SAN DIEGO — Five students from the University of Southern Maine’s Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) program, including Sarah Grinder of Topsham, recently presented their research at the 93rd annual American Occupational Therapy National Conference held in San Diego, Calif.

The conference coincided with National Occupational Therapy Month.

Student presenters included Shane Smith and Dawn Fischer, who offered a poster session titled “Perceptions and Application of Adolescents Using the Alert Program”; Grinder and Emily Staszak, who presented a poster session titled “Perceptions of Elder Cane Use Following a Cane-Based Tai Chi Chuan Program”; and Anna Guest, who presented a poster session titled “Men’s Role Change Perspectives During the Transition to Retirement.”

In addition to these students, Dr. Roxie Black, Lisa Clark, and Susan Spear, all USM MOT faculty, also presented at this year’s conference.

The Master of Occupational Therapy program at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE), of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The program is an entry-level graduate program that can be completed in two years on a full-time basis. Part-time options are also available.

Anyone interested in learning more about and/or pursuing a career in occupational therapy is encouraged to contact Luisa Scott, coordinator of Graduate Programs, at 753-6523 or email lscott@usm.maine.edu.