Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

From Tradition To Transition: Evaluating Culinary Medicine As A Tool For Metabolic Health Among Nigerian Immigrants In The United States And The United Kingdom, Simi Oduwole M.S.

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

This scoping review examines existing publications to evaluate whether Culinary Medicine can be used as a tool for metabolic health among Nigerian immigrants in the United States and the United Kingdom. Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing populations globally, with increasing migration to high-income countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Evidence suggests that Nigerian immigrants experience a rise in diet-related chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as duration of residence increases. This phenomenon is often attributed to dietary acculturation and shifts toward Westernized eating patterns. This scoping review evaluates whether culinary medicine can mitigate …

Evaluating The Feasibility And Preliminary Effectiveness Of A Tailored Diabetes Education Program For Rural Residents, Brittany L. Smalls, Oluwatosin Leshi, Suraksha Khanal, Grejika E. Abram-Erby

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Diabetes is a top ten Rural Healthy People 2030 priority for health improvement among rural Americans. Socioeconomic, environmental, geographic and political barriers contribute to the type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence and its disparate impact in rural communities. However, promoting proper self-care behaviors via self-management education can help people with diabetes better manage their condition.

Purpose: To account for the social environmental factors that affect rural residents, a tailored diabetes education program was developed, and the program’s effectiveness in improving diabetes knowledge and T2D-related health outcomes was assessed.

Methods: Using data collected from Appalachian Kentucky residents enrolled in a six-week, …

The Effect Of A Low-Glycemic Index Diet On Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms Among University-Aged Women, Angelika A. Gonzalez, Annalise M. Sankar, Noelle D. Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is associated with insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysfunction. Dietary modifications targeting glycemic response have emerged as a nonpharmacologic approach for PCOS management. However, long-term randomized controlled trials targeting young adult populations remain limited.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term effects of adherence to a low-glycemic index diet on the frequency and severity of PCOS symptoms among female college students ages 18-22. This 12-month randomized controlled trial will recruit participants meeting the Rotterdam criteria from university health clinics. Participants will be randomly …

Effects Of Probiotic Supplementation On Symptoms In Teenagers Ages 13-18 With Inflammatory Skin Conditions, Katelyn S. Walker, Jessica Rosen, Matilde Belfiore

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 are particularly susceptible to inflammatory skin disorders such as acne vulgaris and atopic dermatitis, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of the gut-skin axis, indicating that the makeup of the gut microbiota affects both skin health and systemic inflammation. Adolescent-specific research is still limited even though probiotic supplementation, especially Lactobacillus strains, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory, animal, and small clinical studies.

The purpose of this experimental study is to determine whether oral probiotic supplementation improves inflammatory skin condition symptoms in …

Developing Pediatric Educational Resources For Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Students And New Employees, Alyssa Gottheiner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

For occupational therapy students, the fieldwork education portion of their curriculum allows them to apply theory and principles learned in their academic program into practice with actual clients (Occupational therapy fieldwork education, 2022). Research indicates the benefit of access to resources and adapting to different learning styles in occupational therapy fieldwork education (Grenier, 2015). Research also indicates that training programs for new healthcare employees can positively impact knowledge, skills, and performance (Patel et al., 2023).  However, there is a lack of research on the availability and benefit of supplemental educational resources for students to access during fieldwork education in pediatric …

Perceived Stigmatization Of Mental Health Problems And Utilization Of Academic Accommodations Among College Students, Sabrina Williams, Robert E. Davis Ph.D., Kristin Bogda Ph.D.

