Cat Wang, a master's student in public health at McGill University and promising young pedagogical researcher, is quickly making a name for herself in the American Association for Anatomy. Her achievements already shine brightly, with her first published article winning her the recognition of her peers, being a finalist in the Educational Platform Presentation award at Anatomy Connected ‘22 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Early Career Anatomist Publication award at Anatomy Connected 24 in Toronto, Ontario. But what sets Wang apart isn't just her accolades; it's her insatiable curiosity and dedication to understanding how people learn, particularly in the intricate domain of human anatomy.
Wang's journey into pedagogical research began during her undergraduate studies in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University. Inspired by her mentor, Dr. Sean McWatt, who played a pivotal role in shaping her undergraduate experience, Wang delved into understanding the nuances of how students learn anatomy. Dr. McWatt's supportive teaching approach sparked Wang's interest in exploring the intersection of visuospatial ability and student learning approaches, which eventually led to her award-winning paper.
Wang's interest in pedagogical research stems from her own experiences as a student, where she found she wasn’t always the perfect student, but with supportive and effective teaching methods of mentors like Dr. McWatt, she was better able to thrive. This personal connection to the subject matter fueled her curiosity and ultimately led her down the path of research in pedagogy, “…doing the research in pedagogy actually taught me a lot about why I wasn’t feeling like a good student at the beginning of my undergraduate studies, and a lot of it had to do with the motivation aspect.”
A research project can be imagined as the investigator's journey to find the answer to a question. Wang’s journey through her undergraduate research hasn't been without its challenges. As an undergraduate researcher, she faced numerous barriers, from securing funding to balancing coursework and research responsibilities. However, her persistence and unwavering dedication to her work paid off, culminating in the publication of her paper. Her message to aspiring researchers is clear: curiosity, hard work, and good mentorship can pave the way for remarkable achievements, regardless of background or prior experience.
Looking ahead, Wang remains focused on expanding her research toolkit and exploring new avenues and answering new questions in the world of academic research. Her current studies in Public Health provide her with a solid foundation in research methods and statistical analysis, equipping her with the skills necessary to tackle complex research questions in the future. Wang's message to fellow researchers is one of encouragement and perseverance. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and taking leaps of faith in pursuit of one's passions.
As Wang continues to carve her path, she remains grateful to the AAA for the unwavering support and encouragement. She credits the organization with providing a welcoming and supportive environment for young researchers like herself to thrive and grow. Through conferences like Anatomy Connected and the Anatomy Education Research UnConference, Wang has found a welcoming community that fosters collaboration and innovation. With her sights set on the future, Wang remains committed to building the skills that will allow her to continue making meaningful contributions to the field of anatomy through education and research.
As Wang’s journey continues, make sure you follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.