Director

The RESTORE Lab is directed by Suzanne “Suzy” Perea Burns, PhD, OTR/L, ECHM. Dr. Burns received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition/Dietetics from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Burns also completed an interdisciplinary postdoctoral fellowship focused on disparities in stroke recovery outcomes at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Burns’ has a dual appointment at the University of New Mexico in the Division of Occupational Therapy and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the R2D2 Center. Her research has primarily focused on the development, testing, and implementation of mobile health (mHealth) assessments and interventions to improve community living outcomes for people with disabilities. A second major research focus is the development and evaluation of technology-enhanced interventions for improving accessibility, health, and participation for people living with stroke and persons with disabilities. As a rehabilitation research scientist, she contributes expertise at the intersection of post-stroke disability (specifically executive function impairments) and community living. Dr. Burns’ contributions have been disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, service on national boards, mentoring, and successful acquisition of competitive extramural and foundation grants as either PI or Co-I. She has brought in over $1,2500,000 in funding to the RESTORE lab to progress the science.