Jennifer Geddes-McAlister

- UBC has an excellent reputation and provides the opportunity for graduate students to work with world-renowned scientist in a diverse array of disciplines. I chose to pursue graduate school at UBC because of its record of academic excellence, research strength in the microbiology and immunology department, and the financial support provided for students. - My most meaningful experiences at UBC involve the people that I met and worked with, in the lab, Department, and University community. I was fortunate to have a wonderful supervisor (Jim Kronstad) who encouraged me to pursue exciting and novel research projects, while supporting me through my entire program, and shaping my views on how to be a successful and effective supervisor to my own graduate students. - At UBC, I chose to complement my research with professional development training and being involved in the greater University community. My research has always been my primary focus, but not my only focus. I saw tremendous value in developing my skills as a young professional to set myself apart as I moved forward in my career. Building upon my achievements in the laboratory by networking, collaborating, mentoring, and representing graduate students provided the foundation for my current success.