Report

Mitacs Award winner interview: 2014 Globalink intern Pragya Chawla

2) What was the highlight of your Mitacs internship in Canada?
Living in a new country gave me the chance to step out of my comfort zone and explore my independence. I love to travel and explore new places so our road trips to Waterton Lakes National Park, Banff National Park, and even Vancouver were probably the best moments during my stay in Canada. Additionally, the kindness and warmth of people I met during my travels and research in Lethbridge are things I am never going to forget.

3) What is the greatest advantage you feel you gained through your internship? What does it bring to your research or professional career?
Throughout the summer, I gained a lot of knowledge about the methods and tools used in the field of astrophysics that are definitely going to be of great help in my future in research.

The work environment was really great as I worked closely with my supervisor, and a group of other researchers who were working on various related projects in astrophysics. The freedom that my supervising professor gave me to pursue my own ideas gave me the ability to look at a problem from several vantage points and then think of an innovative solution to the problem. I believe these are the greatest advantages that I gained through this internship.

4) What advice would you give to new Globalink interns so that they have the best time in Canada through their internship?

Globalink interns should try and make the most of this amazing opportunity by preparing for their respective projects before coming to Canada. Chances are that they will face some challenges throughout the course of their project as I did, but I advise them to stay motivated and figure out innovative ways to overcome these challenges.

At the same time, they should take some time out from their work to interact with people from different cultures and go out and explore the natural beauty of the amazing country that they are in.

5) Would you consider returning to Canada for later studies? What are your dreams for research and your career?

Apart from cutting-edge research facilities and work environment, the thing that really attracts me to Canada is the importance that is given to innovation in this country. I am definitely considering the option of returning to Canada to pursue a Masters in Astrophysics, and later a PhD to further my knowledge and contribute to this amazing field of research.


Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and Alberta Innovates for their support of the Globalink research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Globalink program also receives support from , the Government of British Columbia, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan and Research Manitoba.


Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca

Mitacs Team
Mitacs Team

Mitacs’s website content is created by people throughout our organization, united in their passion for innovation and eager to share their perspectives with others in the innovation ecosystem.