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Rhythms Of Learning, Eli W. Flaim

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Rhythms of Learning

Eli Flaim

Traditional Western education has typically assumed that learning occurs best at a desk in a classroom. However, much of my personal development has taken place outdoors and in motion through participating in and facilitating experiential learning. My capstone project aims to bridge these two worlds by exploring how outdoor education can be effectively integrated into higher education without necessitating wilderness expeditions or significant structural changes. I will discuss my journey in developing this project and share the findings of my research, highlighting the importance of outdoor education and practical ways to implement it in the …

Questioning The Accusation That Francois Duvalier Impersonated Baron Samedi, Tess Rosbarsky

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Historians, anthropologists, and journalists have all claimed that Haitian dictator Francois Duvalier modeled his personal style after the Vodou spirit, or Loa, Baron Samedi. Guarding the crossroads between life and death, Baron Samedi is a member of the Gede family, a group of vulgar and mischievous spirits who mock authority. The Baron wears a top hat, dark suits, and sunglasses with one lens popped out. Duvalier’s signature look also included a black suit and hat which he paired with his thick lens glasses. This research provides evidence against this claim holding that these stylistic choices could more easily be explained …

Connecting The University Community To Passenger Rail, Evyn L. Kolczak-Hardy, Delaney A. Stewart, Eleanor R. Hollingsworth

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Abstract

The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) is a regional coalition of 12 Montana counties with a mission of improving and expanding passenger rail service throughout Montana and the greater northwest region. The BSPRA seeks to restore a passenger rail route that would connect Chicago to Seattle, passing through Montana, known as the Big Sky North Coast Corridor (BSNCC). The goal of QUEST is to provide a relevant, realistic, and research-based recommendation that assists the mission of the BSPRA. We identified a need to actively engage the BSPRA with the University of Montana which is a regional hub and …

Exploring The Misdiagnosis Of Schizophrenia In The Setting Of Underlying Neurological Disorders, Jade M. Mcnulty, Andrea N. Weir

Research Day

Introduction: Hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorganization are hallmark features of schizophrenia; however, these symptoms are not pathognomonic and may occur in a variety of neurological conditions. Current guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association during initial evaluation of psychosis recommend comprehensive psychiatric assessment and medical history, but routine neuroimaging is not considered standard of care in typical presentations. Failure to adequately investigate organic causes may result in delayed diagnosis and suboptimal treatment. In cases of atypical features or poor response to antipsychotics, clinicians should broaden the differential diagnosis and reconsider underlying neurological etiologies.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted to …

Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, And Psychological Flexibility In Nicu Mothers: Implications For Acceptance And Commitment Therapy, Riya Desai, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

Pregnancy and the postpartum period may be physiologically and psychologically demanding for women as they navigate a multitude of factors. This experience may be further complicated by stressful reproductive events, such as newborn admission into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Having a baby admitted to the NICU is often particularly challenging for mothers from a psychological perspective, serving as an added layer that may contribute to postpartum depression and anxiety. Psychological flexibility is the concept of openness, adaptability, and readiness in the face of adversity. For NICU mothers, psychological flexibility serves as a possible therapeutic target to address postpartum …

A Preliminary Investigation On The Relationship Between Established Dietary Habits And Willingness To Adopt New Food Groups, Graziella Greco, Rasika Singh, Kristen Berry, Autumn Dye

Research Day

Introduction: Obesity is a nationwide health crisis that predisposes individuals to a host of other diseases including hypertension and diabetes. In Philadelphia alone, approximately 41% of children between the ages of 6-17, and 33% of adults are obese. It has been shown that education on nutrition positively correlates with healthy eating behaviors, which can minimize the chances of obesity developing into its comorbidities. This study aims to see if food demonstrations and healthy recipe samples will lead to patients incorporating new foods into their diets. Adult patients in a combined adult and pediatric primary care office are offered three healthy …

Increasing Lead (Pb) Screening Participation Rates In The Pediatric Patient Population At The Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine Lancaster Avenue Community Healthcare Center, Jacob P. Varrato, Autumn Dye

Research Day

Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) are an ongoing public health crisis predominantly affecting children under six in low-income communities located in major cities across the United States. Chronic lead exposure due to outdated housing, polluted water, and contaminated soil is especially harmful in early childhood when a high rate of hand to mouth contact increases the risk of ingesting particulate matter containing lead (CDC). EBLLs can lead to neurocognitive deficits, cardiovascular disease, and epigenetic modifications to gene expression patterns. While precautionary measures and timely screening protocols greatly reduce the risk of developing severe disease, families within these communities continue to …

