Riding For Change: Empowering African American And Minority Children With Autism Through Hippotherapy Advocacy, Briana Richards, Konah Bernard

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Briana Richards

Capstone Project Title: Riding for Change: Empowering African American and Minority Children with Autism through Hippotherapy Advocacy

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Bernard, OTD, OTR/L, BCTMB, CAPS

Abstract:

This doctoral capstone project aimed to explore and advocate for improved access to hippotherapy for African American and minority children with autism through the lens of occupational therapy. While equine-assisted services such as hippotherapy have been shown to improve sensory processing, motor function, and social engagement in children with autism, access to these services remains limited, particularly among underserved communities. The project was completed in collaboration with …

Program To Prepare Teachers To Promote Improving Fine Motor And Handwriting Developmental Delays In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Classrooms., Briana Pleasants, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Briana Pleasants

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Abstract:

Purpose: To develop a classroom-based training program and resources for teachers to enhance handwriting and fine motor performance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by integrating evidence-based instructional strategies into daily classroom routines.

Background and Significance: Research shows children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly experience handwriting delays and fine motor deficits, which hinder academic participation. Teachers often lack specific …

Grounded In Wellness: A Holistic Approach To Managing Fear Of Falling In Alzheimer's And Dementia, Kimberly Perrry, Thierry Lienou

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Kimberly Perry

Capstone Project Title: Grounded in Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Managing Fear of Falling in Alzheimer's and Dementia

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Thierry Lienou, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS, ATP

Abstract:

The fear of falling is a significant concern for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementia. This fear often leads to reduced mobility, a lack of consistent social engagement, and lower quality of life (Soysal et al., 2021). This project seeks to establish a multidisciplinary intervention program that integrates occupational therapy, yoga therapy, and sound therapy to reduce the fear of falling in older adults …

Preserving The Howard Ot Legacy: Inspiring Learning, Documenting History, And Sharing Stories, Marc Mathieu, Joylynne Wills

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Marc Mathieu

Capstone Project Title: Preserving the Howard OT Legacy: Inspiring Learning, Documenting History, and Sharing Stories

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joylynne Willis, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

Preservation of institutional history is crucial for creating professional identity, acknowledging foundational accomplishments, and inspiring future generations. Howard University has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a legacy of academic excellence and innovation dating back to its founding in 1867. Among its many renowned programs, the graduate occupational therapy (OT) department stands out for its commitment to training …

­­An Open-Source Sensory Regulation Toolkit For School-Based Occupational Therapists: Supporting Ethnic Minority Families Of Children With Sensory Processing Needs, Saba Masih, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Saba Masih

Capstone Project Title: ­­An Open-Source Sensory Regulation Toolkit for School-Based Occupational Therapists: Supporting Ethnic Minority Families of Children with Sensory Processing Needs

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to promote the ability of occupational therapists to support parents of children with sensory processing difficulties from minority backgrounds by developing a toolkit to optimize culturally sensitive parental coaching strategies that empower ethnic minority parents with the necessary knowledge and skills to support their child.

Background and Significance: Ethnic minority families often face difficulties in managing …

Improving The Qol (Quality Of Life) For Persons Diagnosed With Smi (Seriousmental Illness) In Underprivileged Communities, Tal Johnson, Konah Bernard

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Tal Johnson

Capstone Project Title: Improving the QOL (Quality of Life) for Persons Diagnosed with SMI (SeriousMental Illness) in Underprivileged Communities

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Konah Bernard

Abstract:

Individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in low-income communities face significant barriers to healthcare, social support, and occupational engagement, which adversely impact their quality of life (QOL) (World Health Organization, 2017; National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2021). This Doctoral Capstone Project, implemented at So Others Might Eat (SOME) in Washington, D.C., aimed to advocate for integrated occupational therapy (OT) services to address unmet psychosocial needs. A qualitative …

Increasing Access To Public Parks And Trails: A Toolkit To Enhanceknowledge, Confidence, And Inclusion For Adults With Down Syndrome, Lana Goldenberg, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Lana Goldenberg

Capstone Project Title: Increasing Access to Public Parks and Trails: A Toolkit to EnhanceKnowledge, Confidence, and Inclusion for Adults with Down Syndrome

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden

Abstract:

Background: Adults with Down syndrome (DS) face numerous barriers to participating in outdoor physical activities. In Montgomery County, Maryland, accessibility efforts have improved, yet many individuals with DS and their families and caregivers are unaware of resources to help them access public parks and trails.

