From Foundations to Patient Care, OT Class of 2026 Reaches a Defining Milestone
By Office of the President | Apr 28, 2026
The Occupational Therapy Program’s Master’s Project Day and White Coat Ceremony at Downstate marks a fundamental shift as students move from research and academic preparation into clinical practice.
This year’s program aligned with the School of Health Professions’ 60th anniversary. Occupational therapy is one of the School’s two founding programs (physical therapy being the other program), reflecting its original focus on function, independence, and quality of life.
Krystal Brewington, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM, CHT
Efekona Nuwere, OTD, OTR/L
Allen N. Lewis, Jr., Ph.D., CRC
Krystal Brewington, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM, CHT, Assistant Professor and Master’s Project Sequence Coordinator, led the opening of the academic portion of the program. Under the leadership of Program Chair Efekona Nuwere, OTD, OTR/L, the Class of 2026 presented ten master’s projects developed through sustained study, collaboration, and revision.
School of Health Professions dean Allen N. Lewis, Jr., Ph.D., CRC, emphasized the role of research in clinical practice, noting that clinicians must be able to interpret and apply evidence to meet evolving standards of care.
The presentations examined digital access to therapy services, strategies to support older adults aging in place, and approaches to strengthening executive functioning in school settings. Other projects addressed how families navigate complex care systems, as well as interventions related to sensory processing, caregiver training, and participation in daily activities across diverse populations. Each presentation connected research findings to clinical application, outlining practical approaches for real-world settings.
The White Coat Ceremony marked the transition to clinical training. At the School of Health Professions, the ceremony marks the transition from classroom learning to patient care.
Alumna keynote speaker Lyanna Rook, OTD, MS, OTR/L, MSEd (Class of 2012), spoke about her work in school-based practice. Her focus includes sensory processing,
handwriting, and executive functioning, as well as supporting educators and families.
The Class of 2026 now enters clinical practice, where their training applies directly to patient care and daily living outcomes. At 60 years, the School of Health Professions continues to prepare occupational therapists through programs grounded in both research and practice.
SUNY Downstate Occupational Therapy Program White Coat Ceremony 2026