2026 Honors Symposium

Background: Higher education is seeing an increase in students utilizing mental health services. Studies on students with disabilities suggest students often have reservations about accessing these accommodations due to anticipated social stigmatization. Purpose: This study aimed to assess relationships among stigmatization and indicators of psychological distress among a sample of students who qualify for accommodations. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of students at a large university in the central United States. Data collection measures included previously validated screening instruments for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and adapted versions of the validated scales to assess specific aspects of stigma related to …

Evaluative Trialing: A Grounded Theory Of Preservice Speech-Language Pathologists’ Learning Processes With Speech-Generating Devices, Elizabeth M. Leatherman, Stacy Gasvoda, Jane R. Wegner, Nancy C. Brady

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Although preservice SLPs are required to receive training in AAC as part of their preparation, there is limited understanding of what teaching and learning methods are effective in developing preservice SLPs’ competence in this area, including their competence with AAC systems. This study explored how preservice SLPs engage in hands-on learning experiences with a speech-generating device (SGD). Fifteen undergraduate students majoring in speech-language-hearing completed a brief online introductory module on AAC and then engaged in a think-aloud task with an SGD. Qualitative analysis was used to develop grounded theory that explained students’ hands-on learning process. The emerging theory revealed a …

From Stories To Speech: Cultivating Cultural Competence And Linguistic Awareness In Future Slps, Alexis Lawton

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This manuscript reports on a pilot study examining how storytelling and linguistic diversity may cultivate cultural competence in graduate students in speech-language pathology (SLP). Through engagement with traditional folk tales, students explored the cultural significance of narratives and the linguistic features that shape them. The assignment emphasized adapting stories for diverse audiences while highlighting culturally relevant vocabulary, dialectal variations, and the complexities of language use. Facilitated discussions following student presentations prompted reflections on how these elements influence communication and understanding. Preliminary findings suggest that narrative exploration can foster both cultural and linguistic awareness, equipping students with emerging skills to provide …

Benefits And Barriers: Csd Faculty Attitudes Toward Student Accommodations, Erika Squires, Lori A. Pakulski, Celeste Domsch

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Purpose: Academic accommodations in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) have been explored via university websites and surveys of clinical educators, but little is known about CSD faculty attitudes toward accommodations in higher education. This study explored the types of accommodations faculty report and the benefits and barriers they encounter in doing so.

Method: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study design was used to survey CSD faculty and instructors about the types of accommodations used by CSD students and the benefits and barriers associated with accommodations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ responses. Qualitative analyses were used to identify themes on benefits …

Ethically Integrating Ai In Occupational Therapy Education: Enhancing Learning And Practice For The Future, Amy Sadek, Sabrina Gowette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around since the 1950s and is gaining traction in higher education and among health care professions. In this era of technology, it is imperative we equip both educators and students to have tech centric skills to support learning, improve efficiency, and enhance skills. Faculty and students alike need to be able to understand the ethics behind using digital information, such as that from AI tools and sources. As educators and students become more reliant on technology, and specifically AI, it is imperative not to lose the human connection in education. Educators are an integral part …

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy And Career Duration In Former Professional American Football Players: A Literature Review, Malik I. Watson, Chase Forbes, Bhavik Singh, Etop Udoh, Kévin Borgella, Jonathan Mosley, Erik Zarandy

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Background:

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive head trauma and has been increasingly identified in former contact sport athletes, particularly American football players. Although the relationship between repetitive head impacts and CTE has been well documented, the role of career duration as a measurable exposure variable remains an important area of investigation. Understanding this relationship may provide clinically useful insight for primary care physicians responsible for longitudinal monitoring of individuals with extensive athletic exposure.

Methods:

This literature review examined published studies evaluating the relationship between football career duration, cumulative head impact exposure, and neuropathologic …

Building Connections For Care: A Practical Guide For Novice Nursing Professional Development Practitioners, Debra Hunt

Student Dissertations

Building Connections for Care is a practical textbook designed to support novice Nursing Professional Development Practitioners (NPDPs) as they transition from expert bedside clinicians to educational leaders within complex healthcare systems. Grounded in the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) practice model, the book integrates ethical foundations, communication strategies, leadership frameworks, and inquiry methods to build confidence and competence in the NPDP role. Chapters trace a developmental pathway from role transition and Benner’s novice-to-expert model through ethics and just culture, incivility and workplace culture, and communication skills including feedback, SMART goals, SBAR, and professional digital conduct. Subsequent chapters expand NPDP …

