Digital Commons Network^™

Centering Ethics And Engineering In Research, Idalis Villanueva Alarcón

LEAP Conference Speaker Slides

No abstract provided.

Rigor & Reproducibility Of Science, Nathan Tichenor

LEAP Conference Speaker Slides

No abstract provided.

The Quiet Strength Of Empathy, Jourden J. Whitfield

Undergraduate Research Conference

This study is a replication of a well-known experiment by Cameron on empathy. We want to see how people decide to engage with tasks that require thinking and emotional effort. In the study, participants were shown scenarios where they could choose to see more or less detail about a person, like their age, gender, or how they were feeling. After reading, participants answered questions about how hard or mentally tiring the task felt. We also collected basic demographic information. The goal is to test if the original findings hold true and see how they apply to the W campus community. …

Replication Of Empathy And Cognitive Effort: The Trials And Errors Of An Undergraduate Researcher., Meshun S. North

Undergraduate Research Conference

Cameron et al.'s purpose for their study was to see whether, given a choice, people would choose to show empathy. Why and why not? My purpose was to know this as well, but to also get a better understanding of the research process as a whole. As a class assignment, I am also doing this replication to aid in the understanding of the replication crisis, which is a worldwide issue of researchers replicating previous experiments and not getting the same results as the original.  Our participants are all 18 and older college students on this campus. In this replication, we …

Leveraging Student Specialties For Innovative Digital Commons Exhibits, Madison Price, Sara Decaro

Faculty Submissions

In this presentation, Madison Price and Sara DeCaro of Pittsburg State University will cover their unique projects created with Digital Commons Exhibits, what inspired them, and how they incorporated student employees into their workflow. Pittsburg State’s location in southeast Kansas has been home to historically significant institutions like the Haldeman-Julius Publishing Company, an internationally-known leftist press, and artists such as Gordon Parks and Eva Jessye.

PSU’s collection of 2,000 Haldeman-Julius printing plates presented a quandary for Special Collections, until one student’s interest in them prompted this question: could the plates still be used? The result was multiple collaborations across PSU’s …

Developing Pediatric Educational Resources For Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Students And New Employees, Alyssa Gottheiner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

For occupational therapy students, the fieldwork education portion of their curriculum allows them to apply theory and principles learned in their academic program into practice with actual clients (Occupational therapy fieldwork education, 2022). Research indicates the benefit of access to resources and adapting to different learning styles in occupational therapy fieldwork education (Grenier, 2015). Research also indicates that training programs for new healthcare employees can positively impact knowledge, skills, and performance (Patel et al., 2023).  However, there is a lack of research on the availability and benefit of supplemental educational resources for students to access during fieldwork education in pediatric …

Communication Culture: Visual Supports And Staff Education In Therapeutic Riding, Isabel R. Miller

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Communication Culture: Visual Supports and Staff Education in Therapeutic Riding Equine-assisted therapy (EAS) has been shown to improve engagement, social interaction, and communication in individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities by creating natural, motivating opportunities for participation. A doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding (CATR) to utilize EAS alongside visual supports with the goal of increasing communication, engagement, sequencing and independence among student riders with diverse communication abilities. Deliverables included communication boards, PECS cards, visual schedules, and First-Then-Next boards to support task sequencing, communication and participation during therapeutic riding sessions. Staff education was …

Organic And Non-Organic Foods, Pesicide Residue, And Sustainability, Amir Golmohamadi

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Dr. Amir Golmohamadi, Nutrition, "Organic and Non-Organic Foods, Pesticide Residue, and Sustainability."

Climate Change And Transportation, Paul J. Marchese

Open Educational Resources

This module examines how climate change is affecting transportation systems across multiple sectors, including roads, rail, air, maritime, and active transportation. It highlights key climate trends such as rising temperatures, sea level rise, and extreme weather, and explains how these factors disrupt infrastructure, operations, and safety. The module also explores the economic, operational, and policy challenges associated with maintaining resilient transportation systems under changing environmental conditions. Finally, it presents a range of adaptation and mitigation strategies, emphasizing engineering solutions, sustainable technologies, and data-driven decision-making.

