Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Plan To Develop A Theory-Based Diabetes Social Media Campaign For Spanish-Speaking Adults In Finney County, Ks: Integration Of A Promotora, Focused Discussion Groups, And Community Feedback To Ensure Cultural Appropriateness, Julevi P. Bernido

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) shows that over 11% of adults in Finney County, Kansas, have diabetes, which surpasses both state and national averages. Census data from 2016-2020 indicate that 42.6% of residents ages five and older speak a language other than English at home, and 36.1% speak Spanish (United States Census Bureau, n.d.). The CHNA further highlights concerns about language and cultural barriers to care, especially among the Spanish-speaking population. Notably, 21.74% of residents have limited English proficiency—much higher than the state’s 12.1% (CHNA, 2025).

This capstone will develop a theory-based social media campaign plan to support …

Gestational Diabetes And Social Determinants Of Health In Black Women, Darianne Greenwood

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) poses significant health risks, specifically increasing the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes post-delivery, as well as increasing the risk of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. Black women, in particular, experience disproportionately higher rates of GDM incidence, severity, and complications in comparison to White women. Biological factors alone do not account for these disparities, necessitating a deeper examination into how systemic factors, particularly the social environment, influence these inequitable health outcomes. The purpose of this comprehensive literature review is to answer the question: “How do the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), such as residential segregation, food …

A Literature Review Of Estrogen Synthesis And Metabolizing Enzymes Produced By The Human Gut Microbiome And Their Correlation With Cancer, Rebecca Cederberg

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The link between estrogen and cancer initiation or progression has been well established; such that the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO IARC) has classified several estrogen therapies and estrogenic compounds as group 1 carcinogens. Estrogen and/or its receptors have been associated with reproductive cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial, and prostate, as well as lymphomas, lung, and colon cancers. Additionally, elevated levels of estrogen and altered gut microbiomes are also associated with increased rates of breast cancer. More recently, microbial genes that are capable of synthesizing estrogen and deconjugating estrogen metabolites have been identified, and …

Physical Therapy Assessment Of Work Capacity Gaps In Transition-Aged Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Katelyn Malick, Delaney Roberts, Rachel Ray, Marla Smith, Rhonda Haitz, Anne Woodruff Jameson

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) experience disproportionately low employment rates despite expressing a strong desire for community integrated employment. This study examined whether discrepancies exist between the current work capacity of adolescents and young adults with IDDs and the physical exertion demands of their desired careers, and explored the role of physical therapy (PT) in addressing these gaps. Forty-five participants (ages 14–24) in the Nebraska EmployABILITY project identified their top career choice. PT‑assessed current work capacity was compared to the physical exertion requirements of the selected job using a standardized exertion scale. Differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon …

Patient Perceptions Of Empathy In Medical Student Encounters: Comparing Electronic And Handwritten Notetaking Methods, Harish Karthikeyan, Asad H. Siddiqui, Stacey Algren, Angellar Manguvo

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Objectives: Patient interviews are central to clinical practice, serving as both an information-gathering tool and a foundation for rapport and empathy. With the increased use of electronic documentation during clinic visits, concerns have been raised about technology detracting from the patient-clinician connection. This study examined whether medical students’ notetaking modality (electronic vs handwritten) influenced patient perceptions of empathy during clinical encounters.

Study Design: This study employed a causal-comparative approach, as student groups occurred naturally, combined with a survey design to collect data from patients.

Methods: A total of 135 student–patient encounters were analyzed at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School …

Current Status Of Msk Diagnostic Ultrasound Education In Doctorate Of Physical Therapy Programs In The United States: A Survey, Lesley Parrish Dr., Heather E. Mount, Casey Charlebois

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) is a dynamic, cost-effective imaging modality increasingly integrated into Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Despite growing interest, variability exists in the integration and implementation of MSK-US in entry-level DPT programs. This study aimed to assess the current status of MSK-US education in accredited DPT programs across the United States. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all 294 accredited DPT programs in the U.S. via email. The survey consisted of 32 questions that addressed curriculum content, instructional methods, faculty qualifications, and barriers to implementation. Participation was voluntary, and 44 programs responded. No experimental interventions were applied. The …

Emotional Intelligence Training In Physician Assistant Education: Comparing Workshops Alone To Workshops Plus Coaching, Mickey Lebowitz, William Holmes

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Introduction

Clinicians and health care students with higher emotional intelligence (EQ) are more likely to experience positive outcomes for themselves and their patients. Given these benefits and EQ’s learnability, teaching EQ to health care students has been suggested. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of workshops combined with coaching (W+C) relative to workshops only (WO) on PA students’ EQ, and, as an outcome measure, their feelings of success. Additionally, we investigated whether these impacts depend on students’ baseline EQ.

Method

Using the Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Inventory, we retrospectively tracked first- and second-year changes in EQ and success scores …

Exploring The Role Of Cine-Virtual Reality In Empathy And Awareness Of Social Determinants Of Health Among Occupational Therapy Students, Leah M. Stade, Madison Mckeever, Emma Gardner, Jana L. Wardian Phd

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Understanding social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial for Occupational Therapy students to develop empathy and deliver optimal healthcare. This study explores using web-based 360° cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) simulations in Level I fieldwork to address SDOH education and occupational engagement before community-based exposure.

