Mary A Khetani
Professor, Occupational Therapy
Associate Director of Graduate Studies, PhD Program, Rehabilitation Sciences
Focus Areas
Office Phone
Office
1919 W. Taylor St., 316A AHSB
Mail Code
811
Office Hours
By appointment
About
Mary Khetani is a pediatric occupational therapist and rehabilitation scientist with more than 20 years of experience in pediatric research and clinical practice. At UIC, Dr. Khetani contributes to graduate courses in research methods, occupational therapy theory and process, pediatric processes of care, and rehabilitation science. She also directs the Children’s Participation in Environment Research Lab (CPERL). CPERL has attracted continuous extramural funding since 2012 to conduct research and knowledge translation projects. These projects leverage authentic stakeholder engagement to advance conceptually grounded, evidence-based, and innovative digital health solutions that advance family-centered and participation-focused pediatric (re)habilitation services in systems like early intervention. Dr. Khetani has modeled use of a continuum of mentorship model to rigorously train and successfully place more than 30 members for research engaged career paths in academia and clinical practice. She is also a Scientist with CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, a premier hub for interdisciplinary research and knowledge translation in childhood disability worldwide.
Selected Grants
National Science Foundation (NSF), SCC-IRG Track 2: Smart and Connected Family Engagement for Equitable Early Intervention Service Design, Co-PI
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) R01, Understanding Early Intervention (EI) Value: Effect of a Statewide Care Coordination Model on EI Resource Use and Outcomes, Co-I (Site PI)
CanChild Center for Childhood Disability Research, Knowledge Translation Training in Pediatric Rehabilitation Spaces, PI
Selected Publications
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Leadership in the Profession
American Occupational Therapy Foundation, Member, Scientific Advisory Council; Member, Standing for Research Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (STRIDE) Committee
Association for Women in Science, Past-President, Chicago Area Chapter; Chapter Advisory Committee Member; Educational Awards Committee Member
Notable Honors
2023 - Roster of Fellows, American Occupational Therapy Asssociation
2021 - Motivator Award, Association for Women in Science, Chicago Area Chapter
2017-2019 - Pediatric Loan Repayment Renewal Award, National Institutes of Health (NIH/NICHD)
2017 - Service Commendation, American Occupational Therapy Association
Education
Postdoctoral, Slone Epidemiology Center, 2011
Sc.D., Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, 2010
M.A., Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 2002
Honors B.A., Psychology and Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, 2000