Digital Commons Network^™

Histological Assessment Of Neuropathic Pain In Murine Nervous Tissue, Katelynn Castagnola

Liberty University Research Week

Neuropathic pain is a symptom of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS that is difficult to treat since the pain originates in the central nervous system. Current models of neuropathic pain involve mice and are difficult to use, since the methods are invasive and require extensive training; ligation of the sciatic nerve or the T4 and T5 spinal nerves are the most common procedures today. However, it has recently been suggested that formalin can potentially induce chronic pain in mice, as it has been successfully induced in rats. Therefore, our experimental goal was to establish a formalin-induced model of neuropathic pain …

Fish Species And Diversity Database To Monitor Environmental Impacts Of Lake Hydaway Expansion, Lance Jones, Ella Mason, Sean Genota

Liberty University Research Week

Lake Hydaway’s recent expansion from 6 to 31 acres altered the habitat available for fish in the Opossum Creek watershed. This presents the opportunity to study the current fish populations and monitor changes in species composition and health over time. This long-term project seeks to create a standardized species database which will be used for various research purposes due to no such database or monitoring programs currently existing. Four representative sites of Opossum Creek were selected, two upstream and two downstream of Lake Hydaway. Each site was geolocated for reliable repeatability. Each site was sampled using backpack electrofishing following the …

Where You Live Determines How You Heal: Transportation Barriers And Healthcare Access Across Lynchburg Census Tracts, Shaira Neupane, Alexandra Mixan, Claire Rau

Liberty University Research Week

Background: As a local priority in Centra Health’s Community Health Needs Assessment, transportation in Lynchburg revealed limitations disproportionately affecting low-income, uninsured, and low-vehicle-availability households, contributing to widening health disparities. To understand how these vulnerabilities compound spatially, we examined how income, insurance status, and vehicle availability intersect at the census-tract level to identify where transportation-related barriers to healthcare access are most concentrated.

Methods: We measured socioeconomic indicators, health outcomes, and transportation barriers of 23 census tracts in Lynchburg, Virginia, using ACS 2019-2023 (2024) and CDC PLACES 2019-2023 (2025) data. Composite tract-level vulnerability scores were generated using SAS and classified into high, …

Beyond Labeling: Examining Mpox As A Sexually Transmitted Infection- ¿A Literature Review¿, Rachel Williams, Ashlan Killeen, Eunice Onwuka

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction

Since 2022, Mpox outbreak trends have marked a shift in the epidemiology of the disease which has long been treated as a zoonotic infection. This is due to emerging patterns of cases of Mpox linked with sexual transmission, particularly in non-endemic regions reporting over 100,000 cases across 122 countries. This pattern has raised growing concerns regarding sexual transmission of Mpox necessitating further investigation.

Aim/Objective

This literature review examines current epidemiological, clinical/virological evidence to evaluate Mpox as an STI beyond labelling. and provides foundational context for a forthcoming systematic review examining priority populations affected during the 2022–2025 global outbreak.

Proposed …

Sensing Volatile Organic Compounds Via Photonic Crystals Of The Morpho Zephyritis Butterfly, Parker Abila

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Digital Restriction On Psychological And Physiological Well-Being, Rachel Anderson, Andrew Gatto, Caroline Berghuis, Kaden Randlett, Lilianna Franke

Liberty University Research Week

Past research on digital restriction has shown that limiting smartphone usage could have a significant effect on psychological well-being. We also propose that smartphone restriction could have an effect on physiological well-being. To understand these effects, we completed a mixed-methods randomized delayed intervention factorial experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to smartphone restriction immediately (1A) or delayed (1B), or social media restriction immediately (2A) or delayed (2B). During each lab visit (baseline, two weeks, and four weeks), data on perceived well-being and smartphone screentime logs were collected. To assess physiological well-being, heart rate variability (HRV) was collected using Polar-brand H10 chest …

