Mathematics PhD graduate student Kseniya Garaschuk has always preferred mathematics over other subjects for its concreteness and unforgiving logic. In her words, “Math is an objective science: mathematical theorems are not influenced by someone’s opinion or point of view. Once proven, a mathematical result is universal and beyond any doubt. Once we agree on the axioms, of course.” It is this unshakable validity that Kseniya has always found so reassuring.

Choosing UVic

Kseniya was born in Belarus, a former USSR republic, and immigrated to Canada with her family in 2000. When asked why she chose the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, she replied: “I often travelled to UVic for conferences and workshops while completing my bachelor’s and master’s. I therefore got to know the university’s math department and its discrete math research group before I applied. It is a very close-knit community full of friendly faces and willing collaborators. Despite its relatively small size, our research group has a lot of graduate students, which creates a supportive learning environment. The beautiful campus, great West Coast weather and the proximity to my parents in Vancouver were all a big bonus."

She goes on to say, “I have been at UVic for three years now. I can say I have truly enjoyed being a graduate student here. It is rare to find such a welcoming and collegial atmosphere between graduate students and faculty as we have in this department. Everyone strives to fulfil their potential, help others along the way and to also enjoy the process.”

A department committed to student success

Kseniya currently holds an NSERC PGS award and has been the recipient of a UVic graduate fellowship. As a teaching assistant and sessional instructor at UVic, she has witnessed first-hand the commitment of the department to students and their success. The department's instructors constantly discuss curriculum, course prerequisites, course structure, student support, and any other mechanisms they feel would enhance student learning and achievement.

When not doing research or teaching, Kseniya can be found enjoying Formula One racing, working on her model car collection and running with her dog, Schumi.

Learn more about mathematics and statistics at UVic.