How Kai Ian Leung is Changing the Conversation on Pediatric Stroke

Meet Kai Ian Leung (she/her), a PhD candidate at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI) whose work bridges bilingualism, pediatric stroke, and neurodevelopment. With a background in linguistics and psychology from the University of Toronto’s St. George campus (HBSc, ‘19), Kai has spent nearly a decade engaging in thoughtful, collaborative research across disciplines. Under the mentorship of Dr. Monika Molnar and Dr. Elizabeth Rochon, Kai’s research explores how children who have experienced pediatric stroke navigate language and cognition in bilingual environments. 

✨ A Research Focus Grounded in Community and Curiosity 

Kai first encountered the topic of pediatric stroke during her early graduate studies – and has been captivated by the subject ever since. Her work now focuses on how bilingualism interacts with neurological differences and how this shapes children’s cognitive and language outcomes. 

“I’ve been researching pediatric stroke for quite a while,” she explains. “But the focus has evolved. We’re now really interested in how bilingualism might interact with neurodevelopmental differences, and how that can influence a child’s outcomes both cognitively and linguistically.” 

Her work combines literature review with hands-on data collection. That means she’s not only analyzing what’s already out there – she’s also directly engaging with children and families to gather new insights. “I still love data collection and being able to connect with participants and patients,” she says. “It reminds me why the research matters.” 

📚 Discovering Her Path in Research 

While Kai once considered clinical speech-language pathology, her growing experience in the Bilingual and Multilingual Development Lab led her to reflect on what kind of impact she wanted to make. 

“Originally, I thought I’d go into clinical work,” she shares, “but working in research showed me that there are many ways to contribute to the field. I realized I could ask important questions and make a difference through research, too.” 

That realization led her to pursue a master’s degree (MSc ‘21) – and now a PhD – at RSI, where she has continued building her expertise. “It’s been a journey of understanding who I am, both as a researcher and as a person,” she says. 

💡 Growing Through Community and Leadership 

Kai reflects on her time at RSI as a period of significant personal and professional growth. 

“Looking back, I’m really proud of how much I’ve developed,” she says. “RSI has been the only space where I’ve truly felt like I had the support, mentorship, and freedom to grow into the kind of researcher I want to be.” 

In addition to honing her research skills, Kai says that learning how to communicate and collaborate has been a standout part of her experience. “I’ve grown in ways I didn’t expect – learning how to communicate more confidently, how to lead, and how to collaborate with others. Those have been just as important as the technical skills.” 

🎤 Building Connections Through the Rehabilitation Science Graduate Students’ Union 

A major part of Kai’s experience has also been her involvement with the Rehabilitation Science Graduate Students’ Union (RSGSU). Through organizing student events, supporting mentorship initiatives, and working across departments, Kai has found meaningful ways to contribute to the RSI community. 

“I really enjoyed getting involved with RSGSU,” she says. “It gave me the chance to connect with people outside my lab and helped me feel more integrated into the RSI community.” 

Whether she was helping to plan orientation or fostering mentorship opportunities, Kai appreciated the chance to support her peers. “RSI is a place where you really can get to know people – and that makes a big difference.” 

🗝 Advice for Incoming RSI Students 

Kai’s biggest piece of advice? Know what you’re signing up for – and make sure it feels right. 

“If you’re thinking about a PhD, take some time to get to know what research actually looks like,” she says. “Try working in a lab or volunteering on a project. See if the day-to-day work excites you.” 

She also stresses the importance of having a strong support system. “It’s not something you can – or should – do alone. Having supportive supervisors, mentors, peers, and friends around you makes all the difference.” 

☕ Kai’s RSI Favourites 

• Study Snack of Choice: “Fruit, if I’m trying to be healthy – but also coffee or matcha. Caffeine is essential.” 

• Favourite Study Spot: The Robarts Common at Robarts Library – especially for its quiet spaces and tech-equipped study rooms. 

• Go-To Café Near RSI: Butter and Blue on Baldwin Street. “Great coffee and a cute outdoor patio in the summer. Highly recommend it.” 

• Favourite Course: REH3001H – RSI PhD Seminar: Foundations of Professional Development 

• Memorable Experience: Attending the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) conference, where she saw how research connects with clinical practice across contexts. 

RSI in Three Emojis 🏙🤓🤝 

When asked to describe RSI in three emojis, Kai chose: 

• 🏙 – “I love that the RSI building is in downtown Toronto. It’s a little bit away from the main campus, but that adds to its charm.” 

• 🤓 – “Reflects the intellectual and research-driven environment at RSI.” 

• 🤝 – “RSI is a place of collaboration – not just among students and faculty, but also in how research connects with clinicians and participants.” 

“RSI has really shaped me,” Kai says. “It’s a unique environment – supportive, challenging, and full of people who are genuinely passionate about what they do. I’m really grateful to be part of it.” 

Stay curious, stay caffeinated, and who knows – your next big idea might just start over a matcha at Butter and Blue.