The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2025 Fellowships and Scholarships. These prestigious awards recognize and support exceptional occupational therapy researchers and scholars advancing the field through innovative research and impactful scholarship.

2025 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 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 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.

AOTF and AOTA are pleased to announce the selected students attending the annual Institute of Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy, April 4-5, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. The program will introduce students to a career in research, connect them with occupational therapy scientific community mentors, and immerse them in a research-focused professional experience. All the participating students are also invited to our special ticketed events at AOTA INSPIRE 2025, AOTF Breakfast with a Scholar, and State of the Science.  

Congratulations 2025 Institute of Future Scientists! 

Courtney Bland, Midwestern University- Downers Grove
Austin Blankenship, Hawaii Pacific University
Sarah Chamoun, Creighton University
Maegan Condalary, Wayne State University
Sailery Cortes Cardona, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
Grace Costenbader, Elizabethtown College
Caleb Del Rosario, Lewis University
Sadie Derusha, Western Michigan University
Hannah Dougherty, East Tennesee State University
Andrea Ducasse, Howard University
Brendan Flynn, Chatham University
Shanaylene Fuentes, Kean University
Lisbeth Gomez, Texas Woman's University
Isabel Guillen, Lewis University
Hannah Harwick, Methodist University
Alanna Humphrey, Keck Graduate Institute
Morgan Kam, San Jose State University
Evelyn Lamboy, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus
Sheridan Lopez, California State University - Dominguez Hills
Nicole Moldovan, Monmouth University
Justina Necola, Keck Graduate Institute
Lauren Perkinson, University of Puget Sound
Jada Perry, Presbyterian College
Venisa Rodriguez, Johnson & Wales University
Julamy Serrano Arocho, Brenau University
Jamie Siegart, State University of New York (SUNY)- Downstate Health Sciences University
Cristina Sorensen, Winston-Salem State University
Dominique Soriano, California State University Dominguez Hills
Anna Todd, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Stephanie Tudela, Johnson & Wales University
Jillian Walker, Hanover College

As 2025 begins, we reflect on 2024's progress, innovation, and collaboration. Thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and partners, AOTF has achieved significant milestones in advancing occupational therapy research, education, and practice.

Key Highlights from 2024

Providing Education:

• Inaugural Engage Summit

We hosted our first-ever Engage Summit, bringing together researchers and community partners to elevate community-engaged OT research. The summit featured dynamic panels, poster sessions, and keynote presentations, strongly focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Signature Events at the AOTA INSPIRE Conference

Our Foundation Friday events, including the inspiring Breakfast With a Scholar and Research Excellence Symposium, highlighted cutting-edge advancements and celebrated excellence in OT research and practice.

Broadening Funding Opportunities:

• Scholarship and Grant Support

Last year, AOTF awarded 67 educational scholarships to support OT and OTA students nationwide. Additionally, we continued to bridge research and practice by funding six grants, including Intervention, Implementation, and Health Services Research Grants.

• Three Brand New Initiatives

The new Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship was endowed with over $55,000, while the Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship began its journey with $25,000 raised toward a $125,000 endowment goal. AOTF also launched the new Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award, providing a $10,000 stipend to support a research mentee.

Disseminating Research:

• OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research

With the help of guest editors, along with our amazing editorial team, we published a focused issue on the Person-Environment-Occupation Performance Model in the July 2024 issue and called for papers for the 2025 Special Edition on Community-Engaged Research. Check out the Top 10 Most Downloaded OTJR Articles in 2024!

As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, we also thank Mary Jane (MJ) Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, whose exceptional leadership as AOTF Board Chair has been instrumental in driving the Foundation's success. We are deeply grateful for her three years of leadership and her voluntary fourth year as Immediate Past Chair to facilitate a smooth transition.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we embark on AOTF's 60th anniversary celebration this year, we acknowledge our remarkable progress together. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in our mission to support research, empower practice, and improve lives. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.

Celebrate 60 years of impact by volunteering with AOTF. Together, we can make a difference.