Patriotism, Philia, And Stereotyping During World War Ii: Correspondence Between Black Composers, Selise Phillips, Joi Carr

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The 20th century was a monumental time for Black composers, especially for those in the UK. Rudolph Dunbar was the first black musician to perform at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. During this time, correspondence between him and William Grant Still, a famous black composer based in America, exists. Still’s rhetorical choices in these letters demonstrate the attitudes of these composers, specifically Still, and how these choices reflect the success of Dunbar’s career. Still, whose compositions started gaining traction in the 1930s, often praised Dunbar for his achievements. These letters all take place during World War II and during …

Learning To Be Heard, Hannah Stroh

Research Days

I am one of 8957 people globally born in 2006 with the condition Microtia Atresia which is a deformity of the ear. My research inspiration stems from reading the different stories of other microtians on social media who have very different experiences than me. I dug deep into how the self-esteem and social experiences of individuals with my condition are affected. I related to a lot of my findings, making connections to my own life. I will discuss how social media and parental influence have impacted my life; and the challenges I've faced with my balance and hearing in dance …

Identification Of Covalent Catechin Adducts Of Enoyl-Acp Reductase (Fabi) From E. Coli Using Mass Spectrometry, Francisco G. Atwi, P. M. Joyner, Rustin Ghidari

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Enoyl-ACP reductase (FabI), an enzyme which is inhibited by catechin, is essential for lipid biosynthesis in bacteria (E. coli). Another FabI inhibitor, triclosan, has strong antibacterial effects,1 but overuse can be detrimental to the environment. Flavonoids, a class of dietary compounds, are known to have potent inhibitory effects on FabI and other kinases.2,3,4 Adducts form as a result of the biochemical reaction between flavonoids and cysteine, a modification which can be verified by m/z shifts on the mass spectra.5 Samples of E. coli protein with overexpressed FabI are utilized: the wild type with ordinary primary structure, and mutant type lacking …

Dramaturgical Research On Studs Terkel's “The Good War”, Emma K. Mcangus

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

This presentation reflects in-depth dramaturgical research and archival curation developed in support of Pepperdine University’s fall production of “The Good War.” Adapted from Studs Terkel’s oral history of World War II, the production uses verbatim theatre to stage lived experience with historical and ethical complexity. Grounded in Terkel’s interview-based methodology, the project examines not only wartime testimony but also the post-war trajectories of the individuals represented in the script, revealing the long aftermath of conflict and its enduring effects on personal and collective memory. A key component of the project involved compiling biographical information for each interview subject and transforming …

Let's Do Dates: A Bomb Calorimetric Research Project Between Physical Chemistry And Nutritional Science Students, Isaiah Chung, Cosima Schemmel, Jennifer Mcmahon, Susan Helm, Jane Ganske

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Integrating research experiences into the physical chemistry laboratory that encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration effectively demonstrate the importance of research teams, promote student engagement, and provide real-life relevance. Reported here is an interdisciplinary research project between physical chemistry and therapeutic nutrition laboratory courses focused on determining the total energy content of date fruits utilizing bomb calorimetry, a technique central to both fields.  The total energy of combustion was determined using Parr bomb calorimetry for two varieties of dates, Medjool and Black Gold, across two ripening stages. Dates were acquired from Sam Cobb Date Farms in Desert Hot Springs, CA. Gross energy content …

Using Ai Tools Through A Human-Centered, Linguistic Justice Lens To Support Biliteracy For Multilingual Learners With Disabilities, Sara L. Jozwik, Camille O'Quin, Steven K. Sharp

Research Days

This presentation brings to life key findings from a recent literature review on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support literacy development for multilingual learners with disabilities. Drawing on emerging research in special education, biliteracy, translanguaging, and AI-supported instruction, the session situates AI within a human-centered, justice-oriented framework rather than as a replacement for teacher expertise. The ideas shared are grounded in scholarship on translanguaging, Universal Design for Learning, and linguistic justice, providing a research-informed foundation for practice. Using the Translanguaging Universal Design for Learning (TrUDL) framework, the session will explore how AI tools can be used intentionally to …

Through The Gills: Translating Neurorehabilitation Principles Into An Adaptive Aquatic Game And Caregiver Toolkit For Children And Adolescents With Acquired Brain Injuries, Elizabeth J. Blincoe

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Background: An acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in motor, cognitive, and emotional impairments that limit participation and quality of life in children and adolescents (Pappadis et al., 2023). Caregivers often report difficulty supporting recovery and promoting functional carryover following discharge (Pappadis et al., 2023). Aquatic therapy is an evidence-based intervention shown to improve mobility, balance, and activities of daily living following brain injury (Curcio et al., 2020). Access to pediatric aquatic occupational therapy remains limited in communities.

