Rick Davenport received his Ph.D. in December 2007 in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions. He also earned his Master of Health Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the same university and is a licensed occupational therapist. Currently he is a post-doctoral research fellow at the HSR&D/RR&D Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center (RORC) Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP). Dr. Davenport’s research focuses on promoting independence and quality of life for older veterans with disabilities. He has conducted research that focused on assessing the perceived smart technology needs of elders with mobility impairments.

Dr. Davenport is currently working with his mentor, Dr. Ronald I. Shorr, examining whether increasing falls self efficacy will increase the quality of life of veterans by limiting the number of self-imposed activity restrictions associated with a low falls self efficacy. Dr. Davenport’s research topics include examining: 1) objective physical measures (i.e., dynamic gait index measures, lower extremity strength measures) that predict falls self efficacy; 2) self-imposed activity restrictions that relate to falls self efficacy; and 3) quality of life issues surrounding falls self efficacy. Dr. Davenport’s long term objective is to develop appropriately matched fall prevention technology that will allow veterans to remain in their homes longer.