OTD Class of 2026 to Present at National AOTA Conference
Published February 7, 2025
By Darlene Muguiro
UTEP College of Health Sciences
The UTEP Department of Occupational Therapy’s OTD Class of 2026 reached a significant milestone earlier this month, having been notified that the entire cohort was selected to present at the upcoming American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) conference, to be held in April in Philadelphia.
Dr. William Roberts, clinical assistant professor and department chair, said that the outcome was both unexpected and thrilling for students and faculty; it is highly unusual to have such a large number of student projects selected for presentation. While most OTD programs have a research component, the UTEP OTD program is unique in that students are required to complete four research courses, resulting in two group-based research projects.
“Students complete a scoping review in their first semester, and in the three semesters following that, they propose and implement their project, and then disseminate the results,” he said.
Roberts says that while most students are initially intimidated by the idea of conducting research, many actually grow to enjoy the process.
“Our research requirements are challenging for students, but it is amazing to watch the learning and transformation that happens with each student,” he said. “Additionally, this component is vital to our program, as it allows us to engage in scholarship that addresses the needs of our community.”
Ayleen Mena, a student in the 2026 cohort, said that going through the research experience helped her understand how important evidence-based interventions are in the field of occupational therapy. Her group investigated the impact of dementia on cooking skills among individuals living with the condition, and how caregiver burden can potentially impact those individuals continuing to participate in the meaningful activity of food preparation. She says the skills she gained while going through the research process will benefit her as a future clinician.
“Evidence-based interventions help us as clinicians to provide the best quality of care for our patients,” she said. “I believe this will ultimately improve my patients’ outcomes, and I can potentially conduct research that will allow me to grow in my profession.”
Fellow student Maria Sanchez said her group selected bowel and bladder management because it is often overlooked in clinical practice. Through the research process, she realized that OTs need more training in the area because they often feel underprepared when dealing with clients with the conditions. As the group reviewed the bulk of qualitative data they received from current OTs and actual patients, she also realized the true value of the data to clinical practice.
“Listening to clients and understanding their experiences is as important as measurements and numbers, because it gives us insight into their real challenges, needs and perspectives,” she said. “I see how this directly impacts clinical practice, helping individuals receive better care while also supporting professionals in addressing gaps in knowledge.”
Leslie Martinez and her peers explored occupational therapy’s role in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs), an area of the profession that she admits she had no previous knowledge of. As the team was going through the scoping review, they revealed a gap in the literature surrounding the role of OTs and how other healthcare professionals utilize OT services in the setting. Ultimately, the team discovered that the profession is often underutilized in NICUs and suggested a need for further research to develop guidelines outlining the scope of practice in the setting.
“OTs can address many areas of occupation that are essential for improving health and overall quality of life for PICU patients, going beyond traditional methods of treatment to take on a holistic approach and address mental, emotional and social resilience,” she said.
Martinez said she now feels comfortable in quantitative and qualitative research analyses, as well as dissecting research articles to find valuable information for her practice. She believes that research not only informs practice, but also supports OTs’ roles in the healthcare field.
“This experience has made me aware of the gaps and barriers affecting our profession and how they can be addressed through research,” she said. “I am motivated to continue pursuing research to educate myself and others through my schoolwork and as a future clinician.”
The 2026 OTD cohort will present the below posters at the April conference:
“A Caregiver’s Perspective on Cooking with their Loved One with Dementia”
Group Members: Diana Cadena, Alexis Feliciano, Evelyn Garibay, Kristen Martinez, Leslie N. Martinez, Ayleen Mena, Victoria Nuñez, Chastidy Urteaga, Daisy Alvarado, Dr. Bill Roberts
“Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Perceptions in Bowel and Bladder Management”
Group Members: Nayeli Acosta, Jeff Arruiza, Jose Cano, Genevierve Joyce Daan, Armando Martinez, Irene Rios, Maria Sanchez, David Roberts, Dr. Bill Roberts, Dr. Daisy Alvarado
“Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Providing Occupational Therapy in the PICU: A Mixed Methods Study”
Group Members: Flor Baltierrez, Caitlyn Brockway, Denisa Felix, Desirae Gomez, Leslie B. Martinez, Dr. Bill Roberts, Dr. Daisy Alvarado
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Go Miners!
For more information about the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, please visit: www.utep.edu/chs/ot.
