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AOTF Events at the AOTA Annual Conference

Research Resources   >   AOTF Events at the AOTA Annual Conference
May 10, 2024

 

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AOTA INSPIRE 2024 Annual Conference & Expo, Orlando, Florida 
March 21-23, 2024

Thanks for attending! We hope to see you in Philly next year!

 

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Foundation Friday, March 22, 2024

Breakfast with a Scholar (CE)

Friday, March 22, 2024, 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. ET
Rosen Centre, Orlando, Florida

The Caregiver Trifecta: Empowering Family Caregivers and Clinicians to Plan for Personhood, Dignity and Connection at Every Stage of Care

Katie Brandt, MM, Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations, Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit

Katie Brandt

Katie Brandt is a powerful public speaker, educator and advocate in the national healthcare and research space. She is on a mission to enhance clinical care, advance research and impact public policy for serious health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, young-onset dementias and rare disorders. 

In her keynote presentation, Katie will introduce the Caregiver Trifecta, an innovative person-centered care planning approach that incorporates the person with the diagnosis and their care partners as the anchor for each element of care. This interdisciplinary model of care creates space where occupational therapists can play a pivotal role while empowering family caregivers as architects of their loved one’s care plan. Katie will provide strategies to build connections with family caregivers that promote partnerships for personhood and dignity at every stage of care.  

This lived experience presentation will share Katie’s personal journey as a young-onset dementia caregiver to both her husband and father. Her experiences of love and loss have been the catalyst for her professional passion as the Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations for the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Frontotemporal Disorders Unit. In this role she is also deeply dedicated to promoting clinically meaningful outcomes for families participating in research. Weaving together personal experiences and professional knowledge, Katie illuminates the power of the authentic voice to build connections that help joy endure even as memories fade. 

Speaker Bio: Katie Brandt is a powerful public speaker, educator and advocate in the healthcare and research space. Earning her Master of Non-Profit Management from the Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis University equipped her with the skills she utilizes today as a national leader for Alzheimer’s and related dementia public policy, research and clinical care. In her professional capacity, Katie serves as the Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations for the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit. Her passion for this role was inspired by her experience as a young-onset family caregiver to both her husband and father. Katie’s experiences of love and loss embolden her to illuminate the power of the authentic voice, determined that the cure of tomorrow is not so far from the care of today.   

In-person: $75- Add to your full conference registration | View Program

 

State of the Science (CE)

Friday, March 22, 2024, 3:00 pm–5:30 pm, ET

Progress in OT Assessment: How are we measuring up?
 

State of the Science Speakers

Assessment tools play a key role in building research that advances our understanding of human occupation and health and that provides an evidentiary base that informs occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapy researchers have contributed to key advances by using innovative measurement models, defining and measuring new concepts, and demonstrating treatment effectiveness. Yet, we also stand at a crossroads: challenges include the departure of established researchers (and assessments), limited workforce development opportunities, and obstacles to integrating assessments into clinical and research workflows, and while we also have exciting new opportunities including advances in assessment accessibility, inclusiveness of stakeholders throughout the measurement process, and implementation science to design measures that meet the needs of research and inform daily practice. This session will reflect on past achievements, current cutting-edge approaches, and how we will continue to lead and innovate measurement in the future.

Michelle L. Woodbury, PhD, OTR/L, Professor, College of Health Professions, Health Sciences & Research Department, Medical University of South Carolina
Jennifer Weaver, PhD, MA, OTR/L, BS, CBIS, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University
Jessica M. Kramer, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida
Trudy Mallinson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FACRM, Associate Dean for Health Sciences Research, Associate Professor of Clinical Research & Leadership, Associate Professor of Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences (Secondary), The George Washington University, The School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Simone V. Gill, PhD, OT, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University

In-person: $50- Add to your full conference registration | View Program

 

Research Excellence Symposium (CE)

Friday, March 22, 2024, 12:30-2:30 pm, ET

AOTF promotes and celebrates research excellence at various career stages with the vision of having a vibrant science that builds knowledge to support effective, evidence-based occupational therapy.  This year, hear from our newly inducted Academy of Research members along with our Early and Mid-Career Research Excellence Awardees on their career journey and latest research. 

Established in 1983, the AOTF Academy of Research in Occupational Therapy recognizes individuals who have made exemplary, distinguished, and sustained contributions toward the science of occupational therapy. Additionally, AOTF Early and Mid-Career Awards recognize and support investigators who are contributing and have promise to advance knowledge in the field of occupational therapy. 
Included with your AOTA Inspire main registration.

