Katie Cheung

Katie-CheungHometown: Belleville, ON

Program: Master of Physical Therapy

What’s next for you?

I’m moving to the Yukon! I will be working as a pediatric physiotherapist at the Yukon Child Development Centre, a not-for-profit organization that provides early supports and therapeutic services to children in Whitehorse as well as all of the rural communities in the Yukon Territory.

What have you enjoyed most about your experience at UBC and specifically your time in your program?

I’ve actually been a student at UBC for two Master’s degrees (Neuroscience & Physical Therapy). In addition to the diverse academic opportunities I’ve received over the past four years, I’ve enjoyed a large variety of other things that UBC has to offer- the Pacific Spirit Regional Park trails, the UBC REC sports, the coffee at the Boulevard and the UBC special events (especially Day of the Longboat!)- to name a few.

As a member of the Northern and Rural Cohort within UBC’s MPT program, I’ve particularly enjoyed all of the academic (and non-academic) experiences I’ve shared with my classmates both at UBC and UNBC in Prince George. I was fortunate enough to have many adventures during my clinical placements throughout BC (and beyond) and it has been a truly wonderful way to explore the communities and landscapes of Canada’s west coast!

What’s one piece of advice you would offer to incoming students?

If you find yourself frustrated or discouraged, which inevitably will happen at some point during your studies, take some time for yourself- go for a hike in the mountains or a dip in the ocean, watch some online videos of hedgehogs and kittens playing… anything that might offer you a different perspective! Taking care of your mental health is so important and so often under-valued.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

I’d like to design assistive devices and technology for people who have had neurological injuries and are seeking rehabilitation. I’d also like to continue working clinically as a therapist. I love art, robots, science and teaching, so hopefully I’ll be able to incorporate all of those things into my future career.

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?

I recently wrote a chapter in an academic textbook on the topic of neuroplasticity and virtual reality technology… but my real dream is to one day write and illustrate science books for kids!