Julia Wilbarger

Julia Wilbarger, PhD, OTR/L, is an Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Department within the School of Health and Natural Sciences at Dominican University of California. She joined the faculty in 2013 as a full-time member and has a background in both occupational therapy practice and research. Her clinical experience includes work in early intervention with high-risk infants, public schools, private practice, and as a clinical specialist in sensory integration at The Children's Hospital in Denver.

Education

• PhD in Developmental Psychology (specialization: Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience), University of Denver
• MA in Developmental Psychology, University of Denver
• MS in Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Sargent College of Allied Health Professions
• BA in Psychology, University of California, Berkeley

Research Interests

Dr. Wilbarger's research centers on affective and sensory processing across clinical populations, with primary focus on children's sensory modulation disorders and integration. Her current work validates mechanisms of sensory defensiveness while employing practice-based evidence to evaluate intervention efficacy. This research bridges neuroscience and occupational therapy to address sensory processing challenges in developmental contexts.

Scientific Awards

• Advisor to the Korean Association for Sensory Integration
• Polish Sensory Integration Society, Honorary Member
• Pi Theta Epsilon, Occupational Therapy Honor Society
• Virginia Scardina Award of Excellence (American Occupational Therapy Foundation)
• Service Award (American Occupational Therapy Association)

Advising and Grants

While serving as advisor to the Korean Association for Sensory Integration, no specific graduate student mentoring or research grant details are provided in the source material. Her practice-based evidence research approach suggests applied clinical funding sources, though explicit grants are unmentioned.

Labs and Teams

The text indicates clinical research activities but provides no specific information about laboratories, dedicated research teams, or collaborative groups led by Dr. Wilbarger.