Convocation Spotlight: Zoë Kaplan
6 June 2025
Zoë Kaplan was uncertain about her career path after high school, but her strong interest in supporting and caring for people during some of the most challenging moments in their lives led her to pursue nursing. She was also drawn to the versatility of the profession, which she says offers a wide range of career paths and opportunities for growth across diverse health-care settings.
Today, she looks forward to working in a hospital emergency department while also finding time to continue contributing to research that advances nursing and improves health-care outcomes.
What are you most proud of from your time in the program?
I was accepted into the Honors program, where I had the opportunity to conduct research in collaboration with my partner, Erika Farris, and our supervisor, Dr. Edith Pituskin. Our project focused on male breast cancer, a topic that remains underrepresented in oncology research. We were awarded a summer studentship to support our work and received travel grants from both the Faculty of Nursing and the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO). These grants enabled us to travel to St. John's, Newfoundland, where we delivered an oral presentation of our research at the CANO National Conference in 2024.
How did you stay motivated during your studies?
My family was my greatest source of support throughout nursing school. They consistently encouraged me to persevere during challenging times while also reminding me to maintain balance by making time for the activities I enjoy.
What was your go-to spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus was definitely the ECHA Starbucks. I was always grateful for the chance to grab a coffee between classes or during long study sessions!
While studying, did you participate in any extracurricular activities?
I dedicated time to several volunteer roles that enriched my university experience. I volunteered as a Vision Mate with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, providing support to an individual with visual impairments. I also participated in the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s Week of Welcome in both 2023 and 2024, where I gave campus tours and helped welcome new students. In addition, I became a peer tutor through the U of A Students' Union, assisting first-year nursing students with anatomy and physiology. Most recently, I served as an elected member of the Undergraduate Nursing Association for the 2024–25 term, where I managed media and helped contribute to events held by the association.