Digital Commons Network^™

Unequal Access, Unmet Needs: Rethinking Occupational Therapy In Private Practice, Meghan Smith

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Individuals from low-SES backgrounds often experience barriers to occupational therapy services, while private practitioners face challenges balancing accessibility with financial sustainability. These challenges underscore the need to better prepare future occupational therapists to provide equitable, accessible, and sustainable services within private practice.

Learn As You Are: Equipping Key Educational Stakeholders With Neuro-Affirming Knowledge To Support Inclusion Of Autistic Students, Jessalyn Sulamo

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Students throughout the autism spectrum often experience challenges relating to social and communication difficulties, sensory challenges, and inflexible approaches that hinder their social, emotional, and academic well-being (Black et al., 2024).

Clinician Perspective And Uses Of Technology In Neurological Home Health Rehabilitation: A Quality Improvement Project, Sean Sullinger

Occupational Therapy Student Capstones

Despite advancements in technology-based intervention systems and supporting evidence on its benefits, rehabilitation clinicians often demonstrate minimal adoption rates in practice due to a lack of training, device access, and confidence in implementation skills leading to impacts on intervention variability in practice.

Cdt-1d Cnn Integration With Simpson-Sobolev Regularization For High-Frequency Options Trading: With Fem-Based Heston Option Pricing, Daniel M. Margolis, Johannes Tausch, Arthur K. Selender

Mathematics Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a computational framework for high-frequency options trading that combines Cross-Data-Type 1-D Convolutional Neural Networks (CDT-1D CNN) with Simpson-Sobolev regularization for directional prediction, and finite element methods (FEM) for realistic option pricing during backtesting. The core innovation lies in developing a mathematically rigorous regularization approach that maintains the adaptability of modern deep learning while enabling accurate evaluation through stochastic volatility models. The primary contribution is the Simpson-Sobolev regularization scheme, which extends traditional Sobolev regularization by incorporating Simpson’s rule for numerical integration. This approach achieves higher-order accuracy in approximating the Sobolev norms that control function smoothness. Simpson’s rule attains …

The Effect Of The Continuous Care Model On Self-Practices And Quality Of Life Among Preeclamptic Women, Amira Ahmed Altweel, Salma Abd-Elatty Moawed, Amr Mahmoud Riad, Shaimaa Hassan Mohamady

Nursing

No abstract provided.

G. Alexander Nunn, G. Alexander Nunn

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Brendan S. Maher, Brendan S. Maher

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Designing System Coherence For Content- Based English Language Development, Jeimee Estrada-Miller, Aline Matias, Raquel Gonzalez, Magaly Lavadenz, Elvira G. Armas

Center on English Language Proficiency Implementation Briefs

Advancing Comprehensive English Language Development: Designing System Coherence for Content-Based English Language Development is the second in a four-part implementation series focused on advancing high-quality English language development (ELD) systems. Drawing on research on educational change, organizational coherence, and instructional improvement, the brief recognizes that while effective classroom practices are essential, their impact depends on the organizational conditions that support consistent implementation. This brief examines the "how" of implementation by emphasizing system coherence—the intentional alignment of policies, leadership, organizational structures, and resources around a shared vision for language and content learning. It introduces seven foundational practices that support the coherent …

Fy 2024-2025 Annual Report (Lwlc), Lwlc Faculty And Staff

LWLC Publications

No abstract provided.

Relationships Between Shared Group Properties: Theory, Measurement, Estimation, And Adjustment, Mark A. Maltarich, Paul D. Biese, Nichelle C. Carpenter

Faculty Publications

Teams researchers, meta-analysts, and others often study relationships between group-level constructs measured by aggregating individual-level variables, but it is well-known that group-mean correlations are influenced by individual-level relationships. We review multilevel issues and current practices in estimating and adjusting group-mean associations. We give special attention to comparisons across levels of analysis, and to adjustments for estimating population parameters. A Monte Carlo simulation study indicates that the two most commonly used adjustments in meta-analysis are ineffective in estimating population-based effect sizes. They frequently overestimate true relationships, sometimes severely. Indeed, simulations show that common adjustments move estimates away from population values in …

Dnp Final Report: Implementing The 5-2-1-0 Lifestyle Framework To Address Elevated Bmi In Pediatric Primary Care, Mary K. Williams

DNP Final Reports

Pediatric obesity remains a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where access to specialty care is limited. Primary care settings provide an important opportunity for early identification and intervention through family-based lifestyle modification. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary impact of implementing the 5-2-1-0 healthy habits framework, developed by researchers at Penn State, in a rural pediatric primary care clinic to promote improved lifestyle behaviors among children with elevated body mass index (BMI).

This project included pediatric patients ages 5–16 years presenting for well-child visits with a BMI at or …

Identifying And Characterizing Cartel Drone Supply Chain Pathways, Austin C. Doctor, Joel S. Elson

Reports, Projects, and Research

Cartel drone capabilities are sustained by a decentralized, diversified supply chain that is increasingly embedded in lawful commercial markets. Because drones and most components are legal dual-use goods, the most defensible counter strategy is network-based, not commodity-based — targeting the repeatable processes and dependencies (e.g., trusted buyers, technical specialists, parcel and cargo routes, workshops, and recurring component orders) that enable cartel networks to field a sustainable drone program.

