معرفی
Martha Sanders is a Professor of Occupational Therapy at Quinnipiac University within the College of Health Sciences. She is a certified professional ergonomist and ALA Lighting Specialist with extensive clinical and research expertise in ergonomics, circadian lighting, sleep health, community wellness, and low vision rehabilitation. She chairs the university's ergonomics committee and coordinates the master's Capstone programs.
Areas of Expertise:
- Wellness and Lifestyle Medicine
- Community and Public Health
- Occupational Medicine and Ergonomics
- Vision Rehabilitation and Low Vision
- Environmental Design for Health
Her research focuses on the impact of lighting environments on sleep, mood, and circadian health, particularly among college students and older adults. She has led initiatives in health promotion for children and seniors, including low vision programs and oral health outreach in the Bahamas. She also founded a local TOPSoccer program and volunteers in adapted skiing and Lions Low Vision initiatives.
Her recent publications and presentations emphasize circadian lighting, sleep interventions, and environmental ergonomics. Trends in her scholarly output show a strong interdisciplinary focus on the intersection of occupational therapy, environmental design, and public health, with increasing emphasis on lighting as a modifiable health factor.
Scientific Awards and Honors:
- Lifetime Achievement Award, American Occupational Therapy Association (2019–2020)
- Fellow, American Occupational Therapy Association (2021)
- Sigma Xi Lectureship Subsidy Grant (2019–2020)
- Board Certification in Professional Ergonomics (2020)
- Professional Certification in Lighting Design, Mt. Sinai (2022)
- Professional Certificate in Interior Lighting Design, Parsons (2024)
- American Lighting Association Lighting Specialist
Dr. Sanders has secured grant funding, including support from the Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works Impact Fund. She mentors students through Capstone programs and has contributed to curriculum development in research, administration, and knowledge translation. She teaches OT 511 (Administration) and OT 550 (Research Methods).
She is actively involved in community-engaged research and service, working with institutions like Tunxis Community College and Masonicare’s Ashlar Village to promote intergenerational wellness and adaptive programming. Her lab and research team focus on feasibility studies of lighting interventions and health promotion strategies.
