Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Supporting An Inclusive Summer Camp For Children With Developmental Disabilities Who Use Aac And Their Neurotypical Peers: A Practice-Based Report, Jessica Hicks

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

For my honors research, I completed an internship in an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) lab at the University of Arkansas. For most of my internship work, I helped support an inclusive AAC summer camp for children with and without developmental disabilities, such as autism, for whom speech does not fully meet their communication needs. AAC includes high-tech tools such as communication apps on tablets that serve as speech-generating devices (SGDs). SGDs were used by many of the AAC summer camp participants with developmental disabilities. In this report, I will provide background information on AAC and developmental disabilities. I will …

Sleep In Children In Foster Care: A Scoping Review, Juan Castellanos, Anna Wani, Jill Mcleigh

Health Status, Outcomes, and Literacy and Healthcare Utilization

Although the focus on sleep disturbances in children who have experienced adversity has increased, little is known about sleep among children in foster care (CFC). This study aimed to review what research tells us about the relationship between foster care experience and sleep disturbances and to identify knowledge gaps.

For questions about this study or others, please email [email protected]

childrens.com/fostercare

Artificial Intelligence In Dental Education: A Literature Review Of Global Adoption, Pedagogical Outcomes, And Ethical Implications, Betti Shahin, Jeremiah D. Ghodsi, Toleen Mazloum, Denise Hale

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many fields by enabling machines to accomplish tasks that previously required human intelligence, such as learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. In dentistry, AI is increasingly applied to diagnostics, treatment planning, and clinical training. Its integration enhances educational experiences for students while supporting more accurate and efficient patient care.

Objective: This review synthesizes recent research on AI in dental education, highlighting global adoption trends and key pedagogical, ethical, and practical considerations.

Conclusion: AI has significant potential to enhance dental education through innovative teaching, clinical training, and data-driven decision-making. Effective integration depends on institutional …

Household Air Pollution Is Associated With Disease Severity In Ugandan Children Hospitalized With Hypoxemic Pneumonia, Ayla Ahmed, Sehaj Sandhu, Sophie Namasopo, Juliet Nabwire, Qaasim Mian, Andrea Conroy, Jackson Amone, Charles Olaro, Robert Opoka, Michael Hawkes

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background Household air pollution (HAP) due to biomass fuel use is a risk factor for childhood pneumonia, a leading cause of under-five mortality globally. This study examined the relationship between HAP and disease severity in Ugandan children hospitalized with hypoxemic pneumonia.

Methods We conducted a retrospective case-control study across 20 Ugandan hospitals. PM2.5 exposure was estimated using caregiver-reported fuel use, cooking duration, kitchen structure, and ventilation. Pneumonia severity was assessed clinically, and associations were analyzed using non-parametric tests.

Results We included 735 children (median age 9 months, 42% female) hospitalized with hypoxemic pneumonia. Most households used firewood (84%) or charcoal …

Establishing The Inter-Rater Reliability Of The Titleist Performance Institute (Tpi) Movement Screen, Ian Henry Dahners, Matthew Fetner, Carlan Haugrud, Hunter Johnson, Braeden Lee Knutson, Erica Jo Peters, Dana Jayde Zarn

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Movement Screen is a golf-specific physical assessment widely used by professionals to identify physical limitations that may influence swing mechanics and injury risk. Despite its popularity, there is limited peer-reviewed evidence regarding the screen’s inter-rater reliability. Without established reliability, clinical and performance decisions based on TPI scores may be questionable. Prior research on similar tools, such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), shows that reliability varies based on evaluator experience, scoring objectivity, and standardization—all relevant concerns for the TPI Movement Screen.

