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2026 Student Life Achievement Award Winners

Student Life Achievement Award Winners

No abstract provided.

True Threats, Public Safety, And Free Speech: An Empirical Analysis Of Counterman's Consequences, Jordan Birnholtz, Matthew B. Kugler

Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

Many scholars expected the Supreme Court’s Counterman decision to significantly reshape true threat law, undermining public safety while expanding protections for caustic political speech. Counterman required that a speaker consciously disregard a substantial risk that their communications would be viewed as threatening violence to give rise to liability. This created a concern that it would be difficult to convict harassers and stalkers who were, or claimed to be, delusional, and thus unaware of their speech’s likely impact. Scholars also feared the invalidation of some stalking and harassment statutes and increased difficulty in obtaining protective orders, which play a major role …

An Upside Of Originalism? Jury Size, Meghan J. Ryan

Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

Originalists have taken over the Supreme Court, and many commentators are up in arms. This historical approach to constitutional interpretation can entrench historical biases, result in what many view as unjust decisions, and even cloak politically motivated opinions. But entirely rejecting a historical approach to constitutional interpretation overlooks what can be an upside of originalism: Because of our country’s unique history of being founded by British rebels, some practices from the time of the Founding—such as recognizing a strong jury right—advantage criminal defendants. Thus, employing a historical approach such as originalism in assessing the scope of constitutional protections can actually …

Uncharted Waters: Addressing The Shortcomings Of Criminal Liability Under The Clean Water Act By Charging Water Polluters With Assault, Abigail English

Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

Water pollution incidents pose both acute and long-term risks to human health, yet the Clean Water Act (CWA) ineffectively holds water polluters accountable. By defining criminal violations in terms of technical breaches of the statute, the CWA’s criminal provisions are vulnerable to narrow judicial interpretations, leaving many environmental crimes unpunished. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rarely pursues criminal charges under the CWA, relying instead on civil fines, which fail to impose meaningful consequences. This underinclusiveness and under-utilization allows many polluters to evade serious penalties. Even when pollution incidents are covered by the CWA and the EPA pursues prosecution, the …

Catheter Ablation Versus Anti-Arrhythmic Drug Therapy For Atrial Arrhythmias In Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Real-World Cohort Study, Revanth Reddy Bandaru, Nishant Nerella, Suman Pasupuleti

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Inhaled Nitrous Oxide Use In Dermatologic Laser Surgery: A Four-Year Retrospective Safety Review, Sophia Anagnostis, Chelsea Kesty, Katarina Kesty

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Making Loading-Dose Atorvastatin The Default For Patients Presenting With Acs Leads To Increased Administration, Farhan Hiya, Suppraja Soundarrajan, Ali Hassan, Zain Awan, Ahmad Hayat, Andrew Niclosi

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Hypertensive Emergency Discharge Characteristics Associated With 30-Day Readmission Rates, Farhan Hiya, Ali Hassan, Ali El-Husari, Areeb Zafar, Muhammad Anzar Ullah, Andrew Niclosi

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Conduction System Pacing Vs Biventricular Pacing: A Meta Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials In Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, Mustafa Tahir, Muhammad Abdullah, Jaafar Hamdan, Michael D. Moore, Nagaraja D. Sharma, Olu Oyesanmi, Salman M. Muddassir

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

A Rare Case Of Hashimoto Encephalopathy Disguised As Rapidly Progressive Dementia, Sai Santosh Sreenivasan, Kristen Howerton, Monicka S. Felix

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Ivig As Salvage Therapy In Refractory Antisynthetase Syndrome-Associated Ild: A Three-Case Series, Shine Vazhappilly, Julio Paoli-Gonzalez, Jose Herazo-Maya

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Gastrointestinal Ebv In Immunosuppressed Hosts: A Case Of Ptld After Kidney Transplant, Mary Moussa, Baylen Shoemaker, Vikas Sethi, Alvin Boyd Newman-Caro, Rakhee Shah, Patricia Chun, Michael Schulman

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Splenic Ectopic Pregnancy: A Rare Cause Of Hemoperitoneum With Diagnostic Challenges-A Case Report And Literature Review, Mustafa Tahir, Nuzhat Shahid, Sainarayana Mangu, Serena Usmani Qureshi, Neami Tervil

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Communicating With The Virtual Patient: Student Perceptions Of Genai In Dietetic Training, Suzanne Doyle Dr, Aileen Kennedy Dr

Case studies: Digital Education

Background: Communication skill development is a key component of dietetic education. Traditional teaching methods such as role play and simulated consultations are effective but resource intensive. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) may provide an accessible supplementary tool for communication skills practice. This initiative aimed to explore dietetic students’ experiences of using a GenAI simulated patient consultation as a revision aid to support communication skill development.

