Shining a Spotlight on Dr. Stacy Smallfield
Academy Member Since 2022
Professor, Associate Program Director, Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health Professions
Bio
What do you do at UNMC?
As Associate Program Director of a newly developing program, I contribute to the development and implementation of program curriculum, policies, procedures, and ensure adherence to university and accreditation standards. In my role as Doctoral Capstone Coordinator, I oversee and implement the doctoral capstone portion of the curriculum. I develop and support capstone experiences in traditional, nontraditional, and emerging settings to strengthen ties between didactic coursework and community needs. As a professor in the program, I teach coursework related to occupational therapy theory, education, and evidence-based practice. I conduct research, mentor students and faculty, and serve on a variety of program, college, and professional committees.
Tell us about your educational research interests and teaching role.
My educational research interests include developing new strategies to enhance my teaching. In collaboration with colleagues, I developed a strategy to make the use of theory more evident in professional reasoning. I have also worked in faculty and student teams to develop several e-learning modules and open educational resources. These interactive learning objects make learning complex topics more engaging, accessible, flexible, and user-friendly. I also have a strong interest in student well-being, and have worked with occupational therapy students to design an 8-week curriculum of evidence-based strategies to support student learning and well-being in a holistic manner.
I have been in occupational therapy (OT) education for over 20 years and have taught a wide range of OT coursework. At UNMC I teach students across two campuses in a blended format that combines in-person and online teaching and learning strategies. I also mentor doctoral students in research and scholarship as well as in teaching and learning.
What is one of your favorite/memorable teaching moments?
My favorite moments as an educator happen in individual and small group interactions. I enjoy the opportunities to have rich conversations and serve as a mentor to support professional growth and development. The joy often comes years later when I receive texts, photos, emails, and other connections with students I've taught who are now flourishing as occupational therapy practitioners.
What do you see as the biggest benefit to being a member of the IAE?
The biggest benefit to me is the networking opportunities I have with interprofessional colleagues. I have other opportunities to network within my profession; IAE connects me with others outside my typical perspective and gives me the opportunity to view things in new ways. I also appreciate the opportunities it provides to give my time and talents back to the UNMC community.
What do you enjoy doing in your free (non-work) time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, long-distance running, strength training, boating, and listening to audio books and podcasts.