Purpose: To determine the inter-rater reliability of …

Prognostic Predictors Of Developmental And Functional Outcomes In Children With Global Developmental Delay: A Retrospecive Chart Review, Rachel Lynne Kuechle, Sadie Elizabeth Olson, Eliana Hazel Parks, Hailee Lynn Schauer, Mara Marie Vannyhuis, Audrey Elizabeth Whitman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Global developmental delay (GDD) is a broad, global disorder in which children do not reach the appropriate gross and fine motor milestones as expected for their age. GDD’s impact can extend beyond motor skills to include speech and language development, cognitive abilities, social and personal skills, and ADL’s. This study aims to investigate the prognostic predictors of developmental and functional improvement of children with GDD. Our study also examines how the prognosis of children diagnosed with GDD will be affected based on therapeutic intervention in order to offer evidence-based recommendations to support children with GDD and their …

Normative Data Analysis For The Modified Clinical Test Of Sensory Integration And Balance Protocol With The Biodex Balance System, Crystal Rose Koglin, Ellie Rose Tillma, Tyler Edward Schmit, Madison Faith Bowers, Hannah Janice Ust, Logan Aaron Petznick, Quincie Naomi Floden

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was designed to assess postural stability in standing on a Biodex Balance System to gather consistent, accurate data on individuals between the ages of 18-30 years old. This tested the participants' sensory integration (vestibular, visual, somatosensory) and balance which can be examined and treated within physical therapy. This study excluded NCAA athletes as more research has been obtained that includes NCAA athletes. Most of the human population has not been NCAA athletes, so we gathered more data for this greater population of individuals. The data provided gained an understanding of what normative data will look like to other …

Assessing The Preparedness Of New Graduate Physical Therapists For Primary Care Physical Therapy Roles, Hannah Ellen Snobeck, Olivia Mavis Manuel, Rachel Jean Dukart, Samantha Marie Krogfoss, Logan Nicole Redding, Haley Paige Hase, Reese Paige Richards

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The growing shortage of primary care providers in the United States has led to increased discussion about expanding the role of physical therapists (PTs) in primary care. Physical therapists have advanced diagnostic and musculoskeletal expertise that helps them succeed in these roles. This study aimed to assess how new graduates perceive their readiness to practice as primary care providers and to identify the education and experiential factors that shape this.

Methods: Using a qualitative research design guided by self-perception theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three physical therapists who graduated between 2022 and 2024. Participants were asked …

Electromyography (Emg) Of Lower Extremity Muscles During The Spanish Squat In Varied Foot Positions, Matthew Feddema, Jake Graf, Jenna Hildebrant, Allison Jepson, Jake Marciniak, Benjamin Oie

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Knee injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, often linked to weakness or imbalance in the quadriceps and gluteal muscles. Squat variations are frequently prescribed in rehabilitation to strengthen these muscle groups and enhance knee and hip stability. The Spanish squat (SS) has shown to be effective for increasing quadriceps activation while reducing joint stress. However, limited research has examined how different stance widths during Spanish squats may effect lower extremity muscle activation.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare surface electromyography (EMG) activity of selected lower extremity muscles during Spanish squat variations (narrow, shoulder-width, and wide stances) and …

Minimal Change Disease Following B-Cell Maturation Antigen-Directed Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy, Kiran Shivaraj, Omar Mamlouk, Amanda Tchakarov, Krina Patel, Ala Abudayyeh

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well-recognized complication of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, typically attributed to cytokine release syndrome and acute tubular injury. However, glomerular disease post CAR-T cell is rare. We report a case of minimal change disease presenting with AKI and nephrotic-range proteinuria 3 weeks after B-cell maturation antigen-directed CAR-T cell therapy, ciltacabtagene autoleucel, in a patient with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma. The kidney biopsy revealed diffuse podocyte foot process effacement and a predominance of CD4+ T cells with potential on-target, off-tumor effect of B-cell maturation antigen-directed CAR-T cell therapy, leading to podocyte injury. The patient …

Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Velocity Measurements In Children With Sickle Cell Disease In Kenya, Catherine Mwalimu, Oscar Odhiambo, Elaine Mashisia, Teresa Mwanja, Allan Ade, Maria De Vita, Katherine Oyieke, Pauline Samia, Fenella Kirkham, Samson Gwer

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited haemoglobinopathy and poses a high public health burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. Children with sickle cell anaemia are at a highrisk of ischemic stroke, and transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography helps identify those at highest risk for primary stroke prevention.

