Digital Commons Network^™

Icc Agenda 3-31-26, Angela Brock

Individual Course Committee (ICC)

No abstract provided.

Program Review Report 3-31-26, Angela Brock

Program Review Committee

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Course Development With Generative Ai: Practical Tools For Educators, Nishank Varshney, Casey Solsrud

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools presents new opportunities for higher education, particularly in designing courses that are rigorous, engaging, and adaptable. This poster demonstrates how generative AI tools can improve teaching and learning through a case study of developing an online course: Fundamentals of Program Evaluation. In this poster, we illustrate how generative AI can be utilized to support brainstorming, content generation, visual design, assessments, and inclusive adaptations. We also discuss risks, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for thoughtful integration. The case offers a replicable model for educators seeking to incorporate AI meaningfully into curriculum development.

Voices Of Learning: Exploring The Impact Of Human And Artificial Intelligence Voice In Health Professions Education, Megan Frazee, Olivia Sattlefield, Elizabeth Lyden, Peggy Moore, Betsy J. Becker

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Introduction While early research indicated students preferred human narration over artificial intelligence (AI) voices, more recent studies have yielded mixed results, with some finding no significant difference in learner preferences for module narration. The purpose of this study was to determine whether professional level health science students exhibit a significant preference between human and AI generated narration in educational e-modules.   Methods Our study used a noninferiority design to assess whether AI voices are comparably effective to human voice. Study participants completed an e-module narrated by a human or AI voice then completed a 21-item survey of perception and cognitive load. …

The Value Of Establishing Connections Between Clinical And Research Settings For The Next Generation Of Neuropsychologists And Neuropsychology Consumers, Pamela May-Weeks

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this discussion is to highlight the value of networks and connections across institutions for students, early researchers, and clinicians to support their careers in neuropsychology and the neurosciences. Participants and Methods: Since 2020, two independent institutions, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC; academic medical center) and the Institute for Human Neuroscience (IHN) at Boys Town National Research Hospital (research facility), in Nebraska have partnered to support UNMC graduate students' (pursuing PhD and MD/PhD in various disciplines) master's and doctoral level work. More specifically, a clinical neuropsychologist from UNMC collaborated with researchers at IHN to support student-led …

Exploring The Role Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Immersive Virtual Reality (Ivr) Simulation In Nursing Students, Krystal Davis, Sue A. Schuelke

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Simulation has been shown to be an effective learning modality that can be used to assess competency and clinical judgment. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) has revolutionized simulation across various fields. By creating highly realistic and interactive environments, IVR allows users to experience scenarios that would be difficult, dangerous, or impossible to replicate in real life. This is a tremendous advantage to preparing our student nurses for today’s challenging workforce. There are several different types of IVR including faculty moderated and independent IVR with drop down menus with both having limitations. The purpose of this pilot study is to compare cost …

No Escape Without Evidence: Is A Digital Escape Room An Effective Strategy To Teach The Use Of Clinical Practice Guidelines (Cpgs)?, Chelsea Huppert

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Background: Game-based learning, such as escape rooms, have been shown to improve education experiences and student engagement. Digital escape rooms, specifically using Google Forms, have been shown to be an effective tool in teaching pharmacy-related topics. Reading and applying clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are critical skills all student pharmacists must build, and an activity such as a digital escape room could be useful to implement in the pharmacy curricula. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of a digital escape room via Google Forms is an effective teaching strategy for pharmacy students on reading and applying …

Unlocking Knowledge: Designing An Infectious Diseases-Themed Escape Room For Medical Student And Resident Education, Mackenzie R. Keintz, Catherine Cichon, Evangeline Green, Jasmine R. Marcelin, Benjamin K. Arbeiter

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Background Serious games like escape rooms (ER) offer immersive, interactive, and effective teaching through cooperative problem-solving and goal-oriented challenges. ER have primarily been described in context of medical conferences, their integration into routine medical education serves as a novel strategy to foster early interest in infectious diseases (ID) and enhance long-term retention of medical knowledge. Methods We designed an ID–themed ER for trainees on the ID service, guided by Kern’s six-step approach to curriculum development. General needs assessment was obtained via discussion with key stakeholders and literature review. A targeted needs assessment identified high yield board review exam topics and …

Stress In Medical Laboratory Science (Mls) Students: Sources, Patterns, And Implications, Marnie Imhoff

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Students in accelerated, year-long Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programs experience different stressors that can affect their well-being and ability to persist in the program. This study aimed to identify the main sources of stress among MLS students and to examine how stress levels vary by demographic factors. MLS students in a university program completed a stress survey each semester from May 2022 to May 2024. The survey asked about demographics and included questions about stress in academic, professional, and personal areas. The results showed that the main stressors were lack of free time, the program's pace, and worries about falling …

