Karen Aranha, PhD, OT
Associate Professor of Instruction

Curriculum Vitae Google Scholar ResearchGate

Teaching Areas of Interest

Neurological foundations and rehabilitation, Clinical Applications with Geriatrics, Biomechanics, Motor control and Motor Learning

Research Interests

Qualitative research with issues such as social determinants of health locally and globally, Motor control and Motor Learning

Biography

Karen Aranha, PhD, OTR is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the UTMB School of Health Professions. has a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, a Master of Science in Health Exercise and Sports Sciences, Biomechanics track, and a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Gerontology.

Dr. Aranha has 30 years of clinical experience and has been a university professor for nine years. She has worked with people across the lifespan, with a focus on neurorehabilitation, geriatrics, and global health. Her research interests include studying social determinants of health, locally and globally, the impact of disease and intervention on quality of life and well-being with populations impacted with neuropathology, older adults and the under-resourced/underserved. She currently is collaborating with international partners to widen the scope of OT in the global South. She has been instrumental in starting university sponsored pro bono clinics in Galveston, TX, and Austin, TX, to aid with student learning and support the of underserved and under-resourced communities.