AOTF Academy of Research (AoR) Inductees:
Ganesh M. Babulal, PhD, OTD, MSCI, MOT, OTR/L
Lindy Clemson, PhD, MAppSc (Research), BAppSc (OT), Dip OT, FOTARA
Roberta G. Pineda, PhD, OTR/L, CNT

Mid-Career Research Excellence Awardee:
Sook-Lei Liew, PhD, OTR/L

Early Career Research Excellence Awardee:
Adam R. Kinney, PhD, OTR/L

Plus don't miss...

  • STRIDE OT Research Fund Posters, Thursday, Mar 21 3:00 pm

  • Awards & Recognitions Ceremony, Saturday, March 22, 2024, 5:15 pm.-6:30 pm. ET (Reception 6:30 pm-7:30 pm)

  • Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture: Bubble wrap is for Packages, Not for People: Balancing Dignity of Risk with Duty of Care, Anita Bundy, ScD, OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, AOTF Academy of Research Member, Saturday, March 23, 11:15 am–12:30 pm

Visit our AOTF Booth, Orange County Convention Center, OCCC West Lobby

  • Student Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Fox Rehabilitation.
  • Meet with our AOTF Chief Scientific Officer and Scientific & Research Programs Coordinator about upcoming funding and resources
  • View display of 2024 Grant and Scholarship recipients, St. Catherine Challenge Results and Award recipients
  • Relax in our Donor Lounge 
  • Pick up a free AOTF zipper pull and/or goniometer
  • And more!

Thank You Sponsors!

AOTF Sponsors 2024

 

 

 

Cancellation Policy- requests should be submitted in writing and sent to AOTA by email at conference@aota.org, or faxed to +1 770-238-0414. A 15% processing fee will be applied to all cancellation requests made through February 28, 2024. Refunds will not be issued after February 28, 2024. Substitutions are accepted with written notice.

Conference Archives:

2023

Breakfast with a Scholar (CE)
Friday, April 21, 2023, 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. CT

Fearlessly Different
Mickey Rowe, Founding Artistic Director of the National Disability Theatre

Mickey Rowe

Sometimes just one small action can change a life. For Mickey Rowe, Founding Artistic Director of the National Disability Theatre, it began when he was introduced to Seattle Children’s Theatre by his grandmother. Rowe, who is autistic and legally blind, was told that he could never enter the mainstream world. Acting changed all of that. In this keynote, Rowe shares his deeply personal and inspiring story of growing up autistic and pushing beyond the restrictions of a special education classroom to shine on Broadway. The talk is based on his new memoir: Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor’s Journey to Broadway’s Biggest Stage. He shows all of us that whether disable or not, the things that make us different are often our biggest strengths. (Note: Additional registration required to attend this program.)*

  • In Person- $ 70 (add to your INSPIRE package, includes on demand access also, BONUS: book available for purchase and signing at end of program)
  • On Demand Only- OTs/OTAs - $ 40/Students- $ 20 (not eligible for CE's)
  • Book only - $25 (includes shipping in US)

 

State of the Science Symposium (CE)
Friday, April 21, 3:00 pm–5:30 pm CT

Shifting the Culture of Occupational Therapy Scholarship Through Community-Engaged Research

 

4 panelists for State of the Science

Teal W. Benevides, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University
​​Janet L. Poole, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, University of New Mexico
​​Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar, PhD, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois Chicago
​​Karla Ausderau, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison
MC – Mary Jane ‘MJ’ Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, CLCP, FASIA, Chair of the AOTF Board of Trustees, Thomas Jefferson University

At the conclusion of this symposium, attendees will…

  • Discuss the culture of community-engaged research: what is it, and what it is not, and how does it align with occupational therapy principles
  • Identify approaches for engaging the community as co-research partners
  • Illustrate benefits, barriers, and strategies that contribute to the science of community-engaged research

View Attendee Program

In Person- $ 40 (add to your INSPIRE package, includes on demand access also) 
On Demand Only- OTs/OTAs - $ 25


Research Excellence Symposium
Friday, April 21, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm CT

4 speaker photos

AOTF promotes and celebrates research excellence at various career stages with the vision of having a vibrant science that builds knowledge to support effective, evidence-based occupational therapy.  This year, hear from our newly inducted Academy of Research members along with our Early and Mid-Career Research Excellence Awardees on their career journey and latest research. 

Established in 1983, the AOTF Academy of Research in Occupational Therapy recognizes individuals who have made exemplary, distinguished, and sustained contributions toward the science of occupational therapy. Additionally, AOTF Early and Mid-Career Awards recognize and support investigators who are contributing and have promise to advance knowledge in the field of occupational therapy. 
Included with your AOTA Inspire main registration

Academy of Research Inductees:
Carolyn Unsworth, PhD, BAppSci (OT), GCTE, OTR, MRCOT, FOTARA, Professor, Discipline Lead Occupational Therapy Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Australia,
Sook-Lei Liew, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor; Director, Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory; Chair, ENIGMA Stroke Recovery Working Group; Co-Director, USC SMART-VR Center; Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Early Career Awardee:
Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT, Assistant Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio ​​
Mid-Career Awardee:
Elizabeth Pyatak, PhD, OTR/L, CDCES, FAOTA, Director of the Lifestyle Redesign® Knowledge Mobilization Initiative, and Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California


Awards & Recognitions Ceremony
Saturday, April 22, 4:30 am – 6:00 pm CT (w/reception 6:00 pm–7:30 pm)

Each year, AOTF and AOTA recognize and honor our colleagues who have made significant contributions to enrich the profession of occupational therapy. Feel the excitement and be inspired during this year’s engaging ceremony, as we publicly unveil the winners of AOTF’s and AOTA’s most prestigious awards.

Plus, don't miss...

International Breakfast: Inspired to BE: Promoting Belonging and Equity for an Evolved Profession

Saturday April 22, 9:00 am–10:30 am

Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, FAOTA, AOTF Board Secretary
 

Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture: The Mattering of “Little Things”

Saturday April 22, 11:15 am–12:30 pm

Mary Lawlor, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Past AOTF Board Chair

 *AOTA Event Cancellation Policy: Please notify AOTA by email at conference@aota.org, or fax 770-238-0414. A 15% processing fee will be applied to all cancellation requests made through March 29, 2023. Refunds will not be issued after March 29, 2023.

Thank You 2023 Sponsors! 

Contact Lawrence Liff, development@aotf.org for sponsorship opportunities. 

Conference Archives:

2022

Breakfast with a Scholar (CE)

An Unquiet Mind: Professional and Personal Insights About Living with Depression and Bipolar Illness
Kay Redfield Jamison, M.A., Ph.D.

Redfield A Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Kay Redfield Jamison is an international authority and researcher on mood disorders. Named a “Hero of Medicine" by TIME, she has unique insight into the world of mental illness. Dr. Jamison went public with her own struggle with manic depression in a 1995 Washington Post article and subsequent New York Times bestseller, An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, which according to Oliver Sacks, M.D, “stands alone in the literature of manic depression for its bravery, brilliance, and beauty.” Since its release, she has become a trusted advocate for the millions who suffer from mental illness.

Dr. Jamison will share her deeply personal experience with mania and depression and the impact on her intersecting worlds of researcher, clinician, teacher and patient.

With her professional and personal insights about living with depression and bipolar illness, Dr. Jamison’s lectures have been described by audiences as profoundly enlightening experiences. Through her candor and simplicity, Jamison addresses the clinical and personal realities of mental illness in a manner that encourages dialogue, empathy and hope.

$18 - Unquiet Mind Book only (includes shipping)


State of the Science Symposium (CE)

Healing from Trauma: The Value of Occupation and Therapeutic Alliance 

Christine Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Professor & Post-Professional OTD Capstone Coordinator, Division of Occupational Therapy, American International College
Heather Javeherian, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Professor, Dept. of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University
Amy Lynch, PhD, OTR/L, TBRI® Educator, SCFES, Associate Professor, Dept. of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University
Emily F. Rothman, ScD, MS, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Occupational Therapy, Boston University
Duana C. Russell-Thomas, OTD, OTR/L, Clinical Specialist in Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis

Occupational therapy practitioners encounter individuals who have experienced trauma, as part of their past or present story. These individuals may be clients, coworkers, trainees, or others. Some occupational therapy practitioners are themselves trauma survivors, and others must learn to safeguard against secondary trauma when working with clients who have experienced trauma. Whether the trauma experienced is acute, chronic, or developmental in nature—it can negatively influence habits, roles, routines and contribute to a lower sense of competency, self-worth, and belonging. Trauma disrupts participation and satisfaction in occupation. Occupational therapists can acquire the skills to respond to the needs of individuals, families, and communities that have experienced trauma, but the research supporting our involvement is limited. 

