[CogSci] PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences – Fall 2026 (MGH Institute of Health Professions)

[Arbel, Yael]

The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD RS) program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP) in Boston is recruiting students for Fall 2026. Our program prepares scientists to conduct impactful, interdisciplinary rehabilitation research that improves health, participation, and quality of life across the lifespan. Students train within active, federally funded research programs across the Mass General Brigham system. Our program provides a unique, interdisciplinary environment and welcomes applicants with backgrounds in fields related to health and/or rehabilitation, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, biomedical engineering, medicine, nursing, and other health-related disciplines. A graduate degree (MS or MA) is required.



The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program also offers a Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) track, a direct-entry route for bachelor’s-prepared students seeking doctoral-level research training alongside the coursework and clinical experiences required for professional certification as a speech-language pathologist.  Learn more and apply to the SLP track here: https://www.mghihp.edu/health-rehabilitation-sciences/departments-programs/rehabilitation-sciences/phd-rehabilitation-sciences-slp-track



Faculty currently recruiting PhD students:


Morgan O’Neil, PhD (Spaulding – Pediatric Concussion)
Currently, Dr. O’Neil is an Investigator specializing in pediatric concussion in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. Her research focuses on developing and testing clinical and community-based active treatment interventions that improve recovery outcomes, ensure safe return to sport and school, and reduce long-term burden for children with concussion. Dr. O’Neil has extensive teaching experience and has mentored graduate students completing their theses and dissertations.

Dr. O’Neil is recruiting a PhD student to support her project funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). Specifically, the objective of this project is to develop educational materials for children with concussion and to implement the materials in different clinical settings within Mass General Brigham.

Contact: moneil18 at mgb.org<mailto:moneil18 at mgb.org>


Chad Swank, PhD (Spaulding – Neurologic Rehabilitation Technology)
Dr. Swank’s clinical and research interests include maximizing function and health in people with neurologic disorders. Specifically, he investigates the clinical application of advanced rehabilitation technologies as a means to improve gait and mobility. Seeking a student with an allied health license and clinical experience.
Contact: cswank1 at mgb.org<mailto:cswank1 at mgb.org>



Simon Driver, PhD (Spaulding – Brain Injury & Health Promotion)
Dr. Driver is the Director of the Discovery Center for Brain Injury and Concussion Recovery Research at Spaulding Rehabilitation. His research focuses on health promotion efforts for people with brain injury with an emphasis on cardiovascular health through physical activity and nutrition. Leads clinical trials of adapted Diabetes Prevention Programs and studies implementation and comparative effectiveness. Funded by NIDILRR, NIH, DOD, PCORI.
Contact: sdriver2 at mgb.org<mailto:sdriver2 at mgb.org>



Bridget Perry, PhD, CCC-SLP (IHP – Swallowing & Communication Collaborative)
Dr. Perry’s research is dedicated to improving quality of life for adults living with serious illnesses by advancing patient-centered approaches to swallowing and speech care. A central focus of our work is promoting shared decision making in the management of dysphagia and communication disorders. Ongoing projects include developing innovative assessment and treatment methods that elevate the patient voice, enhance patient–provider communication, and ensure individual values guide medical decision-making.

Contact: bjperry at mghihp.edu<mailto:bjperry at mghihp.edu>


Kathleen Lyons, ScD, OTR/L (IHP – Cancer Rehabilitation)
As Director of the Cancer Rehabilitation (CaRe) Lab, Dr. Lyons leads interdisciplinary studies aimed at reducing disability, promoting health, and optimizing employment outcomes. Her work, funded by the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, and American Occupational Therapy Foundation, advances the evidence base for cancer rehabilitation and psycho-oncology. The ideal candidate will have clinical experience in oncology care and an interest in intervention development, mixed-methods research, and implementation science. Students will gain hands-on experience in standardizing, delivering, and evaluating rehabilitation interventions while working in a collaborative, community-engaged research environment.

Contact: klyons2 at mghihp.edu<mailto:klyons2 at mghihp.edu>





Program highlights:
• Interdisciplinary, clinically connected research environment
• State-of-the-art research facilities
• Full tuition scholarship for IHP courses for the first 4 years
• Competitive funding packages and fellowships
• Strong mentorship and professional development



How to Learn more/Apply



Prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to faculty mentors to discuss research alignment before applying.



There is no application fee. Interested candidates should apply through the MGH IHP’s online APPLICATION PORTAL<https://mghihp.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fApply%3f_gl%3d1*1jbrz7b*_gcl_au*NTc3OTk0Mjk1LjE3NjA2MDI0OTk.*_ga*NTgzODQ4MDg4LjE3MzQ2NTM5NDA.*_ga_L8D40CJD2Q*czE3NjE3NDUzNzgkbzQxJGcxJHQxNzYxNzQ2NjQxJGo1OSRsMCRoNDEwODIyNzY3&_gl=1*1jbrz7b*_gcl_au*NTc3OTk0Mjk1LjE3NjA2MDI0OTk.*_ga*NTgzODQ4MDg4LjE3MzQ2NTM5NDA.*_ga_L8D40CJD2Q*czE3NjE3NDUzNzgkbzQxJGcxJHQxNzYxNzQ2NjQxJGo1OSRsMCRoNDEwODIyNzY3>



For further information about the program, please contact us at phd at mghihp.edu<mailto:phd at mghihp.edu> or visit our website https://www.mghihp.edu/health-rehabilitation-sciences/departments-programs/rehabilitation-sciences/phd-rehabilitation-sciences



Yael Arbel, CCC-SLP, Ph.D.
(she/her/hers)
Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Director, PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences Program<https://www.mghihp.edu/health-rehabilitation-sciences/departments-programs/rehabilitation-sciences/phd-rehabilitation-sciences>
Co-Director, Cognitive Neuroscience Group (CNG)<https://www.mghihp.edu/research-research-labs/cognitive-neuroscience-group>
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
MGH Institute of Health Professions
yarbel at mghihp.edu<mailto:yarbel at mghihp.edu>

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