Applications Open: 09/18/2025
Application Deadline: 11/07/2025
Overview
Advancing Functional Cognition Research Through Mentorship
Established in 2024, the Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award represents a groundbreaking investment in occupational therapy’s future. This prestigious award from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation supports experienced researchers in mentoring emerging scientists, advancing our understanding of how cognition enables meaningful participation in daily life. This award specifically funds mentorship activities.
Award Amount: $10,000
Application Opens: September 18, 2025
Application Deadline: November 7, 2025
Results announced: January 26, 2026
Award Period: March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
About Dr. Carolyn Baum
A Pioneer in Functional Cognition
Dr. Carolyn Baum stands as a revered leader and innovator in occupational therapy, with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Her groundbreaking contributions have shaped how we understand and address cognitive function in daily life.
Career Highlights
Research Innovation
- Developed the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) Model
- Advanced understanding of functional cognition across populations
- Published extensively on cognitive assessment and intervention
Leadership Excellence
- Served in key leadership roles within the American Occupational Therapy Association
- Mentored countless emerging researchers
- Continues active research and mentorship at Washington University School of Medicine
Lasting Impact
- Transformed occupational therapy practice through evidence-based models
- Built bridges between research and clinical application
- Inspired generations of OT researchers and practitioners
Continuing the Legacy
This award honors Dr. Baum’s commitment to mentorship and her belief in developing future leaders who will advance the field of functional cognition science.
About the Fund
Purpose and Vision
The Dr. Carolyn Baum Mentor Award bridges generations of occupational therapy researchers, fostering collaborative partnerships that advance functional cognition science. By supporting mentor-mentee relationships, this award:
- Accelerates research in cognitive function and daily participation
- Builds capacity in emerging occupational therapy scientists
- Strengthens the pipeline of functional cognition researchers
- Promotes knowledge transfer between research generations
What Makes This Funding Unique
Unlike traditional research grants, this award specifically funds mentorship activities, recognizing that developing future scientists is as critical as conducting research itself. The award empowers established researchers to invest dedicated time and resources in training their mentees.
Financial Support
- $10,000 stipend to support mentorship and research training activities
- Flexible use for mentee-related research expenses
- Support for collaborative project development
Professional Recognition
- Named award honoring Dr. Carolyn Baum’s legacy
- National recognition for mentorship excellence
- Contribution to building OT research capacity
Research Advancement
- Protected time for intensive mentorship
- Resources for pilot studies and preliminary data
- Foundation for future collaborative grants
Why Apply?
For Mentors
- Dedicated resources for mentorship activities
- Recognition for excellence in research training
- Opportunity to shape the field’s future
- Support for collaborative research development
For the Profession
- Builds sustainable research capacity
- Advances in functional cognition science
- Strengthens mentor-mentee partnerships
- Creates lasting research collaborations
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:
Mentor Qualifications
- Mid- to senior-level occupational therapy researcher
- Minimum 7 years post-doctoral degree completion (PhD, ScD, DrPH, or equivalent research doctorate)
- Current position as Associate or Full Professor
Mentee Requirements
- Identified a mentee who is an occupational therapist at:
- Assistant Professor level OR
- Post-doctoral fellow level
- Mentee must hold a PhD, OTD, DrOT, or ScD
- Mentee requires mentorship in functional cognition or related research
Institutional Requirements
- Both mentor and mentee must conduct research at U.S. academic institutions
- Agreement to use funds exclusively for the specified mentee (no transfers)
Application Process
Required Materials
Application instructions will include:
- Research mentorship plan
- Mentee’s career development goals
- Proposed collaborative project
- Budget justification
- Letters of support
- Biosketches for mentor and mentee
Review Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Quality of mentorship plan
- Significance of proposed research
- Mentee’s potential for career advancement
- Alignment with functional cognition priorities
- Feasibility of proposed activities
Funding Recipients
Funding Support
Made Possible By
The Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award exists through the generous support of Dr. Carolyn Baum and other dedicated donors.
Join Our Supporters
Consider contributing to this award fund to expand mentorship opportunities in functional cognition research.
Application Support
Questions?
The AOTF Research Team is available to support your application:
Email: research@aotf.org
Phone: 240-292-1079
Please allow 2-3 business days for email responses
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