Biostatistical Approaches For Early Identification Of Influenza Trends In The United States Using Cdc Surveillance Data, Marcos Oliva Rodriguez

Liberty University Research Week

The aim of this research is to utilize a biostatistical methodology for the purposes of identifying influenza trends during an early stage in the U.S. utilizing national surveillance data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance Network (ILINet) for the years 2010-2024. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) activity, along with other methodologies including: moving averages to smooth out fluctuations in ILI activity; autoregression models to evaluate temporal dependence in ILI activity; and threshold detection methods to determine when ILI activity reached epidemic levels. The results show that there are strong …

Computer Vision For Ovarian Follicle Analysis, My Nhien Tang, Cameron Kauffman, Ian Davidson, Jumana Rizk, Maria Mendoza Lopez, Noam Kimbro, Tan Loc Nguyen, Will Starling

Liberty University Research Week

The present study investigates the ability of computer vision technology to count primordial follicles in the primate ovary. The number of primordial follicles, i.e., ovarian reserve, reflects the ovary’s potential of supporting endocrine and reproductive function in females. Follicle counting has been used in translational and clinical studies to assess ovarian health and response to regulatory factors or toxic substances. This critical process is currently performed manually by experienced laboratory personnel. Existing research on computer vision software’s ability to count follicles has yielded limited results. Therefore, in reaction to the labor-intensive, time-consuming nature of manual follicle counting and technological growth …

From Exposure To Detection: Health System Barriers To Diagnosing Asbestos-Related Diseases In Developing Countries, Matthew-Riece Castanares, Luke Montgomery

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Extended Post-Discharge Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Colorectal Resection: A Marketscan Analysis Of 2017–2021 Surgical Outcomes, Bright Agbotui, Chelsea Mazonde, Grace Sibert, Great Onyedika Okereke, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Maame Yaa Okrah, Michael Ago Tetteh, Miebaka Favour Roberts, Nfn Dangpa Wandji Nana, Prince Osei Sarpong, Rebecca Martha Nantale, Raymond Suonyir

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a major cause of preventable postoperative morbidity following colorectal surgery, with a substantial proportion of events occurring after discharge. Although professional guidelines recommend considering extended post-discharge prophylaxis (EPPx) for high-risk patients particularly those with malignancy, substantial comorbidity, or prolonged hospitalization national adoption remains inconsistent. Emerging real-world studies suggest that EPPx utilization is low; however, these investigations have largely focused on cancer-only cohorts or earlier time periods and may not reflect contemporary surgical practice, including increasing use of minimally invasive approaches and wider availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). As a result, there is limited understanding …

Loneliness And Health Behaviors, Haylee Goral, Jianna Bigio, Ashley Bustamante, Ruby Maton, Sullivan Morefield, Avery Owen

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Comparative Analysis Of Medicare Reimbursement For Carotid Endarterectomy, Transfemoral Carotid Artery Stenting, And Transcarotid Artery Revascularization Among Asymptomatic Patients., Raymond Suonyir, Bright Agbotui, Grace Sibert, Prince Osei Sarpong

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Contemporary carotid revascularization includes carotid endarterectomy (CEA), transfemoral carotid artery stenting (TF-CAS), and transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), but current patient distribution across these procedures is not well described in the VQI carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedural datasets.

Methods: We performed a retrospective descriptive study using the VQI carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedural datasets from 2016 through 2023. Included patients were adults aged =18 years with Medicare coded as the primary insurer who underwent elective asymptomatic carotid revascularization and survived to discharge. TF-CAS was defined by transfemoral access with distal embolic protection, …

Bilateral Accessory Plantaris Muscles With Variant Origins And Insertions: A Case Report, Kingsley Ampong, Christian Furno, Faith Ekoh, Jack Kauffman

