Meet Emily Phillips, a 2022-2023 ambassador from the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 

Below she talks about her career aspirations and what makes her proudest to be a Warrior.

What inspired you to attend graduate school at Wayne State? 

I was inspired to attend graduate school because I always knew I wanted to continue my education beyond a bachelor's degree. Every job that I had interest in included graduate school as a step to my dream career. I always knew I wanted a job where I could make a difference in the lives of others and working alongside other students with the same goals and aspirations peaked my interest.

I chose Wayne State because I came from a small town north of Detroit. I always knew that when I went off to school that I wanted new experiences in an environment different from what I grew up in. I loved the constant hustle and bustle with so many events and restaurants to choose from. Wayne State is full of opportunities for any future job or career.

What are your research interests?

My research interests pertain mostly to pediatrics in occupational therapy. If I complete research later on in my field, the focus will be on school age children with autism or other learning disabilities and what sensory integration methods can be included in classrooms to better their learning experience.

What do you like most about the Detroit community? 

What I like the most about the Detroit community is the diversity. I had never been around so many people with so many different backgrounds and life experiences. The Detroit community also has this wonderful sense of pride and love that can be felt by anyone who spends time here.

What makes you proudest to be a Warrior? 

I am proudest to be a Warrior because there is so much change and new developments that emerge from this university and have an effect on the world. I feel lucky to be a part of an institution that produces innovation.

What made you want to be a graduate ambassador?  

I wanted to be a graduate ambassador because in my undergraduate years I had been so focused on getting into my graduate program that I didn't get involved with university organizations as much. I feel like it is important to share with others what I have seen and done at Wayne State and how they can make a difference pursuing a degree here as well. 

How do you envision your career after Wayne State? 

I envision my career after Wayne State as a licensed and practicing clinician in the field of occupational therapy. I would like to be working at a rehab unit in a hospital or a pediatric clinic in the metro area.

Other WSU affiliations

Pi Theta Epsilon, a specialized honor society for occupational therapy students.