Rehabilitation Of Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-Like Protein 6 (Dppx) Encephalitis: A Case Report, Madison James, Emily Andrews, Mithra Maneyapanda

Research Day

Introduction

A 50 year old man presented to the emergency department after a seizure. He had gastrointestinal upset, cognitive impairments, ataxia, and myoclonus. Workup was normal except for an inflammatory CSF profile. The patient was trialed on carbidopa-levodopa, intravenous methylprednisone, and intravenous immunoglobulins with minimal improvement. Myoclonus was resolved with clonazepam. The patient was discharged with a diagnosis of possible autoimmune encephalitis.

One month later, serum and CSF analysis resulted positive for DPPX antibodies. He was readmitted to the hospital for plasma exchange with minimal neurologic improvement. Subsequent treatment with Rituxan resulted in mild improvement. He was then transferred to …

Anatomical Basis Of Symptom Presentation In Pancreatic Cancer: A Cadaver-Based Study, Emma L. Davis, Daniel T. Zelch, Kelsey J. Short, Vanesa M. Brecher, Jasmine Sethi, Alexandra C. Olanescu, Michael Mcguinness

Research Day

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most aggressive malignancies in the United States today. In 2025, it was estimated that 67,440 Americans would be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and more than 51,980 would die from the disease. It is currently the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., with an overall five-year survival rate of approximately 13%. Early detection of the disease proves to be difficult due to the fact that symptoms appear only after the disease has progressed. A case study was conducted with an 86 year-old female cadaver whose cause of death was pancreatic …

Osteoporosis Is A Risk Factor For Complications And Reoperations At 1 And 3-Years After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair, Cameron M. Brown, Andrea H. Johnson, Jane C. Brennan, Matthew A. Peterman, Daniel E. Redziniak, Justin Turcotte

Research Day

Introduction

Osteoporosis is associated with compromised bone quality and healing potential. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) restores shoulder function and reduces pain in patients with rotator cuff pathology. The influence of osteoporosis on complications and long-term outcomes following RCR remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between osteoporosis and outcomes after arthroscopic RCR.

Methods

The PearlDiver Mariner 170 dataset was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped by whether they had a diagnosis of osteoporosis within the year prior to RCR. The two groups were propensity score matched 1:1 on age, gender, and comorbidities. Outcomes were assessed at 1-year and …

Corneal Tissue Addition Keratoplasty For The Treatment Of Keratoconus, Michelle Diamandi, Brad H. Feldman

Research Day

Introduction: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive eye disease where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing significant vision distortion, blurred vision, astigmatism, and light sensitivity, and is usually diagnosed in teens and young adults (ages 10-30). Currently, corneal cross-linking (CXL), rigid gas permeable (RGP) or scleral contact lenses for vision correction, and corneal transplant in advanced cases are the primary treatment options for KC. Previous studies have shown significant results in improving vision and corneal steepness in KC using intrastromal inlays, most notably synthetic Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments (ICRS) and Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS). Like …

Primary Cutaneous Endometriosis Of The Umbilicus: A Case Report, Justin A. Spatar, Camryn C. Butera, Paula S. Youngdahl

Research Day

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition, though cutaneous endometriosis is a rare presentation. Patients with cutaneous endometriosis often have concurrent intra-abdominal disease. We present a case of primary cutaneous endometriosis of the umbilicus with concurrent intra-abdominal endometriosis. The conditions were managed with surgical excision of the cutaneous lesion and diagnostic laparoscopy, respectively. This case outlines the diagnostic process for primary cutaneous endometriosis and its management. Although rare, cutaneous endometriosis should be considered when evaluating a painful umbilical lesion, particularly when symptoms occur cyclically. When this diagnosis is suspected, surgical excision of the cutaneous lesion may be paired with diagnostic laparoscopy …

Radiologic And Clinical Characterization Of Osteoporosis And Osteomyelitis, Jacob H. Rachwal, Madelyn Sine-Karasick

Research Day

Background: Osteoporosis and osteomyelitis are two clinically significant bone pathologies with distinct etiologies but overlapping diagnostic challenges. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and structural deterioration, leading to increased fracture risk. Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone that may arise from hematogenous spread or direct inoculation and can result in significant bone destruction if not promptly identified. Radiologic imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of both conditions.