Liberty University Research Week

The plantaris muscle typically originates at the lower portion of the lateral supracondylar line of the femur and oblique popliteal ligament of the knee joint and inserts medial to the Achilles tendon at the calcaneal tuberosity. The function is unclear as it may be absent in some individuals. If present, the tendon is often mistaken for the tibial nerve, which is why it is known as the “fool’s nerve.” This case study involves the discovery of a bilateral plantaris muscle duplication in an 88-year-old Japanese woman during a routine cadaveric dissection. This deviates from the more common unilateral presence of …

Decades After Exposure: The Continuing Burden Of Asbestos-Related Diseases In The United States, Hannah Mnayarji, Luke Montgomery, Tunde Adebola

Liberty University Research Week

Many consider diseases caused by asbestos exposure to be antiquated conditions that are rarely observed today. However, asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) have long latency periods, meaning that the time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of disease typically ranges between 20-40 years. Since the last import of asbestos to the United States was in 2023, occupational exposure has continued into recent history. This study hypothesizes that there has not yet been a decline in asbestosis and mesothelioma incidence and mortality–two conditions primarily caused by asbestos exposure–indicating that the latency period between asbestos exposure and disease occurrence persists into the modern …

Histological Quality Of Immersion Vs Intravascular Fixation Of Fresh Tissue, Andrew Hodges, Bright Danso, Gretchka Mair, Kingsley Ampong, Rebekah Satalino

Liberty University Research Week

Tissue fixation is a fundamental determinant of histological quality, preserving cellular architecture through protein cross-linking and enzymatic inactivation [6]. Among fixation approaches, intravascular (perfusion) and immersion methods differ significantly in mechanism and outcomes. Perfusion fixation rapidly distributes fixative via the vascular system, often producing more uniform preservation, whereas immersion fixation relies on diffusion, which may result in delayed penetration and heterogeneous tissue quality [5]. Despite these limitations, immersion-based preservation remains widely used in anatomical education and commercial specimen preparation due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness [2]. Reports suggest that fixation quality can influence analyses, including morphology, antigenicity, and staining reliability, …

Exploring Kimchi And Polysaccharide Characteristics Via Fermentation Of Napa Cabbage, Patrick Mallari, Christopher Tran

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Kimchi is a fermented food popularized in Korea, which originated in an era where it was necessary to preserve vegetables throughout fall and winter seasons. Due to the fermentation, the bacteria found in kimchi assist with several mechanisms in digestion, specifically in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A particular bacteria of interest was Lactobacillus plantarum, or now known as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The goal of this research project is to examine the efficiency of fermentation from L. plantarum as a probiotic compared to bacterial cultures found in kimchi.

Unpaid Internship Award Presentation By Cella Porter, Cella Porter

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

As a Behavioral Health Intern at Alternatives, I support students at Theodore Roosevelt High School through weekly one-on-one mentorship meetings. Because of my impact at this unpaid internship, Loyola University of Chicago has granted me the Unpaid Internship Award. This presentation outlines my role, work, and takeaways from my time at Alternatives.

​​Accessibility Of Online Health Portals​, Kailey A. Cooper, Nate Dolan, Carly Kreisa, Ayva Peterson, Lindsey Pinter, Helen Prow, Abagail Ripley, Amelia Torgerson

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Winona State University Nursing students partnered with Winona County Public Health to create education for clients related to accessibility, navigating online health portals, and addressing barriers to accessing portals. The project included a community assessment and literature review that outlines health portals and how they are accessed amongst different patient populations. As the healthcare world shifts from paper to online services, online health or patient portals have become increasingly common (Andreadis et al., 2025). Online health portals are used as a communication pathway between healthcare interdisciplinary teams and the patient. Information on these portals includes lab results, communication with providers, …

What Is The Impact Of Stress? A Comparison Study Of College Athletes & Non-Athletes, Paige M. Christianson, Kyra Nelson, Kylie S. Buck, Kaidin S. Barnes

