Fresh Faces Fall 2022: Logiraj Kumaralingam, MSc in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

Logiraj Kumaralingam, MSc in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging.

Fresh Faces Fall 2022: Logiraj Kumaralingam, MSc in Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

New master of science student Logiraj Kumaralingam recently arrived in Edmonton from Sri Lanka. He’s looking forward to deepening his knowledge about radiology and diagnostic imaging while leaving time to get to know his fellow students and explore Edmonton’s natural beauty and festival scene.

What program of study are you starting?

Master of science in medical sciences - radiology and diagnostic imaging.

What made you choose the University of Alberta?

I decided to pursue my master’s program here because it is one of the leading research universities in the world and I admire the high quality of education offered in Canada. Even though there are many universities offering the master’s program, I found that U of A has the highest level of expertise in its professors and lecturers, which made it my No. 1 choice.

Are you new to campus?

I’m new to Canada, from Sri Lanka. 

What are you looking forward to exploring around town?

I have found Edmonton to be a beautiful and welcoming city, with multicultural communities living together. Due to the pandemic situation, it’s been lonely for me in past years, with restrictions and social distancing. I’m looking forward to making new friends in Edmonton with different cultures, languages, and religions, which will help me to get a greater understanding of the world.

I’m also interested in listening to live musical shows. There are definitely a lot of musical events, exciting festivals and outdoor activities and I’m looking forward to enjoying those events. Nothing makes me happier than music.

Edmonton also has many lovely parks and natural places that are good for both physical and mental health. I'm looking forward to spending some time in the great outdoors here, walking in the park, hiking or cycling on a nature trail. Being outside helps me to de-stress and strengthen my senses.

What do you miss most about home?

The first thing I miss about my homeland is its natural beauty. Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean. It is also known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean." My country is a tourist destination where we can enjoy many natural beauties, such as forests, beaches, mountains, and other things. I miss that environment very much. Moreover, I also really miss my friends and family, of course. I miss my language too. When I hear someone speaking my mother language, Tamil, in Edmonton, I feel so happy. 

What inspired you to study radiology and diagnostic imaging?

My passion is to become a professor in the field of medical sciences and my ultimate goal is to be a part of finding solutions to medical issues. During my undergraduate studies, I learned to process medical images, completed a related research project and published some international conference papers, which strengthened my interest in medical science. 

What do you like most about this subject area?

When I went through the subject modules, I found they cover the most interesting areas of image processing and analyzing techniques, such as de-nosing, segmentation, 3D reconstruction, etc., which I like to work on. In my undergraduate studies, I had some experience in these fields, but not that much. Therefore, by pursuing a master’s, I can learn more deeply and I will develop myself as an expert in this field.

What are you most excited about as you start your graduate studies?

The thing I am most excited about is that I can study with professors and colleagues from different backgrounds. I believe that studying in Alberta will be an unforgettable journey for me. I am excited about getting to meet new people from various parts of the world. I am also enthusiastic about seeing the educational and cultural heritage of a new country. I hope to learn new skills and improve my current skills to a new level, face tougher challenges and situations in life, and come out successfully.

I’m excited about the experiential learning aspect of the program, which will help me hone my decision-making skills by applying the right skills to real-world issues.

What do you think will be the biggest challenges as you pursue your degree?

The first will be time management and avoiding working too much every day. I want to participate in extracurricular activities at university and I need to set some time aside for relaxation as well. Therefore, I think time management will be the biggest challenge for me.

Secondly, I will come across people from varied backgrounds and different interests, and the idea of socializing and networking might seem difficult. However, this is an essential part of my student life and I should not miss out. It is important to socialize with my peers as they will be the ones who will help me to get a better perspective on things and we might have to work together on research projects.

What do you do for fun when you're not busy with your studies?

I will go for a walk with my friends when I’m not busy with my studies. Walking is the perfect way to relax when I feel a bunch of pent-up energy or tension. I also often try to cook with new recipes that are a little more special than my usual foods; it really helps me focus and unwind after my studies.