Theory and Evidence-Based Practice Related to Human Occupation SOPC
Bridge the gap between education and practice
The Theory and Evidence-Based Practice Related to Human Occupation Scholarship of Practice Collaborative emphasizes bridging the gap between education and practice. Our focus is to strategically apply theory and evidence to improve client outcomes across the lifespan. The aim of the collaborative is to provide resources for care providers to deepen the utility of theory-based practice and therefore improving services to a broader community.
Promoting healthy and productive aging
Jenica Lee’s scholarship seeks to understand supports and barriers to everyday technology use and participation in meaningful activities at home, work and in the community as people age. She aims to develop and implement best practice assessments and resources to promote healthy productive aging and caregiver support.
Learn more about Jenica’s scholarship
Email jenlee22@uic.edu
Promoting occupational therapy with cancer survivors and incorporating mental wellness strategies in outpatient settings
Caitlin Smith works to increase awareness of providers and survivors on the benefits of occupational therapy for addressing the long-term side effects of cancer treatment and promoting a transition to full, healthy lifestyles. She is also interested in increasing the tools and strategies for OTs to address mental health needs in outpatient therapy population with both pediatric and adult clients.
Learn more about Caitlin’s scholarship
Email cksmith@uic.edu
Expanding the occupational therapy practitioner’s role in sexuality and intimacy
Jennifer Summers’ research interests are related to occupations associated with sexuality and intimacy for the disability community including dating, sexually expression, sexuality identity empowerment, sexual activity and reproduction. She also is involved with scholarship related to teaching and learning practices for health providers as they transition into academicians.
Learn more about Jennifer’s scholarship
Email jfries5@uic.edu
Improving fieldwork education and expanding occupational therapy practitioner's role in maternal and neonatal care
Lisa Shabosky’s  academic and clinical work centers on applying adult learning principles and evidence‑based teaching strategies to improve fieldwork education and expanding occupational therapy’s role in maternal and neonatal care to support optimal caregiver–infant relationships during the postpartum period.
Learn more about Jennifer’s scholarship
Email shabosk2@uic.edu
Student members
Student members are central to the collaborative. They work with faculty to design and conduct innovative capstone projects that are responsive to the needs of community partners.
Students
| Class of 2026 student members | Class of 2027 student members | Class of 2028 student members |
|---|---|---|
| Asianna Griffin | Adellin Fernandez | Maxine Honeywell |
| Elizabeth Hume | Katie Hetzel | Claudia Lagoa-Miguel |
| Lejla Jakupovic | Anna Kuechenberg | Rosmi Mathew |
| Natalie McCormack | Grainne McDonagh | Gianna Imbarrato |
| Natalia Syutyk | Olivia Newmark | Antonia (Ana) Isip |
| Joseph Talbot | Danielle Pullen | Meredith Jaeger |
| Hannah Wang | Joey Tepper | Laurielle Lewis |
| Jennifer Zundel | Simone McDaniels | |
| Ava Miller | ||
| Jaslyn (Jas) Ripors | ||
| Laura Yip |
SOPC in action
We are delighted to share that our first 5 student members finished their capstone projects and shared their learning at our first-annual ‘Creating Tomorrow’s Practice Poster Symposium‘ last May.
Our preview video below describes projects that have been completed or are underway in response to the needs of more than 5 sites. Projects have ranged from focusing on a strategic process of applying theory and evidence to understand and improve interventions for diverse clients (e.g., persons with neurological conditions, families of individuals with Down Syndrome as they age), when working with architects to design inclusive spaces, and within a cancer organization that delivers virtual programming to promote participation. Students successfully accessed their faculty advisor, site mentor, capstone coordinator, and peers within this SOPC for mentorship in rigorously conducting their projects this year in ways that advance conceptually grounded OT practice.
As our 7 Class of 2026 members work to deliver on their projects, our next group of 8 members in the Class of 2027 are beginning to design the scope of their capstone projects this Spring. We also welcome 11 new members from the Class of 2028 to our growing collaborative. Stay tuned to learn how the next group of capstone projects take shape in ways that live up to the high expectations set by our first cohort of students.
Capstone Project Preview
Questions?
Questions?
Want to learn more about the Theory and Evidence-Based Practice Related to Human Occupation SOPC? Curious how this collaborative fits in with your career and education goals?
Contact Mary at:
Email mkhetani@uic.edu