Amber Bianca Armstead

Dr. Amber Armstead is an Associate Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator in the Division of Occupational Therapy-Hybrid at the Medical University of South Carolina's College of Health Professions. She holds a Doctor of Public Health (UT Health Science Center), Master of Occupational Therapy (UT Medical Branch), and BS in Community Health/Biology (UT San Antonio). Her clinical expertise spans adult neurorehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, and community health promotion for marginalized populations.

Her research focuses on reducing health disparities through occupation-based interventions, particularly examining chronic HIV management, neurodegenerative conditions, and community-based wellness programs in underserved populations. She employs mixed-methods approaches to explore self-management strategies for aging populations.

Dr. Armstead's publications demonstrate consistent themes in neurorehabilitation, health equity, and educational methodologies. Her recent work emphasizes multiple sclerosis interventions, HIV-related functional outcomes, and diversity in occupational therapy education.

• Trailblazer of the Year: Women’s Resource Group, UTMB (2024)
• Kenneth Ottenbacher Award for Junior Faculty Research (2023)
• Leadership Excellence, Stellar Awards (2021-2022)
• Early Educator Award (2020)
• Star Award for Professionalism (2020)
• Delta Omega & Pi Theta Epsilon Honor Societies

She mentors extensively, advising 45+ doctoral students on capstone projects addressing community health, cultural competence, and neurorehabilitation. Current grants include:

• Co-I: $685,876 HRSA grant for healthcare workforce diversity (2023-2027)
• Co-I: $150,946 VA grant for rehabilitation coordination (2025-2026)
• PI: $20,801 pilot on wellness programming in subsidized housing

She directs community initiatives like Project LEAF (HIV wellness) and partners with Lazarus House/Holland House through student fieldwork programs. Professional affiliations include AOTF STRIDE Committee, COTAD, and National Black OT Caucus.