Pages Of Despair: Economic Policy Uncertainty And Mental Health, Kori Massner

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Policy uncertainty threatens access to affordable medical care, yet few studies have examined how it shapes what people search for online. This study examines whether economic policy uncertainty predicts mental health information-seeking behavior by analyzing daily Wikipedia pageviews from July 2015 to April 2026 using a time series model. Results show that as economic policy uncertainty increases, there is an increase in pageviews on Wikipedia for suicide related information. When there is an increase in those searching for information on pages about depression and pages about anxiety, there is also an increase in pageviews on Wikipedia for suicide related information. …

Manual Audiometry Vs. Iphone Hearing Test: A Comparative Analysis Of Hearing Screening Results, Kelsi White, Mckayla Sprague, Jennifer Sadler, Blake Roth

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study examined differences in hearing screening outcomes between manual audiometry and the iPhone Hearing Test using Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) among 30 adults. Participants completed pure-tone threshold screenings at frequencies ranging from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz in a sound-treated audiology suite. Manual audiometry followed a modified Hughson-Westlake procedure, while the automated test used Apple’s standardized protocol. After both screenings, participants reported perceptions of accuracy, convenience, and preference through a questionnaire. Results from the screenings and surveys provided insight into participant trust, perceived reliability, and the practicality of smartphone-based hearing tests compared to traditional methods. Findings highlight the …

Finding Her Voice: Communication Challenges And Strategies Among Young Women With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sydney Holthaus, Averi Yeo, Madison Walt, Ran An

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Background/Rationale

Research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has historically centered on males, leaving the communication experiences of autistic females underrepresented (Lai et al., 2015). Although autistic females make up a substantial portion of the autistic population in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023), far less is known about how communication differences affect their everyday lives. Diagnostic processes may also overlook communication-related signs in autistic women, particularly when masking or compensatory behaviors reduce the visibility of underlying pragmatic and social communication differences (Dean et al., 2017; Hull et al., 2020; Rynkiewicz et al., 2018). As a result, …

Effectiveness Of The Mediterranean Diet For Sustained Weight Maintenance Following Glp-1 Medication Discontinuation: A Longitudinal Prospective Study, Nitya Reddy, Josephine Thomas, Julie Salam

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are effective for short-term weight reduction in adults with obesity, yet weight regain is frequent after discontinued use of the medication. Identifying sustainable dietary approaches that support long-term weight maintenance is imperative. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with improving metabolic health and resistant weight control, suggesting it may be an effective strategy for the transition off GLP-1 therapy. Men and women ages 45-55 that are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and receiving GLP-1 receptor therapy are the targets of this study, specifically those who plan to discontinue medication within the next three months. On …

Oral Butyrate Supplementation In Patients With Als: Impact On Gut Microbiota And Disease Progression, Annabelle Keller, Kaydee Kinnett, Camaryn Barbanel, Trinity Blakeney

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor neuron loss. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in gut microbiota—particularly reductions in butyrate-producing bacteria—may contribute to neuroinflammatory pathways involved in disease progression. Observational studies in patients with ALS and preclinical findings from transgenic mouse models demonstrate gut microbial dysbiosis, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and improved survival following butyrate supplementation, suggesting the potential role of butyrate availability in ALS pathophysiology. The present study investigates whether oral butyrate supplementation can modulate inflammatory responses, improve gut microbiota composition, and slow functional decline among patients with ALS. Participants will be recruited from …

New Building Houses Education And Nursing, University Of North Alabama

Documents

Article from the 1979 Resume of UNA discussing the Education and Nursing Building, now known as Stephens Hall, as well as the accreditation of the Schools of Nursing and Education.

