AOTF works closely with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to support a variety of programs designed to advance research, education, and leadership in occupational therapy. Several of these joint initiatives are undertaken during the annual AOTA Annual Conference while others are undertaken throughout the year.
OT Summer Institute for Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy
June 16-17, 2021 | Online
The American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTA/AOTF) are pleased to announce the 2021 Summer Institute of Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy. Due to the ongoing public health emergency this year’s institute will be offered virtually. The two half day sessions (June 16-17, 2021) will match potential student scientists with doctoral and post-doctorate mentors. Program participants will meet with leading occupational therapy scientists to address topics such as possibilities within OT science, considerations when evaluating potential doctoral programs, and career opportunities as a scientist. Participants will also be invited to attend the Virtual Occupational Therapy Summit of Scholars hosted by Colorado State University (June 23-25, 2021). Learn more about the program and application process.
Submission deadline: February 10, 2021
Purpose of the Institute
The purpose of the Institute is threefold:
- To identify potential scientists in entry-level education programs
- To connect potential entry-level scientists with mentors in the occupational therapy scientific community
- To develop a peer network.
Who is Invited?
A cohort of entry-level students will be selected to participate in the Virtual Institute on June 17-18, 2021, and the Virtual Occupational Therapy Summit of Scholars on June 23-25, 2021. Each day will be approximately 4 hours. The facilitators and mentors of the Institute will be composed of faculty and doctoral/post-doctoral students from established research programs around the nation.
Eligibility
- To apply, you must be a current student in occupational therapy program with an interest in science and research in the field of occupational therapy.
- The intent of the program is to train and mentor future occupational therapy scientific researchers who may have limited exposure to research opportunities at their current institution, therefore, students attending research intensive institutions and/or institutions with a heavy research mission are not eligible (e.g., DRU-VH Carnegie Classification). Students from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply supporting the Associations’ objective of developing a workforce to meet society’s diverse occupational needs in underserved areas or communities.
- If you are unsure of your eligibility, email edleadership@aota.org. Final decision as to eligibility rests with the OT Summit of Scholars Selection Committee.
Program Requirements
Students who participate in the Institute are expected to continue in the field of scientific research in occupational therapy. As such, participants will be asked to complete an annual survey to report on the progress they have made in their scientific pursuits.
Congratulations 2020 Summer Institute Students
Austin Cunningham, Winston-Salem State University
Chelsea Steffens, Drake University
Ashley Rigas, Pacific University
Kyra Barillier, Saint Louis University
Tara Hood, Eastern Kentucky University
Jessica Golding , Towson University
Taylor Wienkes, Creighton University
Molly Nadeau, Kean University
Brooke Ellis, Western New England University
Kelsey Hadsall, Misericordia University
William Librizzi, University of the Sciences
Grace Hellier, James Madison University
Ellery Lockwood, Stanbridge University
Lorelei Hoover, University of Findlay
Braxton Willoughby, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Mollyanne Tessler, Long Island UniversityBrooklyn
Taylor Keahilani Kenui/Fong, Rocky Mountain College
Kathleen Ann Melei, Huntington University
Elizabeth Stevens, The College of St. Scholastica
Allison Pfleghaar, Florida Gulf Coast University
Shannon Myers, Midwestern University Downers Grove
Samantha Holzschu, Western Michigan University
Natalie (NJ) Phillips, Eastern Michigan University
Emma Kinsey, University of Central Arkansas
Melissa Dale, East Carolina University
Tennille Lambert, Mercy College
Emily Yuen, Dominican University of California
Alleya James, Methodist University
Catherine Arora, Mercy College
Jared Southwick, Arkansas State University
Rowan Wallace, University of Southern Maine
Karla Morel, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science Campus