Rick D. Davenport

Dr. Rick D. Davenport's achievements set benchmarks in the field of occupational therapy, particularly in the areas of adult productive aging and innovative research methodologies. As an Associate Professor and Ph.D. Program Director in Occupational Therapy at Nova Southeastern University's College of Health Care Sciences, Dr. Davenport brings over 21 years of dedicated experience in academia and research. His work is primarily focused on understanding and enhancing participation among older adults through the lens of occupation and gaming, a unique intersection that has garnered significant attention in the field. Before his tenure at NSU, which began in 2011, Dr. Davenport honed his research skills at prestigious institutions such as the Gainesville Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center and the Tampa Center of Excellence VAMC. These roles provided him with a robust foundation in rehabilitation research, allowing him to contribute significantly to the understanding of how older adults can maintain active and fulfilling lives. In addition to his academic and research commitments, Dr. Davenport is deeply involved in community service. He serves as the District Leader for the Southeast Broward Chapter of Soka Gakkai International–USA (SGI-USA) Men’s Division. This role reflects his commitment to fostering community engagement and personal development, aligning with his professional focus on participation and occupation. Dr. Davenport's contributions to the field are not only academic but also practical, as he continuously seeks to apply his research findings to real-world scenarios, improving the quality of life for older adults. His innovative approach to integrating gaming into occupational therapy practices is paving the way for new therapeutic strategies that promote active participation and engagement among older populations.