2021 Keynote Speaker
2021 Keynote Speaker
Dr. Karen McCarthy, OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
KEYNOTE BIO
Dr. McCarthy is an occupational scientist and occupational therapist. Occupational science is the study of humans engaged in occupation, which include all the activities that we want to do, need to do or have to do that provide meaning and purpose to our life. Dr. McCarthy has focused her research on qualitative studies exploring the lived experience of people engaged in diverse occupation. Here most recent studies include: Disruption of academic occupations during COVID-19, Transition in Occupations of Refugees During Resettlement, Environmental Impacts on the Occupational Performance of Non-Binary Individuals, Exploring Voice-Hearer’s Experiences of Romantic and/or Sexual relationships and Chronic Pain and Social Participation for Students in Higher Education. (Selected Works of Karen McCarthy). Her works in progress include Dating as an Occupation for Young Women in Ireland, Transgender Inclusion on College Campuses, the Occupational Experience of Imposter Phenomenon for First Generation College Students, the Occupational Impact of Racism for At-Promise Youth in the Bay Area, and exploring the occupations of Batok traditional Filipinx tattooing and massively multiplayer online role-playing video games. Dr. McCarthy’s clinical experience is in the areas of mental health, lifestyle coaching, college student wellness, and addiction recovery. Her ‘side hustles’ include dating coaching and performing stand-up comedy.
Title: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Research
Summary: Research is a political act and research methods have not always been utilized for the benefit of all. This talk will explore how research, influenced by 'white logic and white methods', has contributed to the systemic exclusion of knowledge. We will strategize how to enhance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in research by increasing representation of diverse groups, ensuring equitable access to knowledge, and dismantling the power imbalance through active participation of research participants.
Key references:
Guajardo, A., Kronenberg, F., & Ramugondo, E. L. (2015). Southern occupational therapies: Emerging identities, epistemologies and practices. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 45(1), 3-10.
Traina, I. (2016). Participatory & Emancipatory Approaches in Disability Research: Possible allies for supporting active citizenship, civil rights and actions of social innovation. Considering Disability Journal, 1(1), 829.
Zuberi, T., & Bonilla-Silva, E. (Eds.). (2008). White logic, white methods: Racism and methodology. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.