CPERL Alum Spotlight: Vera Kaelin

Introduction

The CPERL team is delighted to shine our Alum Spotlight on Dr. Vera Kaelin, who recently joined the faculty at University of Applied Sciences in Eastern Switzerland. Since completing her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at UIC and postdoctoral training at Umeå University, Vera secured the role of Professor of Occupational Therapy and Digital Technologies. In this role, Vera is working to establish an independent research program at the intersection of participation-focused rehabilitation and digital technologies, with a special focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Her lab will focus on participation-focused occupational therapy/rehabilitation science and the application of digital technologies such as AI.

Reflecting on her CPERL experience, Vera highlights mentorship, teamwork, and equity as formative values she hopes to carry into her own lab. She shares: I grew enormously from the guidance I received—from building research skills to writing my first grants—and I hope to provide the same supportive environment for future students, while pursuing innovative research grounded in quality and tenacity. The mentorship I received from Mary and the entire team was truly one of the most influential experiences in preparing me for the next steps in my career. I was guided thoughtfully and intentionally, learning new skills step by step, gaining meaningful experiences, and gradually taking on more responsibility as I developed my own path.

Vera's long-term goal is to collaboratively advance a research agenda at the intersection of occupational therapy, rehabilitation science, computer science, and health informatics, always with the aim of supporting the participation of individuals, particularly children, youth, and young adults, with disabilities.

We congratulate her on this exciting next chapter and look forward to seeing her impact grow!