Contact Information

Biography

Kimberly A. Szucs, OTR/L, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Duquesne University. Her primary research agenda has focused on posture, upper limb kinematics and associated muscle changes in persons with work-related musculoskeletal disorders or those at risk for developing these conditions, such as collegiate students who have a high frequency of computer and hand-held device use. She is currently engaged in interdisciplinary research to explore the effects of meditation and exercise in persons with chronic low back pain. Dr. Szucs has also developed a research agenda focused on the scholarship of teaching and learning in occupational therapy programs. She has completed studies on the use of journal clubs for learning evidence based practice in the classroom and clinic and using yoga to improve student learning of human anatomy. Dr. Szucs earned an Occupational Therapy degree at The Ohio State University, a Master’s of Science in Anatomy, and a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, also from The Ohio State University.    

Education

  • Ph.D., Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, 2010
  • M.S., Anatomy, The Ohio State University, 2005
  • B.S., Occupational Therapy, The Ohio State University, 2003

School

About

Teaching Philosophy: My overall goal in teaching is to develop life-long, independent learners with strong critical thinking skills. The primary principle of my philosophy is that learning is an active process and requires equal participation by the students; therefore I aim to create a learning environment that encourages students to participate maximally in their learning process. Classroom activities, assignments and examinations are designed to increase comprehension and retention and improve critical thinking and problem solving skills, not rote memorization.

DU Courses I've Taught:

HLTS 315/515: Anatomy
HLTS 403/503: Neuroscience
OCCT 537: Human Motion and Movement/Lab
OCCT 541: Evidence Based Practice
OCCT 530: Biomechanical Function/Lab
OCCT 574: Fieldwork Proposal
OCCT 610-612: Research Project I, II, III

Research Focus: My research agenda has two main foci: the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and describing biomechanical and neuromotor control changes that are precursors to the development of cumulative trauma disorders and pathology. My research training was on joint biomechanics and I have continued to pursue this line of query with studies focused on work ergonomics, specifically the effects of manual labor and computer work on joint motion and muscle activation as changes in these factors may lead to cumulative trauma conditions. I am also currently studying the effects of pain on physical activity, occupational performance and anxiety. As part of my second research focus, I am engaging in research exploring creative and innovative teaching methods and their impact on student perception and outcomes.

Current Projects:

Comparison of Shoulder Muscle Fatigue and Shoulder Biomechanics Following a Keyboarding Work Task and Lifting Work Task; primary investigator

Testing the dosing and social aspects of exercise in the treatment of chronic pain: A multi-school collaborative approach using animal models and human participants; co-investigator with Drs. Ben Kolber (Biology), Matt Kostek (Physical Therapy) and Alex Kranjec (Psychology)

Posture Comparison Between Various Hand-held Technology Devices to Determine Risk of Developing Upper Body Cumulative Trauma Conditions; co-investigator with Dr. Amit Dashottar (Physical Therapy, Simmons College)

An Exploration of Current Trends in School-based Occupational Therapy Practice; co-investigator with Dr. Jeryl Benson (Occupational Therapy)

Describing Students' Perceptions of a Structured Journal Club for Learning Evidence Based Practice Methods; primary investigator

Impact of Student Response Systems on Students Retention of Course Content; co-investigator with Dr. Jeryl Benson

Recent Grant:

Research Stimulator Grant, Duquesne University Chronic Pain Consortium ($2550), Project: Managing Pain: Testing the dosing of exercise therapy with human participants.
Collaborator: Dr. Matt Kostek, PT Dept

Duquesne University Faculty Development Fund ($9,840), Project: Managing Chronic Pain: Testing the Dosing of Exercise Therapy Using a Multi-School Collaborative Approach with Human Participants.
Collaborators: Drs. Ben Kolber, Matt Kostek, Alex Kranjec

Learning Assessment Outcomes Grant ($1,000) Project: Impact of Student Response Systems on Student Retention of Course Content
Collaborators: Drs. Jeryl D. Benson, Elizabeth DeIuliis

Recent Publications 

Szucs, K.A., *Cicuto, K., *Rakow, M. (2018 - in press). A comparison of upper body and limb postures across technology and handheld device use in college students. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 30(10), 1-8.

*Polaski, A., Kostek, M., Szucs, K.A., Kolber, B. (2018). Dose-Dependent effect of moderate intensity exercise on sensitivity to pain in humans. The Journal of Pain, 19(3), S79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.12.187

Szucs, K.A., Donoso Brown, E.V. (2018). Rater reliability and construct validity of a mobile application for posture analysis. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 30(1), 31-36, doi: 10.1589/jpts.30.31.

*Polaski, A., Kostek, M., Szucs, K.A., Kolber, B. (2017). Dose-Dependent effect of walking exercise on pressure pain in humans. The Journal of Pain, 18(4), S87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.02.304

Benson, J.D., Szucs, K.A., DeIuliis, E.D., & *Leri, A. (2017). Impact of student response systems on initial learning and retention of course content of health sciences students. Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 46(3), 158-163. 

