Her favorite role as part of the team has been creating and managing BH WELL’s social media platforms (@ukybhwell). On social media platforms, BH WELL promotes initiatives such as the "Translating Research Into Practice" series, news stories and blogs, and community engagement and speaking events. She has also played a role in research operations—conducting literature reviews, designing Qualtrics surveys, managing data, and tackling unexpected challenges (including bot-driven data issues).
Reflecting on her time with BH WELL, Claudia shared how the mentorship of Dr. Okoli and the collaborative environment helped her grow both academically and professionally. “I entered my doctoral program already feeling ahead in research and interprofessional collaboration,” she said. “The team gave me the space to grow, and the flexibility to balance work, clinicals, and graduate school.”
BH WELL Executive Director Zim Okoli shares, “Claudia has been such an endearing student with BHWELL over several years. She has contributed in many ways to making our work visible to the communities we serve and understandable through meaningful translation. We are so proud of her academic achievements and personal accomplishments demonstrating her incredible work ethic, infectious passion, and gentle leadership. She is exceptional among her peers and will make great contributions to occupational therapy science and practice!”
After graduating in May 2025, Claudia plans to sit for the national board certification exam and pursue a position in acute care at UK. She’s also looking forward to an exciting personal milestone—her upcoming wedding and honeymoon with her fiancé, Jake.
BH WELL is proud of Claudia’s growth, leadership, and contributions to our work. Her efforts have strengthened our mission and inspired meaningful change for the communities we serve.
Congratulations, Claudia!