Tyra M Banks

Tyra M Banks serves as Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Occupational Therapy) at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) and holds the administrative role of Director of Student Engagement and Belonging.

Her academic credentials include:

• MS in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University
• EdD in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University

Dr. Banks' research centers on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, accessibility, and belonging (DEIJAB) within occupational therapy practice and medical education. She investigates leadership pathways for Black occupational therapists, develops culturally responsive care models for Hispanic families, and formulates evidence-based retention strategies for underrepresented faculty in academia. Her scholarship bridges clinical practice with systemic institutional change through curriculum development and policy advocacy.

Analysis of her 2020-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on operationalizing DEIJAB principles across healthcare settings. She has pioneered curriculum pilots for culturally effective care, established research priorities for equity-focused occupational therapy, and conducted foundational qualitative studies on leadership barriers. Her work demonstrates methodological rigor in qualitative approaches while maintaining practical applicability for clinical educators and administrators.

Dr. Banks actively shapes institutional culture through committee leadership including the Admissions Committee (2022-present), Curriculum Committee (2023-present), Faculty Search Committee (2022-present), and Anti-Racist Educator Institute Community of Practice (2022-2024). Her directorship of Student Engagement and Belonging reflects commitment to creating inclusive academic environments that support diverse learners.