Mutrik Alajmi (MSOT ’22), who lives in Colorado, shares his experience as a student who graduated from the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, a two-term, 30-credit post-professional program designed for occupational therapists educated in the United States or internationally, who want to advance their knowledge and skills in a career they already love.
“At Pitt OT we pride ourselves on developing change agents and growing the innovators of the field and our MSOT students are true innovators, they have chosen to take a leap of faith by moving to a new country and submersing themselves in a new culture to better themselves as practitioners which in turn will better the profession of occupational therapy on an international level. I am truly in awe of their sprit and determination to better the profession and feel lucky to be able to be their instructor and to call them my colleagues.”
– Kelsey Voltz-Poremba, assistant professor
Mutrik, tell us about your current job. What do you find exciting and rewarding?
Currently, I'm a PhD student at Colorado State University, specifically within the Transition, Employment, and Technology (TET) Lab. My research revolves around adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the tangible impact of our research on improving the quality of life for these individuals. The opportunity to develop and implement strategies that enhance their employment opportunities and integration into society is both exciting and profoundly fulfilling.
Tell us about your background before coming to Pitt. What made you want to attend a graduate program?
Before joining the University of Pittsburgh, I completed my bachelor's degree in occupational therapy in Saudi Arabia. After working for a couple of years as an occupational therapist, my aspirations transitioned towards academia. My desire to delve deeper into research and contribute to the occupational therapy body of knowledge motivated me to pursue a post-professional master in occupational therapy focused on research with scholarly project study plan.
Why did you want to come to Pitt for this Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program? Is there anything about Pitt's program in particular that made it the first/best choice for you?
I selected Pitt because the post-professional master's degree in occupational therapy provided a customized program to meet my professional goals in pursuing rehabilitation research. The program's reputation within the occupational therapy field in the United States, combined with its emphasis on research and academic excellence, made it the ideal choice for my academic and professional goals.
Did you feel supported by the faculty during your time in the program? If possible, can you name any faculty who supported you in this way?
Absolutely. The support I received from the faculty was instrumental in my academic journey. Dr. Emily Grattan, my advisor for the scholar project, played a crucial role in enhancing my research skills. Her guidance was invaluable. Additionally, Dr. Kelsey Voltz- Poremba offered tremendous support throughout the program.
“It is a pleasure to welcome students on the research track into the lab to learn more about research and the studies we are conducting. Students participate in lab meetings by sharing their ideas, receiving feedback, and contributing to lab discussions. It is particularly rewarding to collaborate with a student on a scholarly project that results in a strong writing sample for a PhD application or a poster presentation.”
- Emily Grattan, assistant professor
Did you feel that the program provided you with options that were tailored for your educational experience and specialties?
Yes, the program, particularly the research track with the scholarly project perfectly met my needs. It offered a comprehensive and tailored educational experience that honed my research skills and prepared me meticulously for the challenges of the PhD program.
What would you like to share with students who may be interested in the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program?
To students considering the MS in OT program at Pitt, I would say this is an unparalleled opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in occupational therapy. The program's blend of rigorous academic standards, supportive faculty and a focus on research excellence provides a solid foundation for your future career as a rehabilitation scientist. Whether you aim to pursue further academic endeavors or excel in clinical practice, Pitt's OT program is designed to elevate your potential and open doors to opportunities.
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Continue reading our series on MSOT alumni beginning with Zahraa Khanafer!
Learn more about the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program by visiting our website or reaching out to our enrollment specialist at enroll@shrs.pitt.edu today!