Lauren Selingo, PhD, OTR/L, has joined the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy as Assistant Professor. Selingo completed her Bachelor’s in Occupational Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) in 2016. After graduating, she moved to North Carolina to experience healthcare services in a different part of the country and completed her MSOT degree at East Carolina University in 2018.
Selingo practiced in skilled nursing, school, and inpatient behavioral settings in Minnesota and a skilled nursing facility in Milwaukee before returning to UWM in 2020 to complete her PhD. During this time she taught as an Ad Hoc Instructor while maintaining a PRN OT position in an inpatient behavioral health setting. She graduated from UWM with her PhD in May of 2024 and her dissertation work focused on using Photovoice and phenomenological interviews to explore the lived experiences of sexual minority women in emerging adulthood who use substances. Selingo has also used Photovoice to explore OT students’ lived experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have a deep love of qualitative research methods in exploring our shared and differing lived experiences, particularly across student and women’s experiences,” said Selingo. “My passion – behavioral health and addressing the spectrum of substance use – influences my research, with a goal of deepening our understanding of women’s needs surrounding substance use and health.”
Through this research Selingo hopes to increase and expand occupational scientists’ understanding of the spectrum of substance use, while simultaneously better preparing OT professionals in addressing various populations’ mental health and substance use-related needs across settings. In addition to her research, Selingo is also passionate about student andragogical learning strategies, the impact of personal reflexivity on one’s practice, occupational justice, and health and equity factors surrounding women, the queer community, and older adults.
Selingo is excited to continue to develop the field of occupational science through research, work, and collaboration with others at UNC while preparing students to serve North Carolinians.
“The faculty and students who are a part of the Division of OS/OT are truly amazing, both through their knowledge and kindness,” said Selingo. “It was a very, very easy decision to accept this position, as I feel very welcomed and supported across the Division and School of Medicine in pursuing my research interests and empowering students. I am SO excited to be a part of UNC and the Division of OS/OT!”
In her free time Selingo enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and cuddling with her kitties, Belle and Shlomo. She also enjoys exploring historically haunted and unusual places to ghost hunt with her husband. Next time you see her, share your pet photos and your favorite places to explore!