Alix G. Sleight

Alix G. Sleight, PhD, OTD, MPH, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She directs the Cancer Survivorship, Health, and Life Transitions (C-SHIFT) Lab, focusing on health outcomes and quality of life during cancer survivorship. Previously, she founded the RISE program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, an occupational therapy-based intervention for cancer survivors. Her research emphasizes personalized health interventions, spiritual well-being, and telehealth applications in oncology. Dr. Sleight holds degrees from USC (PhD in Occupational Science, MPH, OTD/MA in Occupational Therapy) and Wesleyan University (BA in English). She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the NIH’s National Cancer Institute.

Education

• Fellowship: Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, NIH National Cancer Institute (2020)
• Master of Public Health (MPH), University of Southern California (2018)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Science, University of Southern California (2017)
• Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)/Master of Arts (MA) in Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California (2013/2012)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English, Wesleyan University (2006)

Research Focus

Dr. Sleight’s work integrates clinical trials and qualitative studies to address health self-management in cancer survivors. Key areas include:

• Impact of loneliness on cognitive impairment
• Telehealth adoption in oncology rehabilitation
• Spiritual well-being’s role in physical health
• End-of-life care through occupational therapy
• Health disparities in underserved populations

Awards

• NIH Loan Repayment Program Award (2023)
• Cedars-Sinai Cancer Prevention Award (2022)
• Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society (2018)
• USC’s Elizabeth June Yerxa Dissertation Award (2017)

Grants & Advocacy

Her NIH-funded research explores fatigue mechanisms and intervention efficacy. She advocates for expanded telehealth access and reimbursement policies for occupational therapy services in oncology.

Labs & Teams

Directs the C-SHIFT Lab and collaborates with national initiatives like the NCI’s SEER-MHOS program. Engages in interdisciplinary teams addressing pressure injury prevention in spinal cord injury populations.