PhD candidate. Social justice advocate. Staunch embracer of Canada’s rich diversity.
An occupational therapist by trade, now pursuing her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at UBC, Laura Bulk is dedicated to improving the lives of others by working to remove barriers —physical, cultural, and social.
As a UBC Public Scholar, Laura is a staunch advocate that research activity should be rooted in the principles of social justice, and conducted for the greater good of humanity. Her doctoral research — inspired by her personal experience of being partially blind — sets out to better understand what it means to be blind, and create a strategy to help shift attitudes, and ultimately improve the quality of life for blind people.
In recognition of the integration of her academic work with her social justice initiatives, as well as her strong leadership on campus and wider community, Laura was recently awarded a 3M National Student Fellowship from the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) — one of only ten Canadian scholars to earn such recognition in 2017.
Over the past 150 years, what do you think is the most important Canadian discovery, contribution or achievement in health research or education?
While we are by no means perfect, I think the most important achievement that we have made as Canadians is simply our acknowledgment of diversity — working to address this important issue in our healthcare system, and in health education and research. As opposed to a melting pot, Canada has moved towards supporting and respecting diversity, working to address the health needs all who call this country home, including newcomers, immigrants, refugees.
Looking towards the future, what new health discovery, treatment or innovation will come from Canada?
For me, as my area of passion is accessibility and the full inclusion of people who have disabilities, I’m hopeful that in the next 150 years, Canada can, and will, contribute to improving this area in a big way — by breaking down the barriers, misperceptions, and stigma that remain.
Building a ramp — and making physical accommodations — is relatively easy, but changing people’s hearts, and people’s minds to help them understand diversity and embrace difference is more difficult. Canadian health educators and researchers have an important role to play in social innovation and cultural innovation, and being a leader in finding new ways to embrace difference in the healthcare setting and beyond.
What is your favourite Canadian pastime?
Soaking in the beauty, and getting to know the diverse people in Canada! Whether it’s walking around the breakwater in Victoria or the coastline of PEI, or learning from people who have recently immigrated or people who are Indigenous to this land and who are embracing and sharing their culture — nothing beats celebrating Canada’s diverse landscape and its people.
