Anita Bundy, professor and chair of occupational therapy at the University of Sydney, has been named the new head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University.

Bundy has been at the University of Sydney since 2002, but she is no stranger to Fort Collins. For 10 years prior to her appointment in Sydney, she served as an OT professor at CSU.

“Dr. Anita Bundy has outstanding experience in OT administration, teaching, and research, including directing a large project examining various interventions with children in schools. She brings a broad depth of knowledge and international experience and reputation to CSU, and I am pleased that she will be leading our highly ranked Department of Occupational Therapy,” said Jeff McCubbin, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Bundy is most well-known for her work with children, especially the assessment and promotion of play. Her work in schools over the past decade has also addressed “risk reframing,” which involves taking into consideration the benefits of everyday risk-taking for children. As a researcher and supervisor of postgraduate research, she has led projects relating to a diverse range of therapeutic contexts, including children’s play, mental health, everyday quality of life, driving assessment and sensory integration.

“I am very excited to return to CSU and Fort Collins,” Bundy said. “I’m looking forward to working with OT students, faculty and staff and to the possibility of extending my research in play and risk reframing to Colorado.”

Bundy is also the co-editor of two textbooks published by F.A. Davis and commonly used by occupational therapists: Sensory integration: Theory and practice and Kids can be kids: A childhood occupations approach.

Bundy will officially start her position at CSU in January 2016. Bob Gotshall will continue to serve as interim department head until that time.