Join our panelists who will:

  • Provide an overview of trauma & principles of trauma-informed care (TIC)
  • Discuss the existing content of occupational therapy driven TIC research
  • Reveal gaps in research for OT role in TIC
  • Identify supports and barriers to conducting this research
  • Provide ways in which front line clinicians can contribute evidence about the positive impact of OT in TIC delivery
  • Explore ways to address needs of clients to improve delivery of care without risk of causing new trauma or triggering prior trauma

Eleanor Slagle Lecture, Friday, April 1, 2022, 5:15 p.m.–6:30 p.m. CT

Finding Our Strengths: Recognizing Professional Bias and Interrogating Systems with AOTF Board Vice Chair, Kristie Patten, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA

Additional AOTF Sessions and Events:

  • Future Scientists Institute, Saturday, April 2, 8 am. CT

  • AOTF/AOTA Awards & Recognitions Ceremony, Saturday, April 2, 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. CT

    View acceptance speeches from a few of the awardees. See full 2022 list.

  • Research Excellence Symposium OnDemand

    Presentations from Early Career and Mid-Career Awardees, and newly inducted members to the Academy of Research. 
    View

2021 

  • AOTA-AOTF Award Ceremony, April 26 - View on Youtube

  • Research Excellence Symposium, April 14

    Presentations from Early Career and Mid-Career Awardees, and newly inducted members to the Academy of Research.
    ACADEMY OF RESEARCH INDUCTEES
    Kathleen Doyle Lyons, ScD, OTR/L, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
    Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, RMSKS, FAOTA, FAIUM, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

    AOTF EARLY CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARDEE
    Chih-Ying "Cynthia" Li, PhD, OTR/L, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
    AOTF MID-CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARDEE
    Jessica Kramer, PhD, OTR/L, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
    View Recording

  • AOTF Scavenger Hunt

    OT Students: Chance to win 1 of 5 $50 Amazon gift cards. Complete the scavenger hunt by Apr. 29, 2021.
    Sponsored by EBS Healthcare
    Learn More
     
  • PTE Events conducted separately from AOTA conference this year.

Long-running AOTF Events at the AOTA Annual Conference

Kristin Bukovsky
/ Categories: News

Q&A with our 2021 Academy of Research Inductees

Established in 1983, the AOTF Academy of Research in Occupational Therapy recognizes individuals who have made exemplary, distinguished, and sustained contributions toward the science of occupational therapy. 

Congratulations to our 2021 AOR Inductees Kathleen Doyle Lyons, ScD, OTR/L and  Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, RMSKS, FAOTA, FAIUM!

Lyons

Kathleen Lyons, ScD, OTR/L, is a Senior Scientist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. Her research is focused on building the evidence base for occupational therapists working in oncology. She is trained in experimental design, mixed methods and implementation science. Her research program is designed to answer the following question: How can we support people living with cancer to fully participate in meaningful activities, life roles, and society through theory-driven and evidence-based rehabilitation? She designs and tests pragmatic interventions that blend occupational therapy with behavioral therapies. Her research is primarily community-based as she has developed both telehealth and home-based interventions.

Q&A

Identify three words that others have used to describe you: careful, practical, and resilient

How do you hope to make a difference in the world through research? I have the heart of a practitioner, so my goal is to build our evidence base so that we can make good choices with our clients and provide the most potent therapy. The question that guides my applied research program is “How can we support people living with cancer to fully participate in meaningful activities and roles through theory-driven and evidence-based rehabilitation?”

What is one piece of advice you have for individuals considering a career in science and research?  Be brave and be humble. It takes courage to do research that matters, to formulate a hypothesis and rigorously test it. And it takes humility to let the data and the participants teach and lead you. 

Beside your own areas of inquiry, what is one research priority that you believe is important for the future of occupational science and occupational therapy?  I’m really interested in what makes an occupation therapeutic for a given person and what makes one occupation more therapeutic than another in any given moment. I think we need to understand how people naturally use occupation to foster recovery and healing outside of or in the absence of therapy.

Describe the most important role that mentors played in your professional journey. I learned a lot from my mentors, but the best gift they gave me was showing me the joy they got from their work. I went on to doctoral work because I enjoyed every minute of my qualitative research thesis with Betty Crepeau. In my doctoral training, Linda Tickle-Degnen showed me her limitless passion for words, numbers, ideas and elegant research designs. And it was from Marty Bruce that I (finally) learned how pleasurable it can be to write a tight and compelling grant application. I feel lucky to have had mentors that showed me how much they love science.

