Nazrul Islam
Predictors of online STIs/HIV intervention diffusion patterns across subgroups of young people in British Columbia
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
My overarching aim is to become an independent public health researcher with expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics. My previous education and practice in medicine guided me to pursue two master's degrees specializing in these areas. Soon I realized that I wanted to challenge myself even further, to become more competent and confident in designing, and conducting my own research. Entering a PhD program was the most attractive option over other alternatives I could choose from.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I decided to study at UBC to be a part of a vibrant pool of scholars who excel in both teaching and research.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
Specifically my program offers research support, in terms of both supra- and infra-structures.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The campus and the city as a whole were a great surprise - the enormous greenness, the landscape where the mighty ocean encounters the stubborn mountains, and the fact that I was made aware of my skin color for the first time!
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
The opportunity to hone my skills in advanced quantitative analyses. I also look forward to gaining more experience as a teacher.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
I think my biggest challenge, while exciting, will be the process of developing my research interests and skills- exposing myself to new people and new settings, and doing more hands-on research in new areas.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
The UBC SPPH program is giving me the chance to network with truly outstanding young scholars, and to build strong relationships with them while also allowing me to be mentored by renowned scholars like my supervisors and other teachers.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Beyond academic excellence and good publication record, some of the things that prepared me for my life at UBC include the process of evolution from clinical experience to public health researcher I went through, research experience with and learning from some of the world’s leading scholars I was bestowed with, the passionate attachment with and contributions to literature I was in possession of, the acknowledgement of my sincere efforts to academics and research as depicted by a number of prestigious scholarships and awards I was blessed with, and the demonstrated determination to excel that I had clear signs and symptoms of, challenging all the barriers that one of the world’s poorest countries could offer.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Traveling, Workouts, Yoga, Reading, Writing, Movies, Music (not in order!).
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Enjoy the journey and not the destination.
