Alumni

Audrey Keleman recently completed the Rehabilitation and Participation Science PhD program under the mentorship of Dr. Susy Stark. She also holds an MSOT from WashU Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Youngstown State University. Audrey recently received the Poletsky Award, which aims to enhance the career development of a promising student or fellow working toward a career focusing on aging and dementia, from the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center. Audrey will complete her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver, Colo., continuing her research on falls and functional cognition in early Alzheimer’s disease.

Angela is an OTD student who was born in South Korea. She moved to California when she was 8 years old and graduated from UCLA in 2020 with a degree in psychobiology. Angela became interested in caring for older adults as her grandparents became older. She realized that she had never paid attention to the risks that older adults have living at home and being out in the community, or how an environment that is best suited for them can help. Angela hopes that her training will help older adults have a move comfortable home environment in the near future.

Noah is an OTD student from Cedar Rapids/Marion, Ia. He graduated from the University of Iowa and earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human physiology with a certificate in disability studies. Growing up, Noah spent a lot of time with his grandparents and helped them around their home. He noticed that some of the problems they ran into could not be solved without additional help from medical professionals or home modifications. It was that experience that inspired him to seek work with the older adult population, specifically with older adults who want to age in place safely.

Amy Osterbaan is an OTD student from Grand Rapids, Mich. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Hope College in Holland, Mich., where she majored in psychology and exercise science and minored in religion. Amy enjoys spending time outside, especially hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing and playing tennis. Amy is looking forward to learning more about occupational therapy research and how research can have a valuable clinical impact.