Inaugural Occupational Therapy Doctorate Cohort to Present Capstone Projects

Dominican University of California's Department of Occupational Therapy will celebrate a significant milestone on Friday, Aug. 21, as 12 students from the university's inaugural Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) cohort present their final doctoral capstone projects.

Occupational therapy practitioners work in hospitals, clinics, schools, business, industry, and community settings, serving persons of all ages with developmental, physical, psychiatric, or behavioral disabilities. OTs also promote health and help prevent disease and disability through occupation-centered interventions and environmental adaptations.

In Dominican's OTD program, students work in cohorts, progressing from foundational knowledge to practice and application of concepts and skills and, finally, integration of knowledge, skills and professional identity. Classroom learning is primarily in-person with selected use of distance education for specific courses. Students complete 24 full-time equivalent weeks of fieldwork internship training, as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 12 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program.

"Through their doctoral capstone experiences, these students have had the opportunity to bring together their academic preparation, clinical experiences, and personal passions as they continue to develop as innovators, leaders, advocates, scholars and practitioners," says Dr. Kitsum Li, professor and doctoral capstone coordinator in the department of occupational therapy.

The students' capstone projects represent a diverse range of topics, populations, practice settings, and emerging opportunities for occupational therapy," she adds.

Final capstone presentations will take place from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, with presentations taking place simultaneously in Meadowlands 133, Meadowlands 209 and Science 133. The presentations will be available both in person and online, with Zoom access available for each presentation room.

The presentation schedule includes:

• Meadowlands 133, Zoom link.
  1:35-2:05 p.m. - Megan Maekawa: Promoting Occupational Balance for High School Students Transitioning to College
  2:05-2:35 p.m. - Naomi Sosa: Family Occupations and Cumulative Trauma: Exploring the Ripple Effects in Underserved, Neurodivergent Households
  2:45-3:15 p.m. - Alyssa Vessel: A Digital Resource to Support Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Students and New Graduates in Applying Occupation-Based Practice in Inpatient Settings
  3:15-3:45 p.m. - Jasmine Henley: Strengthening Communication and Collaboration Between the Student Support Triad (Teachers, Parents, and Health Professionals) in Schools
• Meadowlands 209, Zoom link.
  1:35-2:05 p.m. - Isandla Blanc: "Sensory Friendly Summers: Designing Inclusive Camp Experiences for Children with Sensory Processing Challenges"
  2:05-2:35 p.m. - Catherine Roghi: "Facilitating Nutrition Self-Management for Adults with Chronic Conditions: An Occupation-Based Program"
  2:45-3:15 p.m. - Catharina Smith: "Promoting Postpartum Maternal Self-Efficacy through Education about Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Sensory Dysregulation"
  3:15-3:45 p.m. - Clarissa Junio: "A Resource Guide for Cultural Arts Organizations in the Bay Area Informed by the Lived Experiences of People with IDD"
• Science 133, Zoom link.
  1:35-2:05 p.m. - Giavanna Stavros: "The Role of Occupational Therapy in Developing Aquatic Programs for Children Diagnosed with Autism"
  2:05-2:35 p.m. - Molly Busby: "OTs' Role in Creating an Inclusive Playground Environment for Parents with Physical Disabilities"
  2:45-3:15 p.m. - Skylar Simpson: "Strong Foundations: Supporting School-Aged Youth in Developing and Maintaining Mental Well-Being"
  3:15-3:45 p.m. - Aveen Dulai: "Sensory Modulation for Adults with Developmental Disabilities: An Occupational Therapy Approach for Adult Day Programs"

Tags:

• School of Health and Natural Sciences
• Occupational Therapy