Adaptive Sports Program & Wellness Initiatives For Individuals With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Beyond The Service Cliff, Jordan Pare, Erin K. Wells

OTD DEx Reports - College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability over the age twenty-one face significant barriers to accessing support in mental health, physical activity, and social communication opportunities due to the loss of federal educational entitlement at this age. Individuals with a disability who lose their educational funding at age twenty-one may be forced into underfunded and uncoordinated systems for support, also known as the service cliff. This paper evaluates the benefits of implementing an adaptive sports program for this population, which research suggests can foster social and physical needs while influencing executive functioning in mental health. The benefits of providing education …

Toward Intentional Praxis: A Design Thinking Multi-Case Study Of Cognitive-Constructive Toolkit Implementation In An Elementary Professional Learning Community, Azam Nathaniel

Dissertations

Among several learning theories that were dynamic and constantly evolving with time, cognitive and constructive theories were predominant in the field of education. However, these theories often included overlapping and contrasting concepts, contributing to confusion in terminology among teachers and limited explicit use in instructional practice. Within the context of K-12 education, teachers demonstrated conceptual awareness of cognitive and constructive learning theories; however, the theories were not a part of day-to-day conversations and were minimally identified in practice. Instead, the theories were implicitly applied as teachers balanced competing professional responsibilities, including daily routines, syllabus requirements, district standards, new initiatives, differentiated …

Irene Calboli, Irene Calboli

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Neil L. Sobol, Neil L. Sobol

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Priyanka Goonetilleke, Priyanka Goonetilleke

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Production Country Origin Impact On Soybean Oil Quality, Huazhen Liu, Micah Pope, Todd Doehring, Pradeep Kachroo, David Hildebrand

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Previous studies have suggested variability in soybean oil quality depending on geographic origin of the soybeans. In this study, 1035 crude degummed soybean oil (raw oil unrefined except for degumming) samples collected from vessels and crushers over five harvest years (2020–2024) were analyzed for 11 key quality attributes. Soybean oil samples were sourced from soybeans that originated from the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. The results indicate that US-grown soybeans consistently produce the highest-quality oil, characterized by the lowest free fatty acid (FFA) levels and lowest neutral oil loss (NOL). Oils from US soybeans also exhibited the highest iodine values. …

Root Chemistry Effects On Soil Organic Matter Fractions Persist In Topsoil And Subsoil Of A Well-Drained Alfisol, Brian Rinehart, Justin Allen, Joeri Kaal, Dave Mcnear, Hanna Poffenbarger

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Subsoils have been identified as a potential target for building soil C stocks, given the older age and slower cycling of organic matter at depth. Plant roots deliver C deep into the soil profile, but there is limited experimental evidence as to which root traits are most effective at increasing subsoil C. To that end, we conducted a 13C natural abundance study to trace C from roots of differing quality into organic matter fractions in a shallow and deep soil layer of an Alfisol in Lexington, KY. The roots of four species were packed into nylon-wrapped tubes with soil and …

Sweet Potato Gene Clusters Control Anthocyanin Biosynthesis And Leaf Morphology, Dong An, Tiechen Shen, Shiyu Wu, Yanshen Li, Weijuan Fan, Mengxiao Yan, Yinghui Meng, Xinyi Wang, Ximing Xu, Zunfu Lv, Ling Yuan, Jun Yang, Guoquan Lu, Hongxia Wang

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) exhibits diversity in pigmentation and leaf morphology, yet the genetic architecture and regulatory organisation underlying these traits remain poorly resolved, particularly with respect to organ-specific control. We hypothesised that phenotypic variation is governed by clustered genetic modules comprising regulatory and structural genes operating in an organ-specific manner. To test this, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using 4.6 million SNPs across 260 diverse accessions, integrated with transcriptomic, haplotype and functional analyses. GWAS identified two tandem clusters of MYB transcription factors on chromosome 5 as the primary regulators of leaf anthocyanin accumulation. Expression profiling, heterologous expression and …

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Mothers Through Occupation-Based Education, Jessica J. Valencia, Justine Faghihifar, Wendy Tremaine

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project evaluated the implementation of an occupational therapy-informed educational program for mothers, with children under the age of 18, who have experienced intimate partner violence at Genesis Women's Shelter & Support. The purpose of the project was to promote occupational engagement through education focused on stress management, sleep and rest, routines and habits, memory and attention, parenting and communication, and leisure participation. A needs assessment informed the development of a six-week bilingual intervention consisting of group and individual sessions. Program outcomes were evaluated using pre- and post-intervention assessments, participant feedback, and clinical observations. The project demonstrated improvements in …

Empowering Independence For Young Adults With Disabilities, Grace Sloan, Wendy Tremaine

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Young adults with disabilities often face challenges in maintaining and finding employment, living independently, and participating socially. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop a program to enhance job readiness, independent living, and social participation skills for young adults with disabilities. This project highlighted the need for occupation-based activities to support the transition from high school to adulthood for young adults with disabilities.

