Two research projects from Pacific Northwest University’s (PNWU’s) School of Occupational Therapy (SOT) have been selected for presentation at the prestigious American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) annual conference in April, marking a significant achievement for the university and its commitment to community-driven healthcare.
The research, conducted by PNWU OT students under the guidance of SOT faculty, addresses real-world challenges faced by patients in local communities. These projects, which focus on enhancing patient care and expanding service availability, highlight the power of collaboration between academic researchers and community partners.
One project, led by PNWU-SOT Class of 2025’s Sean Sloppy and Austin Walker, with the leadership of SOT Professor Dr. Jennifer Pitonyak, examines the unique experiences of men undergoing substance use disorder treatment at a residential behavioral health facility. The study, titled Routines Matter: Examining Men’s Experiences of Substance Use Disorder Treatment, explores how daily routines impact recovery, offering new insights into therapy interventions that could improve treatment outcomes.
Another, conducted by Class of 2025 OT students Lou Luis, Angel Alvarez, Annie Turtura, and Ruby Guevara-Nava, under the guidance of Dr. Heather Fritz, focuses on Establishing a New Occupational Therapy Service Line for Underserved Older Adults with Multimorbidity at a Federally Qualified Health Center. This project seeks to expand occupational therapy services for older adults with multiple chronic conditions, addressing a critical gap in care for underserved populations.
The research is a testament to the hands-on, community-centered approach that defines PNWU’s SOT.
Dr. Heather Fritz, Associate Professor and Founding Director of the School, has been instrumental in embedding research opportunities into the OT curriculum. Her mentorship recently earned her the Carla Case Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship, an honor she received at PNWU’s Grants and Research Reception.
“Dr. Fritz has created a culture of research that not only empowers students but also produces tangible benefits for the communities we serve.”
“I am thrilled by how these student research opportunities are unfolding,” said Lizzie Lamb, Interim Director for PNWU’s Office of Scholarly Activity. “Dr. Fritz has created a culture of research that not only empowers students but also produces tangible benefits for the communities we serve. This is just the beginning.”
The projects selected for AOTA’s conference underscore the impact of PNWU’s School of Occupational Therapy, where students are not only learning the foundations of occupational therapy but are also driving positive change in real-world healthcare settings. Their work continues to pave the way for innovative and inclusive care models that address the evolving needs of underserved communities.
As the research projects prepare for presentation, PNWU is proud to showcase the impactful work of its students and faculty, exemplifying the university’s mission to lead with compassion and advance healthcare education for all.
