Our Members

Research Profile

Dr. Susy Stark is Professor of Public Health, Neurology and Social Work. Her research focuses on how the environment influences the occupational performance and participation of community-dwelling older adults with chronic conditions. The goals of her work are to support aging in place and to prevent falls. She conducts clinical trials and implementation studies among community-dwelling older adults. She also co-directs the TL-1 Predoctoral Training Program at the Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences and the Research Education Component for the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center.

Rebecca Bollinger is a registered and licensed occupational therapist in the Participation, Environment and Performance Laboratory. She holds an OTD from WashU Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Emory University. Rebecca has prior research experience with home modifications and assistive technology for adults and older adults, as well as in family-based behavioral treatments for children and their families. Rebecca serves as the study coordinator and occupational therapist for the Home Hazard Removal Program research study (HARP III) and the Falls and Alzheimer’s disease study (Falls and AD). She coordinated the project on retention of participants in longitudinal studies of Alzheimer’s disease, co-coordinates the Missouri Aging and Disability Research Network (MADRN), and assists with home visits across multiple studies.

Sherdonna Denholm earned her BA from Clayton State University in Atlanta, Ga., and supports day-to-day operations for Dr. Stark and the Participation, Environment and Performance Laboratory. She leads the recruitment efforts for the Community Participation Transition After Stroke research study (COMPASS III) and supports administrative needs across multiple studies. Sherdonna also oversees training efforts for students and their work in the lab and co-directs the Missouri Aging and Disability Research Network (MADRN).