National Durc Capacity Building Program: A Novel Ipe Model For Responsible Life Science Research Education, Wael Elrayes, Ali Asy, Maha Farid

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Background: Educating scientists on Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Responsible Use of Life Science Research (RULSR) requires innovative approaches that overcome geographic and expertise barriers while maintaining engagement and educational rigor. This project utilized a novel IPE approach engaging scientists and researchers across multiple health professions disciplines within a One Health framework. We developed and implemented the world's first national-level DURC capacity-building program using a hybrid educational model. Methods: The program employed a two-phase hybrid design combining virtual and in-person modalities. Phase I delivered 13 virtual sessions over three months by international faculty from four countries, engaging 140 scientists …

Bridging The Language Gap: A Simulated Experience To Teach Communication Using Virtual Interpreters - Encore Presentation, Jessica Downes, Jessica Witt, Kristen Cook

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Introduction: Patients with Non-English Language Preference (NELP) are at risk for communication barriers and health disparities. Studies have shown that clinicians who receive training on language barriers and interpreter use are more likely to utilize professional interpretation services.   Research question or hypothesis: Providing pharmacy students with an opportunity to practice working with an interpreter in a simulation will improve their confidence in this skill.   Study design: The objective of the study is to create an innovative simulation lab and describe its impact in the didactic curriculum for pharmacy students to practice communicating with an interpreter. Students participated in a survey …

Implementing Holographic Instruction In Multi-Campus Dpt Education, Stacie Christensen, Brad Dexter, Michael Hollins, Elisabeth Barrett

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Providing engaging and equitable learning experiences across geographically separated campuses remains an ongoing challenge in health professions education. This educational innovation describes the implementation of holographic (“holobox”) instruction across pre-recorded and live delivery formats within a multi-campus Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum, with preliminary evaluation of learner engagement and feasibility.   Through collaboration with UNMC's Interprofessional Experiential Center for Enduring Learning (iEXCEL), holobox-supported instruction was integrated into learning activities for 63 second-year DPT learners across two campuses. A pre-recorded holographic lecture addressed outcome measure selection, psychometric properties, and database use, delivered simultaneously with faculty facilitators in each location. A separate …

A Weeklong Academic Preparedness Program Boosts Student Confidence, Community, And Readiness For Medical School, Grace Beauchamp, Samantha Simet, Sias Scherger, Kathy Schall, Yamna Channa, Geoffrey Talmon, Kirstie Bash, Aleisha Nabower

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Medical schools are faced with the challenge of helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed in an intensive education environment. To ease the transition, promote evidence-based study strategies, and emphasize student well-being, a voluntary weeklong Academic Preparedness Program (APP) was implemented and offered to all incoming first year medical students. This project evaluated program acceptability and effectiveness as well as its impact on block scores. Program evaluation included electronic surveys combining both quantitative and qualitative questions immediately following the APP (Survey 1) and again after completion of the first block of medical school (Survey 2). Exam and block scores were compared …

Outcomes Of A Learning Needs Assessment Survey In The Development Of The Extension For Community Health Outcomes Model For Hiv Training In Midwestern Non-Metropolitan Areas, Duncan Works, Daniel Cramer, Elizabeth Lyden, Yue Zhan, Emmanuel Nazaire Essam Nkodo, Renae Furl, Jennifer O'Neill, Maureen Kubat, Heather Saarela, Nada A. Fadul, Jennifer Davis

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Background: In 2020, Nebraska’s HIV prevalence was 146 per 100,000 individuals, with 107 new diagnoses in 2021. Of the 2,497 people living with HIV (PWH) statewide, 23% resided in rural areas. Rural diagnoses nearly doubled in 2021, accounting for 35% of new cases. At presentation, rural PWH had significantly lower mean CD4 counts compared to their urban counterparts (378 vs. 953 cells/mm³), suggesting delays in diagnosis and care. In response, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Specialty Care Clinic implemented the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model to enhance rural provider support through virtual lectures and case-based learning. …

Food For Health: Nourishing Transitions, Kamryn Pfenning, Grace Beauchamp, Shauntel Nutile, Morgan Brummels, Melanie Menning

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

In 2023, 13.5% of U.S. households and 12.9% of Nebraska households experienced food insecurity. The negative effect of food insecurity on the health of patients is well known and includes decreased intake of nutritious foods, increased intake of carbohydrate‑dense foods, and having to choose between paying for food versus other health needs. Food insecurity has also been associated with multiple chronic conditions (asthma, bronchitis, COPD, chronic pain, diabetes, kidney disease, sleep disorders) and lower overall health status. While food insecurity is a major problem faced by many in our community and has been highly associated with poor health outcomes. Despite …

A Weeklong Academic Preparedness Program Boosts Student Confidence, Community, And Readiness For Medical School, Grace Beauchamp, Samantha Simet, Sias Scherger, Kathy Schall, Yamna Channa, G. Talmon, Kirstie Bash, Aleisha Nabower

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

This is an abstract from the Spotlight on Scholarship event in 2026.

