James Wersal, PhD, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, CBIS, DRS

Dr. James Wersal is an occupational therapist, educator, and researcher with more than a decade of clinical experience in neurological rehabilitation, driver rehabilitation, and other practice settings, from subacute care through community reintegration and return-to-work evaluations. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS), and CarFit Technician. 

He has extensive teaching experience in occupational therapy, including courses in clinical neuroscience, professional scholarship, and the occupational therapy process, as well as serving as a clinical fieldwork supervisor and capstone mentor for OTD students. His clinical and scholarly interests focus on the intersection of occupational therapy, technology, and meaningful participation, including neurological rehabilitation, transportation and adaptive technologies, autonomous vehicles, and the responsible integration of generative artificial intelligence into occupational therapy education and practice. His research also explores Veteran health, community reintegration, and transitional training for Veterans and service members.

Across his clinical, teaching, and research activities, Dr. Wersal is interested in how emerging technologies and innovation can support human well-being, professional practice, and participation in meaningful occupations.