Rachel Knebel

OTD Class of 2023

OTD Program – Research Specialization
Statement of Intent

As a student within the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at Ohio State,
it has been vital to immerse myself in opportunities that would advance my skills and knowledge
as a future clinician. Participation in a Research Specialization at Ohio State is an unsurpassable
opportunity, and my engagement in the specialization will further my education, advance my
skills as a future clinician, and provide a hands-on opportunity to develop a deeper understanding
of the scientific process behind evidence-based practice. Occupational therapy utilizes evidence-
based practice to integrate effective intervention and provision of care within the field to improve
patient outcomes. As a future occupational therapist, it is important for me to understand the
scientific process of how evidence is gathered to guide future research and clinical practice. This
will be my first experience as a member of a research team, and it is important for me to have an
experienced mentor to guide me through this process. My coursework has provided me with
foundational knowledge that will contribute to my success within the specialization. After
completing my first year as an OTD student, coursework has focused on research methodology
and evidence-based practice with opportunities across various coursework to apply skills
relevant to these classes through critical appraisals and intervention planning. If I were to be
accepted within the Research Specialization in Occupational Therapy, then I would have the
opportunity to work towards my personal goals as a future health professional and be involved in
the process to participate in the advancement of research in a field pertinent to my interests.
Within the Research Specialization, my goals are:
1.) Presentation of my research project at a local conference or research forum to
demonstrate clear understanding of the project by effectively communicating with other
professionals
2.) Work collaboratively within a research team
3.) Develop understanding of the IRB approval process as this will be useful in the future
within research
4.) Use databases and other research tools to further my knowledge and understanding of
existing literature relevant to the research topic
5.) Gain experience in data collection practices and ethics involved in working with patients

I have received an opportunity to work as a member of the research team with Janell Pisegna, a
PhD student, and Dr. Jessica Krok-Schoen as an academic advisor throughout the process. The
research project focuses on the provision of mental health services within the inpatient
rehabilitation setting for post-stroke patients. My long-term goal as an occupational therapist is
to work with individuals following stroke and spinal cord injuries, therefore this research project
is pertinent to my interests and goals. By reviewing documentation relevant to mental health
services and gaining perspective from experienced occupational therapists in their clinical
reasoning process, I can advance my own documentation skills and improve future services
pertaining to the delivery of mental health services for my own patients. Thus, I am looking
forward to working alongside Janell Pisegna and Dr. Jessica Krok-Schoen on this project that
will improve future care provided to stroke patients within the field of occupational therapy, and
I hope that my involvement within this project will contribute to success within the Research
Specialization.