Digital Commons Network^™

Fall Prevention In An Alf, Kara D. Mckeehan

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My capstone project is an educational program for an assisted living facility (McCready Manor) in Richmond, Kentucky. My primary ACOTE focus area is education about fall prevention utilizing a fall prevention binder and personalized HEPs. Falling is the number one concern of the older adult population that not only affects physical factors but mental, social, and psychological factors hindering the individuals’ overall independence. Therefore, fall prevention education is vital. Within this facility, many residents have risk factors that increase their risk of falling, including unsteadiness on feet, muscle weakness, low vision, and balance deficits. Since there is very little education …

Eku Os/Ot Adult Population Video Library, Abigail E. Coffey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Developing clinical reasoning and analytical skills can be challenging when learning is limited to theoretical case studies. Exposure to real-world clients allows occupational therapy students to observe how clinical principles and interventions are applied while adapting to each individual's unique needs. The purpose of this project was to begin developing a video library demonstrating activities of daily living (ADLs) and occupational therapy's role with adults to strengthen students' clinical reasoning and connect classroom instruction with authentic practice experiences. This project also addresses a gap in the literature regarding the use of real-world learning experiences in occupational therapy education.

A survey …

Cns Regulation And Neuroprotection In The Nicu/Picu, Kelly D. Wheatley

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience numerous stressors, including painful medical procedures, excessive sensory stimulation, disrupted sleep, limited positive sensory experiences, and separation from caregivers. These factors can negatively affect central nervous system (CNS) development, self- and co-regulation, neurobehavioral organization, feeding, and long-term occupational performance. Despite growing evidence supporting neuroprotective and developmentally supportive care, accessible educational resources are needed to promote consistent implementation among healthcare providers, volunteers, and families.

The purpose of this capstone project was to increase awareness and application of CNS regulation and neuroprotective care principles within the …

Promoting Workplace Wellness Through Occupational Therapy, Fischer R. Proffitt

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed at London Country Club in London, Kentucky, and focused on the ACOTE areas of Education, Leadership, and Program Development. The purpose was to promote workplace wellness and occupational balance among Pro Shop staff through ergonomic education, injury-prevention strategies, stress-management interventions, and workflow improvements.

A needs assessment was conducted through private staff interviews, a workplace wellness questionnaire, direct observation, and a review of literature related to occupational therapy, ergonomics, and workplace wellness. Findings revealed prolonged standing, repetitive lifting, physical discomfort, moderate-to-high workplace stress, and opportunities to improve ergonomics, workflow efficiency, and employee wellness supports. These …

Empowering Teachers Through Knowledge, Resources, And Strategies For Sensory Regulation And Handwriting Success, Natalie A. Ossege

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone project was completed at Woodfill Elementary School within Fort Thomas Independent Schools under the ACOTE focus areas of education and program development. The purpose was to develop educational resources that increased elementary educators' understanding of occupational therapy concepts related to handwriting development and sensory regulation while supporting student participation, engagement, and academic success.

A needs assessment identified teachers' desire for greater knowledge of occupational therapy services and practical classroom strategies for handwriting and sensory regulation. Limited access to occupational therapy consultation, due to one occupational therapist serving the entire district, further emphasized the need for sustainable educator …

Improving Access To Therapeutic Knowledge: Caregiver Education For Children With Cerebral Palsy In Vietnam, Hallei N. Bittlinger

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone was completed at Hope Therapy Center (HTC), located in Da Nang, Vietnam through a virtual applied leadership experience. The primary ACOTE focus area for my capstone project included education and leadership. The primary goal of this capstone includes sustainably improving the knowledge and skills required for intervention planning for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Related goals include, developing training resources for HTC staff to review to understand CP and the effect it has on occupational performance, as well as providing virtual consultations for the current client caseload to enhance current practices and provide evidence-based interventions into the …

From Bump To Baby: A New Parent Role Preparation Webinar, Emma K. Ward

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this Capstone project is to alleviate some of the stress and fear associated with the transition to parenthood through the development of a parental role preparation webinar that educates new and expecting parents on how to effectively care for and support the development of their child. The primary area of focus for the project is Education, and the project site is the Haven Care Center in Danville, Kentucky. A SWOT analysis and discussions with Haven Care staff indicated a need for educational materials that focus on caregiver skill development, understanding and responding to infant cues, infant developmental …

Non-Pharmacological Interventions Impacting Quality Of Sleep, Stephanie Grome

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone/ALE project was a quality improvement project completed at E.C. Shaw Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. The primary ACOTE focus area was health promotion and wellness, emphasizing the role of occupational therapy in improving sleep as an essential occupation that supports overall health, productivity, and quality of life. The goal was to determine participants’ current sleep satisfaction and determine what, if any, non-pharmacological interventions impact sleep quality among adults working full time jobs.

