Joy Chiang ‘19 is known for her drive, passion and commitment towards pursuing her goals and has continued to do so since graduating from University of the Pacific.  

Following graduation, Chiang was designated as a Fulbright alternate at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, a top 100 leading global university for teaching and research, and a member of the elite Russell Group—including other prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

“My piano professor Dr. Sonia Leong was very helpful in encouraging me to pursue my studies in England,” said Chiang. “Also, Dean Peter Witte, Dr. Fei-Lin Hsiao, Dr. Eric Waldon, Dr. Sarah Waltz, and Dr. Yejee Choi supported me in providing outstanding recommendation letters.”

The Fulbright program requires a rigorous application process and is one of the most widely recognized and prestigious international exchange programs in the world that grants support for graduate study and research in 140 countries. Chiang also received the Faculty of Arts and Humanities International Masters Scholarship from Sheffield, awarded to only two students among thousands, based on the quality of her academic record and scholarship application.

Chiang, who earned her bachelor’s degrees in music therapy and music performance plus minor in psychology, also completed a six-month internship at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles and is now a board-certified music therapist.

"I know all of this would not be possible without the support of the amazing Pacific faculty, so I want to show my heartfelt gratitude," said Chiang. "I hope to continue onward and make my Alma Mater proud."

Chiang is scheduled to move to Sheffield this October. She looks forward to pioneering research integrating her passions for music performance, music therapy and human cognition/behavior, while pursuing a master’s degree in psychology of music at Sheffield.

Learn more about the Conservatory of Music.