Quinnipiac University PA Student Lauren Kane Elected to 2026–27 AAPA Student Academy Delegate

Lauren Kane, a first-year physician assistant student at Quinnipiac University, has been elected to serve as a 2026–27 AAPA Student Academy Delegate.

Kane is pursuing her master’s of health science in physician assistant studies through Quinnipiac’s entry-level master’s PA program. In her new national role, she will advocate for the interests, needs and perspectives of PA students and represent her peers at the AAPA House of Delegates meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, in May 2027.

The opportunity builds on the leadership skills Kane has developed as both a student and collegiate athlete.

“I was originally recruited to Quinnipiac to play Division I field hockey, so being able to compete at a high level while getting my degree was a win-win for me,” Kane said. “Being an athlete has taught me so much about teamwork, communication, discipline and pushing myself. I’ve always loved being challenged, and those experiences ultimately led me to run for the AAPA Student House of Delegates.”

Those same qualities have influenced Kane’s decision to pursue a career as a physician assistant. She said she has always valued being part of a team and sees the collaborative nature of the profession as a natural fit.

“I chose to become a PA because I’ve always loved being part of a team, whether that was on the field hockey field or in a healthcare setting,” Kane said. “I thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and love the idea of working with a team toward the same goal of providing great patient care. I also love that the PA profession allows me to stay hands-on and build meaningful relationships with patients.”

As a 2026–27 AAPA Student Academy Delegate, Kane will bring that focus on listening and communication to her work representing PA students nationally.

“Lauren’s election as an AAPA Student Academy Delegate positions her as a change-maker in the PA profession,” said Trent Honda, dean of Quinnipiac’s School of Health Sciences. “This is not only a tremendous honor that recognizes her leadership acumen and accomplishments, but also a responsibility to represent not only herself but her peers and the future of her chosen profession. I am so excited to see what she will accomplish."

The position will give Kane a platform to advocate for student perspectives and participate in conversations about the future of the physician assistant profession.

“I’m really excited and honored to have been elected as a Student Academy Delegate,” Kane said. “I’m excited to represent not only myself and my peers at Quinnipiac, but PA students nationally. I’m looking forward to bringing the student perspective to the national level and helping bring the PA profession to the forefront through thoughtful testimony and advocacy.”

About Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls 9,700 students in more than 100 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing and Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Quinnipiac is ranked 51st in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2026 Best Colleges in the U.S.” and is also recognized by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review’s “The Best 392 Colleges.” The university is expanding innovative programs for both traditional and adult learners and developing dynamic corporate partnerships. Quinnipiac recently completed a significant capital expansion on its main campus, including a state-of-the-art new School of Business and an interdisciplinary science and innovation hub. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook and Instagram and follow Quinnipiac on X @QuinnipiacU.