The University of Florida (UF) is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and the UF Department of Occupational Therapy (UFOT) is ranked 5th among public research universities for its graduate program.
Occupational Therapy
Research
The UF Department of Occupational Therapy is housed in the College of Public Health and Health Professions, providing a rich environment for research collaborations. Researcher and PhD student profiles, labs, and institutes are described in further detail on the pages below.
Training grants
UFOT hosts training grants to prepare future researchers and scholar-practitioners to contribute to the field, including Interdisciplinary Related Services Personnel Preparation for Early Childhood (INSPIRE), funded by US Department of Education.
Research Labs
HAFA
Healthy Aging and Functional Ability Lab
We believe that age is just a number and promote healthy aging by helping older adults engage in activities that are valuable to their health and independence. Our research goal is to increase disability-free life expectancy for older adults by developing, testing, and implementing evidence-based programs.
Director: Chiung-ju (CJ) Liu, PhD, OTR/L, FGSA
MAP
Mobility, Activity, and Participation Lab
The MAP lab has a research focus on driving and community mobility and has developed tools and clinical services in this area.
Director: Sherrilene Classen, PhD, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA, FGSA
RTI Driving Simulator Lab
Human factors research and clinical services have been just a couple uses of the lab. Interested in learning how you could make use of the driving simulator?
Manager: Mr. Jason Rogers
Sensory Development Lab
Research in Sensory Development Lab combines neuroimaging with clinical assessments of sensory and motor functions to better understand longitudinal development of sensorimotor functions and its impact on childhood and adolescent conditions.
Director: Stefanie Bodison, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
TOP
Technology for Occupational Performance Lab
The TOP lab focuses on optimizing function for people with disabilities through the use of technology, robotics, and smart devices.
Director: Hongwu Wang, PhD
YELL
Youth & Young Adult Empowerment, Leadership, & Learning Lab
The YELL Lab develops and evaluates tools and interventions that empower youth and young adults with developmental disabilities. Teams of youth and young adults with disabilities partner in all phases of the research process.
Director: Jessica Kramer, PhD, OTR/L
Institutes
I-DAPT
Institute for Driving, Activity, Participation, and Technology
Researchers at I-DAPT are interested in cross-disciplinary collaboration and affiliation with investigators at the University of Florida and beyond its campus borders.
Affiliated Institute
Veterans Rural Health Resource Centers
The Gainesville VRHRC portfolio focuses on rehabilitation and geriatrics.
Recent projects
Through the lifespan
Providing a rich environment for research collaborations
User experiences of autonomous vehicle technology; developing patient reported outcome measures for transition age youth and young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities; and maintaining older adult independence for daily activities are a few of our most recent projects.
Funding organizations
Quadrupled Grant funding over past 5 years
1.3 million Dollars in total funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
8 Funded OT PhD students in the Rehabilitation Science Doctoral (RSD) program