Methods: This evaluation involved second-year BSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics students undertaking the Professional Practice and Communications module. Following six face-to-face communication workshops, students completed a GenAI simulated consultation involving a 56-year-old male recently diagnosed with …

The Relationship Between U.S. Presidents And Governors From Opposing Political Parties: Policy Implementation And Crisis Management, Adam Richey

Honors College Theses

This thesis studies the impact of partisan divisions between U.S. presidents and state governors in regard to policy implementation and crisis management of the American federal system. While previous research has mainly addressed congressional polarization, executive relationships across different levels of government have received comparatively less scholarly focus.  Particularism theory argues that electoral incentives shape executive behavior, and this study finds that political alignment significantly affects cooperation, coordination, and responsiveness during times of crises. Focusing on qualitative comparative case study methods, the analysis examines Hurricane Katrina (2005) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021). The results show that partisan division most often …

Perinatal Inflammation And Oxidative Stress Alter Adult Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) Motor Behavior, Alexander Young

Honors College Theses

Recent evidence in comparative animal models suggests that early life exposure to elevated inflammation (via LPS exposure) and oxidative stress (via acetaminophen exposure) may synergistically interact to alter typical neurodevelopmental trajectories, resulting in lasting effects on both behavior and gut-brain neurochemistry. The current study observed emotional and motor behaviors and collected fecal-boli to measure Tyrosine (TE) levels in male and female Long-Evans (Rattus norvegicus) rats. Subjects were either treated with [1] saline [2] lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to introduce an inflammatory state, [3] acetaminophen (APAP) to introduce oxidative stress, or [4] a dual-hit of both LPS + APAP on postnatal day (PD) …

Development Of Tunable Rose Bengal Based-Nanogumbos As Potential Selective Chemotherapeutic Agents, William J.A. Russell

Honors College Theses

As cancer remains one of the greatest threats to the global population, the development of chemotherapeutic agents that are selective and tunable is of critical importance. Herein, a series of Rose Bengal (RB)-based GUMBOS, a group of uniform materials based on organic salts, were synthesized via counterion exchange between [Na]₂[RB] and three organic cations: tetrabutylphosphonium bromide [TBP][Br], tetraphenylphosphonium chloride [TPP][Cl], and 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [C₁₂MIm][Cl]. The resulting GUMBOS were characterized through FT-IR, ESI-MS, NMR, and UV-Vis Spectroscopy. Partition coefficient studies indicated all GUMBOS exhibited hydrophobic physiochemical characteristics. These hydrophobic RB-based GUMBOS …

Crisis Communication In The Influencer Era: A Crisis Response Analysis Of Poppi And Alani Nu, Meredith E. Staley

Honors College Theses

As social media continues to reshape modern public relations practice, beverage brands like Alani Nu and Poppi offer relevant examples of influencer-driven communication and crisis response. This honors thesis compares and contrasts these brands following two major crises: Poppi’s influencer vending machine campaign and the health concerns and backlash surrounding Alani Nu’s energy drinks. Despite the well-known prevalence of these brands, there is little scholarly research examining their crisis communication strategies. Guided by Situational Crisis Communication Theory, this study uses a combination of social and news media content analysis to evaluate how each brand responded to its respective crisis. Each …

Enhancing Wheelchair Education Throough Technology, Anna Elizabeth Voegel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The World Health Organization states there are more than 65 million wheelchair users worldwide, with the number expected to grow (Gilani, 2023). Many wheelchair users face challenges with not knowing how to properly maintain their equipment or develop the skills needed to navigate their environments (Boccardi et al., 2022; Morgan et al., 2015; Smith et al., 2016; Toro et al., 2017). This product aims to provide practitioners with accessible educational materials that address commonly encountered barriers, usable in the clinic setting or for patients and caregivers to access from a distance.

Methods: A needs assessment was conducted, which included …

The Role Of Ot In Enhancing Mental Health Outcomes For Primary Care Patients, Amorelle Upton

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose. Primary care settings often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns. However, occupation-based and function-focused interventions remain underutilized in these settings. The purpose of this Doctoral Experiential Capstone (DEC) was to implement an Occupational Therapy Mental Health Toolkit designed to support holistic and integrative mental health care in primary care settings.

Methods. This project was guided by the ecology of human performance (EHP) model. Methods included a literature synthesis, development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and structured learning objectives, contextual needs assessment through stakeholder collaboration and site observation, and a product design, …

Supporting Reentry: An Occupation-Based Approach, Savannah B. Ullyott

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Individuals transitioning back into the community following incarceration need holistic care to support a successful reintegration process (National Institute of Justice [NIJ], 2023). There are a variety of supports and barriers to successful reintegration that should be considered when guiding programming for this population, as these individuals often face many challenges when transitioning back into the community (Galletta et al., 2021). Specific supports facilitating successful transitions back into the community includes those of basic or daily needs, often related to housing, employment, transportation, social supports, food security, and access to mental and physical health services (Galletta et al., 2021; …

Enhancing Interdisciplinary Care In Functional Cognition, Madison Anne Thomas

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Functional cognition plays a critical role in determining a patient’s ability to safely perform daily activities, manage medications, and discharge from acute care settings. Functional cognition refers to the integration of cognitive processes and performance skills necessary for completing real-world tasks safely and independently (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2023). Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to assess functional cognition using performance-based measures and support safe discharge planning. Limited awareness and understanding of functional cognition impairments among hospitalists and interdisciplinary team members may lead to inconsistent occupational therapy referrals and potential safety concerns during discharge planning (D’Cruz et al., …

