As part of our Spring Convocation 2025 coverage, we asked graduates from our six Schools to share their experiences of completing a degree in McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Here, we meet Class of 2025 member Radu Alexandru Paun from the School of Biomedical Sciences. Radu completed his PhD, Biological and Biomedical Engineering and receives his degree at the Spring Convocation Ceremony on May 27. Congratulations Radu!
Name: Radu Alexandru Paun
Degree: PhD Biological and Biomedical Engineering
Hometown: Petroșani, Romania
What did you love most about studying at McGill and/or in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences?
There is a great community of students, staff and faculty members who do their best to help each other out. Research thrives in a great community!
If you could change one thing in the world to make it better, what would you choose?
I think that life would be better if people learned to invert problems. Instead of thinking “how can I prove that X is right”, one could think “what are ways in which I can prove that X is wrong.” This allows you to look at a situation from a different perspective.
Please share a particularly proud or challenging moment from your degree.
The proudest moment from my degree was the day that I published my first research paper.
Your fave eatery?
Vinh’s sandwiches kept me going during my entire PhD. Awesome people working there, too!
A song that defines the past few years as a student at McGill?
The song “All Right” by Christopher Cross. Through ups and downs, in the end…we made it!
Any shoutouts?
Shoutout to Ling Li, PhD, the best lab manager in the world. Not sure where we would all be without her!
Top tip for incoming students in your program?
Don’t be discouraged. Focus on your work, persevere and you will do great!
What’s next for you?
Going to continue doing some cool science. Stay tuned…