Objective To determine the prevalence of abnormal cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in children with SCD and describe CBFV in children without SCD.

Methods We conducted a two-component study comprising a retrospective review and a cross-sectional assessment. TCD measurements from 143 children with confirmed SCD aged 2–16 years were reviewed. In a …

Dental Rehabilitation With General Anesthesia And Analysis Of Waiting Time Periods, Hannah Shelton, Bethany Castro, Neena Patel, Robin Onikul, Amy Burleson, Jenna Sparks

Posters

Purpose: The aim of this research project is to understand how long patients are waiting to be seen to have dental rehabilitation completed under general anesthesia at Children’s Mercy Hospital. The data will help determine if additional surgical blocks are needed for dental providers to serve the patient population in a more reasonable time frame. Methods: A retrospective review of all appointments in the CMH dental clinic was conducted for all patients referred for general anesthesia. Data collected included patient wait times, patient age, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification, type of appointment in which GA referral was made, and …

Impact Of Intracranial Pressure Monitoring On 30-Day Mortality In Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study In Kenya, George Ongas, Idris Chikophe, Jacqueline Mavuti, David Olunya, Mubashir Qureshi, Beverly Cheserem, Edwin Mogere

General Surgery, East Africa

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate 15-year trends in epidemiology, baseline severity, management, and outcomes of severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) at a Kenyan tertiary center, and to determine the impact of invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring on 30-day mortality in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) context.

METHODS A retrospective quasi-experimental cohort analysis of consecutive sTBI admissions (postresuscitation Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score ≤ 8, age ≥ 13 years) from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2024, was conducted. This time period was divided into two eras: era 1 (2010–2014), premonitoring, and era 2 (2015–2024), routine …

The Intersection Between Adolescent Pregnancy, Mental Health Concerns, Stigma, And Sex Education, Madelon Cox

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis discusses research from the past two decades focused on factors contributing to an increased risk of adolescent pregnancy and the lasting impact of that pregnancy. The consequences of being a pregnant adolescent can be compounded by race, gender, socioeconomic class, and access to education. Adolescent pregnancy also carries significant physical and mental health risk for the adolescent and the child. Awareness and various interventions can help pregnant adolescents or those who may be at risk for adolescent pregnancy to support them, prevent isolation, and reduce further negative mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

Children’S Resilience After A Wildfire: Clinical Themes Of An Art Therapy-Based Curriculum, Rebecca Cuellar, Colter Engber, Gina Robinson, Chloe Seeger, Jenna Siteman, Charliemagne Tapia, Ethel Zafranco

LMU Theses and Dissertations

The present study explored the efficacy of an art therapy-based resilience curriculum for elementary school students in educational settings, whose communities have been impacted by the 2025 Eaton Canyon Wildfires. This art therapy-based curriculum aims to promote post-disaster recovery for early elementary students affected by wildfire-related stress by using a particular focus on traits of resilience. To measure the efficacy of this study, a mixed methods research approach was conducted to evaluate the curriculum’s impact in building resilience. The study uses early elementary student surveys using a Pre/post Emoji Survey, a modified Emoji Current Mood and Experience Scale (ECMES), teacher …

Pedagogical Strategies In Medical Laboratory Science Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study Of Learner-Centered And Lecture-Based Instruction, Kasey Kuker

Medical Laboratory Science Independent Study Projects

Learner centered teaching (LCT) has gained prominence across the health sciences, yet its specific impact on Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) education remains underexamined. This comparative literature review synthesizes findings from various empirical studies to evaluate how active, learner centered pedagogies - such as flipped classrooms, blended learning, team based learning, simulation, gamification, and structured feedback - perform relative to traditional lecture based instruction. Across diverse MLS and allied health contexts, LCT consistently improved cognitive outcomes including examination performance, laboratory skill proficiency, and long term retention. Equally significant were gains in affective outcomes: heightened self efficacy, motivation, engagement, teamwork, and professional …

A Soft Ending, Atara Schulhof

Quill & Scope

No abstract provided.

