Here At UCalgary: Recent Episodes
Zain Rizvi
A series where we talk to students from the University of Calgary and learn about who they are. We discuss the research they are working on, why did they choose University of Calgary, and whole bunch of other topics!
Former guests Chahal Arora, Leah Hohman, and Rai Chaudhuri join me in this special episode where they get to ask me questions about my life at the University of Calgary.
I chat with Cooper Davies, a PhD student in the Computer Science department at the University of Calgary working with Dr. Jörg Denzinger. We discuss how and why Cooper switched from Biological Sciences to Computer Science. We also discuss his MSc research project which focussed on Automatic Machine Learning (AutoML) and helped lay the groundwork for the PhD research project.
I get to chat with Somshukla (Rai) Chaudhuri about her journey as a participant in iGEM as an undergraduate student, which further inspired her to pursue grad school. Rai is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection Diseases Department (Microbiology stream) at the Cummings School of Medicine. Throughout her graduate school career, Rai has been a community leader where she has served as the President for her DGA, organized retreats for her colleagues, CRO for the GSA, and led several other projects.
Leah Hohman, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection Diseases Department (Immunology stream) at the Cummings School of Medicine, joins me remotely (from a blanket fort) and we discuss her experiences from undergrad to grad school. As part of her Co-op experiences, Leah has had the opportunity to work with various labs around the world. Leah also participates in educational outreach programs such as Skype a Scientist, Pint of Science, and Host-Parasite Interactions Program.
I get to chat with Dr. Stephanie Warner, a Career Development Specialist from the University of Calgary Career Services office, working with PhD Students. We discuss the reasons for pursuing a PhD and how to prepare yourself for a career after graduation, both in industry and in academia.
I interview Dana Cramer, an MA Student in the Communication, Media, and Film Department at the University of Calgary. We discuss her research regarding the sustainability of the increased internet traffic, due to streaming services, for the infrastructure in Alberta. We also discuss her experiences through her Honours BA degree as well as her experiences as a TA.
The discussion with Kelsey Pennanen continues; Kelsey explains what is a Buffalo Jump and the efforts that go into executing such a plan. Naturally we go a bit off course to discuss related topics as well.
I interview Kelsey Pennanen, a PhD Student in the Archeology Department at the University of Calgary. We discuss her research as well as multiple projects she has worked on in the past and continues to do so. Kelsey also works with community engagement programs where people can learn more about the sites and participate in finding artifacts.
I chat with Adrian Handy about the SU Campus Food Bank, where he is one of the Coordinators. We discuss the services that the Food Bank provides for the students, employees, and alumni of University of Calgary. We also discuss how you can apply to be a volunteer at the Food Bank, and the responsibilities that the job involves.
Mica Marbil is a third year undergraduate student at University of Calgary, pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in English. I chat with Mica about her volunteer and internship experiences and how those experiences have helped her find what she enjoys.
I chat with Stanton Thai, a third year undergraduate student at UCalgary and the founder of TEDx Youth at Victoria Park. We discuss his interests and what drives him.
I sit down with David Cataford, and we discuss the services provided to students by Career Services at the University of Calgary. David is a Career Development Specialist and has been with the University of Calgary Career Services for almost 13 years! The Career Services organizes events such as Career Fairs and various workshops throughout the year. They also offers resources such as Resume Rescue, Career Links, Career Clips, and so much more!
I interview Henrique Pereira, a PhD Student at the University of Calgary working with Dr. Philip Fong in the Department of Computer Science. We discuss his experiences of simultaneously pursuing an MSc, running a company with the colleagues, and being a guest lecturer in Brazil. Henrique is now pursuing a PhD at UofC, has a recent publication at a high ranking conference, and have twice won the TA Excellence Award from the Computer Science department.
I interview Alireza Poostindouz, a PhD Candidate at the University of Calgary working with Dr. Rei Safavi-Naini in the Department of Computer Science. We discuss his interest in Information Theory that brought him here to pursue an MSc in the Physics Department and then a PhD in Computer Science.
I interview Adithya Vadapalli, a visiting PhD Candidate from Indiana University working with Dr. Ryan Henry in the Department of Computer Science. We discuss his father's influence that shaped his interest in pursuing academic research and how it took him from India to Germany to USA and Canada. We also discuss his research in Algorithmic Engineering for his MSc and in Private Information Retrieval (PIR) for his PhD.
I interview Chahal Arora, an MSc student from the Department of Computer Science. We discuss his journey from undergrad student and industry in India to grad school at the University of Calgary.