2024 Alumni Award of Excellence Recipient: Juleen Rodakowski
Juleen Rodakowski (she/her) is an occupational therapist with expertise in community living for vulnerable adults and their caregivers. Her federally funded research seeks to slow the progression of disability attributed to early changes in cognition and caregiving. Rodakowski's studies influence when, how and why rehabilitation services are being provided to individuals living in the community. Her work generates the evidence required to support new, effective models of community-focused care, that are responsive to public health needs and evolving federal policies. Rodakowski is arming the geriatric and rehabilitation disciplines with evidence, methods and applications that place best practices in rehabilitation at the forefront of health care. Rodakowski is an associate professor and chair of University of Pittsburgh's Department of Occupational Therapy.
Current job
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy at University of Pittsburgh
CEHD degrees
BS, Kinesiology
What is your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
My favorite memories about my time at the University of Minnesota involved people. Whether in or out of the classroom, CEHD provided professors and a sense of community that provided the foundation for the professional that I am today.
What professor(s) or course(s) were most influential during your time in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD)?
I most vividly remember motor develop and motor learning. These courses helped me decide to pursue a career in occupational therapy. My first course that I taught as a full-time professor at the University of Pittsburgh was Human Performance Analysis. This content easily aligns with content learned in CEHD.
What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?
I'm grateful for the formative experiences provided in CEHD. I was challenged and supported to pursue my passions.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
I exercise when I have free time. It's a habit that I created while in CEHD, and I'm still exercising today. If I've already done that for the day, I'd read books with my kids.
What's a good book you'd recommend to others?
I just read The Call of the Wild by Jack London. I'm a little late (100 years?) to appreciating that book. But, I would certainly recommend that all people read Being Mortal by Atul Gawande.
What gets you excited about work?
The future. A large potential exists to influence the lives of people with disabilities based on the type of services and supports provided to them. I'm delighted and inspired to work in this space.