A Different Perspective, Atara Schulhof

Quill & Scope

This was the view as I walked out of the hospital where my grandfather was in the ICU—a familiar medical setting seen from an unfamiliar role. The sunset caught me off guard, with its soft light stretching upward and a quiet sky holding more than I could process. A plane passed in the distance, as if moving life forward while mine felt paused. “A Different Perspective” reflects the way medicine changes when you are not the one in the white coat, but the one walking out into the evening, carrying both loss and light.

Testing The In Vitro Effectiveness Of Protease Inhibitors Against Histomonas Meleagridis, Evy Belle Hafer

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Histomonas meleagridis is a protozoal parasite able to exist in a flagellated or amoeboid form that infects gallinaceous birds, particularly turkeys, and causes significant mortality. There is currently no effective treatment for this disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the anti-histomonal activity of commercially available protease inhibitors, leupeptin, bestatin, and antipain, using an established in vitro model. Three protease inhibitors, leupeptin, bestatin, and antipain, were evaluated across five assays. Treatment groups included: 1) non-treated control, 2) leupeptin 100 µM, 3) bestatin hydrochloride 100 µM, and 4) antipain dihydrochloride 100 µM. Histomonads were enumerated using a hemocytometer after …

A Program Evaluation Of A Family-Based Healthy Weight Program For Overweight And Obese Children And Their Families, Ashley Heimbouch, Margaret Platel, Kelly Betts

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

This project’s purpose was to complete a program evaluation of the Building Healthy Families (BHF) program to determine its effect on children and their families’ health outcomes. The specific aims of success were 1) an improved perception of health-related quality of life for children and parents and 2) decreased body mass index (BMI) percentiles for age and sex in children from baseline measurements and scores compared to measurements and scores at 3 months and 6 months of program completion. The project was completed in a community setting on the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Western Nebraska campus, and the population …

Cost Of Health Systems Strengthening For Small And Sick Newborn Care In Four Sub-Saharan African Countries Implemented With Nest360: Incremental Cost Analyses, Alice Tarus, Meghan Kumar, Rebecca Penzias, Rosemary Kamuyu, James Cross, Mbozu Sipalo, Edith Gicheha, Christine Bohne, George Okello, William Macharia

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background

Methods

Creating Supportive Environments For Children To Bloom: A Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy Approach, Morgan Benson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

A significant number of children receiving occupational therapy services have histories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including neglect, abuse, frequent changes in caregiving environments, and exposure to chronic stressors. These experiences can strongly affect sensory processing, emotional regulation, behavior, and participation in meaningful daily occupations. These challenges are often made more complex by limited caregiver education, inconsistent access to trauma-informed resources, and differences in therapist confidence when addressing trauma in pediatric practice. Occupational therapy practitioners are well-positioned to support these needs through holistic, occupation-based, and client-centered care that considers sensory, emotional, environmental, and developmental factors. The purpose of this capstone …

Enhancing Child Development In A Daycare Setting Using An Ot Perspective, Autumn F. Glaser

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone project was to implement a program within a daycare setting using an occupational therapy perspective. The project explored the impact of staff education combined with guided, hands-on activities in supporting child development. Seven developmental areas served as a focus for two weeks each during the capstone experience. Main components of the program included presentations and debrief sessions for staff, hands-on, developmentally supportive activities with the children, handouts for caregivers, and the creation of a resource with activity ideas for daycare staff to utilize after program implementation. Pre and post-test surveys were used to assess the …

Blooming Beginnings: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Helping Families Grow, Grace L. Mcconnell

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The transition to parenthood is accompanied by monumental changes in health, wellness, roles, and routines. These changes impact an individual's ability to participate in their daily activities and particularly for mothers, this experience impacts her entire life. Through this transition, parents must not only participate in their own occupations but also learn how to advocate and care for their child(ren). However, families are provided very limited educational resources to prepare them for this transition. Occupational therapy can bridge the gap in family preparedness by utilizing evidence-based education to address physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. Occupational therapy education can advise parents …

