Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship
Application open: 01/05/2026
Application Deadline: 02/20/2026
Overview
The Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship supports occupational therapy doctoral candidates pursuing research that advances the science and practice of occupational therapy. Named for one of the profession’s most influential figures, this scholarship reflects Dr. Kielhofner’s lifelong commitment to rigorous research, innovative thinking, and the development of future OT scientists.
Program Mission
To develop the next generation of occupational therapy researchers by providing financial support to doctoral candidates establishing a research agenda that advances the science of occupational therapy.
What We Fund
The $5,000 award supports expenses related to doctoral research in occupational therapy, including:
- Dissertation research costs
- Data collection and analysis
- Research materials and assessments
- Other research study expenses within the scholarship’s focus area
- Dissemination of findings
Funding Partnership
This scholarship is fully endowed through the generous support of Dr. Kielhofner’s family, friends, colleagues, and the broader OT community, ensuring annual awards in perpetuity. AOTF welcomes additional contributions to grow the fund and increase future award amounts.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Status
- Licensed occupational therapy practitioner
- Currently enrolled in a research doctoral program (PhD, ScD, or DrPH)
- Completed all coursework except dissertation writing and defense
- Successfully defended dissertation proposal at the time of application
Research Requirements
- Research focuses on mental health and serious mental illness in adults
- IRB approval obtained or in process
- Research must address treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, or wellness for serious mental illness
Mentorship and Institution
- Identified a mentor with expertise in mental health research
- Conducting research at a U.S. academic institution
Citizenship
- U.S. citizen or holder of appropriate residence or visa documentation
Application Process
Application Components
- Project Proposal: Detailed research plan with implementation science framework
- Budget and Justification: Comprehensive budget with line-item explanations
- Timeline: Project milestones and deliverables schedule
- Principal Investigator CV: Complete academic and research background
- Institutional Support: Letters confirming research infrastructure and support
- Literature Review: Comprehensive background and significance statement
Review Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Scientific Merit: Quality and rigor of research methodology
- Implementation Focus: Clear application of implementation science principles
- Practice Impact: Potential to improve evidence-based practice adoption
- Feasibility: Realistic timeline and achievable goals within the funding period
- Innovation: Novel approaches to implementation challenges
- Investigator Qualifications: PI’s expertise and institutional support
Building Research Capacity
The program supports the development of implementation science expertise within occupational therapy, building capacity for:
- Larger-scale implementation studies
- Federal funding applications (NIH, PCORI, AHRQ)
- Collaborative research networks
- Policy and practice change initiatives
Application Timeline
|
Stage |
Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Applications Open |
January 5, 2026 |
|
Application Deadline |
February 20, 2026 |
Check current funding cycle dates and application materials at our funding page
Recipients
Marshae Franklin, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, PhD Candidate
University of Southern California, Exploring Authentic Belonging as Narrated by Black Autistic Women in STEM and Its Implications for DEI in Higher Education and Beyond
Cristina Parsons, MOT, OTR/L, PhD Candidate
Colorado State University, Inclusion of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Their Transition to Employment: Designing the Vocational Fit Assessment – Self Report
Amy McArthur, PhD Candidate, MS, OTR/L
University of Illinois, Project Title: Exploring Breast Cancer as Disability: A Qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Dissertation Research Study
Allison L’Hotta, OTD, OTR/L
Washington University in St. Louis, Project Title: Cancer Survivors’ Participation in Meaningful Life Activities, A Mixed Methods Approach (CASPAR)
Rachelle Brick
University of Pittsburgh, Research Title: Developing a Stakeholder-Driven Cancer Rehabilitation Intervention for Older Adults with Breast Cancer
Dominique Como
University of Southern California Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Exploring the Occupation of Oral Health in African American Families
Resources for Applicants
Questions?