Sam is a HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, and BSc Occupational Therapy Programme Lead at the University of Plymouth. She was awarded her PhD for her work exploring the role of occupational therapy in primary care for older adults living with long-term conditions. Her research focuses on occupation-centred approaches to healthy ageing, primary care development, and supporting older adults to remain active, connected, and engaged within their communities.

Sam is a co-investigator on the Elizabeth Casson Trust 2025 Research Award-funded study OT-PRIME; exploring how, why, and for whom occupational therapy works in primary care using realist methodologies. She also serves as the RCOT Occupation Lead for the Primary Care Community Network, contributing to national discussions around the future role of occupational therapy within integrated and community-based care.

Alongside her research, Sam has a strong interest in occupational therapy education and curriculum innovation, including authentic assessment, simulation, artificial intelligence in education, and the development of sustainable and inclusive learning environments for students and educators. Sam teaches across four pre-registration occupational therapy programmes, alongside involvement in advanced professional practice and interprofessional modules within the School of Health Professions, with specialist teaching in frailty and long-term condition management.

Sam is passionate about enhancing student experience and developing confident, competent, and occupation-focused occupational therapists. She is equally committed to supporting academic teams to create sustainable, forward-thinking, and pragmatic educational environments that foster innovation, equity, and high-quality learning experiences.

Posts held:

·       Lecturer in Occupational Therapy and BSc Occupational Therapy Programme Lead- August 2021- Present

·       Teaching & Research Associate in Occupational Therapy- December 2019- July 2021

·       Occupational Therapist- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust- April 2017- October 2020

·       Project Worker & Activities Lead- Your Homes Newcastle Youth Hostel for Homeless Young people- December 2015- Feb 2017

Registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists

RCOT Occupation Lead for the Primary Care Network

Professional activities:

·       Completed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Comprehensive Systematic Reviews Training Programme (JBI CSRTP)

·       Abstract Reviewer - The Royal College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference and Exhibition, 2021 and Abstract Reviewer- The World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2021 & 2025.

·       Role as advisor on steering group for the development of Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) Credentials for Occupational Therapist within Primary Care in collaboration with Health Education England (HEE).

Research Grants:

·       Co-investigator, Elizabeth Casson Research Award 2025 (£99,900): Employing realist methods to understand how, why, and for whom occupational therapy works in primary care: https://elizabethcasson.org.uk/about-us/news-announcements/annual-research-call-award-winners-for-2025/

·       Vivensa Foundation Conference Awards for Ageing Research: £2500

·       Faculty PGR Enhancement Scheme Oct 24 to support postgraduate student comfort whilst using the postgraduate floor in ICP- £296

·       Conference Award Elizabeth Casson Trust to support presenting at the Occupational Science Europe Conference in Odense, Denmark, 2023- £500

·       Research Culture Fellowship Scheme Award providing 6 months protected research time (£21,424)

Sam is a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy with a strong interest in occupational therapy education, curriculum innovation, and contemporary healthcare education. Her educational interests include authentic assessment, simulation-based learning, artificial intelligence in higher education, and the development of sustainable and inclusive learning environments.

Sam contributes to teaching and assessment across the University's pre-registration including post-registration MSc and Advanced Professional Practice programmes, including students entering through partner colleges. She has specialist expertise in frailty, healthy ageing, and long-term condition management, drawing on extensive clinical experience to bridge theory and practice. Sam is committed to enhancing student belonging, engagement, and success.

Sam also works closely with local schools and further education colleges to promote occupational therapy as a career and support widening participation. Following completion of her Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP), she has developed a particular interest in supporting international students and creating inclusive learning experiences within health professions education.

Alongside her academic role, Sam remains actively involved in practice-based education as a placement educator across a range of settings, including mainstream secondary schools and Peer Enhanced E-Placements.

Sam is passionate about preparing confident, compassionate, and occupation-focused occupational therapists. She is committed to developing innovative, evidence-informed curricula and high-quality educational experiences that equip graduates to meet the evolving needs of contemporary healthcare practice.