Methods: Clinical presentations and imaging characteristics of osteoporosis and osteomyelitis were reviewed and compared using illustrative educational case examples and radiologic diagnostic criteria. …

Evaluating Motivation In Stem Education: A Positive Self-Talk Intervention, Tiffany Copeland, Richard Allen, Sophia Pham, Kristin Gagnier

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated a social-emotional learning intervention that taught positive self-talk to high school students from underrepresented minority groups in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The setting of this study was a place-based program that immersed students in hands-on STEM activities while located in Philadelphia’s life science hub. Before taking a science assessment, students set effort-based goals and learned to say self-talk statements such as “I will give my best effort” and “Even when it's hard, I will give 100%.”

METHODS: This mixed-methods program evaluation compared pre- and post-intervention data using a paired-samples t-test, linear regression, and correlation …

Hypertensive Scotomas In The Setting Of Thrombotic Microangiopathy, Vincent Bulzoni, Isabel Eaddy, Kiersten Dawson, Michael Dellavecchia

Research Day

Introduction: Hypertensive retinopathy is a relatively common pathological finding in individuals with elevated blood pressure. Acute spikes in blood pressure may cause pathophysiologic changes that may trigger rapid changes in the posterior pole of the eye. On the other hand, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is rare with a multitude of causes ranging from complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy TMA, also known as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), to severe hypertension. This case exemplifies an episode of malignant hypertension with acute-on-chronic TMA causing retinal ischemia. Initial visual assessment noted scotomas nasally and temporally on central visual field testing, along with uniocular reduced color vision …

Examining Patient Experiences And Interactions With Healthcare Providers In The Context Of A Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) Diagnosis, Ashlyn George, Marina Melero, Sydni Yadin, Alexa Bonacquisti

Research Day

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 15-20% of individuals of reproductive age, yet its impact extends far beyond the boundaries of reproductive health1. PCOS is characterized by a hallmark feature of hyperandrogenism, which manifests through a variety of clinical presentations including acne, hirsutism, anovulation, and irregular menstrual cycles2. The excessive production of androgens can lead to lifelong challenges such as insulin resistance, infertility, and difficulties with weight management3. Although the reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS are well-researched, the psychosocial burden and patient experiences surrounding diagnosis and treatment are less understood. Many individuals with PCOS report …

A Case Of Extensive Suprasellar Meningioma Presenting With Insidious Visual Impairment, Vincent Bulzoni, Benedict Uzorka, Peter Maduka Jr

Research Day

Introduction: Meningiomas are generally benign CNS tumors with a propensity to occur in individuals with predisposing risk factors, such as, neurofibromatosis type II. These tumors can arise via de novo mutations, or through inheritance via NF2, and SMARCB1 mutations. They can also arise idiopathically. In this case, A 33-year-old female presented to the ophthalmology clinic for a routine diabetic fundus exam. She also complained of worsening left eye (OS) vision, which had historically been her weaker eye. She had been a type II diabetic for 2.5 years with a most recent HbA1c of 13.6. The patient reported poor OS vision …

Persistent Low Back Pain In A 12-Year-Old Gymnast Treated With Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, Grace H. Amaden, Emily G. Andrews, Meghna Patel

Research Day

A 12-year-old female gymnast presented with eight months of persistent bilateral low back pain without an inciting traumatic event. Extensive diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic interventions, including radiography, MRI, ultrasound, multiple rounds of physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and prolotherapy, failed to improve symptoms. She then consulted with an osteopathic physician specializing in pediatrics and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Examination revealed significant somatic dysfunction of the lumbar region, pelvic region, sacroiliac joints, and lower extremities. OMT was administered over four visits over 10-weeks. By the last visit, the patient demonstrated improvement in pain, functionality, quality of life, and somatic dysfunction findings, ultimately …

Culinary Medicine Intervention To Bridge The Gap Between Cultural Authenticity And The Mediterranean Diet, Miriana Samantha Antenucci, Nathalia Galvis, Farzaneh Daghigh

