Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Factors Influence Homeless People’S Psychological Well-Being And Suicidal Ideation, Pi-Ming Yeh

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Introduction/Significance: About 582,462 individuals are experiencing homelessness in America. Homelessness is devastating, regardless of age. But for children, it can have serious physical, emotional, and psychological implications.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influences of spiritual well-being, coping strategies, family interaction, and personality on psychological well-being, and suicidal ideation among people with homelessness.

Methods: Sixty people with homelessness were recruited in the Eastern Tennessee Downtown Day Center, USA. IRB was approved. This was a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Questionnaires were used to do data collection. SPSS 28.0 was used to do the data analysis. Descriptive …

The Impacts Of Virtual Tourism On Tourist Destinations, Samantha R. Dischinger, Grace M. Baden, Natalia C. Miller

Research & Creative Achievement Day

New technologies, including virtual reality (VR), offer exciting new opportunities for tourism, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these technologies provide tourism experiences for those who are not comfortable with or able to physically travel, they may have adverse effects on tourist destinations by reducing the number of physical visitors. To assess this, the study will include questions to analyze whether VR experiences increase or decrease the incentive to physically travel to a given destination. This question will be answered through a laboratory experiment involving exposure to a virtual tour, either with a VR headset or a …

Stay Fit, Stay Safe: Sports Safety For Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Kierra A. Pickard, Lauren G. Cahalan, Allie Sonnleitner, Hanna G. Crabtree, Emily J. Myszewski, Claire R. Privatt, Maya L. Vosters

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Purpose: With the growing older adult population, defined as 65 years and older, the importance of safety in activities, such as sports, is becoming more important. It is vital to address the needs of this population through increasing education to prevent or address injuries related to physical activity. The overall purpose of this project was to determine the impact of providing sports safety education at the Holmen Area Community Center (HACC). Moreover, we sought to explore and educate the clients at HACC on ways to prevent such injuries and what to do if an injury does occur.

Many older …

Evaluating The Causal Effect Of Receiving Transthoracic Echocardiography On 28-Day Mortality In Mimic-Iii Intensive Care Unit Patients With Sepsis, Monserrath Velez, Jack O'Connor, Nicholas Della Pesca, Rio Baliga

Research & Creative Achievement Day

❏ Sepsis (an infection associated with vital organ dysfunction) is an emergent

medical condition estimated to occur in about 30% of intensive care unit

(ICU) patients[1] and is responsible for 20% of all deaths worldwide[2]

❏ Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE; an imaging modality that uses

ultrasound technology to record heart structure and function) is widely used in

medical treatment [3]

❏ 28-day mortality (whether or not a patient dies within 28 days after receiving a

treatment) is a measure considered to closely approximate ICU mortality[4]

Objectives

❏ Assess and quantify the causal effect of receiving a TTE on …

Implementation Of Palliative Care In Relation To Quality Of Life For Adults With Chronic Conditions, Zoe Dreckmann

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Palliative care is care focused on maintaining or improving one's quality of life. Many patients suffer from chronic conditions that impact quality of life due to high symptom burden and other factors that impact physical and emotional health. According to Calsina-Berna et al. (2022) in patients with advanced chronic conditions, 69-82% will need palliative care before death but only 12% will actually receive palliative care (Teixeira et al. 2023). Hence the majority of people with advanced illness need palliative intervention but fail to benefit from the services offered. Palliative care for these patients focuses on quality of life (QOL) which …

Scent-Sational Aromas, Joshua Boen

Research & Creative Achievement Day

This is a series of health educational videos developed for TikTok and Instagram Reels formulated from a literature review. The videos focused on essential oils, how to use them properly, and how to avoid misinformation surrounding essential oils. These videos used research provided by a licensed aromatherapist and were approved by professors before being filmed, edited, and posted. The videos' data points were then evaluated to adapt posting for better engagement.

