Meet four of Temerty Medicine's new rehab science students
Meet Honesty, Michael, Nora and Shahad — four students from our occupational therapy, physical therapy, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute and speech-language pathology programs — and read what inspired them to pursue careers in rehabilitation sciences.
Honesty Manitowabi, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at UTM
What did you do before coming to U of T?
Before joining the MScOT program I was working back in my home community, Wiikwemkoong Unceeded Territory on Manitoulin Island, with our child and family services program, and before that within the community’s mental health department.
I graduated with my Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University. I then began working as a land based healing facilitator, working with individuals struggling with concurrent disorders including mental health and addictions.
In my most recent role, I am a Jordan's Principle service navigator advocating for our community members and their families in need. Prior to this, when I graduated college and while I was studying for my undergrad, I worked in Sudbury, Ontario with a non-profit organization in an outreach team for adults with brain injuries. Within that role, I learned about the world of occupational therapy and instantly gravitated to this field.
What made you interested in pursuing occupational therapy?
During my time in my outreach position, I gained valuable front-line experience working with adults to navigate their lives post-injury and helping them with tools and strategies to maintain their independence or gain more independence with their day-to-day living.
After a few interactions connecting my clients with occupational therapists, I realized that this field has similar aspects to the work I was already doing (and enjoying!), so I knew I wanted to pursue this further. I also acknowledge the amazing team that I worked with as they encouraged me to pursue this field. Our outreach team in the North might have been small, but we were mighty. You know who you are, and I thank you all once again!
What are you most looking forward to over the next two years?
Over the next two years, I am looking forward to going full force into this amazing field. I quite enjoy being a student, as well, so I'm looking forward to being in classes again and learning about a field that I am passionate about. Once I graduate, I hope to bring my newly learned skills back home to Northern Ontario. I want to help people get back to doing the things that they love and find their independence to be themselves.
What do you like to do outside of school?
Outside of school and work, you will usually find me spending time with my fiancé, my friends and my family, spending time outdoors (especially with my grandpa, who I enjoy going hunting and fishing with), taking my 7-year-old goldendoodle, Brody, for walks, reading, and in the winter — snowboarding!
Michael Thiagarajah, Master of Science in Physical Therapy at UTSC
What did you do before coming to the physical therapy program at U of T?
Before the MScPT program, I completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology at U of T. Outside of the classroom, I worked as a teaching assistant for a musculoskeletal anatomy course, helped out at recruitment events and worked at the Hart House Fitness Centre.
What made you interested in pursuing physical therapy?
My interest in physical therapy sparked in high school as I developed an interest in exercise, fitness and learning about the human body. My interest in physical therapy continued to grow throughout my undergrad through experiences in private practice and long-term care settings in Scarborough. Having lived in Scarborough my entire life, it was meaningful to gain these experiences within my community and see the impact that physiotherapy could have on people’s lives.
What are you most looking forward to over the next two years?
Over the next two years, I am most looking forward to gaining exposure to the different areas and settings of physical therapy through my placements. I am also excited to develop hands-on skills and learn how to translate the knowledge from the classroom into patient care. Ultimately, I hope to graduate as a confident and well-rounded clinician who can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What do you like to do outside of school?
Outside of school, gaming is something I picked up as a kid and have never let go of; it is still one of my go-to activities in my free time. Staying physically active is another important part of my life, whether it be going to the gym or playing sports like soccer and basketball.
Nora Pourhashemi, PhD student in the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute
What drew you to pursue graduate studies in rehabilitation sciences, and what are you most excited to learn, research, or experience at RSI this year?
My desire to pursue graduate studies in rehabilitation sciences stems from both personal and academic experiences. As a hospital volunteer, I witnessed how falls and mobility impairments affect quality of life, motivating me to pursue research that is both scientifically rigorous and clinically meaningful.
Falls are increasingly prevalent and influenced by sensorimotor and psychological factors such as anxiety and fear of falling. RSI’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and its close integration with KITE and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute provide an ideal environment for conducting cutting-edge research.
Receiving a CGRS-D is a significant achievement. What did this recognition mean to you, and how will it help support your research and academic goals?