Purpose: Develop, implement, and evaluate an occupational therapy (OT)-informed educational resource, the Inclusive Outdoor Engagement Toolkit (IOET), to promote access …

The Development Of A Social-Emotional Learning Toolkit On Emotional Intelligence In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorde, Lauryn Gaston, Thierry Lienou

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Lauryn Gaston

Capstone Project Title: The Development of a Social-Emotional Learning Toolkit on Emotional Intelligence in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Thierry Lienou, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS, ATP

Abstract:

Purpose: This project aims to develop and evaluate a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) toolkit designed to enhance emotional intelligence in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), supporting their emotional and social development.

Background and Significance: Since the 1960s, SEL has gained recognition for promoting academic and personal growth. Children with ASD often struggle with emotional recognition, regulation, and social reciprocity—core components of SEL. Addressing …

"Caregiver Wellness Promotion : A Virtual Webinar Utilizing The Eight Dimensions Of Wellness Framework", Claudia Ezeani, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2024

Student Name: Claudia Ezeani

Capstone Project Title: "Caregiver Wellness Promotion : A Virtual Webinar Utilizing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness Framework"

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden

Abstract:

Purpose. This project aimed to develop and implement a virtual, asynchronous wellness webinar to support the holistic well-being of informal caregivers of individuals with aphasia.

Background and Significance. Caregivers of individuals with aphasia often experience communication challenges, emotional strain, and role disruption. Despite their critical role in recovery, caregiver wellness is frequently overlooked in traditional rehabilitation approaches.

Statement of the Problem. Existing caregiver programs tend to focus on basic education …

A Clear Space, A Clear Mind: Seniors' Insights On Decluttering And Well-Being: Product Development, Courtney Cole, Jessica Alden

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Courtney Cole

Capstone Project Title: A Clear Space, A Clear Mind: Seniors' Insights on Decluttering and Well-Being: Product Development

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jessica Alden

Abstract:

Purpose:

The purpose of this capstone project was to design a decluttering guidebook specifically tailored to the needs of seniors, promoting improved organization, safety, and mental clarity.

Background and Significance:

Older adults often face challenges with cluttered living spaces, which can negatively impact their mental and physical well-being (Sorrell, 2020). Clutter is defined as “an overabundance of material possessions that collectively create disorderly and chaotic home environments” (Rogers, 2021). Addressing …

Beyond The Mind: A Podcast Series Advocating For Mental Health Services And Addressing Anxiety In High Schools, Kennedy Coates, Sylvia Anderson

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Kennedy Coates

Capstone Project Title: Beyond the Mind: A Podcast Series Advocating for Mental Health Services and Addressing Anxiety in High Schools

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Sylvia Anderson DHEd, MBA, OTR/L, CAPS

Abstract:

This project explores the challenges and research gaps related to adolescent anxiety in a high school setting. It aims to identify specific mental health needs and advocate for school-based interventions through the development of an educational podcast. The podcast offers practical strategies and resources for both students and school staff to further address anxiety. Data was collected through observation and a review of existing …

Advocacy In Action: Advancing Inclusive Hair Care Practices In Acute Rehabilitation Settings, Alexcia Bryant, Shanteria Watson

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 04/23/2025

Student Name: Alexcia Bryant

Capstone Project Title: Advocacy in Action: Advancing Inclusive Hair Care Practices in Acute Rehabilitation Settings

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shanteria Watson

Abstract:

Purpose: The overall goal of this capstone project is to support OTs acquiring knowledge and practical strategies to support the hair care needs of Black and African American patients through a culturally responsive training and an assessment tool that summarizes how to address these needs through the OT process.

