Shirish Lala

Years in Teaching: Since 2009

Years as Practicing OT: Since 2004

Specialty Practice Area: Neurorehabilitation, Adult Physical Dysfunction, Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities, Cardiopulmonary interventions

Research Focus: Creativity and innovation, Neuroeducation, Physical Dysfunction, Leadership, Occupational Science, Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

Biography: Dr. Lala joined the faculty at the blended Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the Tampa Bay Regional Campus in 2023. He comes to Nova Southeastern University with a Doctor of Education Degree in Mind, Brain, and Teaching from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.  His dissertation focused on best practices in designing creative workplace training experiences and introductory occupational therapy fieldwork.  In 2008, he also earned a post-professional Master of Health Science degree in Occupational Therapy, from the University of Florida, where he studied the implications for driving after deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease.  In 2004, he completed his entry-level education and received the Bachelor of Occupational therapy degree—from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College & General Hospital, in Mumbai, India—before moving to the United States.  He has worked as a traveling occupational therapist in California, Florida, and Illinois as well as other clinics in the US and India. For over thirteen years, he served as Professor and Academic Clinical Coordinator at Daytona State College teaching a wide range of occupational therapy courses.  His scholarship activities include presentations and publications at regional, state, and national conferences including those organized by the Florida Occupational Therapy and American Occupational Therapy Associations. He has volunteered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy for over a decade and recently served as their Ambassador in the State of Florida.