Michael Sekatchev
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
When I first started my undergraduate degree at UBC, I joined the Faculty of Applied Science with the intention of pursuing a degree in Engineering Physics. This choice was driven by the fact that I was unsure what I would prefer more – engineering in industry, or research in academia. Throughout my first year, however, I confirmed that I have a much stronger interest in fundamental physics research over engineering applications, and that my interest in engineering could still be satiated within a research role. This led me to transfer from Engineering Physics to the Honours Physics program at the start of my second year. I am grateful for the opportunities to perform research during my undergraduate degree, which pulled me further into the academic world, and instilled in me a curiosity for fundamental physics problems that made pursuing a graduate physics degree the best personal choice.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I was born in Vancouver, but I spent eight years living in southern France. I attended an international school there until 2018, when I returned to Vancouver to complete my final year of high school. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow up in France, this experience played a critical role in shaping who I am today, but I was also very eager to return to Vancouver, which will always be home to me. This long period of absence helped highlight the good things about Vancouver and reinforced my desire to stay here for my undergraduate degree.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
UBC's Physics and Astronomy department is home to an incredible breadth of research, from condensed matter at the Quantum Matter Institute to particle physics at TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator center, to large collaborations in experimental astronomy. The sheer breadth of this research is incredible and gives me the opportunity to not only pursue my interests in dark matter but also learn about the vast world of physics research as a whole from other graduate students.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I was pleasantly surprised by how connected everyone at UBC is. I'm certain that every student you meet is at most two contacts away from another student you know, even if the connections seem extremely unlikely. My first year in Applied Science, and my pursuit of a Minor in French allowed me to make friends with students across three faculties, which seriously helped me expand my perspectives and enriched my undergraduate experience. I am grateful for this chance to meet people from all sorts of backgrounds and fields.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My experience with TRIUMF's Hyper-Kamiokande (Hyper-K) collaboration throughout my undergrad had a significant effect on my preparation for the academic journey. In addition to research skills, during my two and a half years at TRIUMF, my experience allowed me to learn about the dynamics and culture of a research environment very early on. Eventually, I was also tasked with introducing new undergraduate interns to our group and guided them while working on my projects, which allowed me to develop a sense of leadership in a research setting. I also got the chance to give many presentations at conferences. In short, I was able to pick up many soft skills that have been invaluable to my academic journey ever since.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
When you first start grad school, say yes to everything. Explore as many directions as you possibly can, academic and otherwise. And definitely outside of your department. This is especially true if you've spent your undergraduate degree working hard to get here, now's the time to do it. Eventually, make sure this doesn't last your entire degree -- pick something to focus on and put as much effort into it as possible.