This mixed methods study involved surveys and thematic analysis of written reflections from fifty students in a distance-based program at a Midwest university. Students viewed 12 web-based immersive cine-VR modules about a client experiencing multiple SDOH impacts. Surveys were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-weeks post-intervention, measuring empathy using the Jefferson Empathy Scale and attitudes toward …

Exploring Healthcare Career Pathways: Survey Findings From The Unmc High School Alliance Program, Jana L. Wardian Phd, Rachael Jaixen, Jaynie Bird, Heidi Kaschke

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

The ongoing demand for a well-prepared and adequately staffed healthcare workforce in the United States highlights the value of effective educational pipeline programs. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) High School Alliance (HSA) was created as an immersive, academic enrichment initiative to expose motivated high school students from a range of educational and socioeconomic backgrounds to health professions, with the long-term aim of strengthening the healthcare workforce in Nebraska. This article evaluates the design, curriculum, and measurable impact of the UNMC HSA over its 16-year history. Students participate daily throughout the school year, engaging in courses such as patient …

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

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

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

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

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

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

Outstanding Project: Second Place Winner

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

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

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

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

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Fadul, Jennifer M. Davis

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

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

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

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

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

Outstanding Project: First Place Winner

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.

Measurable Gains In Understanding Interprofessional Competencies: Insights From Medical Student Clerkship Observation Of A Nicu Graduate Follow-Up Clinic, Grace Berentson, Liliana Bronner, Neil Kalsi, Paige Hardy, Brianna Brei, Kerry Miller

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Preventive Health Presentations At A Multicultural Senior Center, Binh Le

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Multi-Dimensional Research Appraisal: A Holistic Approach To Evidence-Informed Practice, John Damiao

Translational Science in Occupation

The field of occupational therapy (OT) and healthcare in general have made great strides in enhancing their scientific rigor through study methodologies that prioritize internal validity. However, concerns regarding reproducibility and replicability in research have cast doubt on traditional evidence-based models. This paper critically examines the limitations of an over-reliance on internal validity in evidence reviews and advocates for a multi-dimensional approach to evidence-based practice. By integrating methodological holism, contextual analysis, and a critical appraisal of external validity, this approach provides practitioners with a more nuanced and applicable framework for decision-making. The implications for research credibility and clinical confidence are …

Development And Validation Of A Life Participation Self-Assessment Tool For People Living With Obesity: The Life Participation Impact Questionnaire (Lpiq-O), Marie-Claude Touchette

Translational Science in Occupation

Purpose: Obesity is a chronic condition affecting over 40% of adults in the U.S. Given the well-documented impact of obesity on life participation, a comprehensive, population-specific assessment tool is needed. We aimed to establish the face and content validity of the Life Participation Impact Questionnaire for People with Obesity (LPIQ-O), an occupation-focused assessment tool measuring the impact of obesity on areas of life participation.

Method: This study included seven iterative phases: (a) literature review, (b) interviews, (c) synthesis of the literature review and interviews, (d) item development, (e) expert validation, (f) face validation, and (g) final expert review. Six participants …

Integration Of The Science Of Team Science (Scits) With Applied Healthcare Frameworks: Interprofessional Education Through A University-Based Head Injury Clinic, Part Ii: Mixed Methods, Emily Balog, Susan Paparella, Natalia Noce, Stephanie Hubbell, Kelly Pena

Translational Science in Occupation

Introduction: Effective healthcare delivery requires clinicians to function within high-performing, collaborative teams. To support this, interprofessional education (IPE) must provide opportunities that move beyond siloed training. This paper details the clinical application of a team science-informed educational intervention designed to prepare students for interprofessional practice (IPP) through a university-based head injury head injury clinic. Methods: The research team conducted a mixed methods case study with a convergent design to evaluate student outcomes. Eighteen graduate students from occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology participated in a 10-week clinic. Faculty delivered training in IPEC competencies, TeamSTEPPS® tools, and clinical processes before …

Editors' State Of The Journal: Making Academic Writing Accessible, Nicole Martino, Nancy E. Krusen, Stacy Smallfield

Translational Science in Occupation

No abstract provided.

Building Health Career Pathways Early: A Community- Engaged Mini Medical School Model For Urban 4th Graders, Riley Kilzer, Liliana Bronner, Shirley F. Delair

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Embedding Interprofessional Education In Pediatric Clerkships: Lessons From Nebraska’S Tracking Infant Progress Statewide (Tips) Program, Grace E. Berentson, Liliana Bronner, Paige Hardy, Neil Kalsi, Brianna Brei, Kerry Miller

Posters and Presentations: Munroe-Meyer Institute

Background: NICU graduates experience disproportionate developmental and health challenges. Their families face barriers to equitable care including access to coordinated follow-up services. Traditional medical education rarely exposes students to authentic interprofessional models of care that address these inequities. The Tracking Infant Progress Statewide (TIPS) program provides developmental, social, and medical follow-up for NICU graduates across Nebraska, bringing together physicians, nurse practitioners, child developmental specialists, and nurses in a single family-centered visit. Embedding third-year medical students into this setting models collaborative practice, builds understanding of interprofessional competencies, and fosters awareness of systemic inequities affecting NICU families. This innovative curricular approach differs …

A Flupirtine Benzyl Carbamate Improves Neurocognitive Deficits And Molecular Pathology In The Cln6nclf Mouse, Victoria Chaoul, Omar Shmoury, Ramy Alam, Sara Saab, Joelle Makoukji, Lynn Al Aridi, Nadine J. Makhoul, Jihane Soueid, Angelica V. Carmona, Princess Simeon, Paul C. Trippier, Rose-Mary Boustany

Journal Articles: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 6 (CLN6) is a fatal, autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive/motor impairment, vision loss, as well as neuronal loss and gliosis in the brain, and premature death. Onset typically occurs in childhood. No approved pharmacological treatments exist that halt or reverse disease progression. A novel flupirtine benzyl carbamate was orally administered to male and female Cln6^nclf mice from 4 to 28 weeks of age to evaluate its neuroprotective and antispastic effects. Drug treatment produced significant, sex-dependent phenotypic improvements. Treated mice of both sexes exhibited reduced hindlimb spasticity, but only treated males demonstrated diminution in …