PhD. in Environment and Sustainability – University of Saskatchewan
I am Inés Sanchez-Rodriguez, I am from Colombia. My former schools are the National University of Colombia and Pedagogic National University of Colombia. Currently, I am PhD. student at the University of Saskatchewan. I am undertaking the PhD program in Environment and Sustainability, with a focus on hydrological computational modeling. My goal is to develop a computational model for infiltration in frozen soils. I firmly believe that computational modeling and its collaborative development are an opportunity to better Water resources management. Open Collaboration is my life philosophy. When I am not working on my research or other duties, I enjoy my bike, art movies, mindfulness practices, and science fiction literature.
- Why the University of Saskatchewan?
Three main reasons led me to apply to this University: 1. The PhD program goes beyond the boundaries of traditional disciplinary programs, and it addresses environmental and sustainability challenges with regional, national, and international significance. 2. This PhD program is known to attain the students into a deep understanding of sustainability concepts, while we are designing and implementing our own original research. 3. The support of the Global Institute of Water Security and The Global Water Futures Program. Without a doubt, my professors, including my supervisor, are at the top of hydrological research.
- Did you receive any scholarships to help fund your studies?
Yes, I did
- If so, can you tell us more about the scholarship you received?
My supervisor leads a project that belongs to the Global Water Futures project. My tuition and live expenses come from that fund.
- How was your experience as an International Student?
It was excellent, I was able to learn not only from the Canadian culture but also, I learned from my colleagues that come from several places in the world. As a multicultural country, Canada’s context offers you the opportunity to go beyond imaginary boundaries.
- How was student life like on and off-campus?
Life inside the campus is comfortable. I worked at my office inside the lab, and I shared the space with my research team. The university has several facilities to enjoy your free time.
Regarding social life outside the campus, I would like to mention that Saskatoon is not a big city and is known for its extreme weather. Despite this, in Saskatoon, you can find several events (as the Jazz festival in summer) in addition to the social activities that people, in general, are always organizing. To be honest, as a graduate student, your time is valuable; in my opinion, Saskatoon city has the perfect balance to keep proper time management.
- Any advice for future candidates that would like to come to Canada to do their graduate studies?
In my mind comes up several of them, but I would summarize them into three:
Firstly, if you are working in water management research, come to the University of Saskatchewan! Usask is in the university’s top world on this topic and it is the best in Canada. Secondly, do not be afraid of wintertime. It’s true! It is challenging, but the right clothes and nicely friends make your life comfy. Thirdly, enhance your discipline. Before your landing in Canada, it will be great for you if you start creating good habits (time management, workout, cooking, hobbies, and so on). A good discipline will keep you focused on your goals and enjoying the adventure.