Purpose: This doctoral capstone project was completed in a community-based wellness setting. The purpose was to develop and implement a caregiver-guided adaptive …

Promoting Self-Regulation And Classroom Participation Throughsocial-Emotional Learning Interventions At A Title 1 Elementary School, Emma L. Hidalgo

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to promote self-regulation and classroom participation through social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions in a Title 1 public elementary school serving children from low-income households. Students in this setting often experience an increased array of home life stressors, leading to an decreased ability to have an environment outside of the school setting that provides opportunities for SEL.  (Hodgkinson et al., 2017). SEL provides a framework through which students develop skills in emotional management, goal setting, and social awareness, which are critical for academic and life success (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning [CASEL], 2020; Jones et al., …

The Implementation Of The Neonatal Eating Outcomeassessment To Evaluate Oral Feeding Skills In The Nicu, Katelyn J. Roloff

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The Implementation of the Neonatal Eating Outcome Assessment to Evaluate Oral Feeding Skills in the NICU

Katelyn Roloff, OTDS; Stacie Forehand, OTR/L; Brooke Mulrenin PhD, MOT, OTR/L

Division of Occupational Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina

Approximately 80% of preterm infants develop oral feeding difficulties during their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization (Pineda et al., 2020). Preterm infants often demonstrate inadequate feeding readiness, poor arousal/state regulation, physiological instability, and poor oral motor reflexes, all essential for independent feeding (Grabill et al., 2023; Pineda et al., 2020). Common feeding assessments rely on non-standardized clinical observation, have limited ability to track …

Assessing Chatgpt As A Health Information Tool: Clinical Accuracy And Readability Of Responses To Stroke-Related Questions Queried In Spanish And English, Joanna Logue

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Objective

Latino populations have some of the highest rates of stroke (Simonetto et al., 2023) yet are utilizing in-person healthcare less frequently due to heightened fears and existing barriers to access (Vargas et al., 2019) (Silberberg, M., et al., 2018). Therefore, Latino stroke survivors may be turning to AI for stroke-related healthcare advice. However, current AI chatbots are primarily trained on English-language data (Park, 2024), which may introduce language bias when queried in other languages. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether ChatGPT can serve as a reliable health information tool for Spanish-speaking individuals by comparing the accuracy …

Improving Functional Electrical Stimulation Prescription For Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Series, Kurt Jackson

Thomas C. Hunt Building a Research Community Day

Purpose: Despite a growing body of evidence supporting the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) in persons with MS (PwMS), prescription remains a highly individualized process with no well-established guidelines for assessing the immediate or long-term effects to ensure maximum benefit.  The purpose of this case series was to assess the feasibility and benefits of using wearable sensors and video analysis to provide immediate feedback on gait performance, when using lower leg and thigh stimulation individually or in combination, to improve FES prescription.

Subjects: 3 adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) with varying levels of gait dysfunction.

Methods: During …

Addressing Sensory Processing And Regulation To Improve Developmental Outcomes In A Nicu Developmental Clinic, Faith Crumley

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Background and Significance 

Infants and children who spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experienced intense sensory stimuli early on, during a critical period of brain development. These early experiences have been associated with later challenges in sensory processing and regulation, impacting developmental outcomes (Pineda et al., 2023). Following discharge, NICU Developmental Follow-Up Clinics play a key role in monitoring developmental progress and identifying delays. Given the influence of sensory processing on regulation, motor development, and participation in occupations, early identification is critical. This capstone project was conducted at a NICU Developmental Clinic to address the need for …

Promoting Reintegration Across Home And School Environments For Pediatric Burn Survivors Through A Mental Health Toolkit For Children, Caregivers, And Educators, Ashtan Goodwin

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Objective:

Pediatric burn injuries affect physical recovery, emotional well-being, social participation, and school reintegration. Mental health needs are often under-addressed, particularly for caregivers and educators supporting children post-injury. Pediatric burn patients are three times more likely to develop psychiatric conditions than uninjured individuals, with disorders such as PTSD emerging years after the injury (Duke et al., 2018). The purpose of this project was to address gaps in mental health support and resources for pediatric burn survivors and their support systems.

Methods:

A mixed-methods approach was used through a pre-survey and interviews with burn care team members. The pre-survey was distributed …

Finding A Home Away From Home: An Accessible Hotel And Short-Term Rental Guide, Atley E. Livingston

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Travel has become a significant part of today’s social culture, allowing individuals to connect with family and friends, explore new environments, and engage in meaningful experiences. However, many wheelchair users report that traveling is often frustrating, inequitable, and difficult. To better understand the limitations of travel on this population, a needs assessment was conducted through a collaboration with a nationwide organization that supports the wheelchair community. Participants identified travel accommodations and the barriers they present as a major limitation to travel. The purpose of this capstone project is to analyze lodging and housing accessibility through the lens of the population, …

Understanding Preeclampsia In High-Altitude Bolivia: Clinical Profiles And Development Of Culturally Appropriate Resources, Katie J. Dace