The Value Of Establishing Connections Between Clinical And Research Settings For The Next Generation Of Neuropsychologists And Neuropsychology Consumers, Pamela May-Weeks

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Poster presented at the 2026 Spotlight on Scholarship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.

No Escape Without Evidence: Is A Digital Escape Room An Effective Strategy To Teach The Use Of Clinical Practice Guidelines (Cpgs)?, Chelsea A. Ludwig

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Poster presented at the 2026 Spotlight on Scholarship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.

Enhancing Course Development With Generative Ai: Practical Tools For Educators, Nishank Varshney, Casey Solsrud

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

This is an abstract from the Spotlight on Scholarship event in 2026.

Outstanding Project: Third Place Winner

Empowering The Karen Community: Using Education To Improve Cervical Cancer Health Literacy, Grace E. Berentson, Michaela Bartels, Monica Angeletti, Jennifer Liu

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

This is an abstract from the Spotlight on Scholarship event in 2026.

Effect Of The Senior Clinical Practicum On Baccalaureate Nursing Student Self-Efficacy, Allyson N. Mattingly

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

While nursing shortages are increasing and nurses are reporting higher rates of burnout and job-related stress, it is critical that educators in pre-licensure nursing programs identify strategies to better prepare novice nurses for entering the workforce. Using Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory as a framework, this study sought to investigate whether a senior clinical practicum experience increases general and nursing competence self-efficacy, which may indicate better ability to cope in the face of adversity. This study was a quantitative one-group pretest-posttest design, investigating undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students from accredited institutions in Kentucky. Results suggest that the clinical …

Progress On The Sustainable Development Goals In Asia Requires Ambitious Climate Targets Combined With Sustainability-Focused Measures, Pu Wang

Double Helix Methodology

Asian countries face the dual challenge of fulfilling ambitious climate commitments under the Paris Agreement while simultaneously advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study develops an integrated analytical framework that links decarbonization pathways with SDG indicators across energy, air quality, health, and the food-water-land nexus, as well as policy cost-effectiveness, explicitly incorporating national circumstances. Our findings indicate that current climate pledges primarily deliver gains in SDG indicators related to energy and air quality. Achieving broader progress across other SDG dimensions requires combining more ambitious climate targets with diverse, sustainability-oriented mitigation measures tailored to domestic contexts. Middle- and …

Moving Forward While Swaying Left And Right: How To Govern National Innovation Systems-Catalysed Innovation Ecosystems?, Jiang Yu

Double Helix Methodology

There is a burgeoning literature arguing that addressing grand challenges, such as de-globalization, requires a set of complementary actors to build innovation ecosystems (IE), which are also strategically integrated into the national innovation system (NIS). We conceptualize this specific systemic phenomenon as a new type of IE—NIS-catalysed IE—whose sustainable growth is said to be constantly hindered by dependent yet opposing tensions. The current literature provides fruitful insights into governing paradoxical tensions; however, some taken-for-granted theoretical assumptions within it are problematic when examining the relationship between salient paradoxes embodied in NIS-catalysed IE and effective governance mechanisms. Drawing on a single longitudinal …

How Does High-Tech Entrepreneurship Affect Incumbent Firm Innovation In Regional Innovation Ecosystems?, Beibei Hu

Double Helix Methodology

High-tech entrepreneurship plays a central role in shaping regional innovation ecosystems, yet the mechanisms through which it affects innovation in incumbent firms remain underexplored. Using firm-level data from the Zhongguancun Science Park (2005–2015), this study investigates the impact of high-tech entrepreneurship on incumbent firms’ innovation. The results reveal that high-tech entrepreneurship significantly enhances innovation among incumbent firms, primarily through R&D investment and human capital. Moreover, this effect is stronger in the electronic information industry and during the development stage. Overall, the study highlights the role of high-tech entrepreneurship in driving the evolution of regional innovation ecosystems. © The Author(s) 2026. …

“Safe Haven" Or “Risk Source" ? The Time-Varying Impact Of Geopolitical Risk On China's Short-Term Capital Flows, Yu Song

