Simone Gill

Simone Gill, PhD, OT, OTR, FAOTA, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy and the BU School of Medicine at Boston University. She serves as the Director of the Motor Development Laboratory, focusing on how body composition and environmental factors influence motor functioning across the lifespan. Her research integrates biomechanical and ecological approaches to study gait adaptation, particularly in populations affected by obesity and neurological conditions. Dr. Gill holds advanced degrees in Psychology and Occupational Therapy from Carnegie Mellon University, Tufts University, and New York University.

Her research interests emphasize the interplay between obesity, motor control, and fall risk mitigation, with applications in pediatric and adult populations. She investigates innovative interventions using wearable technology and spatiotemporal gait analysis to enhance mobility and reduce health disparities. Dr. Gill also advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration in rehabilitation science, reflected in her leadership roles in organizations like the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Notable awards include the AOTA Fellowship (2020), the AOTF Meritorious Service Award (2022), and the 2024 Leadership Commendation. Her academic contributions span teaching graduate courses in evidence-based practice, motor analysis, and doctoral project design, fostering clinical reasoning and professional development among occupational therapy students.

Dr. Gill’s Motor Development Laboratory explores translational research to optimize health outcomes in early childhood and create interventions targeting obesity-related fall risks. Current projects include virtual assessments for neurodevelopmental disorders and fall prevention strategies for marginalized populations with HIV and substance use.