Tsu-Hsin Howe, Infant Feeding Behaviors Specialist, Joins Department of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Howe has extensive experience as a pediatric occupational therapist in New York and Taiwan, with a primary research interest in identifying early predictors of normal and abnormal infant sucking patterns. Her research agenda includes developing psychometrically sound, as well as clinically useful, assessment tools for infant sucking behaviors.

Her investigative focus grew out of her clinical specialization, which is working in neonatal intensive care. She has had a strong relationship for many years with Dr. Ian Holzman, Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Reproductive Medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Their professional association began when they worked together in New York. Dr. Holzman continued to collaborate with Dr. Howe even while she was working in Taiwan. With Dr. Howe's return to the U.S., Dr. Holzman has committed himself and his department to working with Dr. Howe to continue research and discovery about babies in Mt. Sinai's NICU.

The American Occupational Therapy Association's Specialty Certification in Pediatrics has been earned by only about 300 occupational therapists, making Dr. Howe part of an elite few who have qualified for it. She also is certified in Neuro-Developmental Treatment in Pediatrics and in the administration of the Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale. During the past 11 years, Dr. Howe has taught at Hunter College and Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and Chang Gung University (in Taiwan) and National Taiwan University.

Tsu-Hsin Howe's presence, combined with that of Dr. Kristie Koenig and Professor Jim Hinojosa, creates a powerful pediatric occupational therapy knowledge base within the Department. And, having earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy from the Department in 2004, it is a pleasure to be able to welcome her back.