Perspectives Winter/Spring 2018

38 Nova Southeastern University ersity Occupational Therapy Tampa Faculty Members Join Roster of Fellows By Sheila M. Longpré, Ph.D., OTR/L, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical and Community Relations Kurt Hubbard KURT HUBBARD, Ph.D., O.T.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, adjunct professor, and Dennis McCarthy, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, associate professor and director of student affairs and marketing, were awarded Fellow status by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The Roster of Fellows was established in 1973. Fellow status is awarded to occupational therapists who—through their knowledge, expertise, leadership, advocacy, and/or guid- ance—have made a significant contribution over time to the profession, with a measured impact on consumers of occupational therapy services and/or members of the association. As part of the application process, a seven-word statement that directly captures the significant impact of the individual’s contribution is required. This statement is then embedded in the award. Hubbard’s statement is “Innovative Visionary Linking Practice, Research, and Education.” This statement reflects his leadership endeavors and his vision for the future of occupa- tional therapy practice. McCarthy’s statement is “Paving the OT Professional Road Less Traveled,” which reflects his research agenda and community involvement with elderly individuals and transportation. Dennis McCarthy Research Team Links Occupational Engagement with Anxiety Level, Stress, and Mindfulness By Ricardo Carrasco, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Program Director and Professor, Tampa Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level and Doctor of Occupational Therapy Programs A TEAM OF researchers* from the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.) Program in Tampa wanted to know if engagement in a mindful activity influenced a person’s anxiety and stress level. After reviewing the literature on mindfulness, anxiety, and stress levels, the team designed a pretest/posttest research project to attempt to answer its question. The research subjects comprised 32 O.T.D. students who had just completed lessons in ikebana—the researchers’ selected mindful activity or research intervention. Ikebana is the ancient Japanese tradition of arranging flowers. To accomplish the stated purpose of their study, the researchers measured cortisol levels (stress) and collected responses to a self- report structured interview (anxiety).