Name: Shie Rinat
Program: Master’s of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences (MSc)
Graduated: 2019
Dissertation: Functional Connectivity in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: An Exploratory Study
How would you describe your research project in the UBC Rehabilitation Sciences program?
During my MSc studies I investigated functional connectivity of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) using resting-state functional MRI. This project aimed to increase our understanding of the underlying neurological differences that characterize this disorder. Our results suggest that ineffective communication between the sensorimotor network and the other brain regions, might play a role in inefficient motor learning seen in DCD. These results promote our understanding of the brain differences associated with DCD and potentially why these children struggle to learn motor skills. I gained expertise using neuroimaging techniques and implemented these skills and knowledge in my thesis, as well as in other projects that I participated in during my MSc studies, and more recently, in collaboration with my colleagues in the Brain Behaviour Lab.
Where and what is your current position?
Currently I’m a PhD student in the Brain Behaviour Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Lara Boyd. In my doctoral work I study risk factors for stroke in women, and specifically, the effect of sex hormones and past pregnancies on stroke risk and recovery in women. This work was inspired by my clinical work as an occupational therapist.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending my free time with family and friends, hiking, camping, gardening, and most of all, spending time with my two-year-old daughter.
Congratulations Shie on being our featured Alumni of the Month for November!