Convocation Spotlight: Winnifred Savard

Winnifred Savard

Winnifred Savard received her bachelor of science in nursing at the University of Alberta in 1989, but knew she wanted to return to pursue graduate studies. Her drive to go deeper into research led to a master of nursing also at the U of A in 2013 and today, she has completed a PhD.

Find out more about Savard’s experience as a PhD student and researcher.

What initially drew you to this area of study?

My desire to build on nursing evidence and translation of nursing evidence to nursing practice.

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

Defending my thesis.

What was the biggest challenge you faced?

Balancing working full time, studying full time and raising a family.

How did you stay motivated and who helped you keep going when things got tough?

Focusing on the end goal kept me motivated, and I couldn't have done this work without my supervisor’s calm, constructive and steadfast support.

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

Choose your supervisor with great consideration of their expertise and how well you work together.

What have you learned about yourself, and how will you use this going forward?

I have abilities to learn, analyze raw data, and dig deep when the road gets tough. I can utilize the skills I learned during this process to continue with academic work.

What comes next for you?

I am blessed to be working in clinical research in an advanced practice role and I will continue in this area.