Trainee Resources

Learn about the expectations and resources available for trainees within Libin Cardiovascular Institute and get some handy tips for getting started as a grad student 

Register as a Libin Trainee Join the LCITO

Welcome to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute (LCI). We are an entity of the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services that supports cardiovascular research, clinical care and education in Calgary and beyond. Our team is here to support you in your studies!

The LCI offers numerous supports for its clinical and research students, including awards and scholarships (see below for a list).

LCI’s leadership team includes Dr. Satish Raj, Education Director, to ensure the voices of students are heard at the senior leadership level. 

Awards and Scholarships

We offer the following scholarships:

  • Multiple Travel awards: $500 each
  • Multiple LCI Publication awards: $100 each
  • Multiple LCI Sex & Gender Publication awards: $100 each
  • Multiple Research Day awards: $200 - $1000 each
  • Four master’s scholarships - $17,500 each
  • Three doctoral scholarships - $22,500 each
  • Three postdoctoral scholarships- $60,000 each
More Info on Awards & Scholarships
A science student works with her supervisor in the lab
pink Libin Institute flags over poster competition in the HRIC Atrium

Educational Opportunities

The LCI offers trainees numerous learning opportunities and events to enhance your education experience. See below for more information. 

Tine Haworth Cardiovascular Research Day: This annual event features trainee research through a poster competition and oral presentations, culminating in an awards ceremony for top researchers from undergraduate to postdoctoral levels.

Libin Cardiovascular Institute Training Organization (LCITO): Formed in 2022, this student-led group fosters networking, socializing, and collaboration among trainees. Activities include journal clubs, research seminars, mock defense seminars, and social events.

Research Update Seminar Series: RUSS provides a platform for trainees to present their research, get feedback from their peers and increase knowledge about one another's research. 

Cardiovascular Journal Club: CJC meets on the first and third Thursday of the month to evaluate scientific articles. The discussions are student-led. Contact the LCI operations team at libin@ucalgary.ca for more information. 

External Speaker Series: This seminar series takes place monthly throughout the school year and features high-caliber guest speakers from a wide variety of disciplines. Contact the LCI operations team at libin@ucalgary.ca for more information.  

Women’s Health Research Seminar Series: Monthly presentations featuring experts in women’s health. Contact the LCI operations team at libin@ucalgary.ca for more information. 

*Trainees funded by the LCI must present at least once at RUSS or CJC, attend a minimum of 75% of RUSS, CJC, and/or Libin External Speaker Series seminars, and participate in a journal club as part of graduation requirements.

Key Contacts

All members of LCI’s operations team are available to answer any questions or concerns, but the following are your key contacts at the LCI: 

Alina Kotylova - Education Operations Coordinator. Alina can assist with all student-related questions including funding. Email: alina.kotylova@ucalgary.ca 

Dawn Smith – Senior Communications Officer. Dawn helps promote events and highlight student success. Email: dawn.smith@ucalgary.ca

LCITO Contacts:

Learn more about the LCITO here
Members of the 2023-2024 LCITO Executive team stand in front of a statue

Members of the 2023-2024 LCITO Executive Team

Checklists for Getting Started

Get off to a great start with these handy checklists detailing some of the steps to take when starting your grad school program.

Starting Grad School Checklist


Graduate Program Checklist

  • Set up your UCalgary Email/ IT account
  • Enroll in courses
  • Pay tuition (payment plans are available)
  • Acquire transit pass if needed
  • Set up direct deposit for stipend payment if needed
  • Connect with your graduate program administrator
  • Complete the student/supervisor Memorandum of Understanding Expectations checklist
  • Complete the Intellectual Property Awareness Checklist
  • Discuss setting up your supervisory committee with your supervisor
  • Register for Research Integrity Day
  • Register for animal handling courses if needed
  • Complete the CIHR Sex and Gender Training Modules
Students walk arm in arm outside campus building

Advice for Managing Your Project

Stressed about managing your grad school project? Check out these handy tips for staying on top of your work. 

  • Be organized from the start- take detailed experimental notes and plan ahead.
  • Stay on top of analysis as best you can.
  • Budget more time than you think for assignments and presentations.
  • Set a goal for how many papers you want to read each week and hold yourself to it.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
  • Connect with your fellow grad students for support and advice – we are all in this together!

Places to Know Around Foothills Campus

The Foothills Campus has numerous hang out spots, restaurants and other resources available to students. Check out the following list to be in the know. 

  • Health Sciences Library – 1450 Health Sciences building
  • Zen Den – HSC G214 This quiet space is set aside for grad students. Grad Snacks program is run out of this space. It provides healthy, convenient snacks 24-7 for grad students.
  • Good Earth Café- 2 locations (HRIC atrium and emergency entrance of the hospital). It serves coffee, pastries and light lunch/snacks.
  • On The Go/ Tim Horton’s- Located on the first floor of McCaig Tower, this venue serves coffee, lunch and snacks.
  • Garden Deli – This cafeteria is located on the ground floor of the Foothills Hospital and serves a wide variety of menu items.
  • Student Lounges- HSC G730 (Medical Students) and HSC G552 (All Foothills Students)- These are chill spaces to nap, cook or play pool.
  • Student Advocacy and Wellness Hub (SAWH) - HSC G740. This centre offers a wide variety of supports and resources to students, ranging from counselling to advocacy and academic help.
  • Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre - Tim Horton’s on the main floor and a cafe on the 5th floor.