Karen McCarthy

Karen McCarthy, OTD, OTR/L serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy within the School of Health and Natural Sciences at Dominican University of California. She began her academic career after participating in the landmark USC Well Elderly Study II research project and has maintained an active research agenda while teaching Psychosocial Aspects of Occupation since joining Dominican in Fall 2016. Dr. McCarthy previously taught Mental Health Occupational Therapy at University College Cork (2012-2016) and currently serves as Chair of the Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Association of California, founding member of OT-U, and board member of The Society for the Study of Occupation (SSO-USA).

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Occupational Science (candidate) - University College Cork & Queen Margaret University
• Master's in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education - University College Cork (2016)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education - University College Cork (2015)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education - University College Cork (2014)
• Occupational Therapy Doctorate - University of Southern California (2008)
• MA, Occupational Therapy - University of Southern California (2004)
• BA, Human Development - University of California San Diego (2002)

Dr. McCarthy's research focuses on occupational science using qualitative methods, with particular interest in mental health from lived experience perspectives, dating as an occupation, college student wellness, and adult play. Her clinical practice spans community mental health, pain management, addiction recovery, dating coaching, and college student wellness programs.

Her recent publications demonstrate a diverse research portfolio examining occupational experiences across varied populations, from Indigenous Filipino tattoo artists to drag performers and occupational therapy students navigating pandemic disruptions. This work reflects her commitment to exploring how occupation shapes identity and well-being across diverse cultural contexts.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Murmuration Award (2023)
• Melba Beals Award for Excellence in Diversity (2019)
• Teacher of the Year Award (2018)
• Pi Theta Epsilon Honorary Member Award (2018)
• President's Award for Excellence in Teaching from University College Cork (2014)

As an active researcher and educator, Dr. McCarthy has secured multiple grants supporting her work in occupational science and serves as a mentor to occupational therapy students. She has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences, contributing significantly to the theoretical foundations of occupational science.

Dr. McCarthy leads initiatives focused on occupational therapy practice with college students through OT-U and contributes to psychiatric occupational therapy standards through her leadership in the Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Association of California. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in mental health and wellness settings.