Empowering Children Through Self-Regulation: A Multi-Setting Occupational Therapy Initiative, Aarika Denae De Jong

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Self-regulation skills are essential for well-being during childhood and are associated with academic performance and positive psychosocial outcomes. Children with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience sensory differences that impact occupational performance and self-regulation. Rural populations face additional barriers to accessing early childhood opportunities and occupational therapy services. This doctoral capstone project aimed to support the development of self-regulation skills among children in both clinical and community settings. Through partnership with a rural public library, a Sensory Storytime Program was implemented using inclusive design principles to promote regulation skills. Additional resources, including a Sensory Regulation Kit …

Integrating Trauma-Informed Care Into Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Kylie H. Rodig

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project examined how trauma-informed care (TIC) and Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) can be integrated into pediatric occupational therapy to better support children impacted by trauma. The project was guided by the question of how structured trauma-informed strategies, clinical tools, and caregiver education influence therapist understanding and application in practice.

A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating TIC- and TBRI-informed interventions during pediatric treatment sessions, trauma-informed evaluations, and ongoing reflective practice. Data were gathered through pre- and post-surveys, informal staff feedback, and reflective logs to capture changes in knowledge, confidence, and clinical application over time.

Results showed clear improvements in …

Occupational Therapy For Caregiver Support And General Clinical Practice In Rural Settings, Madysen M. Handel

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to develop advanced clinical practice skills and implement a structured caregiver intervention program within a rural outpatient pediatric occupational therapy setting at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley, Iowa. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation, the Occupational Adaptation model, and the cognitive behavioral frame of reference, the project emphasized caregiver participation, routine-based strategy use, and support for sensory-emotional regulation across daily environments. Caregiver stress and perceptions of strategy use were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and a caregiver follow-up survey developed to evaluate confidence supporting regulation strategies and participation within home routines. Results …

Optimizing Occupational Therapy In Inpatient Behavioral Health Settings, Haley J. Conrad

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to strengthen occupational therapy practice in inpatient behavioral health by creating theory‑aligned, trauma‑informed, and evidence‑supported resources. A needs assessment revealed gaps in resource organization, translation of theory to practice, engagement strategies, and access to behavioral‑health‑specific tools. Guided by MOHO, the CORE approach, the Recovery Model, and trauma‑informed care, a comprehensive OneNote system was developed to offer organized, accessible practice supports. Practitioners completed pre‑ and post‑implementation surveys, and summed domain scores were calculated for each participant. Results showed meaningful improvements in Adequacy & Organization, Knowledge & Theory, Effectiveness, and especially Quality & Usability, where all practitioners demonstrated …

The Impact Of Increased Beef Intake On Cardiometabolic Health In Postmenopausal Women: A 16-Week Randomized Controlled Trial, Leen Samman

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

By 2030, it is projected that the number of post-menopausal women globally will reach 1.2 billion. Moreover, because of increases in life expectancy, women will spend a greater proportion of their later years at elevated risk of chronic disease associated with the hormonal changes of the menopausal transition. Dietary interventions, specifically high-protein diets have shown potential mitigating effects; however, most interventions have focused on total protein intake or protein supplements, not whole foods like lean beef. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of daily lean beef consumption as part of a higher protein diet on cardiometabolic markers …

Oxytocin-Mediated Trust Formation In Relationship-Based Sales, Isabella G. Farrington

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Trust is a critical driver of success in relationship-based sales, particularly in complex environments such as medical, pharmaceutical, and B2B markets where decisions involve uncertainty, risk, and long-term commitment. Existing research in marketing and psychology primarily explains trust through interpersonal behaviors, communication, and relationship management strategies. However, the biological mechanisms underlying trust formation remain largely underexplored in these contexts.

This thesis examines the role of oxytocin, a neuropeptide associated with social bonding and cooperation, in shaping trust and decision-making in professional sales environments. Drawing on research from neuroscience, neuroeconomics, and relationship marketing, it proposes that oxytocin-mediated processes provide a biological …