Supporting Inclusion: Occupational Therapy’S Role In Paraprofessional Education For Sensory Processing Difference, Jalen Taylor

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Students with individualized education programs (IEPs) in rural school settings often experience challenges related to sensory processing and emotional regulation, which can impact their ability to engage in classroom routines and academic activities. Paraprofessionals play a significant role in supporting these students throughout the school day, however, many report limited access to formal training, practical strategies, and clear guidance for addressing sensory and behavioral needs. These gaps can lead to inconsistent support and decreased opportunities for student participation in educational occupations and classroom activities.

Purpose: The Paraprofessional Sensory and Regulation Training Program was developed to increase paraprofessional knowledge, confidence, …

Occupational Wellness For Mother & Baby: Education For Young Mothers In Rural North Dakota, Kaelyn Talley

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was for an occupational therapy doctoral student to collaborate with the staff of a maternity home in rural North Dakota. The goal of this collaboration was to provide the residents of the maternity home with education on safety and caring for their child as well as information regarding pregnancy, postpartum, and bonding with their child. This will help to support the mother in her newfound role as well as the child in their various occupations as an infant. Women face many barriers in pregnancy that may lead to them being in maternity homes. The …

Enhancing Leisure For Older Adults In Senior Living Communities, Hannah Louise Street

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Older adults living in senior living communities are at an increased risk of social isolation, depression, boredom, and decreased quality of life (Donovan & Blazer, 2020; du Toit et al., 2019). Increasing access to meaningful, person-centered leisure activities can improve life satisfaction and overall quality of life for older adults (Chang et al., 2021; Shryock & Meeks, 2020). The purpose of this project was to develop a product to increase meaningful leisure engagement amongst older adults living in senior living communities for an overall improved quality of life.

Methodology: The model of human occupation (MOHO) was utilized as the …

Early Occupational Therapy Services: Addressing Health Disparities Following Discharge From The Nicu, Ellie Maree Schumacher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background and Purpose: One out of ten infants born in the United States are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU); a status that has been directly linked to ongoing infant health disparities and disabilities, requiring continued support and education following discharge (Griffith et al., 2022; National Center for Health Statistics, 2025). NICU graduates and their families work with occupational therapy to address or prevent developmental delays and ensure well-being (Craig, 2018; Riley & de Sam Lazaro 2021).

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to determine the needs of the population and context and include NICU admissions, family needs, …

Achieving Successful Occupational Performance During Transitions In Eating Disorder Treatment, Elise Kay Ramberg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Individuals with eating disorders experience challenges in occupational engagement that stem from contributing meaning, value, and purpose to occupations that support eating disorder behaviors rather than promote quality of life (Mack et al., 2023). Recovery is highly dependent on the transition between both levels of care and back into the patient’s natural environment. Occupational therapists play an essential role in supporting patients as they transition and learn to re-engage in their lives outside of their eating disorder (Mack et al., 2023). The purpose of this project was to create materials for the occupational therapist to employ with eating disorder …

Promoting Parent Well-Being And Balance During Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) Stays, Lauren Brooke Nelson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience challenges that influence quality of life, occupational balance, and participation in meaningful activities, limiting their ability to nurture their infants. Currently, occupational therapists in the NICU focus on observable infant occupations including oral feeding, holding, and social interaction. Occupational therapy can support families by promoting engagement in meaningful cooccupations, encouraging balanced routines and roles, providing caregiver education, and adapting tasks or environments to meet family needs.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted prior to arrival on site to understand the needs of parents in the NICU. After the arrival on …

Supporting Occupational Competence Among American Indian/ Alaska Native Students, Adam Nadeau

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) students face significant systemic barriers in higher education, resulting in the lowest enrollment and graduation rates of any student cohort (Dabdoub et al., 2025; McMillan et al., 2025). Challenges such as cultural discontinuity and a lack of supportive “counterspaces” often led to occupational alienation and deprivation (Buckingham et al., 2023; Fetter et al., 2024; McMillan et al., 2025; Reitz & Graham, 2019). There is a critical need for culturally grounded interventions that address the unique needs of these students to foster a sense of belonging (Delgado-Guerrero & Gloria, 2025; Kuchynka et al., 2025). …

Beyond Survival: Empowering Mental Health Recovery After Acquired Brain Injury, Paige Mackenzie Kozak

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently experience psychosocial and cognitive challenges, including depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and identity changes which can significantly impact rehabilitation outcomes and participation in daily occupations. Despite this, outpatient rehabilitation clinicians may feel underprepared to recognize and address these concerns within their scope of practice. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational onboarding program to support interdisciplinary rehabilitation staff in identifying and responding to psychosocial needs of individuals with ABI, while promoting trauma-informed and patient-centered care.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to examine common psychosocial and cognitive outcomes following …