U of T News Spotlight: Catherine Wang Featured Among Grads Who Made Their Mark

Posted on June 14, 2026

(photo by Polina Teif)

New College graduate, Catherine Wang, was recently featured by the University as one of five standout graduates making their mark across the tri-campus community.

In a U of T News feature celebrating the Class of 2026, writer Mariam Matti caught up with Catherine to discuss her journey and what comes next.

Here is the excerpt from the original article:

Catherine Wang: Paddling towards the next chapter

During her time at U of T, Catherine Wang learned that there’s no rush to figure out your life – and no need to compare yourself to others.

She also learned the path to making a difference often means following your heart. 

“When you pursue what you genuinely care about, impact happens naturally,” says Wang, who will graduate on June 15 from the Faculty of Arts & Science and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine with a major in nutritional sciences and specialization in laboratory medicine and pathobiology.

For Wang, that passion turned out to be nutrition, which can have a huge influence on health outcomes. Now, she’s off to complete a master’s degree in human nutrition at Columbia University.

Beyond her studies, Wang fully embraced campus life. She joined New College’s student council, served as a residence don and competed with the synchronized swimming team for two years, among other roles.

Her decision to sign up for the University College Dragon Boat Club was a particular highlight.

“I’m sure that we’ll come to each other’s weddings,” she said of her teammates, who she will join for one last time at the World Championships in Taiwan this summer.

Her advice to incoming students? Try things even when you’re scared and stick with something long enough to give it a real chance.

This excerpt originally appeared as part of the broader feature, “Class of 2026: Meet five U of T grads who made their mark,” published on June 3, 2026, by Mariam Matti for U of T News. Head over to the full article to read about the other incredible grads.