What is your current program, department, and year of study?

I am currently in my second and final year of the Master of Science in Mathematical and Computational Sciences at UPEI. 

What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree at UPEI? In other words, why did you choose to study here?

I am originally from Mauritius, a small island in the Indian Ocean known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural diversity. In 2018, I moved to Prince Edward Island to pursue my studies, and over the years, it has grown to feel like a second home.    

During my undergraduate studies at UPEI, I enjoyed the close-knit academic community, supportive professors, and exciting hands-on research opportunities. I appreciated the collaborative environment where faculty knew students by name and were genuinely invested in our success. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and Statistics here at UPEI and when it came time to choose where to pursue my graduate studies, UPEI felt like the natural choice. It's a place where I could continue building on the strong academic foundation I had developed. I am also fortunate to work with a supervisor who has been incredibly supportive, which has further inspired me to continue my academic journey here. 

What is your research focused on, and what impact do you expect it to have on society?

My research focuses on survey sampling, particularly two-phase designs, where data collection happens in two phases to reduce the costs associated with obtaining expensive measurements in scientific studies. Often used in health research, these designs improve study precision while saving money. By carefully selecting informative samples, researchers can achieve better results without wasting resources.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Office on the PEI Multi-Substance Survey 2024, a province-wide survey on substance use. My role focused on preparing the data by applying survey weighting techniques I learned from my research to ensure the sample accurately represents the PEI population. The findings from this survey will help shape public health programs and strategies that address the health and safety needs of the Island community.  

How did you decide on your research topic or area of focus, and what about it excites you most?

The main factor in choosing my research focus was the guidance and encouragement of my supervisor, Dr. Michael McIsaac. Having enjoyed several statistics courses with him during my undergraduate studies, I was motivated when he offered me this opportunity. Under his supervision, I saw it as a valuable step to advance both my academic growth and professional development, building on the strong foundation I had developed.   

During a co-op education work term before starting my master’s program, I collaborated with both my current supervisor and Dr. Christopher Power on a research project examining the well-being of blind and low-vision individuals. This hands-on experience demonstrated the real-world impact of well-designed research and statistical analysis, reinforcing my passion for pursuing graduate studies. 

What excites me most is the problem-solving aspect and the chance to work on a project with real-world impact. Knowing that the methods I develop can improve the efficiency and accuracy of data collection in epidemiological studies makes this work very rewarding.  

Describe the supports you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members.

Research can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, but the support of fellow graduate students has made a big difference. In the graduate workspace within SMCS, we foster a strong sense of community by helping each other—whether troubleshooting problems, sharing advice, or simply offering encouragement over coffee. Although we each work on different projects, this supportive atmosphere creates a motivating environment where no one feels alone in their challenges.

"Graduate school has opened my eyes to career paths I had not considered before and inspired me to seek opportunities where I can apply my skills to meaningful projects that positively impact society, whether in public health, government, or other sectors."

In addition, the Faculty of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support to graduate students through initiatives such as the Student Program for Research Engagement and Excellence (SPREE). These targeted workshops, along with resources such as writing and research support, help students strengthen their research and professional skills, fostering both academic success and career readiness.

Importantly, I have received significant support from my supervisor, who has consistently challenged me to reach my maximum potential, provided financial support, and prepared me for career readiness beyond my degree through constructive feedback on my work. I have also benefited from the invaluable advice and guidance of Dr. Christopher Power and Dr. Paul Sheridan, who continue to support me throughout the progression of my research. In addition to their academic mentorship, they have advocated for me by writing strong letters of recommendation for scholarship applications, which have helped me secure scholarships, including the Dr. Regis Duffy Graduate Scholarship in Science.  

What co-curricular and extra-curricular activities have you been involved with at UPEI, and how have these enriched your time at UPEI?

My involvement in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities has greatly enriched my time at UPEI by fostering leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that are invaluable beyond the classroom. I have presented my research at national conferences, including the Statistical Society of Canada and Science Atlantic, and volunteered at these academic events. In the previous academic year, as an executive member of the UPEI Actuarial Club, I helped organize events and provided exam preparation support to peers. Additionally, I volunteered at last year’s UPEI Math Camp, supervising and mentoring high school students in mathematics. I am also involved in community volunteering, such as with the Immigrant and Refugee Services Association (IRSA) and helping organize the 2023 DiverseCity Festival, which celebrates Canadian multiculturalism.  

What's unique about your program, UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

My program is unique because it prioritizes experiential learning, enabling me to collaborate closely with faculty on real-world projects that deliver practical impact. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across areas like epidemiology and public health, broadening my perspective and skill set. Through this, I have gained valuable data analysis skills that are highly transferable and prepare me for a variety of career opportunities.

One of the most unique aspects of my experience at UPEI is the strong sense of community and personalized support. The smaller campus size allows me to build close connections with professors and fellow students, which makes the academic journey more engaging and collaborative, especially within my program. Prince Edward Island itself offers a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, where the friendly and inclusive community helps create a true sense of belonging through campus activities and local events. 

How did graduate school shape your career goals or ambitions?

My time in graduate school has strengthened my passion for problem-solving and prepared me to tackle complex challenges with rigour and creativity. Through my research, I have gained valuable skills in data analysis and statistical methods, which I see as essential tools for addressing real-world issues across various fields. Graduate school has opened my eyes to career paths I had not considered before and inspired me to seek opportunities where I can apply my skills to meaningful projects that positively impact society, whether in public health, government, or other sectors. While I am focused on building my professional career now, the possibility of pursuing a PhD in the future remains exciting as I continue to explore my research interests and grow as a scholar.

What skills or knowledge did you gain during your studies that you feel will be most beneficial in your career?

Graduate studies at UPEI have given me the confidence to approach my work as a subject matter expert, knowing I can tackle intricate problems and guide others through them with clarity. I have sharpened my skills in communicating complex ideas, whether through writing research articles, presenting at conferences, or engaging in informal discussions with peers. Months spent coding have improved my programming abilities, enabling me to work with data more efficiently. These skills have shaped the way I approach research and will be central to how I contribute in my future career. 

What advice would you give to new UPEI graduate students?

Be open to taking chances and embracing new opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Treat setbacks and obstacles as opportunities to learn, build skills, and discover new interests. Connect with faculty and fellow students, ask for feedback, and make the most of the experiences UPEI offers. Doing so will help make your graduate journey both meaningful and rewarding.