The literature review identified the importance of quality sleep and explored several pharmacological interventions and interventions specific for conditions.However, minimal evidence exists examining non-pharmacological factors for …

Play For All: An All-Inclusive Playground For Manchester, Ky, Tiheya Marcum

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My Doctoral Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) focused on designing an evidence-based, all-inclusive playground for Rawlings and Stinson Park in Manchester, Kentucky. Guided by the ACOTE focus areas of advocacy, education, and program development, the project aimed to improve equitable access to meaningful play for children of all abilities while promoting occupational justice within a rural community. A comprehensive needs assessment and SWOT analysis identified strengths, barriers, and opportunities related to inclusive recreation. Findings highlighted community support for park improvements, occupational therapy's emphasis on occupational justice, limited knowledge of inclusive playground design, and financial and infrastructure challenges. These results …

Workplace Wellness: Ergonomics And Injury Prevention, Makenzie Vorbeck

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Capstone project, Workplace Wellness: Ergonomics and Injury Prevention, was completed in a local retail jewelry store as part of an Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) with a primary focus of health promotion and wellness as outlined by ACOTE Standards. This project aimed to address the high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among jewelers and sales staff due to prolonged static postures, repetitive hand movements, and improper workstation set-ups.

The primary goals of my project were to 1) improve participant knowledge of ergonomic principles and injury prevention strategies, 2) enhance knowledge of proper body mechanics and workstation set-up, and 3) …

Ot At Work: Engineering Better Bodies For Better Manufacturing, Gracie Johnson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Manchester Tank, a manufacturing facility, and focused on the ACOTE areas of Education and Program Development. The Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) aimed to reduce workplace ergonomic risks, promote musculoskeletal injury prevention, and increase awareness of occupational therapy's role in manufacturing. A needs assessment including an employee pre-survey, workplace observations, employee feedback, and a review of current literature identified opportunities to improve ergonomic practices and employee knowledge related to work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) prevention.

In response, ergonomic evaluations were conducted within the facility, and evidence-based recommendations were developed to improve workstations and job tasks. …

Increasing Older Adult's Participation/Engagement In Their Meaningful Iadls In Long-Term Care Facilities, Allison L. Hedges

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) were completed at Telford Terrace, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Richmond, Kentucky. My capstone focused on education and program analysis, with the goal of increasing participation in meaningful instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among older adults, particularly those with memory-related diagnoses. This was accomplished by educating staff on activity adaptations and environmental modifications while incorporating resident feedback into activity planning.

Following a needs assessment, literature review, and stakeholder interviews, I identified barriers to participation, including limited staffing, varying resident interests, and differences in physical and cognitive abilities. To …

Eku Os/Ot Pediatric Population Video Library, Heaven L. Taylor

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this Doctor of Occupational Therapy capstone project was to develop the EKU Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Pediatric Population Video Library, an educational resource designed to enhance occupational therapy education through in class video instruction. Completed virtually in collaboration with site mentor Dr. Leslie Hardman, OTD, OTR/L, the project addressed the limited opportunities students often have to observe authentic pediatric occupational therapy sessions before entering clinical practice.

