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Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student & Research Associate, Health & Productive Aging Lab
Tufts University
I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Sarah Lubic is an Occupational Therapy clinical doctoral student at Tufts University, pending graduation in May 2022. She is currently completing her research capstone experience at the Health and Productive Aging Lab at Tufts under mentorship from Elizabeth Marfeo, PhD, MPH, OTR/L. Her research focuses on the impact of stroke on social and leisure participation in older adults. She collaborates with peers at the Health and Productive Aging Lab to research the impact of arthritis on social and leisure participation as well as the feasibility and prospective educational outcomes of journal clubs in professional OT education. Her primary research interests include variables that influence healthy aging, the impact of social participation on mental health and wellbeing, and interventions for improving community mobility and reducing social isolation in aging populations.
Sarah completed her two fieldwork experiences in Massachusetts, first at the Bedford VA Hospital Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) and then at Riverside Behavioral Health Day Treatment Center. As a fieldwork student at the Bedford GRECC, Sarah conducted life history interviews with veterans experiencing cognitive decline as part of a national VA program titled “My Life My Story.” She used her clinical interviewing skills as well as her skills in modifying interview environments and grading questions to obtain rich life histories from the veterans. She then added their narratives to their medical charts to improve connection with their providers. She and her fellow OT-fieldwork student collected program fidelity data and presented their work to a virtual GRECC research conference. At the Day Treatment Center, Sarah ran groups for adults with psychiatric disabilities. Her groups focused on life skills development, community participation, dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness skills, and health and wellness. She also managed services for several clients. She and her fellow OT-fieldwork student designed a website and orientation manual for new clients and clinicians at the facility.
Sarah received the Berkenstein scholarship as well as the Occupational Therapy scholarship at Tufts. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont where she majored in Exercise and Movement Science. At UVM, she received the Presidential scholarship and was an active student in the Honors College. Her undergraduate thesis focused on disordered eating in collegiate club sport athletes. She hopes to continue her role as an evidence-based clinician and avid learner by expanding her work in underserved populations to better understand how rehabilitation professionals can address health disparities and promote wellness across the lifespan.