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women in Bolivia face unique health risks compared to women in other countries due to living at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level (12,000 feet). Current local interventions do not fully meet the needs of mothers as evidenced by high maternal mortality rates. Additionally, there is a lack of local research initiatives and educational materials. This capstone project aims to contribute to both these gaps with the development of culturally appropriate educational materials and by laying the foundation for further research on preeclampsia in La Paz, Bolivia.  METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was taken to gather the …

The Impact Of Sensory Modulation Through Multi-Sensory Stimulation Within Dementia Day Centers, Kristin Hood

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Dementia is a growing global health concern, with prevalence expected to double every 20 years as the population ages, and approximately 6.7 million individuals in the United States currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (Cheng, 2017; Akincigil, 2024). Individuals with dementia commonly experience behavioral and psychological symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, pacing, withdrawal, and decreased engagement in meaningful activities, creating challenges for care staff and caregivers.

The purpose of this capstone project was to design and implement a multi-sensory stimulation room (MSSR) within a day program serving community-dwelling adults with dementia. The project aimed to provide a client-centered, …

Supporting Educators Through Executive Function Education And Tier 1 Regulation Strategies In The Classroom, Sarah Robbins

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Early support for students to develop strong executive functioning skills is crucial, as these abilities are linked to lifelong success, well-being, financial stability, and overall quality of life (Diamond, 2013). A needs assessment conducted via REDCap revealed that while educators were generally familiar with executive function, they reported limited access to resources, reduced confidence in implementing strategies, and time constraints within the classroom.

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to enhance educators understanding and confidence in implementing strategies and techniques to address executive function challenges in the classroom. This project involved the development and delivery of educational resources …

Variation In Rehabilitation Related Durable Medical Equipment Use And Cost Among Stroke Survivors: A Retrospective Analysis Of Medicare Beneficiaries, Madison Gersper

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Title: Variation in Rehabilitation-Related Durable Medical Equipment Use and Cost Among Stroke Survivors: A Retrospective Analysis of Medicare Beneficiaries.

Purpose: In the US, stroke is a leading cause of disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Stroke survivorship is expected to rise significantly in the coming years (Feigin et al., 2024; Martin et al., 2025), resulting in a large number of people with disabilities who rely on Rehabilitation-Related Durable Medical Equipment (RR-DME) for daily living. However, there is limited published research on equipment access and costs.

The overall objective of this study was to identify predictors of access to …

The Importance Of Optimizing Engagement In Early Childhood Classrooms: The Development Of An Evidence-Based Teacher Resource Kit, Elizabeth G. Campbell

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Doctoral Capstone Project: The Importance of Optimizing Engagement in Early Childhood Classrooms: The Development of an Evidence-Based Teacher Resource Kit

Background

Preschool classrooms play a critical role in preparing children for future academic and social success. Engagement in daily learning activities and appropriate classroom behaviors are essential for school readiness, yet many preschool-aged children struggle with sustained participation due to environmental, sensory, and developmental factors (Zubler et. Al.. 2022). Teachers are often the first to observe these challenges but may lack practical strategies and resources to support children effectively. Occupational therapy emphasizes participation in meaningful occupations, making it well-suited to …

Implementation Of A Classroom-Based Sensory Regulation Toolkit To Enhance Participation In Students With Severe Disabilities, Camryn R. Woods

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Students with severe and multiple disabilities often experience sensory processing differences that can adversely impact their ability to engage, participate, and regulate within the classroom environment. Educators frequently report feeling underprepared to address sensory needs and implement effective, practical strategies to support these students. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a classroom-based sensory regulation toolkit within a specialized educational setting serving students with significant physical and cognitive disabilities.

The primary goals of the project were to (1) increase teacher knowledge and confidence in recognizing sensory processing patterns, (2) provide accessible, evidence-based strategies to support …

Reducing Inter-Rater Discrepancies During Administration Of The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (Copm) Within An Interdisciplinary Research Team, Julia E. Moore

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Background: Consistent administration of outcome measures is essential for producing reliable research data, particularly in stroke rehabilitation where client-centered goals guide intervention (Kelly-Hayes, 2004). The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is widely used to evaluate self-identified occupational performance goals; however, variability in administration among research team members may introduce inter-rater discrepancies and bias in data collection (COPM) (n.d.). Within the Medical University of South Carolina Stroke Recovery Research Center, inconsistent COPM administration was identified during analysis of data and informal interviewing from an ongoing study. Informal interviews were conducted with 7 occupational therapists experienced in neurorehabilitation to identify barriers to …