Every year, the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences recognizes alumni who play a meaningful role in improving the health and well-being of society through their professional accomplishments, public service and support to the University of Waterloo.
Young Alumni Award
This year, the Young Alumni Award went to Grace Tang (BSc ’15 Health). Grace has been pursuing graduate school since graduation, now focusing on research in pediatric oncology as a doctoral student at the University of Toronto. She has also worked at St. Michael’s Hospital, where she helps with clinical trials and quality improvement initiatives. Beyond that, she has also mentored students at the University and has been a valued guide.
Among her many academic achievements, she has received the Faculty of Health Science Graduate Programs Outstanding Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology and the Ashbaugh Graduate Scholarship from McMaster University.
In recognition of her research in oncology and mentorship to Waterloo students, Grace was the recipient of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences 2019 Young Alumni Award.
Alumni Achievement Award
Sandra Olney (PhD ’82 Biomechanics) has made significant contributions to the field of rehabilitation therapy, including the development and implementation of rehabilitation programs around the world through her involvement with the International Centre for the Advancement of Community-based Rehabilitation.
Her work on integrating research into the improvement of health outcomes in developing nations earned her an Honorary Doctor of Medicine from Rigas Stradina Universitate in Latvia, and she was the first female president of the International Society of Biomechanics.
Sandra has also contributed to a number of initiatives on campus, including support for the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, the Kinesiology program, graduate scholarships and the AHS Expansion Building. In her retirement, she is a mentor to students, staff and faculty at Queen’s University and is a Certified Executive Coach.
Now it’s your turn
Do you know someone who should be nominated for the 2020 Alumni Achievement Awards? Please see the award eligibility and criteria and use the online nomination form to let us know.
