Science teacher’s lecture inspires ‘08 graduate to pursue physical therapy

Walking through the doorway of Bob Kucer’s former AP Biology class her junior year, 2008 alumna Katrin Cooper caught sight of a diagram on the whiteboard and stopped in her tracks.  There, was a poster that illustrated a “fascinating” portrayal of the acid-base balance in the human body. When Kucer began his lecture, Cooper hung on to his every word.  

Kucer’s lecture hit home for Cooper, who was an enthusiast of both biology and exercise.  In high school, she played soccer, cross country and track.

“[The lecture] really clicked for me because it talked about lactic acid build up and how the body balances that, which I could apply to how tired my legs felt when I was running miles in cross country practice,” Cooper said.  “I just thought that was absolutely fascinating and that was the day that I decided I wanted to study exercise physiology.”

Inspired by Kucer’s lecture, Cooper pursued a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology at Baylor University, graduating in 2012. She is pursuing her graduate studies at George Washington University in Washington D.C., for her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

Cooper hopes to work at a clinic after graduating, but she said it is too soon to know for sure.

“I want to do something with the patient, where it’s dynamic and athletic and you’re talking to people, getting to know them and supporting them; as well as figuring out what exactly is wrong and using your knowledge of the human body to figure it all out,” Cooper said.

Cooper’s decision wasn’t too much of a surprise.  She has always had a passion for health science, sports and people.

“I loved cheering for my cross country teammates a lot and helping them have a good time. That’s a lot of what physical therapy is as well,” Cooper said.  “I knew that I really loved supporting people and even when they’re having a hard time on that run, you cheer for them and it helps.”

Cooper was also a leader for the Falcon newspaper as a senior, which taught her how to work with people.

“My favorite part about being editor[-in-chief] senior year was helping the [new reporters] with their writing and taking the time to teach them things about layout,” Cooper said. “I really loved watching them improve.”

Cooper also found that the skills she picked up by interviewing other students while on the newspaper staff has come in handy in her physical therapy course.

“We’ve been practicing patient interviews and just a lot of really basic things, but the interviewing skills that [journalism adviser Mike Tyler] taught me nine years ago, I’m using now,” Cooper said.

All of these interests came together the day of the lecture.

“In the end, physical therapy was the best match,” Cooper said.

Who knows what would have happened if Cooper had been absent the day of Kucer’s lecture.  Her story can be an inspiration for others.

“Follow your passions and interest, because that helps motivate you during the challenging parts of working towards your goals,” Cooper said. “When you know the end result is what you want, it helps get you through the tough and stressful times.”