Graduation Spotlight: Zoe Nygren, Dance
Zoe Nygren has been dancing since she was 4, from ballet and modern to Chinese folk dance.
Throughout her dance journey, Nygren said she saw fellow students face injuries that led to chronic pain. It was through those experiences she decided to pursue a career path in physical therapy at Texas A&M.
“When I was looking at majors, I thought Dance Science fit my passions perfectly,” said Nygren, who was born in Taiwan and grew up in Houston. “This allowed me to continue doing what I love — dancing, all while expanding my knowledge to soon become a physical therapist.”
She is set to graduate May 8 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance Science. Nygren will also be honored as a distinguished student in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday.
“I feel grateful to be recognized by the faculty within the Dance Science program, especially when they have poured so much into me to help me become the student I am today,” she said. “I have grown a lot through the program and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.”
Nygren participated in several creative works led by faculty and guest artists during her freshman and sophomore years. Another high point was traveling to Ireland in 2022 and Italy in 2024 to participate in conferences hosted by the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science.
“These two trips were so much fun because I got to travel with some of my best friends while being immersed into new cultures,” she said. “We shared many laughs while in Italy when interacting with all the hilarious and charismatic local Italian waiters.”
Nygren credited two professors for her progress through the program: Diane Bedford, clinical associate professor and section chair of Dance, Music and Theatre Performance; and Carisa Armstrong, Dance Science program director and associate professor.
“Professor Bedford was a really encouraging teacher and showed me a whole new approach to learning within dance,” Nygren said. “Professor Armstrong was motivational. She pushed us to take on new opportunities and expand our capabilities beyond initial expectations.”
In the fall, Nygren will join a hybrid program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She aims to finish with a doctoral degree in physical therapy.
“It is bittersweet to be leaving College Station, but I am eager to see what is in store in the years to come,” she said. “Later into my career, I hope to open my own holistic health practice that seeks to serve and connect the members of my community. I would love to use my position to educate people on how they can best take care of their bodies while also loving them the way Jesus Christ has loved me.”
Photo by Melinda Hackethorn.
