Riding For Change: Empowering African American And Minority Children With Autism Through Hippotherapy Advocacy, Briana Richards, Konah Bernard

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Briana Richards

Capstone Project Title: Riding for Change: Empowering African American and Minority Children with Autism through Hippotherapy Advocacy

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Bernard, OTD, OTR/L, BCTMB, CAPS

Abstract:

This doctoral capstone project aimed to explore and advocate for improved access to hippotherapy for African American and minority children with autism through the lens of occupational therapy. While equine-assisted services such as hippotherapy have been shown to improve sensory processing, motor function, and social engagement in children with autism, access to these services remains limited, particularly among underserved communities. The project was completed in collaboration with …

Program To Prepare Teachers To Promote Improving Fine Motor And Handwriting Developmental Delays In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Classrooms., Briana Pleasants, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Briana Pleasants

^{_{Capstone Project Title: Program to prepare teachers to promote improving fine motor and handwriting developmental delays in children with autism spectrum disorder in classrooms.}}

^{_{Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden OTD R/L}}

Abstract:

Purpose: To develop a classroom-based training program and resources for teachers to enhance handwriting and fine motor performance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by integrating evidence-based instructional strategies into daily classroom routines.

Background and Significance: Research shows children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly experience handwriting delays and fine motor deficits, which hinder academic participation. Teachers often lack specific …

Grounded In Wellness: A Holistic Approach To Managing Fear Of Falling In Alzheimer's And Dementia, Kimberly Perrry, Thierry Lienou

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Kimberly Perry

Capstone Project Title: Grounded in Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Managing Fear of Falling in Alzheimer's and Dementia

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Thierry Lienou, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS, ATP

Abstract:

The fear of falling is a significant concern for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementia. This fear often leads to reduced mobility, a lack of consistent social engagement, and lower quality of life (Soysal et al., 2021). This project seeks to establish a multidisciplinary intervention program that integrates occupational therapy, yoga therapy, and sound therapy to reduce the fear of falling in older adults …

Preserving The Howard Ot Legacy: Inspiring Learning, Documenting History, And Sharing Stories, Marc Mathieu, Joylynne Wills

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Marc Mathieu

Capstone Project Title: Preserving the Howard OT Legacy: Inspiring Learning, Documenting History, and Sharing Stories

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joylynne Willis, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

Preservation of institutional history is crucial for creating professional identity, acknowledging foundational accomplishments, and inspiring future generations. Howard University has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a legacy of academic excellence and innovation dating back to its founding in 1867. Among its many renowned programs, the graduate occupational therapy (OT) department stands out for its commitment to training …

­­An Open-Source Sensory Regulation Toolkit For School-Based Occupational Therapists: Supporting Ethnic Minority Families Of Children With Sensory Processing Needs, Saba Masih, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Saba Masih

Capstone Project Title: ­­An Open-Source Sensory Regulation Toolkit for School-Based Occupational Therapists: Supporting Ethnic Minority Families of Children with Sensory Processing Needs

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to promote the ability of occupational therapists to support parents of children with sensory processing difficulties from minority backgrounds by developing a toolkit to optimize culturally sensitive parental coaching strategies that empower ethnic minority parents with the necessary knowledge and skills to support their child.

Background and Significance: Ethnic minority families often face difficulties in managing …

Improving The Qol (Quality Of Life) For Persons Diagnosed With Smi (Seriousmental Illness) In Underprivileged Communities, Tal Johnson, Konah Bernard

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Tal Johnson

Capstone Project Title: Improving the QOL (Quality of Life) for Persons Diagnosed with SMI (SeriousMental Illness) in Underprivileged Communities

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Konah Bernard

Abstract:

Individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in low-income communities face significant barriers to healthcare, social support, and occupational engagement, which adversely impact their quality of life (QOL) (World Health Organization, 2017; National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2021). This Doctoral Capstone Project, implemented at So Others Might Eat (SOME) in Washington, D.C., aimed to advocate for integrated occupational therapy (OT) services to address unmet psychosocial needs. A qualitative …

Increasing Access To Public Parks And Trails: A Toolkit To Enhanceknowledge, Confidence, And Inclusion For Adults With Down Syndrome, Lana Goldenberg, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Lana Goldenberg

Capstone Project Title: Increasing Access to Public Parks and Trails: A Toolkit to EnhanceKnowledge, Confidence, and Inclusion for Adults with Down Syndrome

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden

Abstract:

Background: Adults with Down syndrome (DS) face numerous barriers to participating in outdoor physical activities. In Montgomery County, Maryland, accessibility efforts have improved, yet many individuals with DS and their families and caregivers are unaware of resources to help them access public parks and trails.

