Convocation Profile: A chat with Heather Hinz

What led you to pick the University of Alberta for your studies?
Well, they let me in! My graduate supervisor overlooked my underwhelming undergraduate GPA, and took a chance. Which is more than I can say for many other places...

What is the most remarkable thing you learned while you were a student?

That your colleagues are invaluable. When you suddenly run out of supplies, or a freezer goes down, lending a hand is what people do!

How did you engage with student life on campus?

I signed up for a few dance classes in recreation which I enjoyed, I also participated in the KSR grad events such as trivia or pub nights. I also went to talks that were offered, like the Rod Murray address, and attended the KSR grad retreat

Tell us about your experience in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation?

Everyone was super helpful. When I was trying to register for courses, I had to call Cecelia from my work desk secretly (as I had not given notice yet) on how to manage the system, and who to contact for what. When I was struggling as a Primary Instructor, Amanda and the Dean were there for my support!

What kind of research did you do?

I research people with type 1 diabetes and exercise. Specifically, what their blood glucose does after they exercise.

Where are you hoping to take your research now that you have graduated? What is next for you?

Right now, I am not sure. My research was a secondary analysis, and the other part of the study is currently on hold. Publishing might be an option, right now I am excited to not have to read it for a while :). I am taking a break from research at the moment, and jobs in academics or sport are difficult to find with the pandemic and economic climate.

Did you face any significant challenges?

When I accepted my MSc offer, I was single. Two weeks later, I was engaged. I planned a wedding in YYC from YEG, and lived between YYC and YEG for two full years. My husband kept our house in YYC, and I had a student apartment in YEG. The travel was a lot, and it was difficult to maintain relationships in two places. I moved home to YYC in July 2019 to start the writing process, and as much as I liked being home, it is much easier to get help when you can walk into someone's office. Remote learning is difficult, especially when you're alone.

What was your most memorable UAlberta experience?

When my friend took me on a full tour of campus, stopping at all the pub options, the day I moved out of Edmonton. :) Perhaps also having pretty great debates in 580, where a small class size allowed us to chat openly and honestly with one another. I learned more in that research methods class than I thought I ever would.

How have you spent your time during COVID-19 distancing?

Writing. Writing. Reading. And writing. It did get more difficult when there was no gym to attend nor Chapters to browse through after a day of writing. Being a graduate student can be lonely even when you are surrounded by other people. So I met my neighbours, tried new cocktail recipes, and read a novel in the sunshine on the driveway with a glass of wine

What's next after graduation? Job hunting still (I am for hire!).

As your journey comes to a close, what advice do you have for new students?

Please, for goodness sake, ANALYSE AS YOU GO. Organize your data AS YOU GO. It will seem tedious, but you will be SO THANKFUL when you are knee-deep in stats. Find a senior member (either a student or post-doc) who will give you their opinion on your work before you send it to your supervisor (I would not have survived had it not been for Rachel Skow)