News, Research & Faculty Publications

Throughout the curriculum at JWU, OTD students and faculty are engaged in group projects, individual capstone projects and research, leadership and service opportunities. Interprofessional activities around the university and throughout the RI community are integrated into coursework.

Explore the latest JWU OTD research and news:

• “Use of a Trauma-Informed Approach in Occupational Therapy Programs Occupational Therapy in Mental Health.” In Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 2025. Authors: Colleen Cameron Whiting*; Rachel Ashcraft; Lauren Mochnal ’27* and Sarah A. Schoen.
• “Promotion of Perinatal Occupational Balance Among Working First-time Mothers: A Quasi-Experimental Study.” In OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 2025. Authors: Sujata-Nair Martin; Ashika Shah ’22*; Jamie O’Day and Jennifer E. Swanberg.*
• A Sensory Integration Intervention in the School Setting to Support Performance and Participation: A Multiple-Baseline Study
  Authors: Colleen Cameron Whiting*; Sarah A. Schoen; Linda Niemeyer
• Rock Steady
  From JWU Magazine: At Rock Steady Boxing, JWU OTD students mix therapeutic techniques and cardio fitness in their work with Parkinson’s patients. Explore local fieldwork placements around Rhode Island.
• OTD Student Experiences ‘Humanity’ Through Butler Hospital Fieldwork
  Molly Gould OTD '24 shares how they put their learning into practice at Butler Hospital.
• Occupational Injustice and the Right to Play: A Systematic Review of Accessible Playgrounds for Children With Disabilities
  Authors: Kelsey A. Gately '23*; Anna H. Zawadzki; Alyssia M. Mosley '23*; Alyssamarie K. Badua '24*; Jennifer E. Swanberg*; Samantha R. Rosenthal**
• Reliability and Validity Testing of the ASSIST Functional Performance Index
  Authors: Andrea Fairman*; Palma Foschi Walko '24*; Dan Ding; L. Morris; Kimberli Murphy '22*; L. Tehorst
• Substance Misuse among Sexual and Gender Minorities: The Role of Everyday Discrimination and Identity
  Authors: Samantha R. Rosenthal*; Kelsey A. Gately '23*; Natalya Archibald; Allyson B. Baker '23*; Monique P. Dawes*; Jennifer E. Swanberg*
• Integrated Safety and Health Promotion among Correctional Workers and People Incarcerated: A Scoping Review
  Authors: Olivia J. Hull '23*; Olivia D. Breckler; Lisa A. Jaegers
• Finding Common Ground Over Coffee
• Going Green: OTD Students Explore Dietetics
• Additional OT Faculty Publications

_{*Denotes JWU graduate student or faculty research contributor. Grad students are noted with their grad year.}