Identify a favorite occupation that renews you outside of your work: My top three favorites are traveling, watching live theater, and hiking.

What has been the most surprising or rewarding aspects of a career in science and research? Being part of team science is incredibly rewarding. I love writing and I could do that all day, but being in a room with people from all different disciplines and playing with ideas to solve clinical problems is highly rewarding. When I was just starting out, I don’t think I realized that science is a very social activity and that has been a happy surprise.

How have you been involved with AOTF to date? I received two grants from AOTF, one as a doctoral student and one more recently. But the biggest blessing was being asked to chair the Planning Grant Collective focused on cancer rehabilitation. It was an absolutely amazing experience to bring together scientists from different disciplines and parts of the country to brainstorm ways to advance research to reduce participation restrictions experienced by cancer survivors. It was a really energizing and productive event and I’m so grateful to AOTF for investing in the Planning Grant Collectives!

S Rolls

Dr. Shawn C. Roll is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern California’s Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, where he also directs the PhD in Occupational Science program. Dr. Roll is a licensed occupational therapist, registered sonographer, and occupational scientist who studies the relationships between musculoskeletal conditions of the arms and hands, people’s ability to perform activities and their health outcomes within the workplace. His specialties include using ultrasound to study carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects an estimated 10 million Americans with annual health care costs of $2 billion, funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). He also studies holistic approaches for improving the experience and results of hand therapy. His largest current project, funded by the National Science Foundation, is designing the next generation of intelligent “smart desks” that can automatically learn from, adapt to, and respond to users’ habits and preferences to improve worker health and well-being.

Q&A

Identify three words that others have used to describe you: Attentive, Strategic, Tenacious

How do you hope to make a difference in the world through research? I hope that my research will support long-term, positive changes in workplace environments, work design, and workers’ engagement in their daily activities resulting in workers who are healthier, happier, and able to flourish in their lives. I strive to support this vision by conducting research that illuminates how physical health and mental well-being are shaped by the intersections among the physical, social, and organizational environments with the individual characteristics of workers’ as they engage in daily occupations in the workplace.

What is one piece of advice you have for individuals considering a career in science and research? Build, maintain, and foster relationships. You should identify what you are most passionate about, be persistent, and be resilient, but a scientist cannot conduct robust research in isolation. Instead, building relationships with other scientists and developing interdisciplinary collaborations will both open more opportunities and broaden the impact of the research.

Beside your own areas of inquiry, what is one research priority that you believe is important for the future of occupational science and occupational therapy? Measuring, understanding, and supporting meaningful engagement. While there has been much exploration of engagement and theories developed regarding the importance of how we engage in daily occupations there is limited direct, quantitative examination of engagement relative to the success of preventive, rehabilitative, and habilitative interventions.

Describe the most important role that mentors played in your professional journey: Seeing my potential and creating opportunities to ensure I was able to thrive as a scholar. I wouldn’t be where I am today with the early vision and support of my career from Dr. Jane Case-Smith and the ongoing opportunities created by Dr. Kevin Evans. Each of my mentors were able to vision all of the potential paths that were ahead of me well before I saw them myself, and they engaged me in activities, introduced me to opportunities, and planted seeds of ideas that allowed me to become a successful scientist.

Identify a favorite occupation that renews you outside of your work: Spending quality time with friends and loved ones over a glass of wine, with good food, watching television or movies, at the theater, on a hike, or just sitting in shared silence with each other.

What has been the most surprising or rewarding aspects of a career in science and research? Without a doubt the most rewarding aspect of my career is witnessing the “lightbulb moments” of my students and mentees. I aim to emulate my own mentors, by visioning the opportunities and paths ahead of my individual mentees, and then proving the necessary scaffolding and support to help them travel forward on their own best path. It gives me great joy to see the moments along the way when mentees reach new levels of thought and clarity regarding their ideas and own work that propels them forward on their path.

How have you been involved with AOTF to date? I have been a strong supporter of AOTF’s mission to advance knowledge that supports the work of our profession to ensure people’s successful participation in life. This support began as a student when I joined Pi Theta Epsilon as a lifetime member, and has continued throughout my career by providing financial support to AOTF, attending AOTF events, and submitting/reviewing manuscripts in OTJR, and serving as a mentor for the Summer Institute for Future Scientists.

Both will be presenting at our Research Excellence Symposium, April 14, 2021 and on demand.

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Tags: Academy of Research