Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

2025- The Twenty-Ninth Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the 29th Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 16-18, 2025. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

“I’Ll Be There For You”: F·R·I·E·N·D·S And Spirituality May Impact Intent To Stay, Danell Stengem, Alison Smock, Ashley Doherty, Dana Kopp, Karen Colorafi, Teresa Rangel

Social Work

No abstract provided.

Sports For Gender Equality, Michelle Salmeron, Julia Mott, Eliza Cash

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Recent studies show that participating in sports leads to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity in children while also fostering higher self-esteem (Tahira, 2023). In Mexico, 67% of girls are inactive (Provoking Sport, 2023). However, there has been little direct research conducted in Mexico to illustrate and exemplify the benefits of sports for girls and women. Additionally, there are few role models for them to look up to who share their cultural background, as most examples come from other countries. This creates a cycle that hinders cultural and societal growth, as well as creates a barrier to sports participation. …

Building Bridges Of Knowledge, Cuny Innovative Teaching Academy (Cita)

Open Educational Resources

Building Bridge of Knowledge (BBK) is a CUNY-wide faculty fellowship project, aiming to help students use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools ethically, responsibly, and effectively. Funded by Lumina Foundation in 2024-25, the project was executed by the CUNY Innovative Teaching Academy (CITA) of the Office of Faculty Affairs at CUNY Central Office, with 25 Faculty Fellows in five disciplinary areas (Education, Health, Humanities, Social Sciences, and STEM) chosen from across CUNY’s senior and community colleges. Each disciplinary cohort was led by a CUNY faculty member with expertise in the use of AI. The final materials, described and linked in this …

A Visual Journey Of Indigenous Health Doctoral Research Students - Photovoice Research, Shawnda Schroeder, Brynn Luger, Gem Wilson, Julie Smith-Yliniemi, Grace Karikari

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

We conducted a qualitative photovoice research project in which students attending summer seminar in 2024 captured images during their week on campus, then submitted the images along with title and narrative. Two virtual focus groups were then held to present and discuss these images. Focus group discussions were transcribed, coded, and were validated through code confirmation and member checking. A crucial component of photovoice research is presentation of the images and associated narratives. This is a transformative research method, intended to generate community awareness about an important topic, and to empower participants through presentation of their experience. This photo book …

From Theory To Practice: A True-Crime Podcast, Lauren V. Peckham

Senior Honors Projects

The Criminal Element is an innovative, victim-centered podcast that bridges the gap between criminological theory and real-world criminal cases. The podcast is designed as an educational resource for undergraduate Criminology and Criminal Justice students, alongside general audience members interested in learning more about criminological theory. Through the lens of true crime, this podcast is an engaging exploration of foundational and advanced theories while avoiding sensationalism and exploitation, a prevalent problem among true crime media. Each episode connects criminological theoretical concepts – such as strain, social learning, and social disorganization – to contemporary and historical cases, providing listeners with accessible and …

Classic Philosophers On Modern Issues: The Ethics Of Germline Editing, Grace O. Decostanza

Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics

The prospect of using CRISPR-Cas-9 technology to edit human embryos in a process called germline editing has the potential to irreparably change the world as we know it. Many pose the question: if you could save your child from having a disease, would you? But I argue that is not the only—or even, real—question we should be asking. Instead, I ask you, should we be changing humanity as we know it in ways that elude even our foremost scientists? Should we decide what disabilities make people not worth being people? Should we introduce a technology knowing full well that it …

Art Therapy: An Alternative Solution For Veterans Suffering From Trauma And Ptsd, Trisha Metcalf

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This project aims to explore artistic solutions to the psychological problems veterans face with re-entering society after serving time with the U.S. military. Art is one-way veterans can explore creative outlets for their trauma and through working with CreatiVets, they will be able to have a safe space to express themselves. CreatiVets is a non-profit specializing in art-based programs to help veterans deal with trauma. They already have programs that feature painting, sculpting and songwriting. A sewing program will be introduced into the organization so veterans will be able to express themselves through fiber arts. The sewing class will be …

Graduate School Blog - April 2025 Volume 1, Cynthia Haynes

UofM Grad School Blog

The April 2025 UofM Graduate School Blog highlights a month full of events, stories, and celebrations, beginning with Dr. Deborah Tollefsen’s personal graduate school journey, shared during the “Is Graduate School Right for Me?” virtual workshop an inspiring narrative of resilience, mentorship, and finding purpose through education. This edition also spotlights Graduate Student Appreciation Week, featuring a robust lineup of events such as a virtual town hall, resume and job market workshop, student social and awards ceremony, study session, and social dinners all designed to support, celebrate, and connect the UofM graduate student community. With opportunities to hear from …

Sacred Oath Of Healing - Volume 9

be Still

No abstract provided.

The Hidden Scars Of Healing, Amanda Almeida

be Still

A photograph collection of Mark's unique road to healing, and a medical narrative.

The Essence Of Resilience, Evelyn Echevarria Cruz

be Still

No abstract provided.

Know Your Limits: The Story Of How I Learned To Listen To My Body, Elena Silverstein

be Still

No abstract provided.

