Contact Information

Biography

Kimberly A. Szucs, OTR/L, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Duquesne University. Her primary research agenda has focused on posture and upper limb kinematics in populations at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders and the benefits of physical activity and mindfulness in persons with pain due to musculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Szucs has also developed a research agenda focused on the scholarship of teaching and learning in occupational therapy programs. She has completed studies on the use of journal clubs for learning evidence-based practice in the classroom and clinic and using yoga to improve student learning of human anatomy. Dr. Szucs earned an Occupational Therapy degree at The Ohio State University, a Master’s of Science in Anatomy, and a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, also from The Ohio State University.    

Education

  • Ph.D., Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, 2010
  • M.S., Anatomy, The Ohio State University, 2005
  • B.S., Occupational Therapy, The Ohio State University, 2003

School

About

Teaching Philosophy: My overall goal in teaching is to develop life-long, independent learners with strong critical thinking skills. The primary principle of my philosophy is that learning is an active process and requires equal participation by the students; therefore I aim to create a learning environment that encourages students to participate maximally in their learning process. Classroom activities, assignments and examinations are designed to increase comprehension and retention and improve critical thinking and problem solving skills, not rote memorization.

Current Teaching:
HLTS 315/515: Anatomy
HLTS 403/503: Neuroscience
OCCT 537: Human Motion and Movement/Lab
OCCT 610-612: Research Project I, II, III

 

Research Focus: My current research agenda has two main foci: the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and ways to address pain and overall wellbeing in different populations, such as those with chronic low back pain. I am currently studying the effects of pain on physical activity, occupational performance and anxiety. As part of my second research focus, I am engaging in research exploring creative and innovative teaching methods in Human Gross Anatomy and their impact on student perception and outcomes.

Current Projects:

The Hidden Curriculum in Gross Anatomy – Fostering Humanistic Values In Occupational Therapy Students Through Anatomy Pedagogy

Supplementing traditional musculoskeletal anatomy pedagogy with brief, focused yoga sessions – student perceptions on learning

Optimizing Mindfulness to Reduce Kinesiophobia and increase Physical Activity

Can daily bouts of 10 minutes of physical activity improve college student wellbeing?

Recent Grant:

Duquesne University Faculty Development Fund

Project: Optimizing Mindfulness to Reduce Kinesiophobia.

Collaborator: Dr. Matt Kostek, Physical Therapy Department

Recent Publications 

Jeryl D. Benson, Alivia Cartwright, Kimberly A. Szucs, Deborah Smitsky, Erica Chippich, Lauren Roebuck; Effectiveness of Video Prompting Versus Picture Prompting in Improving Daily Living Skills of Autistic Children. Am J Occup Ther May/June 2024, Vol. 78(3), 7803205030. doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050514

*Boccardi, A.; Szucs, K.A.; Ebuenyi, I.D.; Mhatre, A. (2022). Assistive Technology Makerspaces Promote Capability of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Societies, 12, 155. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12060155

*Polaski, A., Phelps, A., Smith, T.J., Helm, E.R., Morone, N.E., Szucs, K.A., Kostek, M., Kolber, B. (2021 Feb 23). Integrated meditation and exercise therapy: A randomized controlled pilot of a combined non-pharmacological intervention reduces disability and pain in patients with chronic low back pain. Pain Medicine, 22(2), 444-458, doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaa403.

 *Polaski, A., Phelps, A., Szucs, K.A., Ramsey, A.M., Kostek, M.C., Kolber, B. (2019). The dosing of aerobic exercise therapy on experimentally-induced pain in healthy female participants. Scientific Reports, 9(1), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-51247-0

Cunha, A.B., Babik, I., Harbourne, R., Cochran, N.J., Stankus, J., Szucs, K.A., Lobo, M.A. (2019 Aug 26). Assessing the validity and reliability of a new video goniometer app for measuring joint angles in adults and children. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 101(2), 275-282, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2019.07.008

*Polaski, A., Phelps, A., Kostek, M., Szucs, K.A., Kolber, B. (2019). Exercise-induced analgesia: A meta-analysis of exercise methods and dosing for the treatment of chronic pain. PLoS ONE, 14(1), 1-29, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210418

*denotes presentations with Duquesne University students

National

*Cartwright, A., Szucs, K.A. Hoofbeats of Empathy: Disability Awareness Training for Volunteers at a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Facility. Poster presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, April 2024

 Benson, J.D., Cartwright, A., Szucs, K.A. The Effectiveness of Video Prompting vs. Picture Prompting for Improving Daily Living Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Poster presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, April 2023.

 Szucs, K.A., *Acharya, S., *Colpoys, C., *Jones, N., *Wright, E. Supplementing traditional musculoskeletal anatomy pedagogy with brief focused yoga sessions. Poster Presentation at the annual American Association of Anatomy Conference, Washington D.C., April 2023.

 Boccardi, A. Szucs, K.A. Using 3D Printing to Empower People to Create Their Own Meaningful Devices. Technology panel at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, April 2022.

Boccardi, A. Szucs, K.A. Using 3D Printing to Empower People to Create Their Own Meaningful Devices. Poster presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, April 2022.

Husnick, G., Szucs, K.A. Early Education for Preventative Amputation Care with Veterans who are High Risk for Lower Limb Wounds: A Quality Improvement Project. Poster presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, April 2022.

 Szucs, K.A., *Acharya, S., *Colpoys C., *Jones, N., *Wright, E. Supplementing traditional musculoskeletal anatomy pedagogy with brief, focused yoga sessions – student perceptions on learning. Poster Presentation at the AOTA Education Summit, October 2021.

 *Bono, A., Szucs, K.A., Werner, C., Student Perceptions of a Cadaver Simulation To Augment the Gross Anatomy Lab Experience. Poster Presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, New Orleans, LA, April 2019.

*denotes presentations with Duquesne University students