Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT (she/her)
Dr. Juckett is an assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Division at The Ohio State University. Dr. Juckett’s research focuses on bridging the gap between empirical discoveries and the use of these discoveries in real-world practice settings. Heavily informed by the field of implementation science, Dr. Juckett’s research examines the factors and strategies that influence evidence-based practice adoption, primarily in organizations that serve the older adult population. Specifically, Dr. Juckett’s work aims to develop and test “implementation strategies” that support the use of evidence-based practices in the contexts of (a) stroke rehabilitation and (b) social service systems. Active involvement of community and clinical partners is a hallmark characteristic of Dr. Juckett’s research, resulting in collaborations with local organizations such as Lifecare Alliance and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center – entities that provide valuable health and human services to the older adult community.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Mequeil Howard, OTD, OTR/L (she/her)
Hometown: London, KY
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences PhD Class of 2026
Previous Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Psychological Sciences from Western Kentucky University
Professional Goals: I aspire to work in academia with a research focus in implementation science and school-based occupational therapy.
Melissa Elias (she/her)
Hometown: Centerville, OH
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Class of 2025
Previous Education: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health and Minor in Spanish from Miami University
Professional Goals: Upon graduation, I aspire to work as an occupational therapist to provide the highest quality care tailored to every client. I am passionate about advocacy for those facing disparities in the healthcare system. Specifically, I hope to work closely with the underserved Hispanic population to provide them with the care necessary to engage in meaningful activities and become an active member of their community.
Hometown: Willoughby, OH
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Class of 2025
Previous Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Minor in Spanish from Westminster College
Professional Goals: My experiences have ignited a passion for global/public health and mental health within the scope of occupational therapy. In my future career, I aim to provide care to underserved populations in the holistic and client centered nature that is inherit to occupational therapy.
Hometown: Bartlett, IL
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Class of 2025
Previous Education: Bachelor’s of Health Sciences and Minor in Disability Studies from The Ohio State University
Professional Goals: Upon graduation, I would like to work as an occupational therapist aiding clients in finding and engaging in meaningful occupations throughout the lifespan. I am particularly interested in addressing the cognitive, behavioral, and sensory needs of clients. I am passionate about advocacy within the healthcare field and aspire to create inclusive environments for all.
Julia Buschbacher (she/her)
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Current degree: The Ohio State University Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Class of 2026
Previous education: Master’s in Gerontological Studies from Miami University; Bachelors of Science in Education in Kinesiology and minor in Public Health from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Professional goals: Upon graduation, I aspire to work as a geriatric occupational therapist in clinical and/or community-based settings. I am interested in OT’s scope of practice for productive aging (Alzheimer’s/dementia, caregiving, fall prevention, home modifications, driving/community mobility, and health management, maintenance, and wellness).
Marissa Horn (she/her)
Hometown: Urbana, OH
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Class of 2026, The Ohio State University; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences PhD Class of 2029
Previous Education: Bachelor’s of Health Sciences from The Ohio State University
Professional Goals: Upon graduation, I aspire to work in clinical and academia settings focusing on older adults. My special interests include advocacy for productive aging and mental health within the geriatric population.
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Degree Program: Ohio State University, Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Class of 2026
Previous Education: Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience, Minor in Aging and Adult Life from Grand Valley State University
Professional Goals: As I work toward becoming an occupational therapist, I have developed a strong passion with working with older adults in clinical settings such as in acute care or inpatient rehabilaition following stroke, falls, or other health conditions resulting in changes in functioning. I am eager to work more closely with this population and learn more about how OT can best support individuals as they age.
Alexandra Coyne (she/her)
Hometown: Powell, OH
Degree Program: The Ohio State University; Doctor of Occupational Therapy Class of 2027
Previous Education: Bachelor’s of Health Sciences and Minor in Disability Studies at The Ohio State University
Professional Goals: As a result of my educational, professional, and personal experiences, I have an intimate understanding of the diverse backgrounds and needs my patients will have. This includes not only the various disabilities but also the associated microaggressions that come with it in a society built by and for neurotypical and able-bodied people. As a future occupational therapist, I will use my prior experiences to drive activism for the disability community through research, directly helping my patients’ overall joy, and advocating for equity on behalf of my patients. Particularly, I am interested in the older adult, neurorehabilitation, and developmental disabilities population.