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The aim of this study was to explore differences in stress mindset, perceived stress, and extreme life stressors among athlete and non-athlete college students. The sample included participants recruited from a Midwestern university (N = 312), in which 28.2% identified as an athlete in either a NCAA Division II team and/or a sports club. Participants completed an online anonymous Qualtrics survey answering questions measuring their stress mindset, perceived stress, and current most extreme life stressor. Comparisons between the two groups, stress mindset scores and perceived stress scores were evaluated through independent samples t-tests, while differences in most extreme life stressor …

Public Health Book Club, Ashia Meister, James W. Durst, Ameila Beyer, Kelly K. Freymiller, Julia I. Kunz, Jaci M. Winchell, Josephine M. Sandquist, Chloe F. Sand

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Introduction: This project describes the development and implementation of a book club focused on population health topics to promote learning, discussion, and community engagement. A public library is a safe space to host book club meetings due to its non-intimidating environment. All members of the community are welcome to participate. A book club was hosted on campus for members of the nursing cohort to attend. With a focus on public health, these book clubs build awareness, critical thinking, and community engagement around population health issues. Purpose: The promotion of a book club can improve health literacy in the community by …

Deep Tissue Massage-Induced Muscle Damage Associated With Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (Doms), Stress, And Rhabdomyolysis, Lily M. Ekert, Ella R. Halopka, Micah Maddio, Marisa Wood, Bailey Kerkow, Logan Murphy, Ashley Wise

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Deep tissue massage is a common treatment method used to aid in muscle recovery, reduce pain, and promote overall physical well-being. However, there is limited research explaining its biochemical effects at a cellular level, particularly in relation to muscle damage and systemic inflammation. Severe cases of muscle tissue breakdown are Rhabdomyolysis, which is discussed with an emphasis on clinical evidence rather than biochemical aspects. The goal of this study is to determine whether deep tissue massages cause cellular damage and tissue inflammation. This testing will be done through quantitative measurements of biomarkers within the bloodstream. In previous studies, four specific …

Accuracy Of Wearables For Measuring Heart Rate, Xavier R. Mogensen, Kirstyn M. Sand, Imogene Fields

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Within the HERS department at WSU, the Polar H9 heart rate (HR) monitor has often been the standardized method for tracking HR during exercise for lab use. Today there are various portable methods that are widely used to track changes in HR while exercising that are more user friendly and intuitive. This study intends to test the accuracy of alternative HR trackers compared to the Polar H9 in order to determine if these alternative methods can be used in the HERS lab setting. College aged male and female participants will be instructed to sit, walk, and run for 6 minutes …

What Do Healthy Eaters Do?: A Qualitative Analysis Of Self-As-Doer Healthy Eater Identities, Ava N. Krolnik, Esther A. Gauerke, Megan L. Ekern, Georgia R. Jeddeloh, Isabelle C. Okeson, Riley G. Buck, Madeline Bersch

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Healthy eating is critical for promoting longevity, lowering risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and maintaining a healthy weight. However, only 1 in 10 Americans are meeting dietary guidelines and 60% have one or more diet-related chronic diseases. Research on psychosocial factors like the Theory of Planned Behavior and identity may help promote the engagement of healthy eating behaviors. Longitudinal research suggests that factors such as attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intentions predict long-term eating behaviors and lifestyle changes when intentions are internalized and believed. Research also demonstrates that constructs such as the self-as-doer identity predict healthy …

Health Education For Caregivers Of Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disability (Idd), Madison M. Conlin, Jack Lux, Megan Hesse, Sadie Olson, Violet Nelson, Christina Chao, Anna Peterson, Johanna Shubert

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Background: Winona State University nursing students partner with Home and Community Options (HCO) during their population health clinical experience. HCO’s mission is to “empower and support people with developmental disabilities,” with a vision of ensuring that all individuals thrive and are valued members of their communities (Home and Community Options, n.d.). The Healthcare Director at HCO identified a need for additional staff education related to common health conditions affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including arthritis, diabetes, and depression or other mental health concerns. In response to this identified need, nursing students developed evidence-based educational strategies to enhance …