Szucs, K.A., *Molnar, M. (2017). Differences in the activation and co-activation ratios of the four subdivisions of trapezius between genders following a computer typing task. Human Movement Science, 52(1), 181-190, doi:10.1016/j.humov.2017.02.001

Szucs, K.A., Benson, J.D., *Haneman, B. (2017). Using a guided journal club as a teaching strategy to enhance learning skills for evidence-based practice. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 31(2), 143-149, doi:10.1080/07380577.2016.1278296 

Szucs, K.A., *Haneman, B. (2017). Describing students' perceptions of a structured journal club for learning evidence-based practice methods. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71, doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.71S1-PO6050

*Taylor, M., Benson, J.D., Szucs K.A. (2017). Student response systems and learning: Perceptions of the student. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71, doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.71S1-PO2019

Kostek, M., *Polaski, A., Kolber, B., *Ramsey, A., Kranjec, A., & Szucs, K.A. (2016). A protocol of manual tests to measure sensation and pain in humans. Journal of Visualized Experiments, 118, e54130, doi:10.3791/54130 

Szucs, K.A., *Polaski, A., Kostek, M.C., Kolber, B.J., & Kranjec, A. (2016). Dosing exercise to treat pain: A randomized human trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97(10), e67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.08.203

Benson, J.D., Szucs, K.A., *Mejasic, J.J. (2016). Teachers' perceptions of the role of occupational therapists in schools. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention, 9(3), 290-301, doi: 10.1080/19411243.2016.1183158

Szucs, K.A., *Rakow, M., *Cicuto, K. (2016) Posture Patterns Assumed During Technology Use Among College Students, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97(10), e101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.08.312 

*Sweetnich, R., *Polaski, A., Kostek, M., Kolber, B., & Szucs, K.A. (2016). A new prescription for pain management in humans: Does exercise dose matter? International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: 9(4), Article 99. Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol9/iss4/99

Szucs, K.A., Benson, J.D., *Corturillo, A. (2016). Use of a journal club for professional development: Outcomes in a school-based occupational therapy practice. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention, 9(2), 208-219, doi: 10.1080/19411243.2016.1176549

Benson, J.D., Szucs, K.A., *Taylor, M. (2016). Student response systems and learning: Perceptions of the student. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 30(4), 406-414, doi: 10.1080/07380577.2016.1222644.

*Mejasic, J.J., Szucs, K.A., Benson, J.D. (2015) The teacher-occupational therapist relationship in school-based practice: Perspectives of the teachers. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(S1) doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.69S1-PO2117

Szucs, K.A., Borstad, J.D. (2015) Capturing three-dimensional clavicle kinematics: a validation of surface sensor measurements. International Journal of Experimental and Computational Biomechanics, 3(1), 1-15.

Szucs, K.A., Borstad, J.D. (2013) Gender Differences Between Muscle Activation and Onset Timing of the Four Parts of Trapezius During Humerothoracic Elevation, Human Movement Science, 32(6), 1288-98, doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2013.05.003

Benson, J.D., Provident, I., Szucs, K.A. (2013) An Experiential Learning Lab Embedded in a Didactic Course: Outcomes from a Pediatric Intervention Course. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 27, 46-57, doi: 10.3109/07380577.2012.756599

Borstad, J.D., Szucs, K.A. (2012) Three-Dimensional Scapula Kinematics and Shoulder Function Examined Before and After Surgical Treatment for Breast Cancer. Human Movement Science. 31(2), 408-18, doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2011.04.002

*denotes publication with Duquesne University students

International

Szucs, K.A., Benson, J.D., Journal Club to Support Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Setting. Poster Presentation at the 2016 Lilly International Conference on Evidence-Based Teaching and Learning, Bethesda, MD, June 2016.

Benson, J.D., Szucs, K.A., DeIuliis, E. Impact of Student Response Systems on Student Retention of Course Content. Poster Presentation at the 2014 International Lilly Conference on College Teaching, Oxford, Ohio, November 2014.

Szucs, K.A., Moyes, K., Molnar, M., Fatiguing Effects of Computer Work on Bilateral Trapezii. Poster Presentation at the 7th World Congress of Biomechanics Conference, Boston, Massachusetts, July 2014.

National

*Polaski A, Phelps A, Kostek M, Szucs K. A., Kolber B. Dose-dependent effect of moderate intensity exercise on sensitivity to pain in humans. Poster presentation at the American Pain Society Scientific Summit in Anaheim, CA, March 2018.

*Polaski, A.M., Kostek, M.C., Szucs, K.A., Kolber, B.J. Dose-dependent effect of walking exercise on pressure pain in humans. Poster Presentation at the American Pain Society National Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, May 2017.

