(From left to right) Megan McLoughlin, Lauren Knapp, Lindsay Heneage
The NYU Steinhardt Department of Occupational Therapy is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2014 Frieda J. Behlen Occupational Therapy Scholarships. This year’s awardees are Lindsay Heneage, Megan McLoughlin, and Lauren Knapp. These three exceptional students will each receive a $3500 tuition award for their summer 2014 semester.
Lindsay Heneage is interested in pursuing hand therapy and the effect of upper extremity injuries on functioning. Last year, a trip to Ghana proved to be a powerful experience and solidified her aim of providing OT services to people with disabilities in areas where they aren’t easily available. She maintained a blog, which she shared with her classmates to chronicle her entire experience in Ghana, through stories and photos. Lindsay also represented the OT Department by participating in the Race for Cure last year. Interacting with patients and their families during the race only reinforced her zeal for being an occupational therapist.
Megan McLoughlin is passionate about her interest in serving members of the armed forces who have returned home from active duty. Once she graduates, she hopes to work in a military hospital where she can use her professional knowledge to help patients gain independence in their lives. While she wants to focus on understanding their physical disabilities, she is also interested in learning about and treating their underlying mental health issues. Megan serves as the secretary for the Class of 2015. Additionally, she has played various roles in coordinating events like the Toys for Tots program and the Food for Thought fundraiser, and has helped raise money for a Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser.
Lauren Knapp graduated cum laude with an honors degree in Exercise Physiology that set up a foundation for her interest in Occupational Therapy. Lauren is mainly interested in Pediatrics, but the program at NYU OT has helped her develop a curiosity for Neurological conditions and Orthopedics as well. Lauren plans to pursue a career in pediatric OT and looks forward to conducting evidence based research to better understand the field. She also hopes to combine her longtime love for figure skating with her professional knowledge to create a ‘Learn to Skate’ program for children and adults with disabilities.
The Frieda J. Behlen Occupational Therapy Scholarship is an endowed fund created principally by gifts from alumni of the occupational therapy programs at New York University. Income generated by the endowment is awarded annually to students who demonstrate superior academic achievement as well as financial need. With growth in the fund’s balance from new gifts, the amount given out has been able to increase and will continue to do so. The award takes the form of a tuition aid applied towards summer courses. Professional Program second year and Post-Professional Programs students are eligible to apply.
The fund was named to honor the memory of Frieda J. Behlen, founder and longtime chair of NYU’s Department of Occupational Therapy. Ms. Behlen was known for never hesitating to find monies, even if from her own pocketbook, to enable deserving students to complete their studies.
To contribute to this and other Department of Occupational Therapy funds please visit http://www.nyu.edu/giving/.