Amir Shamsi is an MSc Rehabilitation Science Candidate at the University of Alberta with a background in physiotherapy. His research sits at the intersection of equity, diversity, inclusion and education, with a focus on pre-admission pathway programs. Amir’s work explores the experiences of underrepresented students navigating competitive physiotherapy admissions, exploring their motivations, barriers, and the impact of various forms of support, such as mentorship and financial support. Through his research, Amir aims to identify actionable strategies for designing accessible, barrier-minimized educational pathways.