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Grace Lee will be convocating on June 12 with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. (Photo supplied)

Why did you choose to study speech-language pathology?
I wanted become a speech-language pathologist because I loved how our roles allow us to meet people where they are at in their therapy journey - whether it be working with an adult who has lost their ability to speak due to a stroke, or supporting a parent of a child who has difficulty expressing their thoughts or challenges with swallowing milk. 

Why did you choose the º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine?
As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to do a research project with Dr. Esther Kim at the º£½ÇÉçÇø and I knew that I wanted to continue doing research with her. I had also heard about the great practical components of the program and the amazing professors, so the º£½ÇÉçÇø was a natural choice! 

What was your time like as the president of the Rehabilitation Medicine Students’ Association (RMSA)?
I loved being involved and active in the Rehabilitation Medicine community. I enjoyed collaborating with other like-minded peers from the different programs to improve the student experience. Being on council helped me further develop my leadership, advocacy, communication and management skills. I learnt so much from my RMSA team members and I treasure the interdisciplinary relationships we built! 

What is one of your fondest memories during your time in the program?
Defending my thesis! I explored the effects of brain stimulation (transcranial direct stimulation) combined with reading treatment for adults with aphasia. I was honoured and proud to share insight from my research that could move the field of speech-language pathology forward. During the questioning period, it was exhilarating to have an intellectual and productive conversation with my supervisory committee about my areas of passion. 

I also had an internship with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research to explore the mental health of graduate students at the º£½ÇÉçÇø. I valued gaining practical experience and skills in areas that were not directly related to speech-language pathology. It was fascinating to hear from the chairs, deans and administrative staff from other faculties, as well as directors of programs such as the º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Career Centre and Food Bank about their perspectives towards graduate student mental health. 

What did you do during your work placements?
My first placement was working with preschool and school-aged children to develop their speech and language skills. In my second placement, I provided therapy to adults who had aphasia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders. My last placement was at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. There I worked with children who had cleft lip and palates, and children who were on tube feeds with varying oral feeding abilities.

What are you doing now?
I’m working as a speech-language pathologist with Alberta Health Services. These past few months have definitely been interesting as we’ve been redeployed to help with swabbing at the COVID-19 assessment clinics. Swabbing as part of a pandemic response was not exactly what I envisioned when I chose to study speech-language pathology. However, I am glad we can apply our extensive knowledge of oral anatomy and be a part of the public health response at this time! 

What does the future hold for you? What are your long-term goals and aspirations?
I’m constantly reminded of how much more there is to learn and gain experience with. There are so many areas of speech-language pathology that interest me - from adult aphasia, to early intervention and parent coaching, to feeding and swallowing. My goal is just to continue learning and exploring with an open mind and humble attitude. I would also love to do more research - there are so many questions and areas that I want to investigate!