Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Elena Espiritu

Belmont professor's sabbatical advances global occupational therapy research and education

Belmont University professor Dr. Elena Espiritu has returned from a six-month sabbatical at the University of the Philippines in Manila where she made significant strides in occupational therapy research and education. 

During her time as a visiting professor, Espiritu successfully adapted and tested her Well-Being Through Occupational Participation (WBOP) program in a new cultural context, mentored aspiring researchers and faculty members and fostered international collaboration between researchers from the Philippines, Australia and the United States. 

At the heart of Espiritu's sabbatical was the expansion of her doctoral research project, the WBOP program. Working with a diverse international team, she tested the effectiveness of this occupation-based intervention among Filipino OT students. The study's results indicated that WBOP was as effective in enhancing student well-being in the Philippines as it had been in the United States, underscoring its potential for broader global application. 

"It was invigorating to see a project I started as part of my dissertation grow into a tool that could benefit others globally," Espiritu shared.  

This international collaboration not only broadened the scope of WBOP's applicability but also provided a robust learning platform for the research team. 

Beyond research, Espiritu's sabbatical addressed pressing educational challenges in the Philippines. She delivered workshops on topics ranging from clinical reasoning to active learning strategies, enriching the curriculum for both students and faculty at the University of the Philippines. 

Notably, Espiritu's mentorship of young researchers and faculty members proved crucial in a country facing a severe shortage of OT educators.  

"Mentoring the next generation of OT leaders was incredibly rewarding. It highlighted the urgent need for more structured support systems for young faculty in the Philippines," she noted. 

As Espiritu returns to her duties at Belmont, she brings with her a wealth of cross-cultural experiences and fresh perspectives on teaching, research and service. Her sabbatical exemplifies how international academic engagements can benefit both the individual and the broader global community. 

Looking ahead, Espiritu aims to apply her enriched understanding to inspire transformative education at Belmont. She plans to foster a learning environment that addresses complex problems through innovative solutions and encourages a collaborative, integrative approach to education – mirroring her experiences at UP Manila. 

Espiritu's time abroad not only advanced her personal and professional growth but also promises to invigorate the Belmont community with global perspectives on occupational therapy education and research. As she continues to mentor from afar and plan future collaborations, her sabbatical stands as a testament to the far-reaching impact of international academic exchanges. 

As Belmont continues to emphasize global engagement and innovative research, Espiritu's sabbatical serves as a prime example of how faculty development can lead to meaningful contributions in both local and international contexts. Her work promises to enrich the educational experience of Belmont students and further solidify the university's position as a leader in occupational therapy education.