Physical Therapy Patient Exercise Adherence Intervention, Carter D. Booe, Dean Clark, Ernesto Duenez, Aiden Haworth, Nathan Jaeger, Gabe Tross, Emery Wolfe

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Non-adherence to prescribed home exercise programs significantly undermines the efficacy of physical therapy (PT), with research indicating only approximately 35% of patients fully adhere to regimens. This issue contributes to suboptimal recovery and places a staggering financial burden on the healthcare system, estimated at $100 billion to $300 billion annually. The Physical Therapy Home Exercise Adherence Trial (PT-HEAT) evaluates the effectiveness of a 14-week behavioral education intervention designed to improve patient adherence outside the clinical setting.

Utilizing the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, this protocol involves PT staff administering a motivational-volitional screener, followed by trained student aides delivering targeted …

Physical Therapy Patient Exercise Behavior Pre-Program Results, Emery Wolfe, Dakota Metzler, Michael Garvert, Caiden Hoffman, Maurice Ochoa, Evie Thompson, Mataya Clark, Aidan Haworth, Noah Morenz, Madison Powell, Josh Sohm, Alanna Hallacy

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This project aims to address a major problem in the physical therapy industry: the “home adherence gap” which is the routine failure to follow through with prescribed exercise at home. Research shows that only about 35% of patients routinely follow through with exercises prescribed for them to do on their own. By focusing on behavior modification and education rather than just physical instruction, this intervention aims to improve long-term recovery, and reduce need for procedures like injections and surgeries. The focus of this study was to measure the ability of the clinic staff to implement a behavior modification program. Once …

Standardizing Cardiac Rehabilitation Referrals In A Rural Primary Care Clinic, Carlie H. Sanders

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cost-effective, evidence-based approach for patients with cardiac conditions to improve quality of life and health outcomes. Despite the benefits, it remains a nationally underutilized service, and extensive research has been conducted to identify interventions that most effectively increase referrals and participation in CR programs. Two of the more successful interventions include strengthening provider recommendations and using a standardized referral system (Ades et al., 2022). This quality improvement project aimed to strengthen provider recommendations and increase the frequency of referrals to the existing CR program at a rural primary care clinic by 50%. To do …

Atp Architect - Development Of A Metabolism Boardgame, Selene J. Welch, Micah Burk, Brooklyn Gilchrist, Emma Haase, Timothy T. Jones

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Traditional metabolism instruction often leaves students struggling with pathway interconnectedness and metabolite flux. To foster systems thinking, we are developing an educational board game where students manipulate tokens to navigate physiological constraints and achieve target energy goals. Grounded in Design-Based Research (DBR), the game undergoes iterative refinement based on player feedback. The design utilizes constructivism by allowing students to "fail safely" and revise strategies in real-time, while leveraging embodied cognition to externalize abstract flux into the physical trading of resource tokens.

Designing Eco-Islamic Memory Palace Media To Reduce Math Anxiety And Enhance Academic Resilience, Annas Solihin, Neni Mariana, Budi Purwoko

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Math anxiety continues to hinder students' performance and emotional well-being in elementary mathematics education. This study aimed to develop and test the effectiveness of Eco-Islamic Memory Palace Media in reducing math anxiety and strengthening academic resilience. Employing the Plomp development model, the study involved three phases: preliminary research to identify psychological needs, prototyping of the media design, and a formative evaluation with expert validation and empirical testing on students (N = 24). The media integrated environmental imagery and Islamic values into visual-spatial mnemonic structures to create meaningful, calm, and emotionally safe learning experiences. Quantitative data analysis showed a significant decrease …

Finding A Home Away From Home: An Accessible Hotel And Short-Term Rental Guide, Atley E. Livingston

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Travel has become a significant part of today’s social culture, allowing individuals to connect with family and friends, explore new environments, and engage in meaningful experiences. However, many wheelchair users report that traveling is often frustrating, inequitable, and difficult. To better understand the limitations of travel on this population, a needs assessment was conducted through a collaboration with a nationwide organization that supports the wheelchair community. Participants identified travel accommodations and the barriers they present as a major limitation to travel. The purpose of this capstone project is to analyze lodging and housing accessibility through the lens of the population, …

