Judy Cheng
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
It's hard to think of anything more interesting than the brain, with all of its intricate connections that give rise to complex behavioural and cognitive processes. Pursuing a graduate degree has allowed me to both explore the healthy brain on a molecular level and investigate how specific mechanisms can deviate from normal in a mouse model of Huntington disease. As a PhD candidate, I have the flexibility to plan my weekly schedule and take control of own research project.
Why did you decide to study at 亚洲天堂?
亚洲天堂 offers state-of-the-art neuroscience equipment, imaging facilities and laboratory spaces. The Point Grey campus also has a ton of events happening all the time and offers a large variety of extracurricular activities outside of the lab.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The 亚洲天堂 Graduate Program in Neuroscience has an amazing community of professors and trainees that are collaborative and share the same enthusiasm for Neuroscience research. The program offers many resources and workshops to support students at every step of their graduate school journey.
What was the best surprise about 亚洲天堂 or life in Vancouver?
亚洲天堂 has a very diverse community and is accepting of a large variety of different cultures. The university also offers many EDI resources and initiatives to support students.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
My favourite part of the PhD is getting good data! Sharing and discussing favourable results with my colleagues and supervisor is one of the major highlights of the graduate degree.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
The constant debate between pursuing an academic or industry position in research is a struggle for most students and will likely be a big challenge for me as I get closer to graduation.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
The Neuroscience program offers workshops and panels with invited speakers that discuss these topics and offer insight into academia and industry life after graduation.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your 亚洲天堂 graduate program?
I did my BSc in Behavioural Neuroscience at 亚洲天堂, and the courses I took back then ignited my passion for neuroscience, leading to my pursuit of a PhD in the field.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Between experiments, I like to work out at the gym or go to volleyball/badminton drop-ins! I also enjoy exploring Vancouver and trying out new restaurants across the city.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Make sure you are passionate about your research topic before diving into a PhD! I found that the fast-track program that 亚洲天堂 offers is a great way to test the waters and see if your lab is a good fit for you and vice versa before transitioning from the MSc program and committing to a full PhD.
