Supporting the Future of OT Research and the Profession

A cohort of entry-level students participated in the AOTF/AOTA Future Scientists Institute, April 1st in San Antonio, TX. The facilitators and mentors included faculty and doctoral/post-doctoral students from established research programs from around the nation. The program included several panel discussions covering the myths and truths of research, how and where it fits into occupational therapy, plus how it can elevate equity, justice and human potential.

The participants were also invited to our Breakfast with a Scholar and State of the Science programs, AOTA's Presidential Farewell/Inaugural Addresses, as well as the Eleanor Slagle Lecture featuring our AOTF Board Vice Chair, Kristie Patten. 

Applications open later this year for 2023.

Elizabeth Pyatak’s original and impactful research program focuses on the development, implementation, and assessment of innovative occupational therapy interventions that enhance the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, particularly among medically underserved and at-risk populations.  By grounding her pioneering lifestyle interventions on the findings of her qualitative inquiries on the day-to-day issues of underserved populations living with diabetes, Dr. Pyatak has transformed how the field of occupational therapy approaches the management of medically complex chronic conditions by addressing not only the therapeutic needs of clients, but also the broader social contexts that contribute to their conditions.  She currently serves as Principal Investigator on two NIH R01 awards totaling over $6.7 million, has published 39 peer-reviewed articles in high impact journals, and has provided over 70 invited and refereed presentations to international, national, and regional audiences.
 

Lauren Stone Kelly, OTD, OTR/L, has worked as an occupational therapist since 2013 with populations throughout the lifespan in various settings. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from DePaul University, her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, and her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences.

As a pediatric specialist by trade, Lauren has worked in various settings and is currently a faculty member in the occupational therapy department at North Central College in Naperville, IL. As a teacher, Lauren has a passion for clinical education to prepare students to be involved, creative, innovative, and compassionate clinicians who are competent and confident to utilize their skills in traditional and non-traditional settings, providing occupational therapy services.

She is also the founder and faculty advisor for the NCC’s Beta Sigma PTE chapter and serves as the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator for the program.