Research from the WashU Medicine is helping shape national conversations on fall prevention, highlighted in a recent The New York Times feature on a large-scale clinical trial led by Susan Stark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA. Mae Gordon, PhD, professor at the John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, served as co-principal investigator on the study, building on foundational work conducted at WashU Medicine. The project focuses on reducing fall risk—an issue that significantly impacts older adults’ independence, safety, and overall quality of life.
Mae Gordon, PhD
Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Email: mae@nospam.wustl.edu
Director of the Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Core
Gordon’s early contributions were instrumental in advancing the study from concept to large randomized trial. Her preliminary work helped define key elements such as recruitment feasibility, follow-up timing, and sample size, while also demonstrating how home modifications can reduce fall risk—particularly for patients recovering from stroke. Built on long-standing collaboration with occupational therapy, this research emphasizes how real-world environments influence safety and recovery.
“I was pleased to contribute to the early phases of this study, where we established feasibility and helped shape the design of a large randomized trial. This work reflects the importance of rigorous preliminary research in advancing meaningful interventions to reduce fall risk and improve patient outcomes.”
Mae Gordon, PhD