Lisa Burns

Lisa Burns, PhD, OTR/L, serves as an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Mary Baldwin University. With over 25 years of clinical experience focusing on older adults and rehabilitation team management, she integrates practical expertise into her academic role, having previously served as an Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and instructor for courses including kinesiology and pathology.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Human Development (specialization: higher education) from Marywood University (2013), recipient of the William G. McGowan Medal for Excellence in Doctoral Studies
• Master of Theology from the University of Scranton, awarded the Frank O’Hara Award for Academic Excellence
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with honors from Indiana University

Dr. Burns' research examines interprofessional competency development, leadership formation in healthcare, and outcomes assessment of entry-level Occupational Therapy doctoral capstone experiences. She actively contributes to professional discourse through national and regional presentations on interprofessional identity and educational best practices.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• William G. McGowan Medal for Excellence in Doctoral Studies
• Frank O’Hara Award for Academic Excellence

In academic service, Dr. Burns mentors doctoral students through capstone projects and coordinates fieldwork placements. As a U.S. Army veteran engaged with professional occupational therapy organizations, she emphasizes service-oriented leadership development within healthcare education.