The sixteen members of CSUDH’s first cohort of Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) students graduate this week, becoming the first Toros to receive doctorate degrees from the university. The three-year OTD program is the first doctoral degree CSUDH has offered and is one of only two OTD programs in the CSU system.
The curriculum prepares highly skilled occupational therapy practitioners while integrating both qualitative and quantitative research, along with a distinctive applied capstone project focused on developing real-world, research and community-based programs. “Students in the program conduct needs assessments and design programs that directly respond to identified community needs, effectively bridging academic training with practical impact,” said Terry Peralta-Catipon, chair of the Occupational Therapy department.
As the first doctoral program of any kind at CSUDH, the cohort served as trailblazers for the university. “Being part of the first class felt significant from the very beginning,” said cohort member Samantha Nugroho. “Throughout the program, we kept hearing from people that we were helping shape the doctoral culture on campus, and what I found so remarkable about that was how authentic it felt.
“Nobody in my cohort tried to hide their personality or their humor in order to seem more serious or more scholarly. We got to be fully ourselves while pursuing this advanced degree, and I think that made the culture we built feel genuine rather than performed.”
“They know they’re paving a path, and they’ve embraced it,” said OTD Program Coordinator Jennifer Taosuvanna. “They’ve been willing to adapt, to work with us through the growing pains. What’s also remarkable is how cohesive they are as a group, despite being so different from one another in their interests. Some are focused on advocacy, some on geriatrics, some on serving the LGBTQ community. It’s a diverse set of passions, and yet they’ve been genuinely supportive of each other.”
“Our inaugural OTD cohort has exceeded expectations, fulfilling our mission to train future leaders in client-centered care, research, and advocacy,” said Professor Eric Hwang, the OT Doctoral Capstone Coordinator.
“It’s been such a rewarding experience to help shape and grow the program from the beginning,” remarked OTD student Alyssa Sack. “The faculty are incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in our success, which made a huge difference. I’ve built meaningful connections with professors, clients, and practitioners, but honestly, my favorite part has been my cohort. Going through this program with my classmates [from this cohort], I’ve found lifelong friends. I’m so proud of all of them and so grateful we get to share this moment together.”
Nugroho agreed. “The environment here is genuinely supportive in a way you can’t take for granted. Faculty go out of their way to make sure you feel celebrated at every milestone. This program marks the moments — banquets, ceremonies, acknowledgments — in a way that matters, especially for students like me who are the first in their families to reach this level. Being able to invite my family to those events, to watch them understand and share in what this journey has meant is something I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
“As the first doctoral program at CSUDH, launching the OTD reflects a culmination of years of diligent advocacy, planning, and collaboration by many brilliant minds,” said Taosuvanna.
“Getting this program off the ground took years — the planning began in 2019. Everyone had to work together, including the students, who were part of the accreditation process. So this graduation isn’t just their milestone; it’s ours collectively. They surprise us every day with their character, their empathy, and their passion for the profession. We did this together, and we’re so excited to celebrate what they’ve accomplished!”
