Rate My Professor Elysa Roberts

Dr. Elysa Roberts serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Occupational Therapy program within the School of Health Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She holds a PhD in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University, USA, and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University, USA. She is also a registered Occupational Therapist (NBCOT, USA). Her professional career encompasses extensive academic leadership and clinical experience. Previously, she was Graduate Program Director at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (2010-2013), Assistant Director and Assistant Professor at Barry University (2009-2010), and Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University (1997-2009). In clinical practice, she worked with adults and older adults on successful aging, rehabilitation from lifestyle-related conditions such as Type II Diabetes, orthopedic hand injuries/surgeries, and low vision implications.

Roberts specializes in qualitative research on the lived experience of recovery from eating disorders, sensory sensitivity in eating disorders, occupational justice, transformative learning for health professionals, and reflection in teaching/learning. Key publications include 'Exploring occupation in recovery from bulimia nervosa: An interpretative phenomenological analysis' (British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2022), 'Barriers to Oral Health Care for Autistic Individuals—A Scoping Review' (Healthcare, 2024), 'Occupational engagement and adults with intellectual disabilities' (American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2016), 'Increasing medical students' understanding of the role of occupational therapists' (Journal of Interprofessional Care, 2015), and 'Co-occupation in a Day Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities' (Journal of Occupational Science, 2009). Her fields of research are 100% in occupational therapy. Awards for teaching excellence include Advance HE Fellowship (2022), University of Newcastle Merit List for Learning and Teaching Excellence (2018), Hartgraves' Award (2011), Dr. Gail Ann Hills Alumni Award (2005), and Golden Apple Awards (2003, 2004, 2009). Roberts advances occupational science, mental health recovery, and professional education.