Brandi Lynne Andreae

Brandi Lynne Andreae is a full-time faculty member and current Director of the Department in the Department of Applied Medicine & Rehabilitation at Indiana State University’s College of Health and Human Services. She earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Master’s in Occupational Therapy, and Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). She has been a key figure in the academic and clinical training of occupational therapy students since joining ISU in 2016, achieving tenure in March 2023.

Education:

• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Post-professional), Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 2019
• M.S. in Occupational Therapy, IUPUI, 2007
• B.S. in Exercise Science, IUPUI, 2005

Her research and educational expertise centers on innovative teaching methods in occupational therapy, particularly simulation-based learning and curriculum scaffolding. She is deeply committed to integrating occupational therapy into primary care and community settings, with a focus on aging populations, dementia caregivers, and individuals transitioning out of foster care. Her work emphasizes client-centered care, experiential learning, and interprofessional collaboration.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend toward pedagogical innovation in OT education, especially the use of simulation and online learning tools. There is a consistent focus on caregiver support, mental health, and expanding the role of OT in primary care. Her scholarship blends clinical insight with educational research, often conducted in collaboration with peers such as Preeti Bakshi and Sarah Durham.

Scientific Awards:

• Promotion and Tenure, Indiana State University (March 2023)

Dr. Andreae has secured numerous grants, including major federal HRSA funding and multiple internal ISU awards, supporting student travel, community engagement, and research initiatives. She has served as principal or co-principal investigator on projects related to CarFit events, simulation curriculum development, advocacy experiences, and experiential learning. She also mentors students and community members through programs like Fostering Hope and the Valley Professional Community Health Center Memory & Aging Clinic.

She is actively involved in university governance, serving on the Faculty Discipline and Dismissal Pool, and has contributed to community wellness and professional development through committee work and outreach. Her leadership in redesigning the OT curriculum and utilizing the state-of-the-art simulation center highlights her commitment to advancing occupational therapy education.