Dr. Batya Engel-Yeger is an esteemed Israeli occupational therapist, investigator, and educator, currently serving as the Dean of Students at the University of Haifa. With a distinguished career in academia, she previously held the position of chairperson of the Department of Occupational Therapy. Dr. Engel-Yeger is known for her dedication to advancing the field of occupational therapy through rigorous research and mentoring of trainees and young faculty.

Her substantial research contributions focus on sensory processing in various populations, including both children and adults. Dr. Engel-Yeger has an impressive track record of securing funding, having obtained numerous competitive internal and external grants to support her work. With 118 peer-reviewed publications, she has established herself as a leading figure in her field, collaborating with researchers locally and internationally.

Dr. Engel-Yeger’s commitment to research excellence was recognized with the prestigious 2024 A Jean Ayres Award from the AOTF, highlighting her impactful contributions to occupational therapy and the mentorship of future professionals.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2025 Research Fellowships and Scholarships. This funding supports post-doctoral researchers and doctoral candidates in pursuing their OT research. 

2025 Research Fellowship Recipients:

Bridget Kraus, PhD, MOT, OTR/L: Postdoctoral Fellow at The Curators of the University of Missouri. Title: Occupational Therapy Practitioners' Understanding and Promotion of Spinal Cord Injury Self-Management Throughout the Continuum of Care. Recipient of the Nedra Gillette Endowed Research Fellowship: This award supports foundational occupational therapy studies into the human condition.

Lindsay Spell, OTD, OTR/L: Postdoctoral Fellow at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Title: Asthma Home Occupation-based Modified Environmental (HOME) Assessment: Implementer Perspectives. Recipient of the Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: This fellowship seeks to improve diversity within the occupational therapy workforce.

2025 Research Scholarship Recipients:

Marshae Franklin, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L: PhD Candidate Research Assistant at the University of Southern California. Title: Exploring Authentic Belonging as Narrated by Black Autistic Women in STEM and Its Implications for DEI in Higher Education and Beyond. Recipient of the Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship in Occupational Therapy: This scholarship recognizes research that advances the field of occupational therapy through investigations in key areas.

Vanessa Yanez, MSOT, OTR/L: PhD Candidate at Texas Woman's University. Research Title: Exploration of the psychosocial experiences and occupational participation in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A phenomenological study. Recipient of the Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship: This scholarship supports research in mental health and severe mental illness.

Amy Watson-Grace, OTD, OTR/L, BCP: Graduate Research Associate at The Ohio State University. Research Title: Sensory Processing, Sex Differences, and Autism Special Education Eligibility: Investigating Policy, Perceptions, and Practice. Recipient of the Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship: This scholarship supports research in sensory integration and/or sensory processing.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is also excited to announce the inaugural recipient of our new mentorship funding!

The Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award Recipient:

Timothy J. Wolf, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA from the University of Missouri. This award recognizes outstanding mentors in functional cognition research and provides funding to support their mentee's research. Dr. Wolf's mentee is Melanie Morriss Tkach.

Congratulations to all of the 2025 AOTF Funding Recipients! Their research promises to significantly impact the field of occupational therapy and improve the lives of individuals and communities.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) mourns the loss of Distinguished Professor Emerita Elizabeth June Yerxa ’52, who passed away on December 18, 2024, at 94.

Dr. Yerxa was a visionary leader and a towering figure in occupational therapy. As a scholar, researcher, and educator, she championed the development of occupational science. She inspired countless therapists with her insightful research and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her impact is evident in her numerous accolades, including:

• AOTF Presidency (1966-68)
• Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award (1966)
• AOTA Vice-Presidency (1972-75)
• AOTA Roster Fellow (1973)
• Chair of the AOTF Research Development Committee (1982–85)
• AOTF Academy of Research Charter Member (1983)
• AOTA Award of Merit (1987)

• Honorary Doctorates from Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Exeter (1995)

A testament to her groundbreaking research, Dr. Yerxa was an original AOTF Academy of Research member. Established in 1983, the Academy recognizes individuals who have made exemplary, distinguished, and sustained contributions to occupational therapy research. Her pioneering work in areas such as life satisfaction among people with severe disabilities and the nature and management of time continues to shape occupational therapy practice today.

Dr. Yerxa's legacy will endure as a testament to her brilliance, compassion, and unwavering commitment to advancing the field of occupational therapy.

We are sharing a link to the University of Southern California announcement that features an obituary written by Professor Emeritus Dr. Florence Clark, a distinguished colleague within the AOTF Academy of Research.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) deeply mourns the passing of Dr. Lynne Richard on January 13, 2025.

Dr. Richard was an extraordinary volunteer and donor who supported AOTF for over 30 years. Her dedication to the Foundation was evident through her active participation in various committees, including the Development Council and the Scholarship Selection Committee.

Lawrence Liff, AOTF Chief Development Officer, shared, "Lynne was a wonderful volunteer, always ready to help, and someone who truly championed our Foundation. Lynne served two terms on the Development Council with me. She was a great help connecting AOTF to people and schools in Florida and FOTA. All of us have lost a remarkable person who embodied the best characteristics of occupational therapy."

Dr. Alma R. Abdel-Moty, Dr.OT, MS, OTR/L, Clinical Professor & Interim Chairperson of the Florida International University Occupational Therapy Department, reflected on Dr. Richard's lasting impact:

“Dr. Richard began her journey at FIU over 13 years ago, where she served as a devoted professor and mentor, deeply committed to advancing healthcare education and improving student success. Her dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting students and colleagues was evident throughout her remarkable tenure at FIU. Over the years, she served as a trusted professor and held a variety of leadership roles within our college, including Department Chair of the Occupational Therapy program and, most recently, as Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.”

We invite you to read Florida International University's announcement.

Our sincerest condolences go out to Dr. Richard’s family and friends.