The Healing Power Of A Welcomed Hug, Tara Mckenna

be Still

No abstract provided.

Putting Myself First, Nicholas E. Doberstein

be Still

No abstract provided.

The Circle Of Life And Care, Isabel M. Vera Machado

be Still

As a first-year medical student on the osteopathic path, my art is a reflection of my journey to balance creativity and the principles of holistic care. Osteopathic medicine’s focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—aligns closely with my approach to art, which aims to capture the connections between humanity, healing, and empathy.

Through my work, I explore themes of care, connection, and the values I hope to uphold as a future physician. Whether it’s through symbolic imagery or simple, heartfelt compositions, my art reflects the importance of compassion and the human connection in both medicine and life.

For …

An Oath Fulfilled, Fatima Bawaney

be Still

This poem explores the sacred oath of healing as it relates to a physician-patient relationship.

Cultural And Religious Perspectives On Suicide And Healing, Arielle Friedman

be Still

This essay is built off of a paper I wrote in a college global health course on culture and mental illness. I have always been fascinated by cultural interpretations of illness & believe that as a future physician, it is my responsibility to educate myself and others on the complex interplay between religious ideologies & recognition/management of biological disease in order to provide appropriate patient-centered care.

Embracing The Sacred Oath Of Healing: Lessons From When Breath Becomes Air, Rudayna S. Tabbara

be Still

This essay explores how When Breath Becomes Air embodies the Sacred Oath of Healing through Paul Kalanithi’s journey as a physician and a patient.

Layers, Kristin Hiemstra

be Still

I titled this work “Layers,” symbolic of the many intricate layers to healing, just as we see the many literal layers of a landscape in this photograph. In the foreground, you are met with a firm, unforgiving boulder — almost analogous to how difficult the initial phase of healing can be, or the setbacks that may be experienced throughout a healing journey. Your eyes then drift on to find the abundance of evergreens, some vibrant and thriving, while others are in their last stages of life. Finally, the mountainous layers take shape before ascending into the sky. Just …

The Masculine Way, Jessica Asuquo

be Still

This painting was conceptualized after a particularly impactful patient visit. During the visit, the patient described a traumatic event in greater detail, stating that the doctor and I were the first people he had ever spoken to about the event.

I felt both honored and disheartened by this statement. I was honored that this man trusted us with this knowledge. Still, I was immensely sad that he dealt with the trauma of this event alone for decades. I believe he released some of the grief, pain, anger, fear, and hurt when he shared his burden with us, and I will …

A Child’S Oath, Nozimakhon K. Omonullaeva

be Still

"A Child's Oath" reflects the transformative journey of a young girl shaped by her personal experiences with healthcare inequities, both in her home country of Uzbekistan and in the United States. This piece explores the emotional impact of these experiences and how they inspired a lifelong commitment to healing and serving underserved communities. It is a testament to the resilience born from hardship and the sacred promise to bring compassion and equity to medicine.

Helping As A Student, Dayna R. Smerina

be Still

Being a medical student can sometimes feel powerless. However, there are special ways that students can make an impact on their patient's lives.

The Glacier, Emily Rodman

be Still

The Glacier discovers the inner workings of a medical student's mind as she devotes years of her life to eventually partake in the "sacred oath of healing." She knows that these years of medical training - filled with strife and joy alike - will eventually lead her to fulfill the career of her dreams, serving others.

The Sacred Healing Of A Little Warrior, Adrianna M. Zambrano

be Still

As a hopeful pediatrician, I find my sacred oath of healing to be inspired by the radiant positivity and resilience of children. My goddaughter was not even three years old when she had her first major surgery, and I was so worried about her future recovery. Then, she was just a few hours post-op and already cracking a smile. Her innocence and purity extended to the point where she made sure that she wasn't the only one being taken care of; after all, her "baby" Julie needed to be taken care of, too.

The Heart Of Healing, Madison Prieto

be Still

No abstract provided.

Nourishing The Body, Nurturing The Soul, Vidhi Raval

be Still

No abstract provided.

Our Sacred Oath, Jeffrey Joppen, Nisha Patel

be Still

We both tried to find a photograph that could demonstrate what our sacred oath to healing looked like. The stethoscopes symbolize this because they represent more than just a tool for auscultation, they are objects that directly connect a healthcare provider to their patient. When we place the stethoscope on our patient’s chest we listen to their heart and lung sounds and the unique vibrations and rhythms that the individual makes. This action demonstrates deep trust and responsibility for healing.

Frankenstein Colorized, Marianne Koleng

be Still

One of my favorite novel's growing up was Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I see Frankenstein's desire to create a "Monster" as a way to grasp at the fundamental human drive for connection, and healing through connection. In this piece, I attempt to bring that inner yearning for fundamental connection to paper.

Beyond Myself - Healing Through Pain, Marianne Koleng

be Still

In this piece I reflect on the importance of setbacks, non-linear growth, injuries, and pain and their ability to provide self-reflection, a platform for growth, and an crucial reminder of the fragility of life. I have often been self-critical for not following a "traditional" path in life, and reflecting on my experiences allows me to show myself grace and hopefully may influence others to do so as well.