Valdemar Tsanov

I am grateful to the Mathematics and Statistics Department at Queen's University, first for the accepting me as a graduate student in 2007, and for having me as a PhD graduate. My experience was wonderful, filled with more opportunities than I could take, and continuing through several professional and personal friendships. Thinking of the beginning, the atmosphere in the department was highly professional, but also very friendly, and many people went out of their way to welcome the newly arrived students.

The graduate program consisted, besides the thesis, of a set of courses covering fundamentals in a variety of disciplines, providing some broadness to a student's knowledge, and common language with fellow students. Several research groups had their ongoing seminars, and there were many short term reading seminars on concrete topics, organized by faculty or students, which was immensely beneficial for me. There were many regular activities in the department, such as weekly colloquium with a follow-up room for further discussions and coffee, graduate student seminar, math club, even π -day celebrations, which provided opportunities for broader interaction with faculty and students in formal and informal setting. Invited speakers to the colloquium and seminars included leading scientists bringing news from around the world. The faculty is involved in regional and international research networks, which provides the graduate students with the opportunity to participate in conferences, present their work and make contacts. The possibility to teach courses is offered to advanced graduate students, which is invaluable for some.

"My supervisor gave me steady guidance and support, and an education much broader than the thesis topic."
Valdemar Tsanov

My supervisor gave me steady guidance and support, and an education much broader than the thesis topic. He also encouraged me to communicate with others and provided me with opportunities to attend conferences and seminars, and develop my own interests. I also witnessed many other graduate students build good relationships with their supervisors and research groups; there were also shared supervisions and changes of supervisors, when needed, and this seemed to run smoothly in an interactive community.

In my work since graduation, I have had many occasions to build up my appreciation for the education received at Queen's, through direct use of knowledge acquired from my supervisor or indeed in various the departmental seminars and courses. Also, several of my colleagues from the graduate school continue their academic work in various places around the world, and this network has been of great benefit for me through personal friendships and scientific contacts.

Last but not least, Kingston is a great small city, with lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence river with the thousand islands on its sides. It is a wonderful place for life and studies.