Steady Tran, an incoming Master of Occupational Therapy student in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, received a Graduate School Excellence and Equity (GSEE) Graduate Tuition Award—Newly Admitted Student for the 2026–27 academic year.
This award provides tuition support to newly admitted graduate students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and advancing equitable and inclusive communities.
Tran will begin the Master of Occupational Therapy program this fall. He earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and grew up in Escondido, California. Moving to Seattle marks his first time living outside of California.
In his own words, Tran shared:
“Hello everyone! My name is Steady Tran, and I am an incoming Master of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Washington. I am from Escondido, California and graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. The move to Seattle will be my first time ever living outside of California, so I'm really excited to explore the city and the surrounding areas during my time of study here!
Occupational Therapy was first introduced to me when I met the home health therapist in charge of rehabilitating my grandfather from bed-ridden status, following a prolonged hospital stay. Having experienced first-hand the unique approaches that the therapist made based on my grandfather's meaningful activities, I grew interested in the profession and its recognition for effective care as it pertains to each individual's cultural background, personal values, and lived experiences.
I chose the University of Washington because of its strong reputation and commitment to serving diverse communities. Given that my interests strongly reflect UW's emphasis on culturally responsive care and community engagement, I felt that the program's curriculum and community would provide an ideal environment for my professional growth, while also allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the communities I hope to serve.
The entirety of my gap years, while completing necessary prerequisite courses, were spent working as a Rehabilitation Technician in an outpatient clinic under an OTR/L who primarily treats upper extremity cases. As such, I find myself naturally having an affinity towards hand therapy and to hopefully one day become a Certified Hand Therapist. As such, I look forward to learning about the detailed functional anatomy of the upper extremities and splint-making. I am also interested in health equity and addressing the lapses of care in specific areas of need.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending my time building custom mechanical keyboards, weight training, playing basketball, and singing! I'm excited to expand my hobbies after having moved to Seattle, particularly through hiking and exploring the natural landscape. I am also an avid coffee drinker, so I am extremely excited to dive into Seattle's coffee scene given their history and enthusiasm for coffee.
I look forward to meeting those in my cohort, the faculty, and the broader UW OT community!”
Before starting graduate school, Tran worked as a rehabilitation technician in an outpatient clinic, where he supported an occupational therapist treating upper extremity conditions. His experience shaped his interest in hand therapy and long-term career goal of becoming a Certified Hand Therapist.
At the University of Washington, Tran plans to build on these interests while continuing his focus on health equity and culturally responsive care. He also looks forward to connecting with classmates, faculty, and the broader occupational therapy community.