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University of Southern California
University of Southern California
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
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Ruth Zemke PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Ruth Zemke PhD, OTR, FAOTA

Professor Emeritus of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Ruth Zemke is an internationally recognized leader in the development of occupational science. She received her B.S. degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin. Her M.S. degree as well as her Ph.D. degree are in Human Development from Iowa State University. As Co-Principal Investigator on the USC Well Elderly Project, she utilized her interest in applying concepts of occupational science to occupational therapy practice. Her basic focus remains on understanding the characteristics of occupation, especially the temporal and spatial ones. Recent awards include the USC International Student Assembly Faculty Appreciation Award and the Award of Excellence from the Occupational Therapy Association of California. She has served on the University-wide Faculty Committee on Appointment, Promotion and Tenure committee as well as on the Academic Senate Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Committee and has been a grant reviewer for the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. A national and international presenter, her articles have appeared in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, Allied Health and Behavioral Science, and Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics.

Selected Publications

In Chan News

In the Media