Downstate OT Team Shares Research at International Conferences
By Office of the President | May 19, 2026
Suzanne Rappaport, OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor and Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PP-OTD)
Program Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Program, is gaining national and international
recognition for research examining occupational therapy education and clinical practice
related to whole-person care.
Over the past year, Dr. Rappaport and three occupational therapy master’s students presented their research at the New York State Occupational Therapy Association (NYSOTA) Conference last fall, the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, in early spring, and most recently as a short course presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Conference in Anaheim, California.
The students’ participation at the AOTA Conference was supported through STRIDES funding, which enabled them to travel to Anaheim and present alongside Dr. Rappaport before a national audience of occupational therapy educators, clinicians, researchers, and students.
The presentations generated meaningful discussion among conference attendees and highlighted the importance of preparing healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based, culturally responsive care across diverse patient identities, experiences, and healthcare needs.
Following one session, an attendee shared her personal experience pursuing doctoral research related to equity-informed clinical practices. She explained that institutional constraints had forced her to shift the focus of her original project to complete her degree. The interaction reinforced for Dr. Rappaport and her students the importance of academic environments that encourage thoughtful inquiry, professional dialogue, and continued research in evolving areas of healthcare practice.
Dr. Rappaport expressed appreciation for the institutional support that allowed students to participate in national and international scholarly forums and contribute to important conversations within the occupational therapy profession.
The project reflects Downstate’s commitment to supporting student scholarship, faculty mentorship, and evidence-based healthcare education that prepares future clinicians to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
In addition to her faculty leadership role at Downstate, Dr. Rappaport serves on the NYSOTA Board of Trustees and on AOTA’s Commission on Education. Her scholarship continues to advance occupational therapy education and practice while creating meaningful opportunities for student research and professional development.
By supporting faculty-led research and student participation at major professional conferences, Downstate continues to foster an academic environment where scholarship, dialogue, and professional development can thrive.