The Impact Of Vitamin D On Mental Health In College Students, Kelsey M. Hipenbecker, Joshua P. Gullickson, Rylee A. Fredrickson, Abigail M. Andersen, Isabel M. Schottenbauer, Bryce Stoltz, Brianna M. Carlson

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Mental illness can impact persons of all ages. A Healthy Minds study revealed that more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health condition over the course of a year. Mental health issues such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) have been associated with insufficient dietary vitamin D and sun avoidance amongst college students. Because mental illness is becoming increasingly prevalent in college students, we did a literature search to examine the association of vitamin D and mental health among college students. This topic is relevant as college students' busy …

Collaboration And Partnership Creation As A Method To Best Support Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities (Idd), Jonas A. Bishop, Frank W. Jesse, Mueller G. Morgan, Lor Sheyenne, Gaohmong A. Yang, Isabelle R. Sunde, Gretta Bergstrom, Caitlin M. Curtin

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Background: There is a growing need for inclusive healthcare for individuals with IDD. There is a gap in clinical training of care for individuals with IDD. Formal clinical training for IDD was lacking in 40% to 86% of healthcare providers [Khanlou et al., (2021); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2024)]. This lack of specialized training contributes to healthcare disparities.  Individuals with IDD have a life expectancy of 66.1 years, which is approximately 20 years shorter than the general population [Roll & Bower (2017); Friedman & VanPuymbrouck (2024)]. Additionally, 17 to 36% of individuals with IDD experiences limited access to healthcare providers, further …

Promoting Cardiovascular Health To Women 65 And Older, Kelly Blue, Ashtyn E. Newland, Malaina B. Buehler, Brianna E. Ryan, Serena Tatu, Emma Pagel, Naomi M. Breunig, Addison Lyon

Research & Creative Achievement Day

New technologies, including virtual reality (VR), offer exciting new opportunities for tourism, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these technologies provide tourism experiences for those who are not comfortable with or able to physically travel, they may have adverse effects on tourist destinations by reducing the number of physical visitors. To assess this, the study will include questions to analyze whether VR experiences increase or decrease the incentive to physically travel to a given destination. This question will be answered through a laboratory experiment involving exposure to a virtual tour, either with a VR headset or a …

Effects Of Prior Direct-Patient Care Experience On Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Anxiety And Self-Confidence, Lauren G. Cahalan, Kierra A. Pickard

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Purpose:  An extensive literature review indicates a gap in understanding how prior direct patient care experience affects undergraduate nursing students’ anxiety and self-confidence during their program. The purpose of this project was to examine the impact of prior direct patient care experience on undergraduate nursing students’ anxiety and self-confidence while in an undergraduate nursing program.  

Participants: A total of 294 undergraduate nursing students were surveyed using Qualtrics. Students were from terms one, two, three, and four in the Winona and Rochester nursing program allowing for a population of diverse backgrounds.

Methods: A survey including the Nursing Anxiety and Self-Confidence with …

The Impact Of Physical Activity On Mental Health Disorders In Children, Brianna E. Ryan

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Purpose - The purpose of this project is to highlight the effects physical activity has on children's mental health and to provide evidence-based insights on ways physical activity can and should be incorporated into the developmental stages of children's lives. Ultimately, the goal being to promote healthier and improved mental health statuses for the younger populations.

Introduction - The mental health crises among children are on the rise as more children each year are diagnosed with mental health conditions. It has been found that around 20% of children ages five through seventeen regularly experience symptoms of mental health disorders and …

The Amazing Race: Accessibility Edition, Amber Bailey, Anna Rauch

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Inspired by the reality TV show The Amazing Race, here at Lindenwood participants got to engage in a fun interactive and educational competition. This event’s purpose was to raise awareness about recreational therapy. As recreational therapy students we are always ready to adapt. Many people think that just because you have a disability you can't do stuff, which is wrong. Which is why The Amazing Race was able to show the participants that you can adapt to do activities. We had groups of four to five people that all had different disabilities to compete in four different challenges around campus. …

Tackling Recovery: Tibial Osteotomy In A 20-Year-Old Rugby Player With One Month Of Post-Surgery Setback, Maycee J. White, Michael J. Nolan

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Background: Tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to correct lower limb malalignment in athletes. Full recovery typically takes 6-12 months, with athletes generally resuming sport-specific activities at 4-6 months. Delays in rehabilitation can result in prolonged deficits in strength, range of motion (ROM), and neuromuscular control. Case Presentation: This case study follows a 20-year-old collegiate rugby player who underwent tibial osteotomy, with rehabilitation delayed by one month. The athlete initially presented with knee stiffness, quadriceps atrophy, reduced ROM, and impaired proprioception. A multi-phase rehabilitation program was implemented as follows: •Phase 1 (Weeks 0-6): Pain management, restoring knee extension, …

A Rare Case Of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From Right Cusp In A Young Athlete, Brittany Hooper, Michael J. Nolan

