Chicago City Wire

While researchers aim to remain objective, their work can often feel personal, particularly in the health sciences. Lauren Little, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, associate dean of research for CHS and associate professor of occupational therapy, emphasizes this sentiment. “Researchers often have a personal investment in, and emotional connection to, the topic in which they investigate," she says.

Research also connects to a desire for change. Little explains that "research has a personal connection to how we want to influence the world."

Two faculty members from CHS have been awarded the 2024 Rush to Progress: Accelerating Research through Pilot Awards grants. Chien-Ching Li, PhD, MPH, FGSA received a $100,000 pilot award for his work on Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias among Chinese American family caregivers. Li highlights challenges such as cultural norms and language barriers faced by this group. The grant will support the development of a culturally tailored web-based decision-aid tool for care planning.

Li states that "this grant not only strengthens my research capacity but also positions this project as one of the first to deliver evidence-based tools." The aim is to advance equity in dementia care for underserved populations.

Steven Taylor, PhD, OTD, OTR/L was honored with a $50,000 grant for testing telehealth strategies for older adults with cognitive decline. Taylor notes that "this recognition underscores the importance of advancing health care access for older adults." His study will explore telehealth-delivered strategy training using the CO-OP framework.

Taylor aims to address unmet needs by promoting functional independence among older adults with cognitive decline. He expresses gratitude towards Rush University Medical Center for supporting early-stage investigators like himself.