Alison Mather

Name: Alison Mather
Born: Owen Sound
Lived in Scotland: 2 years

Alison Mather enjoyed working at the University of Glasgow as a summer student four years ago so she decided to move back to Scotland from Guelph, Ontario to complete her PhD.

"There were lots of reasons why I originally came to Scotland," she says. "My grandfather was born here so I was always interested in visiting.

An opportunity then arose for Alison to do a PhD at the University of Guelph in Canada.

"I would have had funding but the opportunity to do a PhD in Scotland doesn't come along every day so I jumped at it," she says. "Everything seemed right with Scotland. I knew the people, they were supportive and I loved working with them.

"I think of Scotland very much as home now."

Seeing more of Scotland

Alison's current project focuses on epidemiological and ecological approaches to antimicrobial resistance.

"The project I'm involved with is fantastic; it's a cross-disciplinary programme as part of the Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health. As part of the project is a collaboration with the University of Guelph so I go back twice a year," she says.

Although Alison is happy to be based in Scotland, there are a few things she misses about Canada. "I miss friends and family when I'm in Scotland. I also miss butter tarts! They’re a pastry tart, which aren't available in the UK.

"When I'm in Guelph I miss the Scottish people. Scots are very out-going and friendly; there's always someone going out for a quick drink after work," says Alison.

Alison also takes advantage of the Scottish scenery, with Glencoe and the Western Islands her favourite places.

"I love Skye, Islay, Iona and the Outer Hebrides, especially the scenery and hill walking," says Alison. "I enjoy travelling around Scotland. It's so accessible; 20 minutes out of the city and you're at Loch Lomond.

In Canada the spaces are so vast but here you can get out to the countryside in half-an-hour's drive."

Alison enjoys curling and lists this as one of the best things about the country. "Back in Canada I did it for years. It's a fantastic sport and curlers are so friendly."

Future plans

Alison's plans for the future could include staying in Scotland.

"I want to stay in research and academia but I don't know where I'm going yet," says Alison.

"I have a year left of my PhD and there are so many different opportunities for what I could do next. Deciding where to go is going to be difficult. I could work in the government or universities.

"One option for me would be to stay in research, possibly at the University of Glasgow. I would definitely consider staying in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

"I've been very lucky to end up where I am at the moment. Scotland has beautiful scenery and it's vibrant and great fun. It's a wonderful place to be."

Related links

• The Boyd Orr Centre
• More Information about Alison Mather’s PhD
• Dr Mark Jackson