“U of T is one of the few universities in Canada that provides the opportunity to study planetary science and remote sensing.”

I have been interested in outer space since an early age. To pursue my passion, I enrolled in the Space Science program at York University and continued to do my master’s there. That is where I became more interested in planetary science. After finishing my master’s, I worked as a Young Graduate Trainee at the European Space Agency for a year and then started my doctorate at U of T.

I’m doing my PhD at the Department of Earth Sciences, using remote sensing techniques to understand the age of impact craters on the Moon. From that data, we can extrapolate the frequency and scale of meteorite impacts on the Earth over time, which is an important part of our planetary history.

My main reason for choosing U of T was my supervisor and her research. U of T is one of the few universities in Canada that provides the opportunity to study planetary science and remote sensing through the Department of Earth Sciences. I have enjoyed meeting new colleagues and establishing connections. My professors have been very friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable.

I have lived and travelled in many places, but Toronto is still my favourite place to live for the long term, mainly because it is so multicultural. It has been remarkable to meet and work with great researchers and fellow graduate students. Additionally, I went to Nice, France for three months to collaborate with researchers at Observatoire de la Cote d’Azur. This initiative was supported by the Globalink Research Award — Campus France.   

If I could offer any advice for prospective students, it would be to do your research before choosing a school! Make sure you like the research that your potential supervisor and her/his group do. Talk to current and former graduate students from the same group to see whether you’re compatible with the lab dynamic. It’s also important to make sure you take time to relax and enjoy non-academic life so you don’t burn out or get overwhelmed.