Vardhan Paliwal

PhD in Mechatronics Systems Engineering doctoral student in the Faculty of Applied Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

My name is Vardhan, and this fall I am beginning my PhD in computational neuroscience. My research focuses on using computational modeling to better understand individual patient trajectories and treatment responses in those experiencing depression and PTSD. Although I am an electrical engineer by training, my transition into neuroscience stems from a deeply personal loss. During the pandemic, I lost a loved one to a brain hemorrhage that progressed silently while they were being monitored for COVID treatment. That devastating event left me with a burning question I could not let go of: “Why were our clinical tools insufficient to detect this silently developing condition until it was too late?” Seeking the answer to that question fueled my absolute dedication to the field. Today, I am inspired to apply my analytical background to uncover the mechanisms of brain pathology so that we can efficiently suggest targeted treatments for individual patients, ultimately bridging the critical gap between engineering and clinical medicine.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

My journey to Canada, and to SFU, began during the third year of my undergraduate studies through the MITACS Globalink fellowship. During this summer research internship, I worked with a large-scale Fraser Health data cohort to forecast brain age. This experience was transformative; it was the first time I saw firsthand how my engineering background could directly improve patient care when paired with clinical data and expert clinicians. Alongside the impactful research, I absolutely fell in love with Vancouver. When I left to finish my undergraduate degree, I already knew I wanted to return. I chose to come back to SFU for my master’s degree in computational neuroscience, and I am choosing it again for my PhD because it provides the perfect environment to advance my research. Here, I have built a rigorous academic foundation alongside an incredible community of researchers and friends, which serves as a powerful launchpad for my doctoral journey.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research is focused on understanding why different treatments for brain conditions, such as depression and PTSD, work well for some individuals but not for others. By bringing together computational modeling and different modalities of brain data, my goal is to identify early signs of how a patient is responding to a given treatment. Ultimately, I want to build tools that enhance clinical decision-making in hospitals, allowing patients and their families to receive the right care sooner.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Computational Neuroscience, Clinical Decision Making, Brain Disorders

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Transitioning from an engineering background, my master’s coursework was instrumental in providing me with a rigorous, foundational understanding of theoretical neuroscience. However, my most transformative professional growth occurred in the classroom. When I first joined SFU, my primary goal was to eventually work as a neuroscientist in an industry research lab. That trajectory changed during my very first semester when I took on a role as a Teaching Assistant. I quickly discovered a profound passion for teaching. The more time I spent as a TA, it inspired my desire to pursue a career in academia as a professor: a career that will allow me to combine my dedication to research with my love for mentoring students.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I am immensely grateful to be the recipient of the 2026 Biagioni Family Graduate Scholarship. This award profoundly impacts my studies by easing the financial demands of graduate school, which allows me to direct my full focus toward my research. Beyond financial assistance, being chosen for this scholarship is a great honor and a source of motivation, as it represents the donor's belief in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to my field.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

Like many engineers, I have always been drawn to analytics and numbers. Early on, I believed I could tackle almost any project simply by applying my technical skills to generate sophisticated methods and impressive results. However, the graduate school journey is quite humbling. It challenges you to look past the data to truly understand a problem at its absolute core and then demand that you build a solution from the ground up. Hence, I will say that the most profound lesson I learned during my master’s degree, and a philosophy that will guide me for the rest of my career is this: 'Don’t fall in love with the solution; Fall in love with the problem to the point that finding the solution becomes an absolute necessity.'

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

In my academic life, I believe the most meaningful professional connections are formed not just by exchanging contact information, but by finding common ground in shared goals and a mutual drive to make an impact. Go attend different community events at SFU, and don’t be scared to talk to people – everyone will appreciate a warm conversation! Outside of the lab, I find that building a community is all about shared, everyday experiences. I am fortunate to have a close-knit social circle, and I love connecting with my friends through our mutual interests and simply spending quality time together. Ultimately, whether I am navigating complex research collaborations or enjoying downtime, I focus on being curious and building relationships rooted in shared passions.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

The graduate journey is not a 100-meter sprint; it is a marathon. You cannot approach it with the mindset of needing to get everything done in a single day. While it is incredibly important to remain ambitious, you also have to give yourself the grace and time to recharge. Graduate school is undoubtedly there for career advancement, but it must be accompanied by personal growth. My biggest tip is to cultivate hobbies, multiple, if you like! Whether that means learning an instrument, photography, or hiking; deliberately reserve a portion of your day that is entirely for you, and not for school.

Contact Vardhan:vardhan_paliwal@sfu.ca

Additional Links

• LinkedIn
• Facebook