Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also owner and operator of #SlayingAcademia™, LLC and co-host of Dr. thOTs Podcast. Broadly, Dr. Johnson’s research sits at the intersection of critical qualitative methodologies, intellectual and developmental disabilities, anti-racism, health services, and disability justice.

Dr. Johnson is a decorated scholar having received awards including the 2024 Roster of Fellows from the American Occupational Therapy Association, the 2022 Hortense McClinton Outstanding Faculty Award by the UNC Black Alumni Reunion, the 2021 MLK Unsung Hero by the UNC Office for Diversity and Inclusion and UNC Office of the Provost, as well as recognized by the Brenau University Alumni Hall of Fame to name a few. She sits on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy and Autism in Adulthood. She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation and the national leadership team of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity.