‘Ask what research is going on in the department’
A love of physics led Arielle Dascal (BSc 21) to the medical physics field, where she’s discovering her research has important real-world applications. Pursuing a master’s in physics degree, Dascal hopes her investigation into connector hubs in the brain will shed light on important mechanisms and define new biomarkers associated with epilepsy.
For Dascal, networking within the Department of Physics led to her current research.
“In my last year of undergrad, I knew I wanted to keep exploring medical physics and reached out to my now supervisor, Christophe Grova,” Dascal recalls, referring to the associate professor of physics. “He introduced me to his lab members and projects, and after a few meetings, I decided to join them.”
Her advice to undergraduate students thinking about grad studies? “Don’t be scared to reach out, go to the chair, speak with professors. If you’re interested in research, ask what research is going on in the department.”
Familiarity helps ease the transition to graduate studies
Pursuing her undergraduate and graduate studies at Concordia helped ease the transition for Garcia Casanova.
“Having studied at Concordia previously, the familiarity with labs and various resources is very useful. It provides continuity and lets you build long-term relationships,” she says.
For Dascal, building on connections made during her undergrad was also key.
“Staying within the Department of Physics, I knew the professors,” she says. “I knew the graduate program director. I knew the chair. Having that familiarity really helped me adjust to life as a graduate student.”
Ask about funding and financial support
Connecting with your professors and department can also be helpful for undergrads considering graduate studies but facing financial hurdles.
Dutta’s tip: “Talk to your professors and look into funding options, because for me, that was a big barrier. I pushed through because of my professors.”
“Letting professors know you might be interested can be very helpful,” Garcia Casanova adds. “They might point you toward certain awards or financing and work opportunities.”