DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Degree Programs MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) IN OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE
DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Our mission is, first, to produce outstanding occupational therapists and occupational scientists, and second, to develop and expand knowledge about occupation and translate that knowledge to various therapeutic arenas. We accomplish this mission through enactment of our core values: •
The fundamental worth of occupation and its exploration
•
Critical engagement with ideas and the world
•
Embracing diversity and community
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Our division is committed to a future in which the humanitarian values of occupational therapy are embraced by society at large such that every person has the opportunity to lead a life that is complete, full, and contributory to others: a life of meaningful occupations. Our philosophy emphasizes the complex and holistic nature of human experience as a fundamental way to understand occupation. Diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility are given emphasis in the efforts of students and faculty in the division. DEGREE PROGRAMS
Our master’s degree in occupational therapy is a top-ranked program, according to U.S. News & World Report. Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy This program offers an innovative curriculum that prepares its
Faculty and students in occupational science and occupational therapy are engaged in promoting the
graduates to think deeply about occupation in order to
enhanced wellbeing of people and communities in
deliver high quality, occupation-centered services to individuals
ways that span medical, educational, and human ser-
and communities. Typically, the division admits a cohort of 24
vice models. Our work in community mental health
students, resulting in a 1:7 student-to-faculty ratio. Our master’s program is ranked ninth by U.S. News & World Report.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Science The PhD in occupational science is designed for individuals who
involves engagement with the Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health. Aging initiatives include work with the Ackland Art Museum, Orange County Department on Aging, and UNC’s Partnership in Aging Program. Our work with
have a strong interest in the study of occupation and wish to
children and youth includes initiatives at the
pursue a career involving research, teaching, or clinical
TEACCH Autism Program and at the Carolina
scholarship. The program provides strong mentorship,
Institute for Developmental Disabilities. Our faculty
individually tailored coursework to support the study of
occupational therapy practice work occurs at
occupation, and interprofessional learning and research opportunities.
University Occupational Therapy.
FACULTY Nancy Bagatell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Bagatell’s research interests focus on the transition needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, the experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and cerebral palsy and their caregivers, and intervention to increase community living and integration.
Antoine L. Bailliard, PhD, OTR/L Bailliard’s research and clinical practice focus on improving the quality of life and community integration of marginalized populations such as adults with mental illness and migrant groups. His work addresses sensory experiences, embodiment, and habit.
Kathryn Sorensen, OTD, OTR/L Sorenson’s scholarly interests focus on ADA laws and rights for people with disabilities; wheelchair seating and positioning to maximize independence; community integration for people with disabilities in developing countries; and universal design and home modifications.
Raheleh Tschoepe, MS, OTR/L Tschoepe’s scholarly and clinic interests include: increasing access and increasing participation in the community for adults with acute and chronic neurologic conditions; wheelchair seating and positioning; neurogenic bowel and bladder management, and sexuality.
Linn Wakeford, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Sue Coppola, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Wakeford’s research and clinical interests center around young
Coppola’s scholarly interests are in interprofessional
children with disabilities, particularly autism, and their families,
education, the use of the arts and humanities in education,
particularly the ways in which parents, siblings, and peers
international practice, and older adults in the community.
contribute to the development of occupation and social engagement; intervention that supports reciprocity and other
Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, OTR/L
responsive behaviors in parents, siblings and peers; and
Johnson’s research interests focus on the occupational rights
diversity and inclusion in occupational therapy.
and self-determination of people with intellectual disabilities, racial disparities in service access for African-Americans with intellectual disabilities, and critical theory and discourse analysis.
Jennifer L. Womack, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Womack’s research and practice interests focus on community-based practice with older adults, care partners, supplemental transportation systems for non-drivers, and working with community partners to reframe the aging experience.
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL DEPARTMENT OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES BONDURANT HALL, CB #7120 CHAPEL HILL, NC 27599-7120
LEARNING LABS AND TECHNOLOGY Our division resources include a 1,100 square foot model apartment, used as a lab and meeting space for student coursework, and a 300-square foot assistive technology and materials lab. Classrooms incude state-of-theart technologies and are shared with students across health sciences disciplines and the medical school.
LEARN MORE
med.unc.edu/ahs/ocsci
Recent Training, Leadership, and Service Grants Effectiveness of TEACCH School Transition to Employment and Postsecondary Education Program (T-STEP) Laura Klinger (PI), Nancy Bagatell (Investigator). National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice Nancy Bagatell (Co-director). U.S. Department of Education; Office of Special Education Programs. This project will prepare a cohort of PhD students from speech and hearing sciences, occupational science, and special education for academic, research, or policy careers focused on translating research to practice. Interdisciplinary Leadership Preparation Focused on Meaningful Outcomes and Replicability Research Nancy Bagatell (Co-director). U.S. Department of Education; Office of Special Education Programs. Prepares six PhD-level leaders in higher education with a focus on improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families including those in high-need areas, and the replicability of evidence-based research to improve services for children with disabilities and their families. Preparing Interdisciplinary Leaders to Collaborate with Stakeholders in Developing, Implementing, and Disseminating Effective Practices for High-Need Children and Youth with Disabilities and their Families Nancy Bagatell (Co-director). U.S. Department of Education; Office of Special Education Programs. Prepares six PhD-level leaders in higher education with a focus on guiding research, practice, and policy related to developing, implementing, and disseminating evidence-based research to generate effective and sustainable practices for children and youth with disabilities and their families. Homelink Thava Mahdevan (PI), Antoine Bailliard, Gary Cuddleback. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement HOME Teams Gary Cuddleback (PI), Antoine Bailliard. University of California at Los Angeles (Sponsor); Los Angeles County (CA) (Prime). Exceptional Children Occupational Therapist (2018 and 2019) Lauren Holahan, Nancy Bagatell (PI).North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).