The Dr. Carolyn Baum Occupational Therapy & Functional Cognition Award is an annual honor bestowed by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) to an outstanding occupational therapist researcher who has made significant contributions to advancing knowledge in the field of occupational therapy and functional cognition. This award recognizes exceptional research that has a tangible impact on improving practice and health outcomes. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Be a mid to senior level occupational therapy researcher who is at least 7 years post completion of their doctoral degree (PhD, ScD, DrPH, and other doctoral research degrees) and now in the Associate or Full Professor role. 

• Currently working in and have grant awards, publications, and presentations in occupational therapy and functional cognition. 

• Have a mentee who is an assistant professor or post-doctoral fellow level occupational therapist (post PhD/OTD/DrOT/ScD) and requires mentorship in a functional cognition or related research project. 

• Have IRB approved or in-process research at the time of completing this application. 

• Agree to utilize the awarded funds to mentor the mentee specified in the application without any carryover to another project or mentee if awarded. 

• Conduct research at a U.S. academic institution, both you and your mentee. 

• Be a U.S. citizen or have appropriate residence/visa documents, both you and your mentee. 

Award Benefits 

• $10,000 stipend to support a research mentee 

• Recognition and celebration of research excellence 

Applications open: October 7, 2024 

Award period starts: March 1, 2025  

Award period ends: February 28, 2026 

Contact information: research@aotf.org 

About Dr. Carolyn Baum 

Dr. Carolyn Baum is a revered leader and pioneer in occupational therapy. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, she has made immense contributions to both research and education. Dr. Baum's expertise in functional cognition has shaped the profession, and her work on the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) Model has had a profound impact on occupational therapy practice. Her dedication to the field is exemplified by her leadership roles within the American Occupational Therapy Association and her ongoing research and mentorship at Washington University School of Medicine. 

Funding and Support 

The Dr. Carolyn Baum Occupational Therapy & Functional Cognition Award is made possible through the generous support of Dr. Carolyn Baum, and other dedicated donors.