Cariad Knight
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I really value the scientific method and believe deeply in its importance as a means of inquiry and as a tool to seek and gain knowledge. I think that my passion for research has always stemmed from that perspective. The chance to participate in the scientific method myself by conducting research and communicating my findings while honing my skills as a scientist is ultimately what drew me to pursuing a graduate degree. The prospect of engaging in something that contributes to understanding the world in a meaningful way is both exciting and humbling for me. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of that process, and it motivates me to continue pushing forward in my research journey. During my undergrad, I was lucky enough to explore different fields and work with various research groups. That experience gave me the opportunity to try on different research questions and approaches, and it ultimately helped me realize how much I love the process of doing science — asking questions, diving into experiments and indulging my curiosity. For me, grad school felt like a natural choice to continue that journey and keep growing as a researcher.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I did my undergraduate degree in Biophysics at UBC and decided to stay because my experience here was so positive, particularly with the Honours project I started during my BSc, which I’ve been able to continue into my graduate studies. I’ve been very fortunate that this project has aligned with both my scientific interests and with the importance of the potential impact I believe it can have. In science, I think there are certain key factors that need to align to make the process both enjoyable and sustainable — for me that’s finding the research interesting and exciting, believing in its value and enjoying the day-to-day minutia of experimentation. UBC has provided all of that for me. Plus, staying in Vancouver, where my family is, has been an added bonus!
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I was really drawn to the flexibility and breadth that UBC’s physics PhD program offers. As someone whose research interests span pure physics, biophysics and medical physics, the interdisciplinary nature of the department was incredibly exciting. The community of scientists in the Physics and Astronomy department brings together a wide range of expertise, which opens up opportunities for collaboration across fields and disciplines. I also value how self-directed I can be in shaping my graduate studies. My program has given me the freedom to craft specific research questions and projects that interest me and is very supportive and encouraging of interdisciplinary exploration. For example, this semester I’m doing a self-directed course focused on the physics and biology underpinning the experimental techniques I use daily, and next semester I’m taking a creative writing course.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I grew up in Vancouver and, quite literally, at UBC! My family lived in student-family housing while my dad completed his teaching degree, so I feel I’ve always had a special connection to this place. That said, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much the campus has changed since my childhood, particularly in terms of improving accessibility for students and efforts to decolonize the campus to better and more accurately reflect the Indigenous history of this land, Vancouver and Canada as a whole. Even during my time as a student here, it’s been exciting to watch UBC evolve while still holding that special place in my heart and feeling like home.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
What I enjoy most about my graduate program is the level of involvement and autonomy I have in my research. I genuinely think I get to do the coolest science ever, and I really appreciate being able to engage with the "big picture" thinking surrounding the research questions I’m pursuing. Coming from an interdisciplinary background, I love that my research allows me to explore the biology and the physics of my topic, and to use both perspectives to push my work forward. One of the best aspects of my research is the hands-on experience I gain at every stage of the process. I love that I have the opportunity to conceptualize, design and code my own experiments, as well as carry them out and analyze the data. At no point do I feel like I am just following instructions, and that ability to engage with each part of the research process has (I hope!) greatly contributed to my growth as a scientist. I also immensely value the freedom to determine the direction of my research and the experiments I want to conduct. This level of support, along with the encouragement to explore new ideas, has been invaluable for my development both in and out of the lab. I feel very fortunate to have supervisors and mentors who have facilitated this growth for me.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
One of the biggest challenges I foresee in my future career is navigating the increasing polarization in society — whether political, ideological or social — and the accompanying rise in dis- and misinformation. This polarization often seems to stem not only from differing worldviews, but also from fundamental misunderstandings of what constitutes factual information and how it should inform decision-making policies. I believe that science, and the translation of scientific research-findings, has a crucial role to play in addressing these challenges. These have both the potential to foster understanding and facilitate clear communication through a shared, common language and can also contribute to division if the scientific method and its boundaries are misappropriated or misrepresented. As scientists and science educators, I think we have a profound, and perhaps even existential, responsibility to ensure that our research and teaching reflect the true nature of the scientific method as a distinct approach to knowledge. This duty is especially important as misinformation becomes more prevalent, as it can hinder the ability of individuals to engage with the world around them. I strongly feel that science-informed policy is vital for enabling informed consent in how people navigate complex issues, from climate change to artificial intelligence and gender-affirming care. It’s essential that we communicate scientific findings clearly and transparently, including the limitations of the scientific method and the inherent uncertainties involved.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
