Tracy Van Oss

Tracy Van Oss is a Professor and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Quinnipiac University’s School of Health Sciences. She holds a Doctor of Health Science (DHS) from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Public Health (MPH) and BS from Southern Connecticut State University, and a certificate in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University. She is a certified Community Health Education Specialist (CHES), a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA), and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE).

• Doctor of Health Science (DHS), Nova Southeastern University
• Master of Public Health (MPH), Southern Connecticut State University
• Bachelor of Science (BS), Southern Connecticut State University
• Certificate in Occupational Therapy, Quinnipiac University

Dr. Van Oss’s research centers on health promotion, experiential learning, simulation in healthcare education, and community engagement. She actively involves students in research, publishing, and conference presentations, emphasizing leadership and real-world application. Her work often focuses on underserved populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness and older adults, using innovative methods such as photovoice and simulation.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in using simulation and experiential learning to enhance healthcare education, promoting wellness among college students, addressing social determinants of health, and expanding occupational therapy’s role in community and home-based care. She frequently collaborates across institutions and disciplines, particularly in advancing the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).

Notable scientific awards and recognitions include:

• Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA)
• Recipient of the AOTA International Service Award (2020)
• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE)
• Community Health Education Specialist (CHES)
• AOTA Specialty Certification in Environmental Modification (2020)
• AOTA Roster of Fellows (2019)
• Certificate in Experiential Education (NSEE)

Dr. Van Oss mentors doctoral students through capstone projects and integrates students into grant-funded initiatives such as the Serve Connecticut Youth-Led Service Mini-Grants. She has secured funding for student-led service projects and promotes interprofessional collaboration. Her teaching spans foundational to doctoral-level courses, including OT evaluation, intervention, simulation, and capstone seminars. She also maintains active clinical practice in home health, ensuring her academic work remains grounded in real-world experience.

She leads and participates in simulation-based research teams focused on debriefing, interprofessional communication, and diversity training. Her work with standardized patients and virtual simulations has advanced best practices in health professions education, particularly during and beyond the pandemic.