In 2002, I was about to finish my undergrad in premedical studies at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon and was starting to develop a taste for Immunology.
I heard about McGill as one of the leading universities in North America, and browsed the Microbiology and Immunology webpage, I came across Dr. Martin Olivier’s page, who later became my supervisor, mentor, and friend.
My years at McGill and Dr. Olivier’s lab were career-defining. I received an exceptional education and mentorship, and built what later became my scientific research base, which allowed me to become the successful independent researcher I am today.
Furthermore, I made some lifelong friends while at McGill. Some were members of the department, while others I met by chance in my everyday life or in the graduate student pub “Thomson House”, which many of my fellow lab members frequented almost every Friday.
My doctorate degree at McGill was the natural end product of valuable skills I picked up along the way: scientific methodology, critical thinking, perseverance, and social intelligence, among others. My McGill experience was much more than a solid education; it was an exceptional journey in real life – one that I intend to give to my nine-month-old baby when he comes of age!