Research supports the use of video-based learning as an effective educational strategy for improving students clinical reasoning, and understanding by providing exposure to real-world occupational therapy practice. In response to …

Eku Os/Ot Adult Population Video Library, Abigail E. Coffey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

As a student in the classroom setting, it can become very difficult to expand clinical reasoning and analytic skills using theoretical scenarios and clients. Real-world individuals/clients allow the student to see how certain principles, frameworks, or techniques are truly applicable and how to adapt to each scenario as is often in occupational therapy. The purpose of this project is to increase analysis skills in future occupational therapy practitioners by beginning to create a video library about activities of daily living and OT's role or lack of thereof in adults. Goals included expanding access to real-world learning opportunities to connect classroom …

Build Wellness: A Life Learning Series, Sydny B. Terry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My capstone project was completed with Build Inclusion, a non-profit based in Lexington, to develop the Build Wellness series. This series focused on program development and community-based practice for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The primary ACOTE focus areas addressed through this project included program development, advocacy, education, and leadership.

The goal of Build Wellness: A Life Learning Series was to educate, empower, and encourage teens and young adults with IDD to confidently navigate adulthood and participate more independently in their communities. Specific goals included increasing knowledge of life skills topics, promoting confidence and self-efficacy, …

Developing A Developmentally Appropriate Fine Motor Curriculum For Pre-K Sunday School, Allison E. Casey

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone project was completed in a Sunday school program serving preschool-aged children. The purpose of the project was to develop a year-long craft curriculum that promotes fine motor skill development through engaging, developmentally appropriate activities while providing volunteers with easy-to-use resources that integrate with weekly Bible lessons.

A needs assessment, classroom observations, discussions with church leaders and volunteers, and a review of current literature identified limited opportunities for fine motor skill practice within the Sunday school program. In response, a curriculum was developed consisting of four crafts per month, each including supply lists, step-by-step …

Bringing Awareness And Education To Rural Areas About The Role Occupational Therapy (Ot) Has In Infant Care, Makenzi Richwald

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project focused on education and advocacy. The aim of my capstone project was to provide education to parents of eastern Kentucky (KY) about what Occupational Therapy (OT) can address with infants aged 0-18 months. I saw a gap in knowledge in the eastern KY community about what OT could do for infants and wanted to address this. Through my research, consultation with my mentors, and collaboration with the occupational therapists at my site (BPT) I discerned 14 areas of development and/or common reasons of needed referral for OT services by this age group. These educational materials aimed to …

The Restorative Effects Of Virtual Reality Nature Simulations: An Empirical Investigation, Isabel T. Folger, Yichen Zhang, Kenneth B. Abrams

Psychology Faculty Work

Although extensive research demonstrates that nature films can facilitate recovery from stress and cognitive overload, it remains unclear whether more immersive media, such as virtual reality (VR), are more effective than similar two-dimensional films. The present study examined the effects of immersiveness on affective, cognitive, and physiological restoration. Three levels of immersiveness for film viewing were employed: 2D (computer monitor), standard VR (visual and auditory input), and enhanced VR (standard VR plus olfactory and haptic input). All participants were exposed to parallel versions of a six-minute nature film. We hypothesized that greater immersiveness would produce stronger restorative effects. All versions …

Learning Design To Advance Human-Ai Collaboration In K-12 Education, Wing Sha Chan, Jinhee Kim, Seongryeong Yu, Rita Kay Detrick

STEMPS Faculty Publications

This chapter explores key components for designing effective Human-AI Collaboration (HAC) in K–12 education, addressing the current lack of theoretical and conceptual frameworks for structuring and implementing HAC in teaching and learning. It examines four essential areas: curriculum design, student and teacher–AI interaction, learning environments, and the evolution of HAC over time. The chapter introduces the concept of HAC in K–12 contexts, highlighting how humans and AI can leverage each other's strengths through co-evolutionary processes that foster mutual learning and collaboration. It reviews current HAC practices in schools and discusses their contributions to both teaching and learning. Finally, it presents …

Cohabitation And Child Educational Outcomes: An Examination Of Family Stability And Transition In Australia, Shana Pribesh, Emily E. Pulsipher, Mikaela J. Dufur, Jonathan A. Jarvis, Ashley Weisman, Yuanyuan Yue

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Cohabitation has become an increasingly common context for childrearing, yet children living with cohabiting parents often exhibit poorer academic outcomes than peers with married parents. This study examines whether these disparities stem from cohabitation itself, subsequent family transitions, or underlying mechanisms related to resources, stress, or selectivity. Using data from the Growing Up in Australia: Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC), we follow 920 children born to cohabiting parents and track family structure changes alongside teacher-rated literacy and mathematics performance from ages 6 to 11 years. Generalized estimating equation models show that, although children whose parents transitioned to single-parent or …

Cds 4300 : Introduction To Audiology, Cds

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Cmn 4980 : Social Digital Media Analytics, Communication And Journalism

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Nur 4535 : Population-Based Health Care In Nursing, Nursing

Approved Course Proposals

No abstract provided.