Background and Significance: As the occupational therapist creates the client centered intervention plan regarding hair care, they must be knowledgeable of the tactics …

Mind At Ease: A Mindfulness Program To Support Parents Of Nas Infants, Leah Bicknell, Shanteria Watson

Howard University, Department of Occupational Therapy Capstone and Faculty Research

Date: 4/23/2025

Student Name: Leah Bicknell

Capstone Project Title:

Capstone Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shanteria Watson, OTD, OTR/L

Abstract:

Purpose:

To develop a virtual mindfulness-based program to support parents of NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) infants post-discharge, promoting emotional resilience, self-compassion, and regulation.

Background and Significance:

Parents of NAS infants face high stress, guilt, and anxiety, with limited psychosocial support after hospital discharge. Mindfulness interventions reduce postpartum distress and improve parental sensitivity, which is critical for NAS-affected families.

Statement of the Problem:

Parents of NAS infants often lack structured, accessible mental health support post-discharge,contributing to emotional and caregiving challenges.

Research Design:v

Program …

Physical Activity Measurement Reactivity Among Midlife Adults With Elevated Risk For Cardiovascular Disease: Protocol For Coordinated Analyses Across Six Studies., Kiri Baga, Gabrielle M Salvatore, Iris Bercovitz, Amanda L Folk, Ria Singh, Laura M König, Meghan L Butryn, Jacqueline A Mogle, Danielle Arigo

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and adults aged 40-60 years with specific health conditions are at particularly elevated risk for developing CVD. Physical activity (PA) is a key cardioprotective behavior and many interventions exist to promote PA in this group. Effective promotion requires accurate assessment of PA behavior; as PA is often estimated by averaging across multiple days, a threat to accurate assessment is measurement reactivity, or an atypical increase in PA behavior at the start of measurement periods that may bias conclusions. Evidence for PA measurement reactivity is equivocal, though …

Central-Line Dressing Protocols: The Effectiveness Of A Standardized Dressing Change Protocol In Reducing Central-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (Clabsi) In Critically Ill Patients Requiring Central Lines, Cody Jones, Melissa Marino, Ryan Mcfarland, Asia White, Tracy Mcclinton Dnp, Aprn, Agacnp-Bc, Hget-C, Ebp-C, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn, Fhrs

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

In the Intensive Care Units (ICU), central lines are an essential way of life. However, central lines have risks such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), which increase hospital stays and mortality. CLABSI significantly impacts patient outcomes in critical care, increases mortality and morbidity, increases medical costs, increases hospital-acquired infections, and reduces hospital reimbursements. Typically, antimicrobial dressing has been associated with decreased mortality and improved CLABSI rates. The scoping review will evaluate the literature and examine the effectiveness of various antimicrobial dressing strategies on CLABSI rates. This study aims to synthesize these findings to develop improved CLABSI prevention protocols …

Autonomic Recovery From Post-Exercise Hot Water Immersion, Abigail R. Sousa

Health Sciences Student Scholarship

Abigail R. Sousa ’27, Health Science major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Brett Romano Ely, Health Sciences

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Bladder And Bowel Management For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series, Julia Ryan

Student Capstone Papers

Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned to support individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in developing effective bowel and bladder management (BBM) routines. However, most existing literature approaches BBM from a medical perspective, offering limited guidance on how to translate occupation-based strategies into OT practice. This lack of discipline-specific resources contributes to reduced confidence among generalist practitioners and hinders the consistent implementation of BBM interventions across inpatient and community settings. To address this gap, a nine-part educational video series was developed to enhance OT practitioners’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and confidence in delivering BBM interventions for clients with SCI. The …

Environmental Exposures And Familial Background Alter The Induction Of Neuropathology And Inflammation After Sars-Cov-2 Infection, Debotri Chatterjee, Drishya Kurup, Richard Jay Smeyne

Department of Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Post-infection sequela of several viruses have been linked with Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we investigated whether mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 alone or in combination with two putative Parkinsonian toxins, MPTP and paraquat, increased the susceptibility to develop Parkinsonian pathology. We also examined if G2019S LRRK2 mice had any change in sensitivity to SARS-CoV-2 as well as if vaccination against this virus altered any neuropathology. Infection with WA-1/2020 or Omicron B1.1.529 strains sensitized both WT and G2019S LRRK2 mice to the neuropathological effects of a subtoxic exposure to MPTP, but not paraquat. These neuropathologies were rescued in WT mice vaccinated with …