Research Day

Introduction

Metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are highly prevalent and strongly influenced by diet. While lifestyle modifications are a cornerstone to management of metabolic conditions, along with pharmacologic interventions, patients often face barriers to meaningful dietary changes, including difficulty in modifying traditional recipes. This culinary medicine intervention aims to bridge the gap between preserving cultural authenticity in meals, while promoting healthier food choices and preparations through the Mediterranean diet, in hopes of increasing sustainable dietary changes and increasing patients’ willingness to adapt home cooking practices. Age will be explored as a potential modifier of adaptation behaviors in …

Chronic Trichophyton Indotineae Infections Mimicking Adult-Onset Atopic Dermatitis, Kathleen Ward, Valerie Foy, Haowei Han, Graham H. Litchman, Sourab Choudhury

Research Day

Background: Tricophyton indotineae is a dermatophyte endemic to South Asia that has been increasingly prevalent in the United States. Its atypical appearance and resemblance to atopic dermatitis (AD), clinically and histologically, has resulted in misdiagnosis and mismanagement. It is associated with multidrug resistance which complicates treatment when mismanaged. It is associated with multidrug resistance which complicates treatment when mismanaged. Unlike classic tinea with annular lesions and central clearing, T. indotineae often presents as chronic, diffuse, pruritic, scaly, erythematous plaques involving the groin, buttocks, trunk, and face.

Case Presentation: We were presented with two cases of chronic T. indotineae infections that …

Barriers And Facilitators To Seeking Clinical Care For Period-Related Pain In North Carolina, Esther E. Mathew, Elisabeth Reed

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Many school-aged menstruators across the United States are not required to learn how to maintain their periods. As a result, adolescents may struggle to obtain reliable healthcare information, maintain their periods safely, and access healthcare services if they recognize abnormalities.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to assess the barriers and facilitators to seeking clinical care for period-related concerns among young adults in North Carolina.

METHODS: 19 female participants between the ages of 18 and 25 were interviewed for this qualitative study using a convenience sampling approach. Participants attended North Carolina Public Schools from 4th to 12th …

Development And Validation Of The Liebelt Attitudes, Knowledge, And Engagement Scale (Lakes) Among Rural Adults, Anna Morrison, Robert A. Ditomasso

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Adults living in rural regions experience mental illness at rates comparable to those in urban areas yet utilize mental health services significantly less often. Underutilization of psychotherapy in rural populations has been attributed to structural barriers (e.g., geographic inaccessibility, limited provider availability, reduced anonymity) and sociocultural factors such as stigma. However, rural adults may also remain reluctant to initiate treatment due to attitudes toward psychotherapy, limited help-seeking engagement, or inaccurate knowledge about psychotherapy services. The present study developed and examined the psychometric properties of the Liebelt Attitudes, Knowledge, and Engagement Scale (LAKES), a self-report measure designed to assess psychotherapy-related …

Free-Floating Thrombus Of Carotid Artery In The Setting Of Bilateral Embolic Strokes, Xilin Chen, Ioannis Tsouknidas, Tyler Fox, Henry Hirsch

Research Day

Carotid free-floating thrombus is a rare entity. Most patients present with acute neurological symptoms, warranting urgent operative intervention. We describe a case of an 80-year-old male who presented with an embolic stroke and was found to have a mobile carotid thrombus, after the administration of thrombolysis. He underwent carotid endarterectomy, and further neurological injury was prevented.

Appendiceal Intussusception Due To Endometriosis: A Case Report, Camryn Butera, Taylor Bronson, Justin Spatar, Christine Holloway

Research Day

The rate of implantation of endometrial tissue onto the appendix varies greatly within the literature with appendiceal intussusception being a rare clinical presentation in this small subset of patients. Here we discuss a case of appendiceal endometriosis with robotic partial cecectomy and appendectomy. This report describes our experience with appendiceal cecal intussusception. We report a case of appendiceal endometriosis causing intussusception. It is important to consider endometriosis as a cause of appendiceal intussusception in the differential diagnosis of females presenting with the common chief complaint of abdominal pain, especially in the setting of prior gynecological surgeries.

Medical Student Advocate–Community Health Worker Collaboration To Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates, Christopher J. Antoniello, Juliana N. Heppard, Vanessa I. Saylor

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

Lankenau Medical Center launched the Medical Student Health Advocates (MSA) Program in 2012 to address the impact of socioeconomic status and social determinants on health outcomes. Data shows that publicly insured patients are generally more disadvantaged in these areas compared to commercially insured patients. The Colorectal Cancer Screening Initiative (CCSI), a partnership between MSAs and the Department of Health Equity’s Community Health Worker (CHW) team, aims to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among Medicaid and dual Medicare/Medicaid patients, narrowing the gap between commercially insured and publicly insured patient populations.

