Latest Chan Division News
USC cancer survivorship: A multidisciplinary effort ⟩
July 7, 2025
Clinical Community and Partners
Teams of USC practitioners offer a broad range of support in areas including mental health, nutritional guidance, physical therapy, stress management and chronic pain.
By Chinyere Cindy Amobi As cancer research and breakthrough treatments help patients live longer, practitioners throughout USC’s health science schools and health system are guiding survivors from diagnosis to treatment to facing their post-care future. Through cancer survivorship programs,…
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Anvarizadeh begins term as president of the American Occupational Therapy Association ⟩
July 1, 2025
Alumni Associations and Bodies Faculty
Faculty member and alumna becomes fifth Trojan to lead the national professional association.
AOTA President Arameh Anvarizadeh (photo by Andre Niesing) Today, Arameh Anvarizadeh officially begins her term as president of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), following her election to the volunteer leadership position in early 2024. The three-year presidential term runs…
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Swati Shah announced as 2025 Commencement speaker ⟩
April 22, 2025
Northern California-based entrepreneur to address Class of 2025 at the division’s May 16 Commencement ceremony.
2025 Commencement keynote speaker Swati Shah Swati Shah, director and founder of Ascend Rehab Services, a pediatric-focused rehabilitation company, will be the keynote speaker at the USC Chan Division's 2025 Commencement ceremony. Ascend Rehab Services employs more than 200 occupational therapists,…
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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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