Since completing her PhD in Psychological Science at UBC Okanagan, Kimberley Kaseweter has built a dynamic career at the intersection of healthcare research and innovation. Her journey has taken her from postdoctoral fellowships in chronic pain and digital health to a leadership role as a Senior Clinical Researcher. With a strong focus on translating research into practical tools that improve patient care and provider experience, she continues to advance applied health research in both academic and industry settings.
Tell us in detail about your journey since graduating from UBC Okanagan.
After completing my PhD in Psychological Science at UBC Okanagan, I pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the Bill Nelems Pain and Research Centre through the Stober Foundation, where I examined approaches to chronic pain care. I then completed a Mitacs postdoctoral fellowship with an e-health company, which exposed me to the emerging field of digital health and how technology can be leveraged to improve patient-reported outcomes. This work led me to a full-time position as a Senior Clinical Researcher, where I oversaw applied research projects across areas such as chronic pain, cancer survivorship, surgical optimization, and healthy aging. My career has centered on translating research into tools that meaningfully improve experiences for both patients and providers. Currently, I am serving as an Adjunct Professor with the UBCO Psychology Department, consulting on healthcare research projects, and enjoying time at home with my newborn.
What are your future career goals?
I plan to continue my career in applied healthcare research, particularly in digital health and industry-based research settings where innovation can directly shape clinical practice. My long-term goal is to lead research initiatives that improve care coordination, reduce barriers for patients, and alleviate administrative burden for providers. I’m committed to building solutions that make healthcare more equitable, person-centered, and effective.
Why did you choose to study at UBC Okanagan?
I chose UBC Okanagan because of its smaller size and close-knit community, which created unique and valuable opportunities for mentorship. I benefited from close guidance from faculty members while also having the chance to mentor undergraduate and graduate students throughout my training. I was also drawn to the program’s comprehensive structure, which emphasized not only high-quality research but also skill-building in areas such as grant writing, teaching, and professional development. These experiences gave me a strong foundation and prepared me exceptionally well for my career.
What program were you enrolled in and what specifically attracted you to it?
I was enrolled in the PhD program in Psychological Science. What attracted me most was how customizable the program was – the course selection and the unique comprehensive structure gave me the flexibility to tailor my training to my long-term goals. I appreciated being able to build a program of study that not only deepened my research expertise but also provided valuable experience in teaching, mentoring, and grant writing. This combination allowed me to really maximize my research skills while also gaining the professional and leadership experiences that continue to shape my career.
What opportunities did the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences provide you with?
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences provided opportunities to conduct impactful research, present findings at national and international conferences, and secure competitive grants and fellowships. It also gave me the chance to mentor students, develop teaching experience, and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. These experiences built both my research expertise and my leadership skills.
Did any specific classes or faculty members in particular help to shape your academic journey?
Yes! Dr. Susan Holtzman and Dr. Paul Davies in the Department of Psychology, as well as Dr. W. François Louw in the Faculty of Medicine, were instrumental mentors. Their supportive mentorship not only helped me refine my research skills but also provided guidance in navigating career opportunities and long-term goals. They encouraged interdisciplinary thinking, fostered confidence in my abilities, and demonstrated how applied research can be translated into meaningful improvements in healthcare. Their mentorship shaped both my academic development and my trajectory as a researcher committed to improving the experiences of patients and providers.
How did your experience at UBCO change you?
UBCO shaped me into a collaborative and impact-driven researcher. The close mentorship model and interdisciplinary opportunities taught me how to think critically, communicate across fields, and design research with real-world application. The experience also instilled in me the value of mentorship, both as a mentee and now as a faculty member guiding students as an Adjunct Professor.
If you had to convince another student to go to UBCO, what would you say?
I would highlight that UBCO combines world-class research with a close-knit and supportive community. Students have access to hands-on mentorship, unique opportunities to teach and conduct research, and the chance to form strong collaborative relationships that can shape their careers for years to come. It is a place where your work can truly make an impact.
What advice would you give your younger self about the university experience in general?
I would remind myself to take full advantage of the mentorship and professional development opportunities available. For example, the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) program, which I became involved with after graduating, would have been an invaluable resource during my graduate training. I would also encourage myself to embrace opportunities beyond coursework, such as conferences, collaborations, and community engagement, as these experiences are often the most transformative.