METHODS:

Through weekly calls, CHWs and MSAs provide patients …

Effects Of Meditation On Blood Pressure, Ian T. Mcdonald, Chanelle Zorrilla Arias, Kristen Berry

Research Day

Introduction:

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor in the United States and is associated with serious complications, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and kidney failure, and other outcomes resulting from destroyed vessels. Although antihypertensive medications are widely used to manage hypertension, treatment is often limited by medication cost, polypharmacy, and poor adherence. Medication nonadherence remains a significant barrier to effective blood pressure control and is associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality. Meditation, a stress-reduction intervention, may represent a feasible adjunctive therapy for the management of hypertension. We hypothesize that introducing people to meditation and encouraging them to continue …

Implementing Firearm Safe Storage And Screening Handouts For Older Individuals Into Primary Care Practice, Rebecca Delp, Erik E. Langenau, Ilene Warner-Maron

Research Day

Introduction

Older adults have the highest rates of firearm-related suicide in the United States, with firearms accounting for approximately 70% of suicides in this population (Price et al). Risk is particularly elevated among older men and veterans (Mcintosh et al). Despite this, firearm safety counseling remains uncommon; only 3.7% of older adults report discussing firearm safety with a healthcare provider (Carter et al). This exposes an important opportunity to address firearm safety, mental health, and suicide prevention in the primary care setting, while providing resources for access to firearm safe storage devices.

This project’s aim was to develop and implement …

A Literature Review Of The Correlation Between Faun Tail Nevus Presentation And Spinal Dysraphisms, Zahraa Ibrahem, Feryal Hilmi, Yuna Huh, Mindy Hill

Research Day

Faun tail nevus (FTN) is a rare congenital cutaneous finding characterized by a localized tuft of hair over the lower lumbar vertebrae, typically in a midline distribution. Although faun tail nevus can be present without underlying spinal abnormality, it is frequently seen in the presence of underlying occult spinal dysraphism, most commonly spina bifida occulta. The presence and severity of accompanying cutaneous features, such as dense hypertrichosis, midline dimpling, dermal sinus tracts, or visible subcutaneous tracking, may correlate with the extent of underlying spinal pathology. Given this association, spinal imaging with ultrasound in infants or magnetic resonance imaging in older …

The Use Of Tracheal Traction Exercises To Prevent Post-Operative Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion, Emily Schmeiser, Elizabeth Gammer, Yasmine Eichbaum, Mitchell K. Ng, Gregorio Baek, Joshua Mathews, Morgan Hitchner, Yulia Lee, William A. Green, Thomas Cha, Mark Kurd, Ian D. Kaye, Jose A. Canseco, Alexander R. Vaccaro, Christopher K. Kepler, Gregory D. Schroeder

Research Day

Introduction: Dysphagia is a commonly reported complication following anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF). Some of the risk factors that increase dysphagia incidence include elevated BMI, smoking, female gender, and diabetes mellitus type 2. Treatment with methylprednisone administration and manipulation of endotracheal cuff pressures has been correlated with milder dysphagia in the intraoperative and early post-operative period; however, long-term differences between the control and treatment groups have not been statistically significant. Tracheal traction exercises are of emerging interest for treating ACDF patients with dysphagia. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the outcome of the use of pre-operative tracheal …

Adverse Hematologic Reaction In A 25-Year-Old Female: A Case Of Drug-Induced Cytopenia, Makayla E. Farr, Wenhui Zhu

Research Day

INTRODUCTION: Drug-induced cytopenia is a rare but potentially serious hematologic adverse reaction that may present with nonspecific symptoms. This adverse reaction is typically caused by either direct myelotoxicity or immune-mediated destruction. The mechanism by which statins cause cytopenia is not fully understood; however, some studies hypothesize that it may be due to platelet apoptosis or an immune-mediated destruction via the drug’s metabolites triggering an immune response.

In this case, a young female developed cytopenia secondary to pravastatin 20mg. Upon presentation to the emergency department, she reported slurred speech and left upper extremity numbness, followed by facial droop. The physical examination …