Mental Health And Loneliness Within College Students, Kaylee R. Bateman, Josie Kessel, Kylie Anderson, Madeline Beinborn, Julia Bangert, Madeline Vitzthum, Sarah Jama

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Purpose: Mental health is a broad topic, with many different aspects that can affect someone's daily life. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone or experiencing an imbalance between desired and actual social interactions (Potter et al., 2023). This project explores, the mental health aspect of loneliness. Data from Winona State University (WSU) students was collected using the UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS3). On campuses, many traditional college students experience loneliness from a new environment that is potentially away from family, friends, and familiarity. The transition to college and experiencing independence for the first time can increase stress levels, thus, increasing …

A Collaborative Approach To Strengthening Behavioral Strategies To The Arcadia School District, Mallory Arndt, Sada Stanley, Ariana Huntington, Erin Janiszewski, Syndey Graf, Josie Becker, Bailey Ripley, Dana Jones, Gabby Rinowski, Luke Garner, Hailey Schliep

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The School District of Arcadia is lacking mental health resources due to budget cuts from state and federal levels. Mental health needs have become a rising concern in recent years. With that, the guidance counselors, who traditionally supported students' emotional regulation and behavioral needs, became increasingly occupied with Academic and Career Planning requirements, leaving them with limited time to address students' mental health needs. To help address this need, Winona State University nursing students partnered with the district's guidance counselors to develop supplemental emotional management and decision-making skills-building videos that counselors could use during busy periods to support students' coping …

Agiliti Health Rental Model Development, Nicole Braun, Alissa Pettit

Research & Creative Achievement Day

In the modern healthcare landscape, managing medical technology efficiently is vital to patient outcomes. However, healthcare facilities often struggle with equipment management during volatile, influenza-driven patient surges. This project presents a data-driven reporting framework designed to transition Agiliti Health from reactive equipment management to a proactive consultative approach, ensuring hospital preparedness during peak seasonal demand. The primary objective was to design a reporting suite that transforms disconnected data streams into actionable strategic insights. The methodology involved centralizing internal logistics data from Azure Databricks and integrating external trends from the Center of Disease Control. Technical implementation required rigorous data cleaning using …

Hiawatha Hall Internship Presentation, Preston V. Brand

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Hiawatha Hall Internship Presentation

Moving And Grooving: Staying Safe, Active, And Connected, Seth J. Brewers, Norah Clough, Megan Hefti, Sydney Kiefer, Abigail Knoernschild, Jessica Miley, Boyd Skelley, Gavyn Soderstrom

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Background: The Holmen Area Community Center (HACC) is a community-based organization whose mission is to facilitate opportunities and interactions that connect all generations. Nursing students at Winona State University offered wellness checks for community members, mainly older adults, which included blood pressure screening, foot care, fall risk assessments, hearing checks, memory screens, and gentle shoulder massages. During these experiences, community members and staff requested more information and interactive sessions focused on safety education, disease prevention, wellness promotion, and emergency preparedness. Problem Statement/Purpose: Recent feedback showed a growing demand for interactive sessions and support that builds confidence in managing health needs …

Purification And Investigation Of Bromelain Enzyme From Pineapple, Elsie J. Dahnert, Leah O. Hanson, Regan E. Stafanoni, Reyna Olson, Eion D. Hinkle, Muaj-Infinite S. Yang

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Bromelain proteins are a group of digestive protease enzymes that act as a chemical defense to prevent grazing. Bromelain is often taken as a dietary supplement in an attempt to support digestion, and it is used as a meat tenderizer in the restaurant industry. Extracting Bromelain from pineapple, especially the skin, leaves, and stem of the plant, can create a value-added product from what is widely considered to be agricultural waste. In this research, we examined the difference in Bromelain concentrations between the flesh of the pineapple and the skin, leaves, and stem of the pineapple, and the efficacy of …