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Occupational therapy lecturer becomes the first to celebrate a special milestone with the University of Cumbria
Dr Joan Howarth , a Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy , has become the first person to attend a graduation ceremony to receive a PhD awarded by the University of Cumbria .
Dr Howarth ’ s PhD , awarded in April 2020 , is among the first clutch of doctoral research degrees the university has been able to award since the Privy Council granted it Research Degree Awarding Powers in 2019 .
Dr Howarth designed a tool to help teach current occupational therapy students about the complex concept of occupation .
Having successfully implemented the tool within programmes at the University of Derby , where she is a senior lecturer , Dr Howarth plans to work with fellow academics at other universities , including Cumbria , to introduce the tool elsewhere , playing a significant role in developing the skills and knowledge of those entering the profession in the future .
Proudly watching her graduation in April were Dr Howarth ’ s husband Nick and her study supervisors , RCOT Chair of Council and University of Cumbria Emeritus Professor Diane Cox , and Associate Professor Karen Morris .
Receiving a standing ovation , Dr Howarth was the first to wear the distinctive blue robe that reflects being awarded a University of Cumbria PhD .
Dr Howarth said : ‘ I needed to research my unique Occupation Focused Teaching Tool to get an evidence base to know what the tool could do and bring to the profession . It took me seven years of part-time study before I was awarded my PhD two years ago , so it has been wonderful to be able to celebrate with my supervisors , whose expertise
and speciality was why I chose to do my PhD at the University of Cumbria .
‘ This PhD has given me a confidence and it ’ s a real validation of my expertise within my profession , a profession I ’ m very passionate about and proud to be part of .’
This PhD has given me a confidence and it ’ s a real validation of my expertise within my profession , a profession I ’ m very passionate about and proud to be part of .”
Left : Dr Joan Howarth , a Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy
Jen Cave-Ayland , Occupational Therapist
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June 2022 OTnews 7