Being a recipient of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral program (CGRS D) is very meaningful to me on a personal and professional level. This award would not have been possible without the support from my supervisors, collaborators, and mentors who have guided me throughout my research journey.
Having already been recognized through the NSERC CGRS M during my master's degree, earning the doctoral-level award affirms the trajectory I have been building through collaborations, publications, conference work, and methodological training. Beyond financial support, the NSERC CGRS D reinforces my confidence to pursue research questions and contributes to my growth as a scientist examining the mechanisms underlying the control of standing balance and healthy aging.
What stood out to you about Dr. Jennifer Campos' research and mentorship that made you want to pursue your graduate studies at RSI? Additionally, what motivated you to apply for this award, and what advice would you give to future students considering similar opportunities?
Dr. Jennifer Campos’ research on how age-related sensory impairments, such as hearing loss, influence fall risk in older adults aligns closely with my academic background. My MSc research examined the relationship between aging, vision, and balance control.
Her work on the role of sensory health in supporting functional behaviour and brain health motivated me to further pursue research in the neuromechanics of balance and mobility. As a doctoral student, I will build on this work by investigating how age-related hearing loss and cognitive impairment influence fall risk in older populations, with the broader goal of informing more effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
I was motivated to apply for the NSERC CGRS D award because it provides the opportunity and support to pursue research I am passionate about at RSI. Beyond the funding, the application process allowed me to reflect on my research contributions and growth as a researcher.
I am extremely grateful to have received the CGRS D, a competitive national award that holds significant significance at this stage of my academic journey. For students considering similar opportunities, I would encourage them to have confidence in their abilities, trust their potential, remain open to feedback, and advocate for themselves.
Outside of your academic and research interests, what's something people might be surprised to learn about you, or what hobby or activity helps you recharge?
Outside of my academic and research interests, I love to stay active through strength training, pilates, and high-intensity interval training workouts. Staying physically active is an important priority in my life for maintaining my health, both mentally and physically. In many ways, these activities keep me grounded and promote a balanced lifestyle, which is especially important during graduate school.
Shahad Badr, Year 2 student in Master of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology
What drew you to the field of speech-language pathology, and what are you most excited to learn or experience this academic year?
I was drawn to speech-language pathology because it brings together my passion for linguistics and phonetics with my commitment to advancing the field of rehabilitation. I’m excited to support individuals in participating in the activities that are invaluable to our daily lives like expressing ourselves, communicating, and connecting with others. This year, I’m especially excited to begin second year coursework on neurocognitive communication disorders and develop my functional knowledge of assessment and treatment of adult populations. I’m also looking forward to our upcoming clinical placement unit, particularly the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary environments and collaborate with other healthcare and rehabilitation professionals to provide holistic, patient-centred care. I have a broad range of interests in terms of populations, disorders, and settings, so I’m also excited to continue solidifying where my passions lie as I move through the program.
You recently received a prestigious scholarship award. What did this recognition mean to you personally, and how has it supported your journey in speech-language pathology?
I’m truly honoured to be a recipient of this award! Receiving this support has allowed me to focus fully on my learning and has reminded me to take advantage of the many opportunities and resources available to me as a student. Support is so widely available, whether through awards, mentorship, professional development opportunities, or other resources, and this recognition has encouraged me to make the most of this stage of my career.
Many students may hesitate to apply for scholarships or awards. What motivated you to apply, and what advice would you give to students who are considering submitting an application in the future?
Although the application process was intimidating at first, I’ve always tried to approach opportunities with the mindset that the best thing you can do is give yourself a shot. With encouragement from my academic mentors, I felt motivated to take a chance and apply. Looking back, many of the experiences I’ve learned the most from or benefited from were opportunities I never expected to have such a meaningful impact on me. I’ve learned to carry that mindset into applications, as you never know what doors might open if you give yourself the chance.
Outside of classes and clinical placements, what's something people might be surprised to learn about you, or what's a hobby, activity, or favourite Toronto spot that helps you recharge?
In my free time, I love to read, bake, and explore different cafes across the city. An honourable mention goes to Dua's Coffee!
