Alumni Profile: Veronica Rowe, PhD, OTR/L

by Abby King • December 30, 2025

Meet Dr. Veronica Rowe, MSOT'96, an accomplished WashU Occupational Therapy alumna and now an associate professor at Georgia State University. Her career is defined by a commitment to research and a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Armed with a psychology degree from Hendrix College, Veronica soon realized she was more drawn to experimental work than clinical practice. “I used to joke that I preferred running rats through mazes to listening to people on a couch,” she recalls. She headed north from Arkansas to pursue a master’s degree in experimental psychology with a focus on sleep research at St. Louis University. Although she loved the methodology, she soon realized the program lacked the client interaction she wanted—“because, duh, they were sleeping!”

Still eager to do research but work with a more awake clientele, Veronica enrolled in the MSOT program at Washington University’s Program in Occupational Therapy.

Her time at WashU was transformative. She speaks fondly of mentors like Dr. Jan Duchek and program director Dr. Carolyn Baum, whom she describes as both practical and personable. “The curriculum—especially the problem-based learning—was challenging, but it ended up being incredibly valuable to my professional growth,” she says.

During her second year, the Program moved into a newly renovated space. While the updated labs, adapted kitchen, and training environments were “everything you could want,” she found the cramped quarters of the older building equally instructive. “It was realistic. Many times you work in facilities where space is limited, and adapting to those conditions was part of the learning.”

After Veronica practiced in several clinical institutions, her early love of research asserted itself and she went back to school one last time, ultimately earning her PhD in occupational therapy from Texas Woman’s University.

Reflecting on her education, Dr. Rowe describes it as the cornerstone of her career. “It was current, evidence-based, and it instilled in me the importance of lifelong learning.” The combination of rigorous coursework and practical experience created a foundation she continues to rely on.

She credits WashU with shaping her ability to navigate interdisciplinary work. “WashU taught me not to operate in silos. The collaboration I saw among physical therapists, neurologists, and other professionals has been invaluable.” Today, Dr. Rowe is an accomplished academic and researcher who collaborates with PIs nationwide—from biomedical engineering to neuroscience to PT and OT—contributing significantly to research in stroke rehabilitation, particularly in the realm of measurement.

Her advice for students entering the field: keep an open mind. “Don’t limit yourself. The beauty of occupational therapy is its diversity—from age groups to diagnoses to settings.”

Dr. Rowe remains excited about advancements in OT and her ongoing research. Her journey stands as a testament to the strong foundation built at WashU and her enduring dedication to the field.

“WashU will always have a special place in my heart. The name opens doors, but the education and values instilled there have truly shaped my career.”