This article is part of a series focusing on fall grads of the Dalhousie Class of 2024. Visit the Convocation website for more information and to access live webcasts of the ceremonies.
Juliet Rowe’s research journey started at the University of Victoria where she studied under Dr. Olav Krigolson, a Dalhousie alum. She was awarded an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award, which solidified her passion for the research process and ultimately guided her decision to pursue graduate studies.
When she discovered the School of Physiotherapy’s MSc in Rehabilitation Research, she reached out to Dr. Shaun Boe. After connecting on the research interests of motor learning, motor control, neuroimaging, and neurotechnology, Rowe joined Dr. Boe’s Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function (LBRF) as a grad student.
Innovative knowledge translation
Rowe developed a strong passion for science communication during her education.
She completed in the 3-Minute Thesis competition, and placed second in the finals, presenting about the size-weight illusion and how it can be used to better understand learning through motor imagery.
Rowe and fellow LBRF researcher Theresa Gaughan are co-hosts and producers of the Mind: The Gap podcast where they interview researchers about what they study and their academic journey. Through the podcast Rowe and Gaughan have talked to 30 different faculty members across the Faculties of Health, Dentistry, Science, and more.
In addition to the podcast, Rowe co-founding Bright Club Halifax, a comedy club where researchers present stand-up comedy based on their work. They hosted their first successful show in April 2024!
Rowe is also the Director of Program Planning for ComSciConCAN, a national science communication conference organized by and for graduate students.
Space to learn and make mistakes
Rowe says she is deeply grateful for the friendships and connections she’s found through the lab. She says that Dr. Boe creates a very healthy work-life balance within the lab, encouraging researchers to work diligently during the day but ensuring they can enjoy our evenings and weekends, which is something that Rowe hadn’t experienced in previous research environments.
“Having a space where it’s okay to fail, make mistakes, and explore new area of interest has been invaluable to me. Not everyone has the chance to learn in such a supportive environment, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. This experience has shaped me into a better researcher and strengthened my passion for discovery.”
Rowe says she is constantly inspired by the innovative work and research happening around her.
“I am extremely proud to have completed my degree in the Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function.”
Advice for students
Rowe thanks everyone who was a support during her grad degree – namely her family, partner, friends, supervisor, lab members and her thesis committee.
Her advice for incoming grad students is:
- Many research topics may captivate your interest, but only a few supervisors have the ability to inspire you to become a better researcher. Focus on finding a supervisor who communicates effectively, supports your ideas, and fosters your passion for research.
- Lean heavy on friends and family to support you during your degree. It is impossible to achieve greatness without the support of others.
- Embrace both the challenge and opportunity that come with failure. It’s an inevitable and valuable part of the research process.
- Try something new and see what happens!