Supporting Educators Through Executive Function Education And Tier 1 Regulation Strategies In The Classroom, Sarah Robbins

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Early support for students to develop strong executive functioning skills is crucial, as these abilities are linked to lifelong success, well-being, financial stability, and overall quality of life (Diamond, 2013). A needs assessment conducted via REDCap revealed that while educators were generally familiar with executive function, they reported limited access to resources, reduced confidence in implementing strategies, and time constraints within the classroom.

The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to enhance educators understanding and confidence in implementing strategies and techniques to address executive function challenges in the classroom. This project involved the development and delivery of educational resources …

Implementation Of A Classroom-Based Sensory Regulation Toolkit To Enhance Participation In Students With Severe Disabilities, Camryn R. Woods

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Students with severe and multiple disabilities often experience sensory processing differences that can adversely impact their ability to engage, participate, and regulate within the classroom environment. Educators frequently report feeling underprepared to address sensory needs and implement effective, practical strategies to support these students. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a classroom-based sensory regulation toolkit within a specialized educational setting serving students with significant physical and cognitive disabilities.

The primary goals of the project were to (1) increase teacher knowledge and confidence in recognizing sensory processing patterns, (2) provide accessible, evidence-based strategies to support …

Meeting The Needs Of Students With Low Vision Or Blindness: A Resource Guidebook Through The Occupational Therapy Lens, Zoe E. Wilson, Keisa Boykin

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project is to develop a guidebook and educational tools to support the academic and social participation needs of students with visual impairments. These tools are intended to help address common challenges children with low vision face in school including difficulties accessing classroom materials, participating in group activities, and keeping up with academic expectations. The guidebook will include evidence-based strategies such as the use of low-vision aids, optical devices, and activity-based supports shown to improve quality of life for children with low vision. By providing practical resources, this project aims to enable educators and occupational therapists to …

Parental Awareness And Response To Cyberbullying: A Qualitative Study Of Nigerian Parents, Adaobi Jennifer Iloakasia, Nneka Anthonia Obumse

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

The problem of cyberbullying has been gaining momentum in modern society because of the dynamic development of digital technologies and the extensive use of social media by adolescents. This paper thus examined the parental cognition and reaction to cyberbullying of Nigerian parents with a particular emphasis on Anambra State. The research design in the study was a qualitative one, based on a phenomenological approach to reflect the experiences of parents. Purposive selection of parents with children in secondary schools was done (30 parents). The collection of data was done via semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the …

Adapting As Pioneers: A Phenomenological Study Of First-Batch Medical Students In A New Medical Faculty, Hilma Tsurayya Ifitahurroza, Tisnalia Merdya Andyastanti, Anditri Weningtyas, Rosalie Aurellie Wibowo, Callysta Neysa Yusangka

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Entering medical faculty is inherently demanding for first year student and the challenges are amplified for first-batch students in newly established faculties. These students must navigate academic, social, and professional adaptation simultaneously with evolving institution systems. Understanding their adaptation is essential to support success and resilience. This study aimed to explore the adaptation experiences of first-batch medical students in their first year in a new medical faculty. A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in September 2024 with seven first-year students at the Faculty of Medicine, State University of Malang, established in 2023. Participants …

Executive Functioning And Retained Primitive Reflexes In School-Aged Children, Haley A. Kane, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aimed to provide teachers with education on EF and RPR and to improve access to educational materials. The education provided definitions of EF and RPR, what deficits in each may present in the classroom, and classroom strategies to mitigate the impact of the skills affected by these deficits. This educational program improved understanding of EF and RPR, evidenced by knowledge-based questions. These materials also increased awareness of RPR and their effects on students, as evidenced by responses to short-answer questions. These results align with the long-term goal of improving the academic performance of students impacted by EF deficits …