Leah Dunn, EdD, OTR/L

Dr. Leah Dunn is an Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program at Xavier University, where she has been a faculty member since 2012. She holds an EdD from Northern Kentucky University, a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University, and a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Louisiana-Monroe. 

Dr. Dunn's research centers on the development of cultural competence among occupational therapy learners and practitioners, as well as the occupational lives of migrants both before and after immigrating to the U.S. Her most recent study, exploring faculty, staff, and administrators' experiences in developing immersion programs, was published in the International Journal for Research in Service-Learning and Community Engagement. 

Her teaching is focused on developing leaders, advocates, and scholars to expand the influence of occupational therapy. She teaches courses such as research methods, management, leadership, and capstone development and experience. These courses are designed to be interconnected, fostering student growth in critical thinking, project planning, and evidence-based practice. Additionally, she weaves the Jesuit pedagogical throughout her courses. 

Professionally, Dr. Dunn serves as a board member of Casa de Paz – Cincinnati, a transitional home for Latina women and children escaping domestic violence. She also mentors at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) Institute. 

In her personal life, Dr. Dunn enjoys fiber arts such as spinning, weaving, knitting, and sewing, as well as traveling and discovering good food. 

For more information, Dr. Dunn can be reached at dunnL3@xavier.edu or via her professional profile on LinkedIn.