My name is Wubamlak N. Alehegn, and I am a second-year PhD student in the Department of Earth Sciences at Memorial University (MUN). I am from Ethiopia, a multicultural, multilingual, and historically rich country in East Africa. While it is my first time living abroad, the very friendly, smiling, and welcoming nature of Canadians in St. John’s has made my life here very happy.
My Decision to Pursue a Graduate Degree
I was interested in mathematics and physics during my high school years. I then joined Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia to pursue my BSc degree in Earth Sciences. I was especially interested in Geophysics, a subdiscipline of Earth science that relies heavily on physics, mathematics, and geology. I completed my BSc degree with a very great distinction, and Bahir Dar University immediately employed me as a Graduate Assistant II and awarded me a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Geophysics at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
It was a turning point that solidified my interest in academia. I conducted my thesis research in the East African Rift, one of the best natural laboratories for Earth scientists, where Earth’s tectonic processes are actively splitting the continent into two. Scientists from around the world have been undertaking major international projects in this region. During my literature review for my MSc thesis, I realized that although significant work had been done, many uncertainties, scientific gaps, and debates remained. My thesis was evaluated as excellent and was eventually published in four articles.
Motivation to Study Abroad, Reasons for Opening My Eyes to Study at Memorial University
After graduating with my MSc and publishing my work in international journals, I searched for leading geoscience institutions and professors. A graduate program in geophysics needs access to high-performance computing, a diverse range of geophysical field equipment, and well-equipped laboratory facilities. However, most graduate programs in geophysics in my country lack these essential resources. In this regard, I had been opening my eyes to leading geoscience institutions and professors abroad, and I found the PhD program in Geophysics at Memorial University (MUN) in Canada very special, as it offers a comprehensive graduate education and the broadest range of geophysical research opportunities. Initially, I had no information about MUN. However, while searching for professors whose research aligned with my interests in rift tectonics, I found the work of Prof. Kim J. Welford (Professor of Geophysics at MUN), which was a perfect match. I wrote to her to ask if she had any available projects. Although she initially had none, she later posted a PhD opportunity on Earthworks-jobs.com together with her colleagues. I applied and was fortunate to be selected.
Now, I feel I made the right decision, and I am very lucky to be conducting research at this world-class institution. One point I want to emphasize is that geoscience at MUN is very special. I believe that it is one of the few institutions worldwide that offers both geology and geophysics at the undergraduate, MSc, and PhD levels, supported by state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and a diverse faculty of experts.
My Research and Experience as a Graduate Student at Memorial
Generally, I am focused on studying the Earth’s internal structure at the lithospheric scale and exploring associated upper crustal resources such as geothermal energy, hydrocarbons, and mineral deposits. My primary research involves using geophysical data to understand continental breakup. For my PhD project, I am investigating the tectonics of the Newfoundland rifted margin (Eastern Canada) using geophysical imaging techniques, within the framework of the North Atlantic. While my focus is on understanding rift tectonics, the outcomes of my research will include a 3D model of Newfoundland’s offshore subsurface, which is critical for optimizing resource exploration, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Finally, I will work to understand the common rifting processes for the southern North Atlantic rifted margins and the East African rift on a large scale.
Being a graduate student, especially a PhD student, is challenging, as it requires a high degree of independent work. For those of us far from family, there are additional psychological and emotional challenges. However, MUN is not just an academic institution; it is also a supportive environment. In addition to the School of Graduate Studies, the Internationalization Office has been a great source of advice and support for me as an international student. There are also many specialized services for students with disabilities and financial needs. One thing I find particularly unique about MUN is that professors are not only academic mentors, but they also act as caregivers who are genuinely concerned about the well-being of their students. From my experience, the geophysics professors at MUN truly care about all aspects of our lives.
Scholarship Opportunities at Memorial
There are many prestigious scholarship opportunities available at MUN, ranging from departmental to university-level (School of Graduate Studies) and nationwide scholarships. For example, my PhD stipend is funded by my supervisor and the School of Graduate Studies at MUN. Additionally, I was the recipient of the Chevron Canada Limited Rising Star Award for the 2024/2025 scholarship year.
Challenges I’ve Overcome to Pursue Graduate Studies
I have faced many challenges in my journey toward graduate studies. I am from a country where access to laboratory facilities and research opportunities is often limited. I completed my education up to the MSc level in an under-resourced academic environment, including financial burdens. I had to work hard to overcome these limitations and the lack of infrastructure.
In recent years, my country has experienced ongoing political instability, which has deeply affected both my personal and academic life. Being far from my family during such uncertain times has been emotionally challenging, especially as I constantly worry about their safety and well-being in a conflict-prone area. Despite these emotional and logistical difficulties, I remain committed to my research and academic goals.
These challenges have not deterred me; rather, they have shaped my resilience and deepened my motivation. I believe that every obstacle I have faced has strengthened me to succeed and to contribute meaningfully to my field. I am confident that I am on the right path towards completing my PhD and using my work to make a positive impact both within academia and beyond. I am interested in continuing in academia, contributing to the advancement of rift tectonics research and the exploration of associated subsurface resources, such as geothermal energy, petroleum, and minerals.
My Advice to Future Graduate Students
For future students, I believe that selecting the right institution and mentor is key to successfully pursuing a graduate degree. As I mentioned above, for prospective students who plan to study either geology or geophysics at the undergraduate, MSc, and PhD levels, Memorial University is the right institution, with its state-of-the-art laboratories and a diverse field of experts.
Finally, I would like to share a video link that explores the geological mysteries unfolding in the East African Rift, a region where Earth’s tectonic forces are splitting the continent into two, similar to the process that separated Europe and North America around 150 million years ago, forming the Atlantic Ocean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwx2hlauKSk. I am very lucky as I am participating in scientific research in both tectonic settings, and my previous research works are available at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wubamlak-Nigussie-4/stats.