Title: Assistant Professor
Company: Columbia University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy
Location: Cheshire, Connecticut, United States
Michael J. Urban, OTD, assistant professor at Columbia University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in education.
Since 2024, Dr. Urban has served as an assistant professor, teaching occupational therapy at Columbia University and advising entry-level occupational therapy students pursuing a Master of Science in the subject. In addition to teaching, he has owned and operated Urban Therapy and Research Associates since 2007 and sits on the American Occupational Therapy Association board.
Dr. Urban began his education at D’Youville University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in occupational therapy in 2002. Shortly after, he became a certified occupational therapist with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. He went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven, graduating in 2006. Later in his career, he earned a doctorate in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University, completing his education in 2016. While leading Urban Therapy and Research Associates, he became interested in teaching, and in 2019, he joined the University of New Haven as a senior lecturer and Gannon University as an adjunct assistant professor. He remained with Gannon University until 2024, when he entered his current teaching position at Columbia University. To compliment his formal education, he earned a fieldwork educator certificate from the American Occupational Therapy Association and a human trafficking prevention training certificate from the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights.
Reflecting on his career thus far, Dr. Urban considers his work at Columbia University and his service on the American Occupational Therapy Association board as the most significant milestones in his career. He has worked with the board since 2022 and has spoken at numerous assemblies for the association. As a researcher and accomplished professional, he has served as a peer reviewer with the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy since 2012. Outside of his career, he is a long-time supporter of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and a former captain of the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department, which he joined in 2005. His experience with the fire department extends to volunteering in the New Haven Firefighting Rehabilitation Initiative’s Clinical Pathways Program from 2006 to 2008. For his accomplishments, he has been a multiple-time recipient of the Service Commendation Award. He remains deeply involved with his career and community, maintaining membership not only to the American Occupational Therapy Association, but the Leaders and Legacies Society in Occupational Therapy. He previously served on the ergonomic team committee for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and as president of the Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association.
Looking to the future, Dr. Urban is focused on conducting quality research and investing time in policy and administrative work in health care settings. Seeking to broaden his horizons, he aims to pursue a career in leadership and finance in the coming decade. To those interested in following a similar career path, he advises always standing by the truth and maintaining forward momentum. He attributes his success to perseverance and integrity, which created a strong foundation for future achievements when he first began his career. As his professional life grows and evolves, he intends to continue teaching alongside his work at Urban Therapy and Research Associates.
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