Convocation Spotlight: PhD '24 grad Fernanda Talarico

PhD in psychiatry grad Fernanda Talarico. Photo supplied.

Fernanda Talarico has always been fascinated by psychiatry; wanting to understand the human brain and mind. Her experience as an undergraduate research intern inspired her to continue exploring this area, eventually leading to a PhD focused on fostering the quality of psychiatric care, reducing the economic impact on health-care systems, and lessening the patient burden. 

Originally from Brazil, Talarico shares how she overcame shyness in speaking English, found ways to recharge after a long day and offers her advice for future researchers.

Did you receive any awards or scholarships?

I received the following awards: Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship (three years), Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, SynAD Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) Trainee Grant and the University of Alberta Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship.

Did you have any exceptional experiences?

I volunteered with Sciences Fundamentals, a registered charity and student group at the University of Alberta that aims to enhance elementary science education through interactive demonstrations. It was a great experience to explain science to kids and see their amazement with each demonstration. This experience helped me overcome the shyness that comes with speaking English as a second language and showed me how inclusive people can be. I also volunteered at the Campus Food Bank (CFB), which gave me insight into the large international student community at the U of A. Volunteering there became a way to relax and decompress after a long day, as CFB provides such an inclusive and friendly space that I always looked forward to my time there.

What were your go-to spots on campus? 

The Tim Hortons at the Katz building was my favourite spot on campus. Whenever I needed a change of scenery, being there helped me shift perspectives, which often made tasks feel easier. Plus, having a warm and cozy drink was always a bonus!

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their PhD?

I would advise anyone starting out to take some time to talk to the people you’ll be working and studying with. Get to know the supervisor, their students and post-docs, and get a sense of the lab’s daily routine and how everyone interacts. Since you’ll be spending most of your day with these people, it’s important to understand the environment you’re joining. Also, keep in mind that your research might take unexpected turns, and what you proposed at the beginning may change over time – and that’s okay. Your interests may shift as you go along too.

What comes next for you?

I want to continue making an impact on people's lives through science. As a strong advocate for mental health, I aim to use my expertise in research and data analysis to contribute meaningfully in this area.