Purpose: Develop, implement, and evaluate an occupational therapy (OT)-informed educational resource, the Inclusive Outdoor Engagement Toolkit (IOET), to promote access …

The Development Of A Social-Emotional Learning Toolkit On Emotional Intelligence In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorde, Lauryn Gaston, Thierry Lienou

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Lauryn Gaston

Capstone Project Title: The Development of a Social-Emotional Learning Toolkit on Emotional Intelligence in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Thierry Lienou, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS, ATP

Abstract:

Purpose: This project aims to develop and evaluate a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) toolkit designed to enhance emotional intelligence in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), supporting their emotional and social development.

Background and Significance: Since the 1960s, SEL has gained recognition for promoting academic and personal growth. Children with ASD often struggle with emotional recognition, regulation, and social reciprocity—core components of SEL. Addressing …

"Caregiver Wellness Promotion : A Virtual Webinar Utilizing The Eight Dimensions Of Wellness Framework", Claudia Ezeani, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2024

Student Name: Claudia Ezeani

Capstone Project Title: "Caregiver Wellness Promotion : A Virtual Webinar Utilizing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness Framework"

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden

Abstract:

Purpose. This project aimed to develop and implement a virtual, asynchronous wellness webinar to support the holistic well-being of informal caregivers of individuals with aphasia.

Background and Significance. Caregivers of individuals with aphasia often experience communication challenges, emotional strain, and role disruption. Despite their critical role in recovery, caregiver wellness is frequently overlooked in traditional rehabilitation approaches.

Statement of the Problem. Existing caregiver programs tend to focus on basic education …

A Clear Space, A Clear Mind: Seniors' Insights On Decluttering And Well-Being: Product Development, Courtney Cole, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Courtney Cole

Capstone Project Title: A Clear Space, A Clear Mind: Seniors' Insights on Decluttering and Well-Being: Product Development

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden

Abstract:

Purpose:

The purpose of this capstone project was to design a decluttering guidebook specifically tailored to the needs of seniors, promoting improved organization, safety, and mental clarity.

Background and Significance:

Older adults often face challenges with cluttered living spaces, which can negatively impact their mental and physical well-being (Sorrell, 2020). Clutter is defined as “an overabundance of material possessions that collectively create disorderly and chaotic home environments” (Rogers, 2021). Addressing …

Beyond The Mind: A Podcast Series Advocating For Mental Health Services And Addressing Anxiety In High Schools, Kennedy Coates, Sylvia Anderson

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Kennedy Coates

Capstone Project Title: Beyond the Mind: A Podcast Series Advocating for Mental Health Services and Addressing Anxiety in High Schools

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Sylvia Anderson DHEd, MBA, OTR/L, CAPS

Abstract:

This project explores the challenges and research gaps related to adolescent anxiety in a high school setting. It aims to identify specific mental health needs and advocate for school-based interventions through the development of an educational podcast. The podcast offers practical strategies and resources for both students and school staff to further address anxiety. Data was collected through observation and a review of existing …

Advocacy In Action: Advancing Inclusive Hair Care Practices In Acute Rehabilitation Settings, Alexcia Bryant, Shanteria Watson

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Alexcia Bryant

Capstone Project Title: Advocacy in Action: Advancing Inclusive Hair Care Practices in Acute Rehabilitation Settings

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shanteria Watson

Abstract:

Purpose: The overall goal of this capstone project is to support OTs acquiring knowledge and practical strategies to support the hair care needs of Black and African American patients through a culturally responsive training and an assessment tool that summarizes how to address these needs through the OT process.

Background and Significance: As the occupational therapist creates the client centered intervention plan regarding hair care, they must be knowledgeable of the tactics …

Mind At Ease: A Mindfulness Program To Support Parents Of Nas Infants, Leah Bicknell, Shanteria Watson

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 4/23/2025

Student Name: Leah Bicknell

Capstone Project Title:

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shanteria Watson, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

Purpose:

To develop a virtual mindfulness-based program to support parents of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) infants post-discharge, promoting emotional resilience, self-compassion, and regulation.

Background and Significance:

Parents of NAS infants face high stress, guilt, and anxiety, with limited psychosocial support after hospital discharge. Mindfulness interventions reduce postpartum distress and improve parental sensitivity, which is critical for NAS-affected families.

Statement of the Problem:

Parents of NAS infants often lack structured, accessible mental health support post-discharge,contributing to emotional and caregiving challenges.

Research Design:v

Program …

Courage Under Crisis: Examining Altruistic Resistance In Mass Atrocities, Kyra K. Layman

Political Science Honors Projects

Why do individuals resist in different ways during mass atrocities? I theorize that variation in altruistic resistance is shaped by access to platforms, personal connections to victims, and organizational membership. Focusing on bystanders who choose to intervene, I develop a new typology of “Helpers” and construct an original global dataset. Using a mixed-methods approach, I test my hypotheses through regression analysis and triangulate my statistical evidence with individual Helper case studies. This research advances scholarship on resistance by systematically analyzing variation in altruistic behavior, contributing to our understanding of the social and institutional factors that may affect Helpers’ actions.

