Meet the newest RHSC Internal Award Winners:
- Michelle Yang received the Louise McGregor Memorial Scholarship in Neurorehabilitation
- Patricia Mortenson received the Margaret Hood Scholarship in Occupational Therapy
- Christopher Lamb received the Jane Hudson Scholarship in Physical Therapy
This year, RHSC took on the adjudication of two Arthritis Society Vancouver scholarships, previously adjudicated by the Department of Physical Therapy, and is pleased to also announce these winners:
- Arthritis Society Vancouver Branch Scholarship – Ellen Wang
- Arthritis Society Vancouver James Kwan Scholarship – Michaela Khan
Each year, the Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences distributes these scholarships to deserving students via internal competition. These awards are judged by faculty members of the Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program.
If you would like to donate to one of these scholarships, please visit https://give.ubc.ca/donate and click Other under Choose Cause.
Michelle Yang
Michelle is a PhD student working in the Okanagan STROKE lab, supervised by Dr. Brodie Sakakibara.
Her research aims at improving the self-management in people who have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The goal is to support people in managing well known stroke risk factors to support the prevention of further stroke onset after having a TIA.
Outside of work, Michelle likes to play video games, walking and exploring hers and nearby neighbourhoods [sometimes taking photos too], and trying different food places.
The Louise McGregor Memorial Scholarship in Neurorehabilitation is endowed in memory of Louise McGregor, a former faculty member in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. It is awarded to a UBC Rehabilitation Science MSc or PhD student making significant research contributions in the area of neurorehabilitation.
Patricia Mortenson
Patricia Mortenson is an occupational therapist and doctoral student supervised by Dr. Jill Zwicker.
Informed by many years of OT clinical work in the Neuromuscular Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital, Patricia’s research focuses on rehabilitation approaches for children and youth living with spinal muscular atrophy in a time of new medical treatments and gene therapy. Using patient-engaged and qualitative research methods, and inclusive of child, parent and therapist voices, Patricia is co-constructing a new framework for SMA rehabilitation.
Patricia is rejuvenated by time with family and in nature (preferably in combination) and finds meaning in volunteering with her OT professional association and with Girl Guides of Canada. Patricia sings in a treble voice choir and enjoys time with friends over cups of tea and knitting.
The UBC Alumni Margaret Hood Scholarship in Occupational Therapy is endowed in honour of Margaret R. Hood, a founding member of the School of Rehabilitation Medicine. It is awarded to a UBC Rehabilitation Sciences MSc or PhD student who is a licensed occupational therapist making significant contributions to the profession of Occupational Sciences and Occupational Therapy with their research.
Christopher Lamb
Chris Lamb is a PhD student working with Dr. Lara Boyd in the Brain Behaviour Laboratory.
His research investigates pain mechanisms and central nervous system changes associated with painful knee osteoarthritis. Specifically, Chris is using transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (i.e., somatosensory evoked potentials) to explore excitability/inhibitory changes in primary motor, primary somatosensory, and cerebellar cortices.
In his spare time, Chris likes to bike, do weights, hike, meditate, juggle, read fiction, hang out with his cat, and write creatively.
The UBC Alumni Jane Hudson Scholarship in Physical Therapy is endowed in honour of W. Jane Hudson, a founding member of the School of Rehabilitation Medicine. It is awarded to a UBC Rehabilitation Sciences MSc or PhD student who is a licensed physiotherapist making significant contributions to the profession of Physical Therapy with their research.
Ellen Wang
Ellen Wang is an MPT/PhD student in the Arthritis and Knowledge Translation Lab, supervised by Dr. Linda Li.
Ellen’s research is at the intersection of rheumatology and patient engagement in research. More specifically, her work aims to understand how best to support patients to step into roles of leadership in health research.
On the weekends, you can find Ellen on a spin bike, up a mountain, or at various brunch spots across the city.
The Arthritis Society Vancouver Branch Scholarship is endowed by the Vancouver Branch of The Arthritis Society, B.C. & Yukon Division and is offered to a UBC Rehabilitation Sciences MSc or PhD student making significant research contributions in the area of Rheumatology.
Michaela Khan
Michaela Khan is a PhD student working in the Motion Analysis and Biofeedback Laboratory, supervised by Dr. Michael Hunt.
Her research focuses on master’s runners, especially those who have knee osteoarthritis. Michaela’s work is multidisciplinary: she uses medical imaging to examine how joints respond to running, motion capture technology to quantify running biomechanics, and qualitative interviewing to identify successful running strategies.
Outside the lab, Michaela can usually be found hiking or biking up mountains, eating weird and wonderful foods, or at classic rock concerts. She also enjoys coaching running and road cycling programs and building accessible communities in sport for minorities.
The Arthritis Society Vancouver James Kwan Scholarship is endowed by the Vancouver Branch of The Arthritis Society, B.C. & Yukon Division and is offered to a UBC Rehabilitation Sciences MSc or PhD student making significant research contributions in the area of Rheumatology.