Latest Chan Division News
USC scientists find a gut-brain link that may affect behavior in children with autism ⟩
April 14, 2025
An imbalance in the microbiome disrupts neurotransmitter production and may manifest as social difficulties and repetitive behaviors.
By Leigh Hopper A new USC study suggests that gut imbalances in children with autism may create an imbalance of metabolites in the digestive system — ultimately disrupting neurotransmitter production and influencing behavioral symptoms. The research, published Monday in Nature Communications, adds…
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Can “social architecture” reverse the loneliness epidemic? ⟩
April 11, 2025
Community and Partners Faculty Students
In the heart of Hollywood, USC Chan’s Joy Agner is studying how the built and social environment can better connect people to each other through occupation.
By Mike McNulty Originally appeared in The Explorer: Journal of USC Student Research published by the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Photo courtesy of Joy Agner Feeling lonely? You’re not alone. Recent surveys show that approximately half of adults in the United States experience loneliness,…
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USC Chan ranked No. 2 in U.S. News’ 2025 rankings ⟩
April 8, 2025
Ranking reflects USC’s high reputation among nationwide peers.
The USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy is ranked the nation’s No. 2 occupational therapy educational program, according to 2025 Best Graduate Schools compiled by U.S. News & World Report. The recognition affirms USC Chan’s steadfast commitment to excellence across…
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Nine faculty and alumni to receive AOTA, AOTF awards ⟩
March 20, 2025
Alumni Associations and Bodies Awards Conferences Faculty
Nine USC faculty members and alumni will receive annual awards presented by the American Occupational Therapy Association and American Occupational Therapy Foundation during the association's annual conference, which runs from April 3–5 in Philadelphia. Leah Stein Duker Assistant Professor Leah…
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PhD candidate Franklin receives AOTF Kielhofner Award ⟩
February 7, 2025
Associations and Bodies Autism Awards Research Students
$5,000 award will support qualitative and participatory approach to expand "belonging" theory in occupational therapy.
By Mike McNulty Occupational science PhD candidate Marshae Franklin OTD ’21, PhD ’26 (Photo courtesy of Marshae Franklin) Occupational science PhD candidate Marshae Franklin OTD ’21, PhD ’26 was named the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship in Occupational…
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In memoriam: Elizabeth June Yerxa, 94 ⟩
January 21, 2025
Former chair of the USC Department of Occupational Therapy and founder of the research discipline of occupational science.
By Professor Emeritus Florence Clark Dr. Elizabeth June Yerxa ’52, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California (USC) Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, died on Dec. 18, 2024. She was 94. Dr. Yerxa was a remarkable woman: an…
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Wildfire Resources and Relief ⟩
January 15, 2025
Alumni Community and Partners Faculty
Help support Trojans in need in the aftermath of the southern California wildfires.
The damage and devastation caused by the southern California wildfires is tragic, and they have immediately impacted members of our USC Chan family. But in the face of this heartbreak, the USC Chan Trojan Family is working together in a number of ways to connect people to resources and support to…
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New $5.5 million NIH-funded study to test whether sensory adaptations can ease children’s dental fears and anxieties ⟩
November 25, 2024
Community and Partners Faculty Research
Study led by Leah Stein Duker in partnership with Children's Hospital Los Angeles extends Sensory Adapted Dental Environment research line begun in 2011.
By Mike McNulty (Adobe Stock) A new study funded by more than $5.5 million in NIH grants will test whether a Sensory Adapted Dental Environment (SADE) — a novel intervention that provides soothing visual, auditory and tactile input within the dental clinic environment — can reduce anxiety and…
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Twelve Trojans receive OTAC annual awards ⟩
November 11, 2024
Alumni Associations and Bodies Awards Conferences
The awards were announced during the association's annual conference in Pasadena in early November.
OTAC 2024 Conference attendees celebrate during the Trojan Family Reception (Photo courtesy of Christine Sebastian) Twelve Trojans have been named recipients of annual awards presented by the Occupational Therapy Association of California, a non-profit professional society that represents the…
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Emily Rothman is recipient of 2024 Patricia Buehler Legacy Award for Clinical Innovation ⟩
October 24, 2024
Rothman is a public health researcher with several projects focused on autism as informed by a neurodiversity perspective and conducted in partnership with autistic people.
Emily Rothman (Photo by Anna Glenn) Emily Rothman, professor and chair of the Occupational Therapy Department at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, was awarded the division’s 2024 Patricia Buehler Legacy Award for Clinical Innovation. Rothman delivered…
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