Impact Of Post-Exercise Hot Or Cold Water Immersion On Blood Pressure Regulation In Men And Women, Roberto Samano Cruz

Health Sciences Student Scholarship

Roberto Samano Cruz ’25, Health policy and management major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Brett Romano Ely, Health Sciences

Data From: The Dynamic Responses Of The Mouse Gut Microbiome To Dietary Supplementation With Various Anthocyanin-Rich Foods In The Context Of A Western Diet, Abby D. Benninghoff

Browse all Datasets

Background/Objectives: Anthocyanin (ACN)-rich foods may support gut health by modulating the microbiome and reducing inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. However, the dynamic response of the gut microbiome to ACN-rich diets is not well characterized, including in the context of structural and compositional differences among ACN-containing foods. This study examined the temporal response of the mouse gut microbiome to dietary ACNs, focusing on the impact of structural variation. We hypothesized that microbiome shifts would occur rapidly but require sustained dietary ACN intake to persist. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were fed the total Western diet (TWD) supplemented with freeze-dried …

Sleep Deprivation Increases Mortality Risk Among Older Adults With Epilepsy, Srikanta Banerjee, Jagdish Khubchandani, Stanley Nkemjika

Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Faculty Papers

Introduction: Among U.S. adults, over 3 million report a history of epilepsy, accounting for nearly 1.2% of the population. Sleep deprivation is a well-known risk factor for increased likelihood, intensity, and length of seizures. However, the long-term impact of sleep deprivation on people with epilepsy is not well explored. The purpose of this study was to assess mortality risk among individuals with epilepsy based on sleep duration.

Methods: Data from the 2008–2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were linked with mortality data from the National Death Index (NDI) for US adults aged 65 years and older. Survival curves showed the …

Analysis Of Differentially Expressed Genes (Deg) And Upstream Regulator Proteins Indicates That Inhibition Of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (Tgfb1) Is A Potential Target For Acne Inversa, Weri Veranita, Siva Fauziah, Siti Nurbaya

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Acne inversa (AI) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and scarring, primarily in intertriginous areas. This study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for managing acne inversa based on the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG). The expression targets of these genes were then validated for their potential as biomarkers, and upstream regulator proteins (URPs) were identified from the resulting DEG. DEG analysis on the GEO dataset GSE122592 (acne inversa vs. healthy donor skin) revealed five DEG that can serve as biomarkers for acne inversa, with a sensitivity and specificity of (100%). These DEG—IL10, GZMB, …

Recovering The Lost Art Of Medicine: A Role For Ignatian Spirituality, Cecilia Motherway

College Honors Program

Throughout history, medicine or healing has been deeply associated with religion and spirituality, from the ancient Greek healing god Asclepius to the medieval monastic medical tradition and beyond. This lies in their common cause: addressing the vulnerability of our human existence. Humanity has long recognized that our suffering and death raise existential questions concerning our mortality that may require perspectives greater than biology and rationality can provide. However, at the turn of the 20th century, as medical technology rapidly advanced, raising the average global life expectancy by decades, the medical field removed all non-scientific, non-secular influences to position itself as …

Health Workforce Issues And Recommended Practices In The Implementation Of Universal Health Coverage In The Philippines: A Qualitative Study, Veincent Christian Pepito, Arianna Maever Loreche, Ruth Shane Legaspi, Ryan Camado Guinaran, Theo Prudencio Juhani Z. Capeding, Madeline Mae A. Ong, Manuel Dayrit

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Background

The transition towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in a devolved healthcare system such as the Philippines is beset by health workforce issues considering that it is among the world’s leading source countries for health workers. This study aims to document health workforce issues and recommended practices in the implementation of UHC in the Philippines.

