Bobbi Pineda

Dr. Bobbi Pineda is an Associate Professor at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She specializes in neonatal care, particularly focusing on preterm infants' neurodevelopmental outcomes, feeding challenges, and sensory interventions in NICU environments. Her research emphasizes optimizing care through programs like the SENSE program, designed to enhance parent-delivered sensory experiences for infants. Dr. Pineda holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Florida (2006) and has contributed extensively to understanding the impact of NICU care on long-term infant and family outcomes. She has authored numerous studies on neonatal feeding, neurobehavioral assessments, and the role of sensory-based interventions in improving developmental trajectories.

Education:

• PhD in Rehabilitation Science, University of Florida, 2006
• MHS in Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, 1994
• BHS in Occupational Therapy, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 1992

Research Interests: Dr. Pineda’s work centers on improving outcomes for high-risk infants and their families. Her research explores factors influencing neurodevelopmental outcomes, such as NICU environmental conditions, medical interventions, and parental engagement. Key areas include neonatal feeding assessment (Neonatal Eating Outcome Assessment), sensory stimulation protocols (SENSE program), and the long-term effects of prematurity on cognitive, motor, and sensory development.

Publications: Her recent work highlights trends in optimizing NICU care through evidence-based practices, telehealth integration, and workforce analysis. Studies emphasize the importance of early intervention, parental education, and tailored sensory interventions to mitigate developmental risks.

Grants & Mentorship: Dr. Pineda actively mentors students and collaborates on grants to advance neonatal therapy practices. Her work aims to bridge clinical care and research, ensuring interventions are both effective and accessible.

Labs/Teams: She leads initiatives like the SENSE program and collaborates on projects analyzing NICU environments and telehealth models to improve care delivery.