Renee Causey-Upton

Renee Causey-Upton serves as Associate Professor, Associate Chair, and Graduate Coordinator at Eastern Kentucky University, with office in Dizney Building 103. Her contact details include email renee.causey-upton@eku.edu and phone 859-622-3300.

Her educational background is extensive:

• Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kentucky
• O.T.D., Chatham University
• M.S.O.T., Eastern Kentucky University
• B.S.O.S., Eastern Kentucky University

Dr. Causey-Upton's research spans critical areas in occupational therapy and rehabilitation. She investigates preoperative education and discharge readiness for surgical patients, particularly those undergoing total knee replacement. Her work in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation addresses clinical interventions for heart and lung conditions. Additionally, she examines clinical reasoning development in occupational therapy students and the impact of perfectionism on psychosocial outcomes in rehabilitation education. These interests reflect a commitment to enhancing both patient care and professional training.

Analysis of her recent publications (2018-2023) reveals a consistent focus on orthopaedic rehabilitation, with six studies centered on total knee replacement. Her research employs interdisciplinary methods, collaborating with nursing and allied health professionals to explore preoperative education, discharge planning, and student mental health. The trend shows increasing emphasis on psychosocial factors in rehabilitation outcomes, particularly through her 2023 pilot study on perfectionism.

Her distinguished awards include:

• APEX Grand Award for Publication Excellence (Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 2024)
• AOTA Roster of Fellows Award (FAOTA, 2023)
• AOTA Credentialed Leader in Academia (CLA, 2022)

In her role as Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Causey-Upton provides academic leadership and student mentorship. While specific grant funding isn't detailed in the provided text, her extensive publication record and professional recognition suggest successful research support. She actively contributes to curriculum development and faculty mentoring through her CLA designation and leadership in occupational therapy education.

Though no dedicated laboratory is mentioned, her collaborative research with colleagues across multiple institutions indicates active participation in interdisciplinary teams focused on orthopaedic rehabilitation and occupational therapy education.