Susan L. Stark

Susan L. Stark is a Professor of Occupational Therapy, Neurology, and Social Work at the School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis. Her research focuses on clinical and translational studies to promote aging in place through environmental interventions, fall prevention, and community-based clinical trials. She is also involved in mentoring students and directing research programs such as the TL1 Predoctoral Training program and the Research Education Program for the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center.

Education:

• PhD in Environment and Behavior Science, University of Missouri-Columbia (1998)
• MS in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine (1989)
• BS in Exercise and Health Science, Alma College (1988)

Research Interests:

• Environmental modifications to enhance daily activity performance
• Implementation of evidence-based interventions
• Reducing caregiver burden and health system reliance
• Fall prevention strategies in older adults

Publications: Dr. Stark has authored numerous articles on home modification interventions, fall prevention, and Alzheimer’s disease. Her recent work includes evaluations of stroke recovery interventions and genetic studies related to dementia.

Awards: Notable honors include the 2024 William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award (Top Ten Finalist), 2022 Meritorious Service Award from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, and multiple research excellence awards.

Teaching/Grants: She teaches in the Occupational Therapy program and serves on the Beyond Boundaries advisory board. Her grants support initiatives like the Home Hazards Removal Program (HARP) and the Removing Environmental Barriers to Independent Living (REBIL) study.

Labs/Teams: Director of the Participation, Environment and Performance Laboratory, collaborating on projects to improve occupational performance and community participation for older adults with disabilities.