For many graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, the idea of networking is a scary thought, bringing with it connotations of schmoozing, kissing babies, and handing out business cards with a wink and a smile. In fact, networking is an easy-to-master and valuable skill that, if put into play early in one’s training, can reap huge rewards when it comes time to finding employment. In this interactive workshop, trainees will learn what networking really entails, the returns it can generate, and how to leverage the power of the networks they already have. Practical tips for creating new networks will also be covered, including finding and attending networking events, the use of online tools, and the art of writing letters of introduction.

Facilitator: Dr. Jennifer Gardy has been working with Mitacs Step since the inception of the program in 2008. Dr. Gardy leads BCCDC’s Genome Research Laboratory and is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia. She obtained her BSc in Cell Biology & Genetics from UBC in 2000 and completed her PhD at Simon Fraser University in 2006. She completed three years of postdoctoral training in the R.E.W. Hancock laboratory at UBC, using systems biology techniques to study the mammalian innate immune response and working on visualization tools to facilitate scientists’ exploration of biological network data. Dr. Gardy joined BCCDC in 2009, where she works in the emerging field of genomic epidemiology, combining whole genome sequencing with both new and old epidemiological techniques to understand the origins, evolution, and transmission dynamics of outbreak organisms, including tuberculosis and influenza. She also leads BCCDC’s Research Development Unit and is a member of several Research Advisory Councils, including the Womens’ Health Research Institute, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, and the Provincial Health Services Authority. She is also a passionate science communicator involved in a number of science media projects, including regular appearances on CBC Television’s documentary series The Nature of Things.

For information on upcoming Graduate Pathways to Success Events, please visit: www.grad.ubc.ca/pathways

NOTE: Due to the large # of statistical software available, this session will not be about any specific software but, rather, the methodology behind the software.

Topic: This is a general introduction to the important role statistics play in the planning stage of a research project. We will discuss both observational studies and controlled experiments, including the study population, the scientific question, sampling and randomization. We will focus on the experimental design, the effects of confounding, computing sample size and power.

About SCARL: The Statistical Consulting and Research Laboratory (SCARL) in the UBC Department of Statistics provides assistance in the statistical formulation of research questions, the design of experiments and sampling plans for surveys, the choice and explanation of statistical methodology, statistical computing and graphics, statistical analysis, the interpretation of findings, and more. SCARL also plays a role in continuing education on and off the UBC campus, giving seminars and workshops on statistical concepts and methodology to various departments and research groups and at teaching hospitals.

Presenter: Rick White has worked for the Statistical Consulting and Research Laboratory (SCARL) in the UBC Department of Statistics for over 20 years. For the last 8 years he has been the Managing Director of SCARL. Rick has consulted on many projects that cover a wide variety of statistically related issues, including experimental design, graphical displays of data, statistical modelling and data analysis. Through his consulting he has co-authored over 40 peer reviewed papers primarily in biostatistics and the “omics”. His group is available to consult on an individual level with UBC researchers who need help with the statistical elements of their research.

Refreshments: Beverages will be provided. Please bring your own mug.

For information on upcoming Graduate Pathways to Success Events, please visit: www.grad.ubc.ca/pathways

This workshop will offer information to graduate students on how to:

• Efficiently structure the thesis or dissertation process for timely completion,
• Manage the emotional roller coaster, and
• Find support when your motivation ebbs.

Led by Dr. Dwight Moore, Industrial Psychologist and coach to corporate executives, you will learn the principles of “self-leadership” to decrease the time it takes to complete your dissertation and increase your enjoyment of the process.

Instructor:  Dr. Dwight Moore received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1984 and is licensed to practice psychology in British Columbia and the State of Washington.  Starting as a Marketing Director for a ski area, he completed his master’s degree and served as the Associate Dean of Students in a small university in Ohio for four years. Then he worked for Wiley and Associates doing executive assessments and coaching for the General Mills Corporation. From 1985-1992 he functioned as an Industrial Psychologist, assessing and coaching executives in Minnesota and British Columbia. Since 1992 he has been the President of his own firm specializing in coaching, assessment, and organizational development.

Refreshments: Light lunch and beverages will be provided.  Please bring your own mug.

For information on upcoming Graduate Pathways to Success events, please visit: www.grad.ubc.ca/pathways