Within my program I've had the opportunity to engage with important social issues within the context of academia and research through my roles as chair of my department’s Equity and Inclusion committee and as the EDI coordinator on our TA professional development committee. My experiences in both of these roles have been deeply impactful and have enhanced my ability to communicate responsibly about these topics while deepening my understanding of how to effectively teach and do science in the context of systemic and institutionalized prejudice. Through my involvement in these committees, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for the need to bring equity and justice into the scientific process — especially in historically inequitable spaces like higher education and academia more generally. Science needs and benefits from contributions from everyone, and we all benefit and are made better as researcher and as individuals from the diverse perspectives and experiences that are fostered by more equitable and inclusive environments. We can only begin to engage in meaningful discussions about complex issues and attempt to navigate polarizing topics with science-informed policies when all persons feel safe, seen, heard and valued in our society. The foundation and tools I’ve gained from these experiences in my program at UBC will be vital and invaluable as I navigate the challenges of polarization and misinformation in my future career as a scientist and researcher.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Before coming to UBC, I actually was a professionally-trained contemporary ballet dancer, and the discipline I learned in my ballet training has greatly helped prepare me for my graduate studies. The self-discipline and intentionality required in dance have translated well into my research and academic pursuits. All dance, and especially ballet, requires intentionality and forward-thinking; every movement has a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative of a performance. This mindset has helped me approach my research with a clear vision and set of goals, ensuring that I stay aligned with my objectives. Moreover, my background in storytelling through movement has given me a unique perspective on communication, which is crucial in science. I believe it’s essential to convey our findings clearly, ensuring that the intended message doesn’t get lost in the particulars of theoretical or methodological details. After all, the purpose of science is to share knowledge! Dance also instilled in me a deep appreciation for collaboration. Just like in scientific research, you never work in isolation in dance; we all rely on one another to create and communicate effectively. This spirit of collaboration has enriched my experience in graduate studies and has been invaluable in my approach to scientific inquiry.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
In terms of relaxation, I strive to maintain a relatively "relaxed" baseline — though I have to admit, it's a work in progress! For quite some time now, I’ve been meditating twice a day, and I’ve found it incredibly helpful for managing the stress and overwhelm that can sometimes accompany graduate school. I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of exercise and movement in staying grounded, and I'm working on being more intentional about incorporating that into my routine. In terms of fun, I really cherish spending time with my friends and family, who are such an integral part of my life in Vancouver. I also enjoy exploring the city's diverse art galleries, museums and shows, which provide a wonderful balance to my daily focus on physics. A little tip for future grad students: the Vancouver Opera offers student discount tickets on the day of the performance, and Bard on the Beach also has student and youth discounts. There are also a number of museums and art galleries on campus at UBC (my favourites are the Belkin Art Gallery and the Museum of Anthropology) which have some wonderful exhibits and shows and are free for students. So there are some great ways to catch fantastic shows without breaking the bank.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
I have a lot of advice, but I know it might not resonate with everyone, so my too long didn't read advice: get involved and find your community, whether it's within your program, at UBC or in Vancouver. Take advantage of UBC's many resources — workshops, funding, facilities, green spaces and more — since you're paying for them, so you might as well make them work for you! Keep the lines of communication open with your supervisors; you're learning, and mistakes are part of the process, so don't hesitate to seek support. Most importantly, prioritize balance. Your life is happening now, not just after graduation, so make sure to take time for yourself and enjoy the journey along the way. To this end, embrace hobbies that you enjoy purely for fun! Someone once told me to "get a hobby you'd be embarrassed to be good at" during grad school, and I love that advice because it removes the pressure of perfection.
