Laura Novak

Laura Novak is an Assistant Professor in the Mayborn College of Health Sciences at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB), where she contributes to occupational therapy education and research. She holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Creighton University and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center (2000)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Creighton University (2016)

Laura Novak has over 25 years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist, with expertise in treating adults with neurological, cardiopulmonary, and orthopedic conditions across acute care, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing, outpatient, and home health settings. Since 2016, her focus has shifted toward dementia care, emphasizing evidence-based interventions for behavioral and psychological symptoms and supporting families and care partners. She previously worked at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio, contributing to programs at the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, including outpatient, home-based, and multi-specialty clinics.

Her research interests include developing evidence-based programs for persons living with dementia and improving educational strategies for healthcare students preparing to work with this population. While no publications are listed in the provided text, her work appears to bridge clinical innovation with academic training in occupational therapy.

Scientific Awards:

Laura Novak is certified in Gerontology by the American Occupational Therapy Association. She teaches courses such as Foundations of Occupation: Neuroscience, Occupational Performance: Neuro I and II, Evidence-Based Practice I and II, Therapeutic Process, Case-Based Special Topics, and Integrative Project I–III. There is no indication of advising students or securing grants in the available text. She does not appear to be associated with any specific lab or research team in the provided information.