Quanhan Xi
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
My journey here was rather atypical. I studied business until the beginning of my third year at the University of Ottawa, where I liked the statistics course so much I impulsively decided I would switch faculties to study it! There, I was fortunate enough to participate in undergraduate research the summer before my final year. Among other things, I always found discussing research with my supervisor extremely fulfilling and stimulating, and, wanting to stay in that environment, I started looking into graduate school. which is when I realized I enjoyed not only learning more about statistics, but also finding the connections between mathematics, computing, and other areas of science that come with statistical research.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC is one of a few Canadian universities that has a dedicated statistics department, which means that we cover an impressive range of statistics-related research. The location and natural beauty was also a driving factor. Graduate school is a good time to try living somewhere new! Especially for those that did undergraduate degrees from home.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
When I was applying to the Masters program, I wasn't sure what I wanted to work on, and UBC's offering of vast selection of different theoretical and applied topics in both research and coursework was an important attracting factor. This ended up working out for me, as I made my decision to stay on for my PhD in the same department, with the same supervisor, precisely because I enjoyed the topic I ended up working on!
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Everyone is so happy at UBC when it snows here, compared to the rest of Canada. It's especially wholesome to see the armies of snowpeople begin to appear on main mall. Campus is secluded, but not isolated, containing not only students, but also staff, many visitors, and the residents of Wesbrook village. It's a wonderful place to study, work and live.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I think switching fields and doing a graduate program in something I knew I was curious and passionate about has been the best preparation! That is to say, I would have been terribly ill-prepared for a graduate program in a subject I was not interested in.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Going outside and exploring (metro) Vancouver.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Find a school-life balance that works for you. Graduate school has significantly less mandatory contact time than undergraduate studies, which means that you have much more flexibility to work (or not work). It's a valuable skill to learn and be self-aware about the best work habits for you, it will be better than any personal advice that I can give here!
