Hello! My name is Miley Azbill. I am currently a second-year student in Ohio State’s OTD program. I serve as one of the co-presidents of the Lambda chapter of PTE here at OSU.
In 2024, I earned my bachelor’s in health science with minors in Psychology and Disability Studies from the University of Dayton. I was able to assist in several research projects through UD’s Health Science Department including an in-depth analysis of cooking skill proficiency in adults. From this experience, I learned how to utilize the Noraxon MyoMotion software to assess shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint actions in real time.
Throughout my time at Ohio State, I’ve been involved in Dr. Lauren Wengerd’s Rehab Lab, which focuses primarily on neuroscience research and advancements. My current duties in the lab include data collection and running intervention sessions for a study analyzing hand function in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Besides being deeply interested in OT practice and research, I am a musician. Primarily, I served as an Undergraduate Music Minister for three years through UD Campus Ministry. In addition, I was promoted to Assistant Director of the Undergraduate Music Ministry Program during the fall semester of my senior year. In this role, my leadership, organizational skills, and musicianship developed tremendously, and I was able to flourish as a musician and dive deeper into my faith in a space where I knew I was seen, known, and loved. On top of this, I work as a freelance musician and play at all sorts of events throughout the greater Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati areas, as well as write songs for specific occasions and for my own enjoyment. I’ve even been able to bring my guitar into the Rehab Lab for intervention sessions when working with participants on tasks to promote dexterity and manipulation skills. Music is such an essential part of who I am. While it may seem completely separate from my desired profession, I believe my musical abilities will greatly contribute to the rest of my time as an OT student and eventual occupational therapist, as I have come to know how to connect with people on emotional, spiritual, and personal levels by providing a space where they are allowed to be vulnerable and know they belong.
Something about the field of OT I deeply value is the emphasis on holistic care. I am driven to improve the lives of those around me both inside and outside the realms of occupational therapy by offering my gifts, talents, and experiences. I am truly blessed and humbled to have been able to dive deeper into fields and areas that excite me throughout my time at UD and now at OSU. My strong academic background, passion for music, and openness to learning through hands-on experiences have served me well in becoming a well-rounded individual. My holistic approach to life will make me more inclined to have a holistic approach to practice, as I will value every experience, challenge, and task, and use those to become the best OT I can be.