Georgia State Associate Professor Veronica Rowe Advances Global Stroke Rehabilitation Through Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award

ATLANTA—As the first Fulbright Scholar in the Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions’ history, Dr. Veronica Rowe is breaking new ground in global stroke rehabilitation as a recipient of the 2026-2027 Fulbright U.S. Scholar award. Read more about all the Georgia State University recipients.

A recognized authority in stroke rehabilitation, Dr. Rowe has expertise in research, clinical translation, and care for those living with neurological impairments. Her work focuses on expanding access to effective, evidence-based rehabilitation – particularly for patients who have experienced a stroke or brain injury. At Georgia State, she also holds an affiliate appointment with the Gerontology Institute, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to addressing complex challenges at the intersection of aging, disability, and public health.

This work is especially critical in Trinidad and Tobago, where stroke incidence ranks among the highest in the world and many individuals face long-term disability following stroke. Through her Fulbright project, Dr. Rowe is partnering with the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) to enhance rehabilitation systems through teaching and continuing education, with the goal of improving recovery outcomes.

The initiative brings evidence-based rehabilitation practices into a high-need global setting while expanding practical learning opportunities for students and clinicians.  It is also designed to extend beyond the Fulbright term, establishing a foundation for ongoing collaboration with USC through future research, academic exchange, and joint programming.

Building Capacity Through Teaching, Research, and Clinical Practice

As part of her Fulbright award, Dr. Rowe will collaborate directly with USC faculty, students, and practicing occupational therapists through a multi-faceted initiative that integrates education, research, service, and mentorship, including:

• Teaching graduate-level occupational therapy courses
• Collaborating on research initiatives in neurorehabilitation
• Mentoring students and clinicians in clinical settings and free community clinics
• Delivering continuing education for practicing occupational therapists

Dr. Rowe’s background makes her uniquely suited to lead a project of this scope. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIST), a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice, and a former Chair of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) Stroke Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group, a leading international body in rehabilitation research.  She also serves as an Accreditation Evaluator for ACOTE, helping maintain national standards in occupational therapy education.

In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Rowe has contributed to NIH- and VA-funded clinical trials, helping standardize outcome measures, train evaluators, and translate research findings into clinical practice.  Her work spans assessments, interventions and telerehabilitation – each critical to providing equitable access to effective care worldwide.

A Sustainable Model for Long-Term Impact

Sustainability is a defining feature of Dr. Rowe’s Fulbright project, designed to build lasting capacity within the region’s healthcare workforce.

USC students will gain experience through courses such as Therapeutic Process and Performance and Topics in Brain Injury for Occupational Therapists, including:

• Evaluating and treating neurological and medical conditions
• Applying evidence-based interventions
• Understanding how disability affects daily life and occupational performance

Students will also have the opportunity to pursue Certified Brain Injury Specialist credentials, enhancing both their clinical expertise and professional reach. Equipped with these skills, graduates will enter the workforce with advanced, globally relevant experience – positioning them to improve care in their communities and region.

Advancing Care Through Community Engagement

In parallel with academic instruction, Dr. Rowe will mentor practicing occupational therapists to integrate evidence-based neurorehabilitation practices into everyday care settings.  By addressing knowledge gaps and refining clinical reasoning, this effort will support more consistent, high-quality care for patients.

She will also participate in direct service delivery through free community clinics, ensuring underserved populations benefit while creating meaningful learning opportunities for students and clinicians.

Continuing education will play a central role in this effort.  As Dr. Rowe explains:

“Efforts will focus on promoting evidence-based practices, enhancing clinical reasoning skills, and supporting the integration of innovative therapeutic approaches. By fostering professional growth and lifelong learning, my goal is to elevate the overall quality, consistency, and effectiveness of occupational therapy service delivery within the community.”

Expanding Global Impact

The impact of Dr. Rowe’s time in Trinidad and Tobago will be both immediate and enduring.  In the spring 2027 term, USC students and clinicians will gain access to expanded curriculum, advanced training, and globally recognized credentials. Over time, shared knowledge and more robust systems will improve rehabilitation outcomes across the Caribbean and surrounding regions.

Dr. Rowe’s project is ultimately about redefining what recovery looks like for stroke survivors – creating more opportunity, more independence, and a stronger path forward for individuals and families.  Her work embodies the spirit of the Fulbright Program by advancing shared knowledge, building international partnerships and addressing global health challenges through evidence-based practice. It also highlights Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions’ and the Department of Occupational Therapy's commitment to advancing research and innovation, fostering student success through applied learning and real-world experience, and engaging global partners to expand access to care while broadening its reach in communities worldwide.