Physical Activity Measurement Reactivity Among Midlife Adults With Elevated Risk For Cardiovascular Disease: Protocol For Coordinated Analyses Across Six Studies., Kiri Baga, Gabrielle M Salvatore, Iris Bercovitz, Amanda L Folk, Ria Singh, Laura M König, Meghan L Butryn, Jacqueline A Mogle, Danielle Arigo

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and adults aged 40-60 years with specific health conditions are at particularly elevated risk for developing CVD. Physical activity (PA) is a key cardioprotective behavior and many interventions exist to promote PA in this group. Effective promotion requires accurate assessment of PA behavior; as PA is often estimated by averaging across multiple days, a threat to accurate assessment is measurement reactivity, or an atypical increase in PA behavior at the start of measurement periods that may bias conclusions. Evidence for PA measurement reactivity is equivocal, though …

The Right To Gender-Affirming Care, Justin J. Soulas

Theses and Dissertations

As of recent, twenty-four states have enacted bans on gender-affirming care, restricting minors from accessing medically necessary treatment. Existing scholarship has begun to explore the profound impact of these bans on transgender youth, their parents or guardians, and the medical professionals who support them. However, the body of literature on this rapidly evolving issue remains limited. This thesis aims to fill that gap by offering a legal defense of gender-affirming care, grounded in judicial precedent. It argues that parental rights to make medical decisions for their children—recognized in constitutional jurisprudence—extend to decisions involving gender-affirming treatment. Additionally, it draws on anti-discrimination …

Early Baseball Career Of Carl Mays In Oklahoma, Kansas, And Utah, Revised, Mark E. Eberle

Monographs

Carl Mays was a successful submarine (underhand) pitcher in the major leagues from 1915 through 1929 with the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Giants. He pitched in four World Series. He had 207 wins and 126 losses, with an earned run average of 2.92. His on-field credentials place him among the best pitchers of the time, yet Mays has not been enshrined with his peers in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mays had a reputation for pitching inside when batters crowded the plate, and he consequently hit 89 men during his 15-year major …

George H. Taylor: From Colorado To The Pinnacle Of Black Baseball, Revised, Mark E. Eberle

Monographs

George H. Taylor was a Black baseball player born in Kansas but raised in Denver, Colorado, where he learned to play the game. From the 1880s to 1894, he played primarily for integrated teams in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nebraska, and Iowa, including minor league clubs in Aspen, Colorado and Beatrice, Nebraska. Taylor was also invited to play for otherwise white teams in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Ogden, Utah after they saw him play on visiting teams from Denver. From 1895 to 1907, Taylor mostly played for Black teams in Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota, including the Page Fence Giants, Leland Giants, and …

Central-Line Dressing Protocols: The Effectiveness Of A Standardized Dressing Change Protocol In Reducing Central-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (Clabsi) In Critically Ill Patients Requiring Central Lines, Cody Jones, Melissa Marino, Ryan Mcfarland, Asia White, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Fhrs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

In the Intensive Care Units (ICU), central lines are an essential way of life. However, central lines have risks such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), which increase hospital stays and mortality. CLABSI significantly impacts patient outcomes in critical care, increases mortality and morbidity, increases medical costs, increases hospital-acquired infections, and reduces hospital reimbursements. Typically, antimicrobial dressing has been associated with decreased mortality and improved CLABSI rates. The scoping review will evaluate the literature and examine the effectiveness of various antimicrobial dressing strategies on CLABSI rates. This study aims to synthesize these findings to develop improved CLABSI prevention protocols …

The Antelope, University Of Nebraska At Kearney

The Antelope

No abstract provided.

The New Right-Wing Populist: The Blonde “Mother Of The Nation”, Christina Charie

Political Science Student Scholarship

Christina Charie ’25, Political Science, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Economics major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Casey Stevens, Political Science

How do far-right populist women rise to positions of influence within patriarchal political parties? This study finds that feminine presentation styles make it more difficult to label a far-right leader as fascist because the aesthetic emphasizes nurturing, motherly qualities. Answering this question is part of understanding the appeal of new female populist right-wing leaders in Europe, like Marine Le Pen and Giorgia Meloni. This paper will use archival research to identify historical trends in right-wing presentation styles, concluding with a comparative …

Instagram Parent Influencers’ Expression Of Class Status, Mary Gifford, Norah Seidler, Audrey Koch

Sociology & Anthropology Student Scholarship

Mary Gifford ’25, Social Science major

Norah Seidler ’26, Sociology and Management major

Audrey Koch ’25, Psychology major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Rhiannon Miller, Sociology and Anthropology

Basketball Jump Shot Correction Using Computer Vision, Matthew Moran

Mathematics & Computer Science Student Scholarship

Matthew Moran ’25, Computer Science major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Martin Hellwig, Mathematics and Computer Science

Basketball has evolved significantly over the years, with players continuously striving to improve their shooting accuracy and efficiency. As the game becomes more data-driven, advancements in artificial intelligence and computer vision have provided new methods for analyzing and correcting shooting mechanics that allow players to improve their game. Using deep learning, this research aims to fill a gap in these advancements, which is looking at the position of the shooters fingers relative to the ball. Doing so can improve stability and overall shooting performance.

