Karen McCarthy, OTD, OTR/L

Karen began her career as an occupational therapist participating in the landmark occupational therapy research study, The USC Well Elderly Study II: Health Mediating Effects of the Well Elderly Program. She completed her clinical doctorate in Occupational Therapy at USC in 2008, focusing on the development of the program Lifestyle Redesign® for the College Student. She then moved from Los Angeles to Ireland to teach Mental Health Occupational Therapy at University College Cork, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy from 2012-2016. She started her position at Dominican in Fall 2016, teaching Psychosocial Aspects of Occupation.

Education

University College Cork, Master’s in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education

University College Cork, Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education    

University College Cork, Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education 

University of Southern California, Occupational Therapy Doctorate

University of Southern California, MA, Occupational Therapy 

UC San Diego, BA, Human Development           

Research Interests

Karen's primary research interests include occupational science using qualitative research methods, exploring mental health from lived experience perspectives, dating as an occupation, and college student wellness.

Honors and Awards

• Melba Beals Award for Excellence in Diversity, Dominican University of California, 2019
• Teacher of the Year Award, Dominican University of California, 2018 
• Pi Theta Epsilon honorary member award, Dominican University of California, 2018
• President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, University College Cork, 2014