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» Home » Student Profiles » Kelcey Bland

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Kelcey Bland

By jwong | August 24, 2017

Program: MSc, Rehabilitation Sciences
Year in program: 2nd year
Hometown: Vancouver, BC

What inspired you to pursue your program?
Currently, I am completing an MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Kristin Campbell. My thesis is focusing on the role of exercise training on chemotherapy side effects, including peripheral neuropathy and cardiovascular disease risk in women with breast cancer.

I have always been passionate about physical activity and exercise promotion, especially from the perspective of chronic disease prevention and treatment. However, it was my exposure to Dr. Campbell’s work prior to starting my MSc that got me really excited about the field of exercise oncology. Before beginning my MSc, I worked in Dr. Campbell’s lab as a research coordinator and lead exercise trainer for a study investigating the feasibility of offering a nutrition and exercise program to women undergoing breast cancer treatment as part of supportive care. In this role, I saw first-hand just how important engaging in exercise was for individuals with cancer, both physically and psychosocially. I also became more curious about how exercise might specifically be able to help with prevalent chemotherapy side effects and why. So instead of continuing on as a research coordinator in Dr. Campbell’s lab, I decided to become one of her students!

What are you looking forward to most this upcoming year?
I am really looking forward to defending my MSc thesis this October. Following that, I will be moving to Melbourne, Australia to start my PhD under the supervision of Dr. Prue Cormie. I am beyond excited to start my PhD and look forward to continuing to work within this important field.

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
I use to train professionally in ballet. In high school, I was dancing 30 hours every week and school was not a priority at all!

Best piece of advice: I find many people say their best advice is to follow your passion. I completely agree. But I also think that after you’ve found your passion, find mentorship. Mentorship is everything. I’ve been so lucky to meet people who are 1, 2, and 3 steps ahead of me in their careers. Having people to talk to, listen to and learn from is key. If you don’t have any mentors, find one!

What superpower do you wish you had? I think I’d like to be able to speak every language. Flying would also be cool.

Where in the world would you like to get lost? Hong Kong. The city is huge with so many districts and neighborhoods to explore – plus amazing street food!

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