Empowering Amputees Through Education And Resources To Improve Independence And Quality Of Life, Brooke A. Hodges, Wendy M. Tremaine

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop and implement an evidence-based educational toolkit to increase community resource awareness for individuals with amputations. The project was completed at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation in Dallas, Texas, and involved adult patients with limb loss and rehabilitation healthcare professionals. A needs assessment was conducted using surveys, semi-structured interviews, and informal discussions to identify educational gaps and resource needs. Findings informed the development of educational materials addressing mental health, peer support, financial assistance, transportation, driving rehabilitation, home modifications, adaptive recreation, prosthetic resources, and community organizations. The toolkit was designed to accommodate varying …

Using Creative Arts In Occupational Therapy To Address Motor And Nonmotor Symptoms Of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Elizabeth L. Batista, Kristin Domville, Pam Kasyan-Howe

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDD), including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, significantly impact motor function, cognition, self-esteem, and occupational engagement. Although creative arts interventions have demonstrated psychosocial benefits, there is limited research examining visual arts as an occupational therapy-led modality addressing both motor and nonmotor symptoms through meaningful occupation (Gros et al., 2024; Li et al., 2024; Chancellor et al., 2014).
This capstone project developed and implemented an OT-led creative arts program utilizing painting as the primary intervention for individuals with NDD residing in an assisted living facility and/or attending an adult day center. Guided by MOHO, …

Advocacy For Inclusive Play In South Dallas: Expanding Access For Children In Underserved Areas, Aryanna Fellows, Mary Jan Greer

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to advocate for more inclusive and accessible playgrounds for children of all abilities in underserved communities in South Dallas. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) Model, the project evaluated playground accessibility and identified environmental barriers that limit participation for children with disabilities. Methods included a community needs assessment, playground observations using a standardized accessibility assessment tool, surveys, and stakeholder collaboration. Participants included community members, caregivers, organizational stakeholders, and children who utilize local playgrounds. Findings were synthesized to develop evidence-based recommendations and educational resources to support future playground improvements. The expected outcomes included increased awareness of inclusive playground …

Calm, Confident, Capable: An Educational Manual To Support Effective Oral Care For Children With Autism, Jared D. Morgan, Leah I. Stein Duker, Carrie Alvarado, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Dental health professionals report limited confidence, perceived competence, and preparedness when providing oral health care to autistic children, which can significantly impact patient participation, quality of care, and overall dental experience. Autistic children are more likely to have dental conditions compared to their neurotypical peers. The methods of this project consisted of four phases being development, preview, revision, and dissemination. The purpose of this project was to develop an educational manual that provides dental health professionals with practical knowledge, skills, and abilities to address the needs of autistic children, to ensure effective oral health care. The expected outcomes of this …

Navigating Concussion Recovery: An Educational Module-Based Approach To Strengthening Occupational Therapist Confidence And Effectiveness In Concussion Rehabilitation, Alejandra Abella, Wendy Tremaine

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as concussion, presents with complex physical, cognitive, visual, vestibular, and emotional symptoms that can significantly affect an individual's ability to participate in meaningful daily occupations. Although occupational therapists play an essential role in concussion rehabilitation, many clinicians report that confidence in evaluating and treating this population develops primarily through years of clinical experience rather than structured education. Inconsistent exposure to concussion cases and limited access to current evidence-based resources contribute to variations in clinical confidence and practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a comprehensive …

Occupational Therapy Education In A Changing Climate, Elizabeth Ballenger, Amy Lyons-Brown, Elizabeth Richardson

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone explored how occupational therapy can strengthen its response to climate change and planetary health through education, collaboration, and organizational development. In partnership with SOTER and Project PrOTect, the project used literature review, needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary learning to develop strategic frameworks, educational resources, and digital dissemination tools. The project emphasized building organizational capacity, expanding occupational therapy’s role in planetary health, and leveraging international collaboration to support sustainable, occupation-centered action.

Supporting Participation Through Sensory Inclusion, Karla Bonilla, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on promoting sensory-inclusive environments to support play and social participation among autistic children. The project was conducted in partnership with Straight From The Heart, a foster care organization in San Diego County. A community profile, literature review, and needs assessment were completed using caregiver and social worker surveys and semi-structured interviews with community organization professionals to identify environmental barriers, caregiver education needs, and resource priorities. The findings informed the development of sensory-inclusive educational resources and educational workshop. Stakeholder feedback was used to refine the resources and evaluate their perceived relevance and usefulness. The project highlights the …

Beyond The Athlete: An Autoethnographic Exploration Of Occupational Identity, Sofia Paniagua-Bauer, Karen Park

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adolescent student-athletes experience unique demands as they navigate the expectations of competitive sport alongside academic, social, and developmental responsibilities. These demands may influence mental health, executive functioning, occupational balance, and the development of occupational identity. The purpose of this Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) capstone project was to explore the development of occupational identity through the lived experience of growing up as a competitive athlete and to examine how participation in sport influenced mental health, self-regulation, executive functioning, and engagement in meaningful occupations. An autoethnographic approach was used to reflect on my personal experiences while completing a capstone experience at …