Convocation Spotlight: MSc '24 grad Paige Hardy

MSc in neuroscience grad Paige Hardy. Photo supplied.

Before completing a master’s in neuroscience, Paige Hardy earned a BSc in honours neuroscience at the University of Alberta. “As an undergrad, I wanted to study neuroscience because I liked science and I thought the brain was cool,” she says. “My interest in this area of study has grown a little more nuanced over the years.”

We caught up with Hardy to learn more about her experience in the graduate neuroscience program and what advice she has for future students.

Tell us about your area of study.

As a graduate student, the research that I worked on under Dr. Christine Webber focused on accelerating peripheral nerve regeneration following injury. This area of study was a fascinating intersection of molecular manipulation and surgical intervention, yielding tangible changes in the growth of nerves. Furthermore, much of the research done in this lab (credit to the endless efforts of Dr. Jenna Senger) has made its way into clinical trials. This area of study was the perfect combination of pure and gritty basic science, and key clinical application, in which I could investigate important molecular players on a small scale, and then directly envision the impacts on the larger, clinical scale. This area of neuroscience has captured the joy of scientific discovery and the heartfelt necessity of scientific advancement.

What are you most proud of from your time in the program?

Something I’m most proud of from my time in the program is receiving a graduate student travel award to attend and present my research at the Society for Neuroscience International Conference in Chicago.

How did you stay motivated when things got tough?

There certainly were times that I felt my confidence wane during my program when my experiments weren't going well, and I was in the process of having to adjust and then re-adjust my setup again and again. My supervisor played a huge role in keeping me motivated, and I remember her telling me that if science was easy we would have already cured all diseases and solved every problem. Realizing that 'failing' is somewhat of a universal scientific experience helped me trust the process and be kind to myself, which inevitably helped keep me motivated.

What were your go-to spots on campus?

Any time I needed a quick break from thinking too hard I went to grab a coffee from the Tims in the Katz Atrium. It's usually busy enough that I could let my mind go blank and allow myself to reset before going back to think some more!

Did you receive any awards or scholarships?

I was fortunate enough to receive funding through Canada's Graduate Scholarship for master's students, supplemented by the Walter H. Johns Fellowship Award from the University of Alberta. 

What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program?

The best advice I've ever received was that it is very easy to put in the extra hours — until it isn't. It is often the reality of grad school that you will end up needing to put in a bit more work than the traditional nine-to-five, particularly with the pressure of meeting deadlines. For the majority of people, doing this all of the time is not feasible, or healthy. I would advise new students coming into the program to spread out their workload, schedule in time with friends and family, and when things are slow, start writing the introduction to your thesis! Second year you will love very much.