Susan Magasi, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Departments of Occupational Therapy and Disability Studies. Her scholarship focuses on healthcare justice for people with disabilities (including access, quality and outcomes).  She is passionate about evidence-informed practice, knowledge translation and mentoring. She has also served on the AOTF Board.

Dr. Janet Poole is Professor and Division Chief of the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Poole’s research has primarily focused on the impact of systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) on participation in daily life. She and a colleague developed TOSS (Taking Charge Of Systemic Sclerosis), the only comprehensive self-management program for people with systemic sclerosis. The development and evaluation of the effectiveness of this internet program was funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). This program has received much acclaim nationally and internationally, leading to collaborations with other health professionals in Europe to develop similar culturally relevant programs for people with SSc. Dr. Poole also created a brochure with hand and face exercises for people with SSc that is available on the Scleroderma Foundation website; she was honored with the Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2011. Dr. Poole just concluded her term as President of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP), and currently, as Immediate Past President, is the Chair of the ARP Membership and Nominations Committee. The ARP honored Dr. Poole with the Distinguished Lecturer Award in 2018; the Master Clinician Award in 2012 and the Distinguished Educator Award in 2011. Dr. Poole is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association and was elected to the AOTF Academy of Research in 2008.

To launch 2020, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation and The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinson's Research have partnered to offer a two-year $100,000 intervention research grant. This inaugural funding will support projects with a specific focus on the investigation of Parkinson's disease (PD) and OT intervention as well as provide a blueprint for future Foundation partnerships. We encourage qualified OT researchers to apply. More information regarding the AOTF&MJFF Occupational Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease Intervention Research Grant procedures are coming soon!