Assistant Professor
Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences
Program: Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Email: emily.balog@rutgers.edu

Office location:
65 Bergen Street
Newark, NJ 07101

About Me

Dr. Balog has practiced occupational therapy for 15 years primarily working in geriatric rehabilitation, home modification, and aging in place. She received both a BS (2006) and MS (2007) in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA followed by a PhD in Translational Health Science (2021) at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Balog is a veteran of the United States Air Force and served in the NJ Air National Guard from 2002-2008 specializing in Emergency Management/Disaster Preparedness and earned her AS (2008) from the Community College of the Air Force where her technical specialty was in Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, Radiological Warfare Preparedness and Defense. Sgt. Balog deployed during the Iraq war in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008. Dr. Balog’s efforts centralize around community.

Education

Associate of Science in Emergency Management, Community College of the Air Force
B.S. in Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University
M.S. in Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University
Ph.D. in Translational Health Science, The George Washington University

Professional Achievements

Pat Tillman Foundation- 2022 Donor Steward ; Selected by Staff, 2022

GW Research Showcase 1st Place Nashman Prize for Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR), 2021

GW Research Showcase 2nd Place in School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2021

GW Military & Veteran Services Learning Supplement Stipend ; Awarded by Office of Military and Veteran Services, George Washington University, 2021

Pat Tillman Foundation- 2021 Tillman Scholar Selection Committee ; Selected by Staff, 2020, 2021, 2022

Pat Tillman Foundation- Philadelphia Regional Captain ; Selected by Staff, 2020

Pat Tillman Foundation- 2018 Tillman Scholar ; Awarded by George Washington University & PTF Selection Committee, 2018

Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Life Member ; Awarded by Post Commander, 2018

Veterans of Foreign War Outstanding Patriot’s Pen Chairman ; Awarded by National Commander, 2018

Veterans of Foreign War Outstanding Patriot’s Pen Program Activities ; Awarded by National Commander, 2017-2018

Veterans of Foreign War National Aide-De-Camp ; Appointed by State Commander, 2017

Genesis Rehab Services Home and Community Based Services Committee ; Selected by National Senior Leadership, 2017

Junior Vice Commander of VFW Post 7365 (annual election) ; Elected by Post members, 2017-present

District 7 Chair of VFW Scholarship Program (annual appointment) ; Appointed by District Commander, 2017-present

PTSD Awareness Project ; Invited by Leigh Martinez (Paynter) (sister of fallen Marine), 2016-present

Employee of the Month- ManorCare Voorhees ; Awarded by Senior Leadership, 2011

The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal ; Presented by the Department of Defense, 2008

The Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon ; Presented by the Department of Defense, 2008

The Meritorious Unit Award, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing ; Presented by the Department of Defense, 2008

Thomas Jefferson University Service Award ; Awarded by Janice Burke, Occupational Therapy Professor, Chair and Dean, 2007

Thomas Jefferson University Teaching Assistant ; Selected by Occupational Therapy Faculty, 2007

Thomas Jefferson University, Alpha Eta Honor Society Book Award, 2006

Thomas Jefferson University, Leadership Development Retreat ; Selected by faculty, 2006

Thomas Jefferson University, Judicial Board member ; Appointed by faculty, 2005-2006

Airman Leadership School (NCO promotion) ; Promoted by CES Commander, 2006

Thomas Jefferson University Dean’s Scholarship, 2004-2006

USAF Readiness Technical School Top Graduate, 2004

USAF Basic Military Training Honor Graduate, 2003

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, 2002

Camden County College Merit Scholarship, 2002-2004

Research

Dr. Balog’s research focuses on creating age-friendly communities where older adults are empowered to participate. She also has conducts research on team science and on healthcare quality improvement.

Dr. Balog’s research efforts underscore knowledge translation, team science, and implementation science transected with occupational therapy. She spends time volunteering for Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Pat Tillman Foundation, and Action Tank. She is presently co-founder of a start-up tech company called Uzelink where older adults can use technology to promote and maintain independence. She believes occupational therapists must demonstrate the distinct value of the profession. Through her program development, Dr. Balog has designed opportunities grounded in theory, evidence, ethics, and advocacy where students can learn the skills to be leaders in social justice in their area of interest and apply the unique lens of the profession through translation into policy and practice.

Publications