Occupational Therapy Research
Faculty from the Department of Occupational Therapy engage in scholarly work and research that is of critical importance to furthering the knowledge base related occupational therapy theory, and best practice. Department faculty collaborate with researchers from within and outside the Department, and with researchers from other institutions in the US and abroad to conduct their work. They also routinely involve students in their research and with other scholarly projects, including the collection, and analyses of data, review of literature, scholarly writing, product development, and disseminating information through presentations and publications. Details on the scholarship activities, current projects, and select publications and products of individual faculty can be found through the links provided on the right hand side of this page. OT faculty research interests include but are not limited to the following topic areas:
- Examination of the effectiveness of community-based intervention programs for individuals with acquired brain injury for improving quality of life and social participation;
- Standardized test development for measuring sensory integration functions in children and for examining and measuring social interaction in adults and children;
- Early Identification methods for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders in infancy;
- Use of biomarkers and other methods for examining stress and the examination of relations between occupational performance patterns and stress;
- Examination of psychosocial aspects of illness and disability, and how psychosocial factors impact recovery, and coping;
- Examination of factors that contribute to obesity;
- The development and evaluation of assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities;
Faculty Research
Sajay Arthanat, Ph.D., OTR, ATP, Assistant Professor, Graduate Faculty
Neurological rehabilitation and outcomes measurement, Use of assistive technology (AT) across all age groups and disabilities, Usability testing of AT and consumer products by persons with disabilities, Cross-cultural models of disability, Community based rehabilitation
Elizabeth Crepeau, , Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA, Professor, Graduate Faculty, Professor Emerita
The day-to-day experience of aging in a rural community;Examination of pedagogy relative to writing and critical thinking
Donna Downing, MS, OTR/L, Clinical Assistant Professor
Early intervention of psychosis with adolescents and young adults - cognitive and sensory changes that occur with illness emergence.
Lou Ann Griswold, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Interim Department Chair, Associate Professor, Graduate Faculty
Occupational therapy education; Evaluation of social interaction; Efficacy of OT practice in the schools; Clinical decision-making
Susan Merrill, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Fieldwork Coordinator
Occupational therapy education; Professional socialization of occupational therapy students; Aging with intellectual disabilities and the impact on families of adults with intellectual disabilities; Infusing occupation into practice; Phenomenological research methods
Shelley Mulligan, Ph.D., OTR/L, Associate Professor, Graduate Faculty
Measurement of sensory integration functions and dyspraxia; Early diagnostic markers for autism; Time-use of middle school children
Barbara Prudhomme White, Ph.D., OTR/L, Associate Professor, Graduate Faculty
Behavior and emotion regulation; Stress effects on human development; Psychobiological measures & behavior; Stimulant medication use and abuse; ADD/ADHD assessment and intervention; Outcomes-based research; Clinical/practitioner collaborations in research. Click here to view information regarding Barbara Whites Autism and Asperger’s Research.
Kerryellen G. Vroman, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Graduate Faculty
Investigation of psychosocial factors that influence health outcomes and adaptation to illness including relationships between client-practitioner, patients' goal directed activities and recovery, and client expectations and behavioral change
Therese Willkomm, PhD, ATP, Clinical Assistant Professor
Assistive technology service delivery outcome measures; secondary injuries and assistive technology; and assistive technology to prevent slips and falls