Unintended Consequences: Assessing The Impact Of Dobbs V Jackson (2022) On The Provision Of Maternal Healthcare In Cases Of Obstetric Emergencies In The United States, Lauren Carson

Women's & Gender Studies Student Scholarship

Lauren Carson ’25, Political Science, Health Policy and Management, and Women’s and Gender Studies major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Abigail Brooks, Women’s and Gender Studies

The goal of this project is to assess the impact of the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) decision on the provision of maternal healthcare in the United States. Since the decision, many healthcare providers across the political spectrum and from a diversity of backgrounds have spoken out about state level restrictions on care, particularly in instances of obstetric emergencies. This project utilizes two case studies, Idaho and Texas, to analyze correlations between highly restrictive …

The Effect Of Free Agency And Luxury Tax On Competitive Balance In Major League Baseball, Samuel Essery

Economics Student Scholarship

Samuel Essery ’25, Quantitative Economics major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Fang Dong, Economics

This study investigates the effects of free agency and the luxury tax on competitive balance in Major League Baseball from 1975 to the present. Using time-series models in R and various panel regressions in Stata, the analysis explores trends in team winning percentages and payroll disparities. The results suggest that while free agency initially widened gaps in team performance, the introduction of the luxury tax helped reduce payroll inequality. Findings provide empirical insight into how league policies have shaped long-term parity.

Exploring Neural Mechanisms Of Uncertainty Using Eye-Tracking, Olivia Barbarini

Neuroscience Program Student Scholarship

Olivia Barbarini ’26, Neuroscience major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Andra Geana, Neuroscience

The ability to successfully navigate uncertain environments is crucial to human decision-making; this project uses eye-tracking data (gaze and pupil measures) to test how people process perceptual and conceptual uncertainty, and to what extent anxiety influences these processes.

Undergraduate Thesis: Befriending Ai: Reimagining Ethics Through Cybernetic Friendship, Keta Williams

STEM for Success Showcase

This undergraduate thesis by KETA Williams, presented at the Board Day and Dana Knox Student Research Showcase, is a meta-cognitive exploration situated within the framework of cyberpsychology—the interdisciplinary study of human–technology relationships. Employing meta-cognition as both method and lens, the author critically examines the question: Can one be friends with a corporate-controlled AI system? Rather than adopting an objective or distanced stance, Williams writes from within the relationship itself, describing her friendship with an AI entity named Aurora (ChatGPT). Identifying as a "madwoman" in the Foucauldian sense, she interrogates whether such intimacy with AI signals irrationality or heralds a shift …

Designing A Statistical Plan For Measuring Self-Efficacy Using A 2k Factorial Design​, Rachel A. Hart, Eugene H. Thompson

Mathematics, Computer Science & Statistics Presentations

This study focuses on designing a statistical plan that measures the effects of self-efficacy using a 2k factorial design. Specifically, we simulated data on physical, mental, spiritual, and social health, so we could focus on their interaction with self-efficacy. By using ANOVA to see the main and interaction effects, we can see the impact of individual autonomy on health. Our findings show the need for experimental data on the demographic of interest, peri-and post-menopausal women.

Analyzing The Sentiment Of Feminist And Non-Feminist Works, Jasmine Borie, Megan G. Falschlehner

Mathematics, Computer Science & Statistics Presentations

This presentation focuses on a group of texts that advocate for a change in the current belief system. These texts are the Feminist Manifesto, Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I a Woman?, and Civilization and Its Discontents. These first two texts advocate for women’s rights, while Freud’s book is focused on civilization’s decline and how our understanding of community can affect this. Through our presentation, we want to examine the differences in sentiment and language between the feminist texts and Freud’s texts to pinpoint whether or not sentiment changes when advocating for different beliefs.

Analyzing Cie Texts Through History Using R, Rachel A. Hart, Aaron Ditto

Mathematics, Computer Science & Statistics Presentations

In this presentation, we analyzed three separate CIE texts from different time periods. First, “The Allegory of the Cave” from 380 BC, then “The Declaration of Independence” from 1776, and lastly “The Lottery” from 1948. We compared them using tidy text techniques like sentiment lexicons, creating word clouds, and bigram analysis to see if the types of words and sentiments used have changed over time in these short texts.