Double Helix Methodology

This paper examines the dynamic impact of geopolitical risk on short-term capital flows using a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) model and analyzes the transmission mechanism through interest rate differentials and exchange rate expectations. The findings indicate that geopolitical risk is a significant driver of short-term capital flows in China, with increased geopolitical risk leading to short-term cross-border capital outflows. Impulse response analysis across different time points indicates that financial opening-up policies affect short-term capital flows, yet gradual financial opening-up has not significantly amplified the impact of geopolitical risk. Under the influence of geopolitical risk, interest rate differentials and exchange …

Incidence Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome After The Diagnosis Of Ulnar Neuropathy, Harrison S. Fellheimer, Eric Didomenico, Mahaa Ayub, Magnolia Livingston, William L. Justice, Gabriel I. Onor, Eric Tecce, Pedro K. Beredjiklian

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether patients diagnosed with ulnar nerve lesions (UNLs) have an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database, which contains data of >100 million patients. We identified 360,021 patients with UNLs and matched them 1:1 with controls. The incidence of CTS was assessed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years following the diagnosis of UNL. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate the development of CTS in the UNL cohort compared with controls.

RESULTS:  Patients with UNL demonstrated a significantly …

Modulation Of Pulpal Mmp-8 And Vegf-Alpha By Bioactive Calcium Silicate And Blood Cockle Shell Extract Combination In Rats, Angelia Conny Nidiaty, Noor Hikmah, Kezia Rachellea Mustakim, Wahyuni Suci Dwiandhany, Hafsah Katu, Juni Jekti Nugroho

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This study evaluated MMP-8 and VEGF-Alpha expression in rat dental pulp inflammation after application of bioactive calcium silicate combined with blood cockle shell extract.

Methods: Forty mandibular incisors were randomly assigned to four groups: 100% bioactive calcium silicate (control) and three treatment groups containing 25%, 50%, or 75% shell extract with the remainder calcium silicate. Direct pulp capping was performed, and samples were collected on days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

Results: Immunohistochemistry and one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in MMP-8 expression on days 1 and 3, and VEGF-Alpha expression across all time points (p < 0.05). The 75% shell extract group showed the lowest MMP-8 and highest VEGF-Alpha expression.

Conclusions: These findings suggest …

Cigarettes Versus Electronic Cigarettes: The Effects On The Oral Cavity, Paolo Boffano, Muhammad Ruslin, Andrea Melle

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To date, there is a large amount of scientific evidence on the effects of smoke-free products on oral health, highlighting their potential in reducing the risk of causing and progressing smoking-related diseases. In contrast to the last statement, other studies confirm the cytotoxic and tissue effects of nicotine-containing e-cigarette liquid. The purpose of this study was to review the literature and to evaluate the damage caused by cigarette smoking in comparison with that caused by e-cigarettes.

Methods: Our study considered the consultation of the bibliographic databases “Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System”. The research was carried out by using …

Exact Soliton Solutions Of The Nonlinear Time-Fractional Schrödinger Equation Via Atangana–Baleanu And M-Truncated Operators, Bahadır Kopçasiz, Fatma Nur Kaya Sağlam, Mehmet Şenol

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

The main objective of this work is to obtain exact soliton solutions for a nonlinear time-fractional equation model describing wave profiles arising in various physical systems. To derive different wave structures associated with the considered model, two analytical techniques are employed: the extended G'\G^2-expansion method and the modified auxiliary equation (MAE) approach. A wave transformation is applied to reduce the nonlinear time-fractional equation to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (NLODE) by means of the M-truncated and Atangana-Baleanu (AB) fractional operators. Several classes of solutions, including exponential, hyperbolic, and trigonometric wave forms, are obtained. Over and above the analytical results, graphical …

Dynamical Analysis And Optimal Control Of The Mpox Transmission Model With Stratified Susceptibility, Tuhfatul Janan, Fatmawati Fatmawati, Cicik Alfiniyah, Santi Martini, Dipo Aldila, Agus Hasan

Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications

This study develops a mathematical model of Mpox transmission that combines stratified susceptibility (low-risk and high-risk groups) with vaccinated and asymptomatically infected compartments. The analysis of the model begins with examining the well-posedness, boundedness, and nonnegativity conditions for the solutions. The local stabilities of the equilibria are examined through the Jacobian matrix and phase plane analysis, while the global stabilities are provided through Lyapunov functions. The estimated parameters are verified using epidemiological data on Mpox cases in the United States, with an MAPE of 2.20% and R_0 > 1, indicating that Mpox remains endemic. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the contact rate …