Alison Cogan

Alison M. Cogan, PhD, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor in the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC).14 She is a rehabilitation health services researcher and occupational therapist with a focus on improving the quality of rehabilitation services.12

Education and Background

Dr. Cogan completed her educational journey at multiple institutions:

• PhD in Occupational Science from USC (2017)
• MA in Occupational Therapy from USC (2012)
• MEd in Exercise Physiology from Temple University (2006)
• BA in Political Science from Temple University (2000)1

Prior to her career in occupational therapy, she worked in other industries and is originally from Philadelphia.1

Research and Expertise

Dr. Cogan's research interests include:

• Community participation and reintegration
• Traumatic brain injury
• Military and veteran health issues
• Health services
• Rehabilitation1

She directs the Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery Studies in Health Services (ReFReSH) lab at USC.1 Her work primarily focuses on understanding the relationships between rehabilitation services and outcomes for adults with acquired brain injuries, including military service members and veterans.23

Achievements and Recognition

• Published over 35 peer-reviewed articles1
• Presented research at national and international conferences1
• Held leadership roles in the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM)1
• Recognized for excellence as a peer reviewer by the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation1
• Named the 2024 recipient of the ACRM's Deborah L. Wilkerson Early Career Award5

Dr. Cogan's work aims to identify optimal combinations of rehabilitation services to enable the best functional performance and community participation for adults with acquired brain injuries.1