![Rachel Proffitt](https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Proffitt-Rachel-450x450-1-300x300.jpg)
OTD, OTR/L
Associate Chair for Research in Occupational Therapy and Associate Professor
Principal Investigator, VR-Augmented Rehab Lab
Research at a glance
Research Topics
Research Summary
Dr. Proffitt's research aims to improve the health and well-being of adults and older adults through the use of smart, home-based technology.
Educational background
- Postdoctoral Fellow – 2014, University of Southern California
- Certificate in Clinical, Biomedical, and Translational Investigations- 2013, University of Southern California
- OTD – 2010, Washington University, St. Louis
- BS – 2007, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College
Classes taught
- OC THR 5110- Introduction to Evidence Based Practice
- OC THR 5230- Application of Evidence Based Practice
- OC THR 5350- Proposal Development
Membership in professional organizations
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
- Missouri Occupational Therapy Association
- International Society for Virtual Rehabilitation
- Pi Theta Epsilon
Professional service
- Missouri Representative- AOTA Representative Assembly
- Chair- ACRM Technology Networking Group
- Board Member- International Society for Virtual Rehabilitation
- Chair- Persons with Disabilities Committee, MU Campus
- Research Committee Chair- MU School of Health Professions
- Curriculum Committee Member- MU OT Department
- Scholarship Committee Chair- MU OT Department
- Faculty Advisor- Pi Theta Epsilon Honor Society, MU OT Department
Awards and honors
- 2020- Young Investigator Award in Post-Acute Stroke Rehabilitation, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
- 2019- 6th Place Overall Poster, RehabWeek, Toronto, Canada
- 2018- Best Paper Award, 12th International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality, and Associated Technologies
- 2018- Early Career Award, Second Place, International Society for Virtual Rehabilitation
- 2017- Early Career Reviewer (BMIO), Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health
- 2015- Training in Grantsmanship for Rehabilitation Research (TIGRR) workshop attendee, Medical University of South Carolina
- 2010- Excellence in Student Research Award, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis
- 2007- Ben Vereen Scholarship in Occupational Therapy, Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis
- 2007- Phi Beta Kappa, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College
Research summary
The goal of my research is to improve the health and well-being of adults and older adults through the use of smart, home-based technology.
Selected publications
- Scholarly activity may be viewed in Dr. Proffitt’s Curriculum Vitae.
In the news
![](https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Bill-Janes_965x643.jpg)
Apr. 19, 2024
Leveraging technology to benefit people living with ALS
![](https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AOTA_480x270.jpg)
Mar. 18, 2024
Mizzou OT at AOTA Inspire Conference and Expo
![](https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MU_UnitSig_OccupationalTherapy_rgb_std_vert-1024x542.png)
Jul. 20, 2023
Mizzou OT faculty publish numerous textbooks
![Rachel Proffitt](https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Proffitt-Rachel-480x270-1.jpg)
Jul. 10, 2023
Rachel Proffitt elected to ACRM Board
![](https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MU_UnitSig_OccupationalTherapy_rgb_std_vert-1024x542.png)
Apr. 14, 2023
Mizzou OT at AOTA Inspire Annual Conference and Expo
![A man in blue scrubs helps an elderly woman stretch her arm over her head](https://healthsciences.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Stretching-woman-480x270-1.jpg)
Mar. 8, 2022
A virtual way to rehab from a stroke
![default image](/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mu-stacked-480x270-1.png)
Mar. 30, 2020