Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Student
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Elizabeth Cowden is a doctoral student in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with anticipated graduation in December 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Disabilities for Health Science from Samford University. Her academic focus centers on supporting individuals with disabilities through evidence-based and inclusive therapeutic practices. Elizabeth has actively engaged in diverse clinical and community-based volunteer experiences, including work with the Alabama Head Injury Foundation, Callahan Eye Center, and the Lakeshore Foundation, where she contributed to adaptive training programs and observed a wide range of therapeutic interventions.
Her exposure to varied populations—from pediatric clients to adults with neurological and physical disabilities—has informed her growing interest in applied clinical research. At places like The Lakeshore Foundation and Cares Health and Wellness, she gained insight into and knowledge on specialized interventions, such as lymphedema management and adaptive exercise programming. These experiences have shaped her interest in studying the effectiveness of interventions across settings, particularly in underserved or transitional care populations. Elizabeth is committed to advancing occupational therapy through research that enhances client outcomes and promotes accessibility across practice environments.