Beth Pfeiffer, associate professor of health and rehabilitation sciences, has been named a winner of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation Mid-Career Research Excellence Award. The award, given annually to a researcher who is six to 15 years post completion of a doctoral degree, recognizes those whose body of work has made a difference in the field of occupational therapy (OT) and for people receiving OT interventions. Pfeiffer's work includes real-world vocational skills development across the lifespan in people with autism spectrum and mental health disorders; she also maintains a clinical practice in pediatrics.

"Dr. Pfeiffer is an accomplished researcher who focuses on translational work that helps the profession of OT as well as those seeking care," said Scott A. Burns, interim chair of the department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and director of the doctor of physical therapy program. "Her passion and dedication to her research, her profession and those seeking OT services is unmatched. Dr. Pfeiffer is a wonderful person, teacher, researcher and colleague who is very deserving of this prestigious honor."