Polly Kellner

Polly Kellner is a Clinical Research Specialist at the University of Southern California (USC) Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis (2016) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Educational Studies from Carleton College (2014). Her research focuses on optimizing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environments through sensory interventions, particularly the Supporting and Enhancing NICU Sensory Experiences (SENSE) program. She investigates how parental involvement and sensory exposures impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants, as well as barriers and facilitators to program implementation.

Kellner’s work bridges clinical practice and research, addressing topics such as NICU discharge timing, parent-infant co-occupational engagement, and disparities in early therapy enrollment. Her contributions include refining evidence-based guidelines for multisensory interventions and evaluating the SENSE program’s impact on infant development and parental mental health. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to advance care standards in neonatology and occupational therapy.

Her research highlights the importance of early sensory experiences and family-centered care in mitigating developmental risks for preterm infants. Kellner’s studies emphasize translating research findings into practical strategies for healthcare providers to improve long-term outcomes for infants and families.