As part of our Spring Convocation 2026 coverage, we asked graduates from our six Schools to share their experiences of completing a degree in McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Here, we meet Class of 2026 member Zoë Edger-Lacoursière from the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy. Zoë completed her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences and received her degree at the Spring Convocation Ceremony on May 26. Congratulations Zoë!
Name: Zoë Edger-Lacoursière
Degree: PhD Rehabilitation Sciences
Hometown: Montreal, Canada
What did you love most about studying at McGill?
What I enjoy the most about McGill, and especially the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, is the sense of community. With my fellow classmates from years 1 and 2, we still go out for supper to celebrate all the small victories throughout our PhD journeys. I am lucky to have conducted my studies with the most supportive environment, which truly makes the world of difference.
Please share a particularly proud moment from your degree.
Nothing compares to the feeling of watching your students succeed. Whether it’s seeing them create an orthosis they’re truly proud of or witnessing the moment a challenging concept finally clicks, those experiences are incredibly rewarding. I had the opportunity to serve as a TA for OCC5454 over two semesters, and I’m deeply grateful to have played even a small role in training the next generation of OTs.
What is a catch phrase that has defined your past few years as a student at McGill?
“Live with gratitude for every moment you’re given.”
Any shoutouts?
I have to give a big shoutout to Prof. Bernadette Nedelec who was my PhD supervisor, who is retiring this year after an extraordinary career. Her impact on OT students at McGill University and far beyond has been truly immeasurable. I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from her, and I know so many clinicians and researchers share that same gratitude and admiration. Her dedication, leadership, and compassion have shaped the field of burn rehabilitation in meaningful and lasting ways. I can only hope to honour her legacy by continuing to advance burn rehabilitation research internationally and striving to make a tangible difference in the lives of burn survivors.
Your top tip for incoming students in your program?
Enjoy every second of your PhD. Yes, these will be years of dedication and hard work, but they are also a privileged time to explore, inquire and discover yourself while building your future career. I know this is cliché, but it goes by so fast!
What’s next for you?
I will be pursuing my postdoctoral studies in Perth, Australia, over the next two years.
After that, I will come back to Montreal to continue conducting rehabilitation research at the Villa Medica Rehabilitation Hospital, which is part of the Centre of Expertise for Severe Burn Survivors. I also hope to be able to keep teaching in the McGill OT program and come back to work clinically at Villa Medica with the outpatient burn clinic. Parallelly, I intend to keep prioritizing my hobbies (biking, surfing and skiing) while also spending quality time with my friends, family and loved ones.