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I could not have imagined a better introduction to graduate research and academia than my time at Queen's. By way of context, I joined Queen's Department of Mathematics and Statistics in Summer 2012, spending a few months as a visiting research student, and then continuing on with an M.Sc. in mathematical control theory, while still interacting with the mathematical biology group during the year.

I could not have imagined a better, more supportive and refreshing environment than the one I met at Queen's. In working with my academic supervisors, I felt (in retrospect, quite surprisingly, because I later learned that this is a very rare feature) a complete freedom to do whatever I want, with the only constraint, as my Master's supervisor said, "that it's serious and that I know something about it". Without exception, the philosophy of the applied mathematics community at Queen's was exactly what I was searching for: informal and unpretentious yet intellectually substantial, rigorous yet applicable, welcoming yet challenging. I enjoyed my time at the Department immensely and, while I could — in complete honesty — also write about how it gave me a great technical foundation for future research, the feeling of freedom and belonging that I felt remains the most memorable quality.

"It strikes me that Kingston is a perfect place to combine wonderful natural surroundings with an exciting urban life, while providing an academic environment designed to support growth and excellent research."
Melkior Ornik

Over time, I have been fortunate to reconnect with some prior instructors, now fellow faculty members, and I had a few visits to Queen's to deliver seminars. From the best that I could see, nothing changed, either in the technical rigor and depth of the faculty, or in the welcoming environment; Ten years after graduating, the Department still feels like home. It is a special place; a place where every stay and every talk feels like a special privilege, and I have no doubt it will remain so forever.

During my last visit, I took an opportunity to walk around campus and around Kingston, exploring both the downtown areas and some parts that seemed so far away during my student days. I cannot overemphasize the happiness that I felt walking on Union or enjoying the waterfront down on King. I am sure some of my experiences are tinted by my past wonderful times at Queen's, but it strikes me that Kingston is a perfect place to combine wonderful natural surroundings with an exciting urban life, while providing an academic environment designed to support growth and excellent research. I am honored to have been a Math student at Queen's, and I am looking forward to remaining associated with the Department in whichever way possible.