Digital Commons@Tmc 2025 Highlights, Alice Sherwood

TMC Library Newsletter (2015-)

No abstract provided.

2025-2026 Annual Report, Law And Government Institute

Law and Government Institute Collections

The Law and Government Institute is one of Widener University Commonwealth Law School's signature programs. The Institute focuses on the complex intersection of legislation, regulation, public policy, and the law.

This report covers activities and events through the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

J Am Coll Dent 2026 92 2b

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This special issue of the Journal of the American College of Dentists responds to a growing but long-underrecognized demand for humanities and ethics in dental education, practice, and scholarship. It emerges from the work of the National Collaborative on Humanities and Ethics in Dentistry (NCHED), a multi-institutional partnership formed in 2023 to address the persistent exclusion of dentistry from broader health humanities conversations. Through national webinars and scholarly collaboration, NCHED has demonstrated substantial interest in ethical reflection, historical analysis, narrative inquiry, and the arts as essential to understanding oral health and dental care.

The unexpectedly strong response to the call …

Letters To The Editor

Journal of the American College of Dentists

This section of the Journal of the American College of Dentists presents professional correspondence regarding previously published articles and issues relevant to dentistry, ethics, education, policy, and patient care. Letters to the editor provide readers an opportunity to offer scholarly critique, clarification, perspective, or additional insight, while author responses promote constructive academic dialogue and continued professional reflection.

The letters in this issue respond to the JACD article “The Racial Politics of Early Dentistry and the Terrible ‘Toothache Blues’” (Vol. 92, No. 2).

Utilizing Emergency Management Audio Messages For Traffic Incident Management Performance Measures, Christopher Gartner, Vihaan Vajpayee, Jairaj Desai, Darcy M. Bullock

JTRP Technical Reports

Timely and accurate information regarding roadway incidents is critical for Traffic Management Centers (TMCs) to maintain safety and mobility. While Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) cameras and crowdsourced data provide significant visibility, rural interstate corridors often suffer from coverage gaps, or "blind spots," where incidents go undetected until significant queuing occurs. Public safety radio communications serve as the primary coordination method for first responders, creating a "verbal infrastructure" that contains vital information regarding incident location and severity. This study evaluates the feasibility of using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) to bridge these gaps by monitoring and analyzing radio traffic. The project developed …

Decomposing Shadow Prices Under Climate-Driven Growth Scenarios: Insights From An Elk Herd Case Study, Ranjit Bawa, Drew Bennett, Wai Yan Siu, Bailey Kirkland, David Finnoff, Jacob Hochard

ODU Articles

Natural capital accounting provides a framework for integrating ecological processes with economic valuation, but the mechanics of shadow price formation often remain opaque to resource managers and policymakers. Using the Clarks Fork elk herd in northwestern Wyoming as a case study, we decompose the shadow price of natural capital into its ecological, economic, and institutional components. Population dynamics are estimated using a linearized Ricker model and projected forward using a logistic projection, incorporating climate-driven reductions in intrinsic growth rates. These ecological scenarios are linked to a shadow pricing formulation that explicitly accounts for marginal benefits, harvest policy responses, discounting, and …

Mission Critical: A Mixed-Methods Study On Strengthening The Ninthgrade Trajectory For At-Risk Students, Jennifer A. Skitromo

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Many adolescents experience difficulties during the transition to high school, which increases the risk of lower academic achievement, higher absenteeism, and behavioral challenges. This mixed-methods Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice examined how educators at the HSI, a Grade 6–12 magnet school in the Northeastern United States, addressed adult practices that hinder students’ transition to ninth grade. Nine educators participated in an eight-week student-centered meeting protocol designed to strengthen collaboration and support ninth-grade students at risk of falling off track toward on-time graduation. Quantitative data included partial-interval observations of participant engagement, pre- and post-test results from the adapted Teacher Collaboration Assessment, …