Methods

We conducted focus group discussions and key informant interviews with health policymakers and UHC implementers in the national, regional, and local levels. Participants included local chief executives, healthcare facility administrators, and healthcare providers at tertiary, secondary, and primary levels, as well as patients. We …

Navigating Graduate Nursing Education: The Effect Of Peer Mentorship On Academic Self-Efficacy At Shu: A Quality Improvement Project, Deborah Olujimi

DNP Projects

Background

Academic self-efficacy plays an essential role in the success of graduate nursing students, influencing their confidence, persistence, and ability to navigate complex coursework. Graduate nursing education is rigorous, and many students struggle with self-doubt, stress, and academic pressures that can impact their performance and retention in programs. Peer mentorship programs have been identified as an effective intervention to support students by cultivating collaboration, providing guidance, and enhancing academic self-efficacy. This project implemented a peer mentorship program for graduate nursing students at a university in Northeast U.S. to evaluate its impact on academic self-efficacy over 10 weeks.

Purpose

The primary …

Use Of Procalcitonin In Therapeutic Decisions In The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pierre Tissières, Elisabeth Esteban Torné, Johannes Hübner, Adrienne Randolph, Corsino Rey Galán, Scott Weiss

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Procalcitonin (PCT) is frequently used by clinicians in children with suspected bacterial infections and sepsis. However interpretation in the critically ill child may be challenging due to the complexity of underlying conditions and its impact on PCT values. Herein, we propose a guidance for the use of procalcitonin in critically ill children, supported by a comprehensive analysis of the literature, to help the clinician for interpreting PCT in the various clinical conditions encountered in pediatric intensive care units. We describe the importance of the clinical context, timing of measurement and evidence on PCT values in diagnosing sepsis and to guide …

Virtual Reality-Enhanced Rehabilitation For Improving Musculoskeletal Function And Recovery After Trauma, Phani Paladugu, Rahul Kumar, Joshua Ong, Ethan Waisberg, Kyle Sporn

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Orthopedic trauma remains a critical challenge in modern healthcare, often resulting in severe mobility limitations, acute pain, and delayed recovery. Conventional rehabilitation techniques, though effective, fail to address the individualized, high-precision interventions needed for musculoskeletal injuries like fractures, joint instability, ligament tears, and muscular atrophy. Virtual reality (VR) technologies, such as Apple Vision Pro and HTC Vive Pro, offer a transformative approach by enhancing diagnostic precision, rehabilitation effectiveness, and patient engagement through interactive, immersive environments that improve clinical outcomes. These VR technologies provide real-time biomechanical data, such as joint mechanics, muscle coordination, and movement patterns, allowing clinicians to design personalized …

Do Super Shoes Improve Drop Jump Performance?, Emily Urban

Honors Theses

Super shoes are responsible for the astonishing improvements in marathon times; however, it is unknown whether they can also aid athletes when it comes to jumping performance. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate if super shoes improve jump performance in athletes in comparison with regular athletic shoes, as measured by vertical jump height and torque during a drop jump maneuver. In addition, the study investigated if there were differences in kinetic and kinematic variables during jumping between shoes, as measured by torque production at the hip, knees, and ankles during takeoff.

Dosage-Dependent, Carboplatin And Ng52 Show Synergistic Effect On Inhibiting Cell Proliferation In Breast Cancer Cell Line, Ben Couture, Ryan Zhuge

Biology Presentations

BT-549 (Breast Cancer), a highly invasive epithelial breast cancer cell line, was used to investigate the effects of two drugs: NG52, a selective kinase inhibitor and Carboplatin, a platinum-based DNA-alkylating agent. Using cell counting assays and calculating IC50 values, we examined their combined impact on cell proliferation. Results revealed both an antagonistic and synergistic effect dependent on concentration. Where the individual agents inhibited cell proliferation less effectively than expected. These findings show the complexity of drug interactions and provide insights into optimizing therapeutic strategies for highly invasive cancer types.

Resource Toolkit Development For Mental Health Awareness In School-Aged Children, Jessica L. Newton

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Introduction: Mental health challenges are on the rise, and school-aged children often lack mental health services and education at an early age, which can lead to mental illness. Therefore, it is important to increase awareness of mental health challenges in school-aged children by educating individuals to reduce the stigma. Providing school and community-based resources to improve overall health and well-being is essential to combat the rise in mental illness in our communities.

Methods: A quality improvement (QI) design for product development and education was aimed at addressing this rising problem. The needs assessment results, current literature, evidence-based practices, and conceptual …