“Dedication, a will to succeed, and a tad bit of good luck are the three things that keep me going,” Garima Shah says. Her dedication to her work has paid off, as she will begin her Ph.D. in Neurosciences this fall at Johns Hopkins University.
While at U of T Scarborough, Shah, a specialist in Neuroscience, worked as a research assistant in several labs including Toronto Rehab’s lab working on research for Spinal Cord Mobility, which led her to present her work at the International Spinal Cord Conference. Her work awarded her the U of T Scarborough Library Undergraduate Research Prize.
Where did you go to high school?
I went to Bur Oak Secondary School, more colloquially known as BOSS.
Why did you choose your program?
Of the many unexplained phenomena in the world, the brain is by far the one that captivates me the most. To wake up to the marvel that my brain is studying itself is exhilarating to me.
What was your favourite class? Why?
With such knowledgeable and enthusiastic professors, it is hard to pick just one class. Being a neuroscience student though, taking courses in linguistics such as LINA01 and LINA02 was a great experience. Learning the phonetic alphabet was the best part as it made me realize the value of ethnic diversity at this campus. To help us learn, my peers and I would communicate words from our native languages through the phonetic alphabet.
What is a “must-do” on campus – what should every student do before graduating?
Professors are your parents away from home. Talk to them. They have lots and lots to offer.
What are you passionate about? What would you like the world to know about you?
Dedication, a will to succeed, and a tad bit of good luck are the three things that keep me going.
What was your most rewarding accomplishment during your time here?
As an undergraduate working in various research labs at UofT, I published 2 papers, one as a first author and visit international conferences to present my work in spinal cord injury.
If we call you up in five years, where do you think we will find you?
After the completion of my Ph.D., I see myself as an independent researcher in academia for neuroscience.
To read about more of the class of 2017 graduates click here