Latest Chan Division News
Students
Eight Trojans win races in 2026 AOTA elections ⟩
February 26, 2026
Alumni Associations and Bodies Students
Election results are latest example of longstanding Trojan service to the national professional association.
Results of the 2026 American Occupation Therapy Association elections are in, and eight USC-affiliated candidates have won their respective races for volunteer leadership positions, the latest in a long line of Trojans serving the national professional association that advances the interests of…
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12 Trojans vying for AOTA elected leadership positions ⟩
February 4, 2026
Alumni Associations and Bodies Faculty Students
One faculty member, three students and eight alums are on this year's ballot, which closes Feb. 25.
Editor's note: Results of the elections were announced on Feb. 26, with eight candidates winning their respective elections — congratulations! Voting in the annual elections of the American Occupational Therapy Association is now open! This year's ballot includes 12 USC Trojan Family members —…
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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 Herman 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…
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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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New study demonstrates impact of interprofessional collaboration on health sciences education and practice ⟩
August 26, 2024
Chan in the Media Clinical Community and Partners Health and Wellness Students
Faculty member Ashley Halle quoted in article about USC's Interprofessional Education and Collaboration for Geriatrics program on education and care for complex health care needs of older adults.
By Michele Carroll / USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work One of the values of the IECG program is that students learn essential cross-disciplinary skills and assessments they can provide to patients in their own clinical practices. They also learn about other health sciences-based…
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Belonging and camouflaging while Black, female and autistic ⟩
July 10, 2024
Autism Community and Partners Research Students
New article explores how occupational science might reconcile authentic belonging and autistic camouflaging among intersectional populations.
By Mike McNulty First author and occupational science PhD candidate Marshae Franklin OTD ’21, PhD ’26 (Photo courtesy of Marshae Franklin) To what extent does a person truly “fit in,” when fitting in requires hiding parts of one’s authentic self? What disruptions arise at the juncture…
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USC-PKUHSC Dual-Degree OTD Monthly Seminars: Fall 2023 Semester Recap ⟩
December 11, 2023
China Initiative Community and Partners International Students
The third cohort from Peking University Health Science Campus (PKUHSC) kicked off their first semester at USC Chan with the fall series of monthly seminars hosted by the China Initiative team to facilitate the application of their experiences in the United States to different contexts in China.
The China Initiative team hosted the fall series of monthly seminars for the USC-PKUHSC dual-degree cohort 3 students with a unique focus on connecting their learning journey in the United States to their future practice in China. The purpose of these seminars was to support their mixed-track OTD…
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Holistic approach to educational program admissions increases future workforce diversity ⟩
December 7, 2023
Academics and Courses Diversity, Access, Equity Students
Implementation and outcomes of USC Chan’s holistic admission practices explained in new American Journal of Occupational Therapy editorial.
By Mike McNulty USC Chan's holistic admissions model. (Copyright 2023, USC Chan) An editorial published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy details the USC Chan Division’s approach to holistic admissions, the gold-standard processes for reviewing and admitting professional program…
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The First China Initiative Community Reunion ⟩
October 13, 2023
China Initiative Community and Partners International Students
The China Initiative team hosted the first virtual reunion with the USC-PKUHSC dual-degree students and graduates, as well as previous China Initiative OTD residents, celebrating a growing community of professionals advancing OT in China.
Last week, the USC China Initiative celebrated a heartwarming reunion, bringing together students, educators, and professionals in a special virtual gathering. Hosted by the China Initiative team, the event demonstrated the strong and supportive community that has grown out of the unique partnership…
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Celebrating Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month ⟩
October 12, 2023
Diversity, Access, Equity Faculty Students
To celebrate National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, observed every Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, USC Chan students and faculty members explain what the month personally means, about occupations that are influenced by or represent their heritage, and how their identity influences their everyday participation at USC Chan. ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Latinx/Hispana!
Tossho Alba Tossho Alba This month holds great significance to me, as it’s a time to celebrate and honor our rich culture, especially considering my diverse heritage. My mother is from El Salvador and my father is from Mexico, so it’s a moment to appreciate the unique blend of traditions and…
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