There remain ongoing calls for occupational science scholars to take up multiple epistemologies and methodologies that move the discipline from admiring to redressing the occupational concerns of diverse communities. Drawing on postcolonial and Black feminist theories, as well as critical participatory action research, this lecture will engage attendees in problematizing, theorizing, and mobilizing the discipline’s knowledgebase toward a more socio-politically relevant, responsive, and transformative science of occupation.
Lecturer: Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA – Brenau Women’s College & University Alumni 2006
Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also owner and operator of #SlayingAcademia™, LLC and co-host of Dr. thOTs Podcast. Dr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in occupational therapy from Brenau University Women’s College and a Doctor of Philosophy in occupational science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Broadly, Dr. Johnson’s research sits at the intersections of critical qualitative methodologies, intellectual and developmental disabilities, anti-racism, race equity in health services, and disability justice. Additionally, she is involved in research aimed to address pathways to occupational therapy education for Black students and racial equity in occupational science and occupational therapy curricula. Her work is informed by 18 years of clinical experience spanning Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia; and has been funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, as well as featured in premier journals of occupational science, occupational therapy, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dr. Johnson is a decorated scholar activist having received awards including the 2024 Roster of Fellows from the American Occupational Therapy Association, the 2022 Hortense McClinton Outstanding Faculty Award by the UNC Alumni Association, the 2021 MLK Unsung Hero by the UNC Office for Diversity and Inclusion and UNC Office of the Provost, as well as recognized by the Brenau University Alumni Hall of Fame to name a few. She sits on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and Autism in Adulthood. She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation and the national leadership team of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity.
Positionality Statement:
Dr. Johnson identifies as a Black cishet female whose sociocultural upbringing in the peri-urban South influenced her personal and professional commitments to disability and social justice, and the liberation of Black disabled folk.
Location: Brenau DTC, Meeting Rooms A & B
Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm – Reception to follow (doors open at 3:30pm)
Virtual option will be available
