Name: Kaitlin Attard
Program: Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences (MSc)
Graduated: 2020
Thesis: “Acute lower extremity resistance exercise and the effects on corticospinal excitability in the unexercised upper extremity”
How would you describe your research in the UBC Rehabilitation Sciences program?
I graduated in June 2020 in the middle of the pandemic from Dr. Lara Boyd’s Brain Behaviour Lab. I was one of the first people who did their defence online via zoom.
I would describe my research as insightful to me in many ways, the research I did was a lot more rewarding than the work that I do now particularly in terms of its impact on others. Engaging in this research made me feel empowered, knowing the potential difference it could make for patients’ health and witnessing improved well-being as a result of the experiments was also very rewarding. I am grateful for the support from my colleagues in the Brain Behaviour Lab and the skills it taught me beyond research including autonomy, curiosity, the ability to synthesize large amounts of information and self-motivation. I believe these skills greatly influence my ability to do the work I do now well.
Where and what is your current position?
I am currently the founder and owner of Katie Attard Operations, an operations management and consulting company based out of Vancouver, BC. I work with small to medium sized businesses, mostly smaller startups and help scale their business through operations support. I started the business a year ago and am beginning to hire employees now which is exciting.
How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time I am usually working honestly, but I also like to travel a lot. I just got back from a 3 month trip away and lived in NYC for a while, networking and exploring. I have clients in Toronto and Vancouver so I am also in Toronto a lot. You can also always find me in a spin class at 6am.
Congratulations Katie on being our featured Alumni of the Month for August!