Kinesiology student athlete committed to a career helping children with disability

Emily Bourne will graduate with an undergraduate degree in kinesiology in May 2025.

Emily, who grew up in Corvallis, was selected as a Dean’s Health Hero because of her commitment on and off the volleyball court.

Active on the student-athlete advisory committee and Beavers Without Borders, Emily also works with Vina Moses and founded the Dam Able event for kids with disabilities to interact and play sports with OSU athletes.

Her goal is to earn a doctorate in pediatric occupational therapy.

What inspired you to choose your kinesiology degree?

Working with kids with disabilities at Camp Attitude in Sweet Home. I want to be an occupational therapist, and kinesiology is a path to graduate school.

Tell us about your time at Oregon State. Is there someone who has helped you succeed?

At Oregon State, I have had an amazing experience in the Athletics department with Mya Johnson, who has supported all my goals within athletics. I have also had amazing professors who support my learning and big ideas.

What challenges have you overcome along your academic journey?

Doing athletics and academics at the same time is definitely challenging. I’m working hard on time management to succeed both in the classroom and in my athletic life.

Emily leading an activity during IMPACT.

Do you participate in any campus or community clubs or organizations?

I am on SAAC (student athlete advisory committee) and am the volunteer coordinator. I am also going to Panama with Beavers without Boarders to build a sports court for kids.

I am very active with the Vina Moses Organization and do a lot of volunteering with their organization, and I founded the Dam Able event for kids with disabilities to interact and play sports with Oregon State Athletes.

Editor’s note: Emily also has been part of IMPACT, a motor fitness program for children and youth with disabilities. She also is a direct support professional, or DSP, for individuals with disability.

Tell us more about your dream to help children with disability.

My goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist. I plan on going to OT graduate school and getting my doctorate to make an impact on the lives of kids with disabilities around the globe!

What message do you have for your peers or future students?

Don’t waste your time napping and watching Netflix when you could be making someone else’s day better.