Master’s student backgrounds and aspirations: Research as a springboard for building a better future

These brilliant minds are tackling crucial questions and advancing knowledge, and are full of ambition, whether to pursue careers in research or to take the knowledge they have honed and apply it in the workplace. 

Olivia Bouffard, a second-year master’s student in occupational therapy, has a diverse background that has taken her from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières to the University of Ottawa.

Her passion for occupational therapy stems from her desire to help people overcome obstacles that prevent them from living life to the fullest. “To me, it’s one of the most empathetic, versatile and creative professions in health care,” she said. Her studies at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Health Sciences will enable her to quickly enter the job market and set about making a real difference in the lives of others.

As part of her master’s degree in occupational therapy, Olivia is taking part in a research project on anticoagulant management. This project aims to assess the readability and user-friendliness of brochures provided to patients to ensure they can safely manage their medication. After graduation, she would like to work in pediatrics or gerontology in a community setting, where she can put into practice the skills and knowledge acquired throughout her studies.

What excites her most about the University of Ottawa is the quality of the occupational therapy program and its faculty, as well as its proximity to the downtown core. Outside her studies, Olivia is passionate about dance, advocates for an active lifestyle, and enjoys nature walks and spending time with loved ones.

Diane Laflamme-Millette’s background reflects her thirst for learning. Diane holds a college diploma in nutrition and food services management from La Cité and two bachelor’s degrees from institutions in New Brunswick. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in French literature at the University of Ottawa. “It was the bilingual nature of the University of Ottawa—in addition to a substantial scholarship—that drove my decision,” she stated.

Diane is keenly interested in teaching (she has a bachelor’s degree in education) and research, two fields in which she hopes to work after graduation. Although she does not yet have any specific research projects on, she sincerely hopes to participate in one if the opportunity presents itself. She sees this next academic phase as a chance to quench her insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Outside her studies, she would like to get involved in student radio in order to share her love of jazz with her peers.

Nathaniel Holloway began his master's degree in geography at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Arts after completing his undergraduate studies at Carleton University. He wanted to delve deeper into the social impacts of climate change alongside Professor Jackie Dawson, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Environment, Society and Policy. 

Although his research career is still in its infancy, he has already gained valuable experience, particularly in northern communities. He will soon be collecting data in the Arctic from members of the Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) community as part of a research project. “I find research to be really stimulating, and it would be a dream come true to continue working in this field,” noted Nathaniel, who is particularly interested in environmental and social policy.

Nathaniel is very active in student life as a member of the Geography Graduate Student Association. He has helped organize two conferences, where he not only met new people, but also honed his project management skills.

The coming year promises to be an exciting one for Nathaniel, who is looking forward to continuing his research projects, meeting new people and enjoying life in downtown Ottawa.

Gyselle de Geus earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition sciences, with a major in dietetics, from the Estácio de Sá University in Florianopolis, Brazil, her native country. Eager to pursue her studies in a stimulating environment, Gyselle chose the University of Ottawa for her master’s degree in nutrition and food biosciences. 

Gyselle is working on a research project that uses an epidemiological approach, based on data from national surveys, to explore the social determinants of disordered eating behaviours among Canadian youth. Passionate about nutrition, she is also interested in new research perspectives in areas such as cancer, mental health, immunology and the impact of nutrition on health. 

After graduation, Gyselle would like to continue contributing to research that affects food policy in order to promote healthier and more sustainable eating habits. “I'm particularly interested in roles that would combine my expertise in nutrition and in epidemiology. I like to explore the impact of food habits and context on population health,” she remarked. 

In addition to her studies, Gyselle devotes some of her time to the Nutrition Graduate Student Association and to volunteering in food preparation and service. This year, she wants to get more involved in clubs and associations, and attend conferences to fulfill her hunger for knowledge.

Research plays an important role in graduate studies. It enables students to not only deepen their knowledge and explore important issues in their disciplines, but also work with influential researchers in their field.