NSU – Tampa Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Students get a taste of Japan

Department of Occupational Therapy faculty and students from left to right: Larry Holmes, Dr. Mirtha Whaley (Assistant Professor), Hillary Whitacre, Dr. Carrasco (Chair & Professor), Annie Ni-He Strocchio, Kristin McMillen, Ricardo Demetrius, My Lynn Tran, and Hillarie Hough.

During their October 12 weekend face-to-face institute at NSU Tampa, students of the brand new entry-level hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy program (OTD) had a taste of Japan through a live demonstration and a class on the ancient art of flower arranging from a headmaster of a Ikebana (art of flower design founded by a Samurai or Japanese warrior). The headmaster also happens to be Ricardo C. Carrasco, chair and professor of the recently founded department.

As a follow up of the demonstration, on the next day of class, the doctoral students used authentic tools like hasami or Japanese shears kenzan or pin frogs, and shallow containers filled with water to simulate a reflection pond. After cutting the flower stems and branches, they inserted them into the kenzan, and accented their floral designs with a piece of driftwood. The activity was part of the course OTD 8142: Occupational & Contextual Analysis during which students learn how to analyze specific occupations (purposeful and meaningful activities and roles) and contexts so that in turn they will know when to appropriately use them as prescriptions to wellness or getting back to their daily routines.

An exhibit of all the arrangements was available throughout the weekend for viewing by faculty, students, staff, and more than 50 visitors who attended the Open House in the building.

: Ashley Stedman, OTD student with her ikebana design.

: Department of Occupational Therapy faculty and students from left to right: Larry Holmes, Dr. Mirtha Whaley (Assistant Professor), Hillary Whitacre, Dr. Carrasco (Chair & Professor), Annie Ni-He Strocchio, Kristin McMillen, Ricardo Demetrius, My Lynn Tran, and Hillarie Hough.