2025 Student Academic Showcase

This case report evaluates a 15-year-old male diagnosed with Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from Right Cusp. This rare condition often goes unnoticed until a tragic event occurs. In March 2022, a teenage athlete was completing practice when he suddenly collapsed. Fortunately, a police officer was already in the parking lot when teammates and coaches flagged them down. Emergency medical services arrived, and the athlete was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite extensive medical interventions and spending 35 days in a coma, he unfortunately succumbed to the condition. This case report aims to raise awareness of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from …

Breaking Down Mental Health Barriers And Overcoming Generational Stigma In Black America, Ayana White

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Cultural beliefs, historical trauma, and societal pressures shape the stigma surrounding mental health in African American communities. Mental health struggles are often seen as a sign of weakness, deepened by mistrust of medical professionals due to past abuses, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks. This mistrust, combined with societal expectations and stereotypes, discourages open conversations about mental health. African Americans are less likely to seek professional help, with studies showing only 25% of Black individuals pursue mental health treatment compared to 40% of their Caucasian counterparts. Some of these barriers include the criminalization of …

Peer Education On Alcohol Misuse For Fraternity Students At Lindenwood University, Ashley Herd, John Herron, Layaly Ramadan, Jenna Leong, Amy Estlund

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Alcohol misuse presents a troubling problem across all college campuses in the United States. Our project works to educate Lindenwood University male fraternity students on the dangers of alcohol misuse and the larger effect of alcohol on one’s life. Over several weeks, the peer educators researched alcohol subjects and developed content to present to the fraternity members. Content featured in these sessions included general alcohol information, the dangers of mixing alcohol with prescription drugs, safe drinking tips, how neurodivergent individuals can have different reactions to alcohol, and alcohol's role in impacting their education, career, and relationship outcomes. The sessions were …

2025 Acssc Program, Acssc Planning Committee

Annual Celebration for Student Scholarship and Creativity

No abstract provided.

Intervention To Increase Uptake Of Cervical Screening In Norfolk City, Frederick Kankam Adu

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

The Objective is to determine the impact free screening and education to females between the ages 21 to 64 years, or under 21 years who are sexually active and unvaccinated against HPV virus have on uptake of cervical screening. In this study we use Before and After study design. The Outcomes for cervical screening are categorized as negative, atypical squamous cells undetermined significance( ASCUS), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion( LGSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HGSIL), unsatisfactory samples, and HPV positive. Colposcopy will be performed if abnormal pap-smear is found. And outcomes of colposcopies, after abnormal Pap tests will be classified as negative( …

Millennial And Gen-Z Experiences In Healthcare And Education In The Us, Zabia Evans, Anastasia Raymer, Beverly Khabo

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

In the United States, healthcare and educational institutions have a deep-rooted history of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and other demographic factors, resulting in unequal access to services and mistreatment of minority populations. This history extends to the field of speech-language pathology, with disparities in service being cited in the literature due to lack of clinician knowledge, non-diverse standardized testing measures, lack of resources and support, among other factors. Policies and legislation in recent decades have attempted to address these serious issues. This survey research investigates the childhood healthcare and educational experiences of individuals born during or after 1981, focusing …

2025 Academic Conference Program

Holy Cross Undergraduate Academic Conference

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Interprofessional Education And Collaboration, Somi Nagaraj Dnp, Msn, Rn, Cssgb, Contl, Camille Byrd O'Quin Edd, Ccc-Slp/L, Cynthia Carr Drot, Tonya S. Roberson Phd, Mph,Dtr, Terri Chairse Msn, Rn

Research Days

Stroke remains a leading cause of disability in the United States, disproportionately affecting older adults in underserved communities. This project, Enhancing Stroke Awareness Through Interprofessional Education and Collaboration, highlights a collaborative effort between graduate and undergraduate students in speech-language pathology, nursing, occupational therapy, community health, and addictions studies. The Interprofessional Education and Collaboration (IPEC) project was implemented at the Bremen Township Senior Wellness Center, engaging seniors in stroke awareness education, prevention strategies, and communication resources for stroke recovery. Through a three-session model, students developed interdisciplinary teamwork skills while providing community members with evidence-based information about stroke prevention, lifestyle modifications, and …

Agenda (Pdf), Department Of Psychiatry

Dept. of Psychiatry Research Symposium

The abstract booklet for the 3rd Annual Department of Psychiatry Research Symposium held April 17, 2025.

Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Dance Movements In Enhancing Activities Of Daily Living For Geriatric Patients And Relevant Implications For Nursing Care, Rachel Ann Bruce

Student Scholar Showcase

Within the healthcare industry, the geriatric population holds a unique set of patient-care needs due to a myriad of physical and cognitive challenges. The presentation of these challenges can negatively impact the quality of a patient’s life and overall independence. One specific challenge providers must account for when providing care to geriatric patients is a decreased range of mobility as age increases. Reasons as to why mobility decreases varies, and include but are not limited to degenerative musculoskeletal conditions, poor nutrition, poor physical mobility or lack thereof, and other comorbidities.

According to peer-reviewed resources, by engaging in frequent Dance Movement …

The Effects Of Stress On Injury And Sickness Rates Of Middle-Distance And Distance D3 Athletes, Hailey D. Smith Ms.

Student Scholar Showcase

A runner intentionally stresses their body to experience an adaptation, however, issues occur when the body does not have time to recover. Male athletes (n = 14) on the University of Lynchburg’s distance and middle-distance team participated in this study. For 6 weeks, heart rate variability (HRV4training app), resting heart rate, perceived stress, and cortisol levels were assessed as indicators of recovery and stress. It was anticipated that indicators of physical stress such as higher resting heart rates and higher cortisol levels, would correspond with greater perceived stress and higher occurrence of injury and sickness. Cortisol (n = 2, p …

Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Providing Religious And Spiritual-Based Care For Patients Currently Receiving Palliative Care Services, Rachel Ann Bruce, Cynthia Dien, Kinnice Jordan Turner, Rebecca Kay Tisdale

Student Scholar Showcase

This literature review explores the effectiveness of providing spiritual and religious-based care to patients currently receiving palliative care settings. In the context of this research, palliative care is defined as the six month period before a person’s death. By examining peer-reviewed journal articles from 2020 to 2024, this literature review will incorporate findings from multiple studies (both qualitative and quantitative) in order to effectively compare and contrast spiritual and religious beliefs and practices for patients receiving palliative care. After thorough examination, collected research has demonstrated that individuals who receive both timely and frequent religious and spiritual-base care while on palliative …

Tetralogy Of Fallot And Its Many Effects, Kolby White

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

From Nil To Enrollment: How Nil Agreements Shape College Choices For Top Men’S Basketball And Football Prospects, Will Trantham, Kate Wilson, Grace Shaw, Bruna Gebaili Sampaio

Liberty University Research Week

This study deeply examines how NIL deals have impacted the chosen University of attendance for 5-star men’s basketball and football athletes. The recruitment of high-profile athletes to universities across the country has been greatly altered with the addition of NIL to the college landscape. The process of reaching a conclusion on where to attend school seems to have greatly changed from academic prowess and facilities to guaranteed money and personal brand exposure. Through this study, we will be conducting in depth Zoom interviews with former recruits that are now currently attending college. We will then use those gathered responses and …

Abstract Book (Pdf), School Of Medicine

Medicine Research Day

The collection of abstracts for all three sections of the 2025 Medicine Research Day organized by session (Translational Research, Quality Improvement, Clinical Vignettes) then alphabetical by last name of the primary author.

Social Health Among Adolescents In The Global School-Based Student Health Survey (Gshs), Luke Pontoriero, Sarah Simon, Lauren Anderson

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Background: Social health is a function of the quantity and quality of relationships, including with family members and peers. Adolescents who report being lonely or having no close friends have a low quantity of relationships, and those who feel that their peers are unkind and their parents are not understanding have low quality relationships. We examined whether poor social health is associated with violent behavior.

Methods: We analyzed data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), which employs a standardized two-stage cluster sampling method and a validated questionnaire to explore health and risk behaviors among nationally representative samples of …

Closing The Gap: Preschool Quality Affect On Language Acquisition Across Socioeconomic Statuses, Abby E. Hannnon Ms, Kaitlyn Clark Ms, Olivia Lewis Ms, Catherine L. Cotton Ms

Undergraduate Research Conference

Language acquisition is impacted greatly in the early years of life by many contributing factors. Children begin to have the conscious ability to acquire, learn, and develop language in exponential capacities around the age of 3-4 years old. These years are vital for the future of individuals' speech and communication. Preschool education is the beginning building blocks that lead to K-12 language learning and development. Socioeconomic statuses differ across all preschool aged children’s homes, consequently affecting the language heard and learned in the household. Our goal is to examine whether the quality of preschool education reduces the language acquisition gap …