Occupational therapy professor one of three Texas health educators inducted to Shine Academy

By Kate Hunger

Karin Barnes, Ph.D., OTR, occupational therapy associate professor, was inducted in February into the University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine Academy of Health Science Education. 

'It's an honor being recognized by peers across the state," Barnes said. "It's such an honor that the work we've all been doing in our OT department is recognized and that we've all been good about trying to be relevant to what's needed by the students as well as what's needed by the clients. What we are doing is relevant to what's currently going on in health care."

Barnes, a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), is one of three inductees to the academy. The academy provides educational conferences for faculty and presents and debate ideas related to health education in Texas. Named for former UT Systems executive vice chancellor Kenneth Shine, the academy compromise educators of all disciplines from all UT System health science campuses. 

A founding member of the OT department, Barnes served as department chair for a decade. She specializes in pediatrics, including sensory integration disorders, hand skill development, pediatric burns, as well as other developmental disabilities. 

In another honor, Barnes is one of 16 women who will be inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame on March 24. Barnes is being recognized for her contributions to higher education. The organization provides colleges scholarship to local women and recognizes the services and contributions of women in the community. 

"Any recognition I receive is because the whole department is such marvelous team," Barnes said. "Everyone so well together, and I think it helps all of us a lot."