Featured News
Every day VCU Occupational Therapy students, alumni, faculty and staff do extraordinary things. Read more about our latest achievements below.
A craving for chips and salsa serves up a dose of independence
Ed Aloma, living with advanced multiple sclerosis since 1991, wanted to enjoy chips and salsa independently. He brought the challenge to Occupational Therapy students, including his daughter Katie, as a real-world occupational synthesis assignment. Through creativity and adaptive design thinking, the students helped restore a moment of autonomy, showcasing the power of OT to enhance daily life in deeply meaningful ways.
Occupational Therapy faculty member is among recipients of 2024 VCU Quest Fund
Brooke Dexheimer, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Health Professions Department of Occupational Therapy, has been awarded a grant from the 2024 VCU Quest Fund.
Celebrating excellence: climbing the ranks and achieving new heights!
We are thrilled to announce that our department has moved up in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, climbing to #14! This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement.
Ashley Gros receives prestigious AOTF Fred Sammons Endowed Scholarship
Congratulations to Grad II Ashley Gros for receiving an AOTF Virginia Occupational Therapy Association Fred Sammons Endowed Scholarship.
Deanna Dambrose receives Jayne T. Shepherd Making a Difference Alumni Award
At the Department of Occupational Therapy’s Pinning and Hooding Ceremony, Deanna Dambrose, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP-A received the Jayne T. Shepherd “Making a Difference” Alumni Award in recognition of her service to the field and the department.
Congratulations to Dr. Virginia Chu on receiving a NIRA award!
Dr. Virginia Chu was recently honored as part of the VCU inaugural class of National/International Recognition Award (NIRA) scholars. Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, created the NIRA in partnership with Marlon Levy, M.D., interim senior vice president for VCU Health Sciences. (VCU News)
Celebrating achievements and embracing opportunities in occupational therapy
As we embrace the vibrancy of spring, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and upcoming events from the Department of Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University.
VCU Occupational Therapy Student on winning Interprofessional Case Competition Team
Occupational Therapy students Anne Franklin (left) and Erika Poole (right) (both Class of 2025) competed in the final round of the 2023-2024 International Interprofessional Case Competition, as part of separate interprofessional teams made up of learners across professions from institutions all over the world.