Szucs, K.A., *Haneman, B. Describing Students' Perceptions of a Structured Journal Club for Learning Evidence-Based Practice Methods. Poster Presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, Philadelphia, PA, April 2017.

*Taylor, M., Benson, J.D., Szucs K.A. Students' Perceptions of Student Response Systems and Learning. Poster Presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, Philadelphia, PA, April 2017.

Szucs, K.A., *Polaski, A., Kostek, M.C., Kolber, B.J., & Kranjec, A. Dosing exercise to treat pain: A randomized human trial. Poster Presentation at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine National Conference, Chicago, IL, November 2016.

Szucs, K.A., *Rakow, M., *Cicuto, K. Posture patterns assumed during technology use among college students, Poster Presentation at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine National Conference, Chicago, IL, November 2016.

Szucs, K.A., *Rakow, M., *Cicuto, K. A Comparison of Trunk and Upper Extremity Postures Across Technology and Hand-Held Device Use in College Students. Poster Presentation at the 2016 American Society of Biomechanics Annual Conference, Raleigh, NC, August 2016

Szucs, K.A., *Hale, K., *Kershaw, A., Hand-Held Device Use and Upper Quadrant Posture, Pain, and Dysfunction Among Typical College Students. Poster Presentation at the 2016 American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, Chicago, IL, April 2016.

Szucs, K.A., Benson, J.D., DeIuliis, E.D, The Impact of Student Response Systems on Student Learning and Retention of Course Content. Poster Presentation at the 2015 American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, Nashville, TN, April 2015.

*Mejasic, J.J., Benson, J.D., Szucs, K.A., The teacher/OT relationship in school-base practice: perspectives of the teachers. Poster Presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, Nashville, TN, April 2015.

Benson, J.D., Szucs, K.A., The Teacher/OT Relationship in School-Base Practice: Perspectives of the Teachers. Poster Presentation at the 2015 American Occupational Therapy Association National Conference, Nashville, TN, April 2015.

Benson, J.D., Johnston, A., & Szucs, K.A., An Exploration of Current Trends in School-based Occupational Therapy Practice. Poster Presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD, April 2014.

Szucs K, Molnar M, Beckas N. Scapulothoracic Muscle Activation and Shoulder Kinematics Following a Simulated Work Task with Low Level Forces. Poster Presentation at the 2013 American Society of Biomechanics Annual Conference, Omaha, Nebraska, September 2013.

State

*Balko, V., Matz, J., Goldschmidt, B., Szucs, K.A. 3D modeling and manufacturing of assistive tools for occupational therapy patients. Poster presentation at the Ohio Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Dayton, OH, November 2017.

*Polaski, A., Kostek, M., Szucs K.A., Kolber, B. Dose-dependent effect of walking exercise on pressure pain in humans. Poster presentation at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Neuroscience annual retreat in Wheeling, WV, September 2017.

*Polaski, A., Kostek, M., Szucs K.A., Kolber, B. Effect of exercise dose on sensitivity to noxious stimulation in healthy human subjects. Poster presentation at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Neuroscience annual retreat in Wheeling, WV, September 2016.

*Taylor, M., Benson, J.D., & Szucs, K.A., Student Response Systems and Learning: Students' Perceptions. Research Poster, Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, Valley Forge, PA, October 2016.

*Sweetnich, R., Szucs, K.A., Kostek, M., A New Prescription for Pain Management in Humans: Does Exercise Dose Matter? Poster Presentation at the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting of the American Society of Sports Medicine, Harrisburg, PA, November 2015.

Polaski, A.M., Kostek, M.C., Kolber, B.J., & Szucs, K.A. Effect of Exercise Dosing on Pain in Healthy Human Subjects

*Corturillo, A., Szucs, K.A., Benson, J., Use of a Journal Club for School-based Professional Development. Poster Presentation at the 2015 Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Scranton, PA, October 2015.

Szucs, K.A., Molnar, M., Low-level repetitive forces contribute to scapulothoracic muscle fatigue. Poster Presentation at the 2013 Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2013.

Benson, J.D., Szucs, K.A., & Johnston, A., Current Practice Trends in School-based Occupational Therapy in Pennsylvania. Poster Presentation at the 2013 Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2013.

Szucs, K.A., Beckas, N., Rotator Cuff Injuries: Evidence-Based Perspectives on the Mechanisms of Injury and Evaluation. Invited Presentation (Short Presentation 90 mins), 2013 Ohio Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Columbus, Ohio, November 2013.

Szucs, K.A., Beckas, N. Assessment of Shoulder Muscle Fatigue and Shoulder Biomechanics following a Simulated Work Task with Low Level Forces. Poster Presentation at the 2012 Ohio Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Zanesville, Ohio, November 2012.

*denotes presentations with Duquesne University students

RSHS Deans Award for Excellence in Service to the Mission, RSHS Deans Award for Excellence in Teaching, Apple Polishing Award for Excellence in Faculty Performance - Presented by the Order of Omega and Delta Zeta