse classes in my general field of interest helped to narrow down my direction for grad school. Taking lots of R, coding and statistics classes early really helped to make the learning curve less steep when I got to UBC. Finally, learning the research process via undergraduate thesis courses, lab placements and/or volunteering during undergrad is useful preparation for the increased independence in dissertation research.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Mostly I spend my free time wandering around looking for new parks and cafes. When I can get out of Vancouver, I like hiking, skiing and camping, but I also really like doing lots of nothing in pretty places.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Ask lots of questions! You can save a ton of time and get really helpful and insightful answers from other students and faculty. Also, self-teaching and self-regulation are incredibly important skills in grad school. Understanding how you learn and perform best can take lots of trial and error, but will be really valuable in the long run.
