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Commencement Program 2025, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | Message from the President

3 | 2025 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

29 | School of Medicine

50 | School of Pharmacy

63 | School of Dentistry

81 | School of Public Health

94 | San Manuel Gateway College

101 | School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health …

Evaluating The Impact Of Community Gardens On Social Equity And Public Health: A Case Study Of Caramel Connections Foundation's (Ccf) Seeds Of Joy Community Garden, Elizabeth Pinder

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Community gardens have been increasingly recognized as effective public health interventions that address food insecurity, foster social cohesion, and promote environmental sustainability. This evaluation examines the impact of the Caramel Connections Foundation (CCF) Seeds of Joy Community Garden in Ontario, California, by assessing its effectiveness in advancing social equity, improving public health outcomes, and fostering community engagement. Using an evaluation framework, this study measures key program outcomes, including improvements in community well-being, inclusivity, and access to green spaces.

A mixed-methods evaluation design was applied, incorporating process and impact evaluation methodologies. Secondary data collected from CCF’s existing program records, survey responses, …

Opioid Epidemic In Maine: An Analysis Of Increasing Overdose-Related Deaths Following The Coronavirus, Aysel S. Hamlin

Thinking Matters Symposium

The rate of drug overdose resulting in death doubled in Maine following the COVID-19 pandemic from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 through 2022. The correlation between increased isolation during the pandemic and overdose death rates sheds a concerning light on the insufficient resources for people struggling with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) throughout Maine. The increasing trade and access to fentanyl following the pandemic accounted for the majority of drug-related deaths in Maine in 2021 and 2022. This study examines the need for long-term access to drug treatment in rural and urban Maine, both environments with varying …

Understanding The Care Experiences And Support Needs Of Uk Adults Treated In Hospital For Meningitis, Harriet Hay, Amy Tallett Dr, Bec Aeddi, Beverley Corbett, Claire Donovan, Jane Blewitt, Juan Abad Madroñero

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Meningitis often results in ongoing and multifaceted after-effects, which can impact many aspects of people's lives, yet relatively little support and follow-up is offered. This study explored post-treatment care experiences of UK adults aged 16 and over following a recent stay in hospital for meningitis. Methods: A survey was designed to ask about hospital discharge, recovery, information provision and aftercare support. The research involved 5 semi-structured, in-depth interviews and a 15-participant online asynchronous focus group. The themes arising from this qualitative stage informed the development of a quantitative 32-item questionnaire which was hosted and promoted online between September 2022 …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Adults For Periodic Health Assessment In Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, Fatimah Yousef Alhafedh, Rawan Ahmed Almusaileem, Zahraa Hassan Aljaafar, Rayhanah Saleh Alaayesh, Edric Estrella

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Regular medical consultation, such as annually or semi-annually for check-ups, especially to diagnose chronic conditions, is essential for health maintenance, particularly in adults. The aim of this study is to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults aged 30 years or older for obtaining periodic professional health assessment in the city of Al Ahsa in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a total sample of 472 adults. Multistage sampling was employed, and data were collected using a Google Forms survey and analyzed using JASP and OpenEpi. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was used …

Cross-Cultural Adaptation And Expert Opinion Of Revised Trauma Quality Of Life Questionnaire (Rt-Qol): Malay Language Version, Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Shamsinar Ibrahim, Malina Zulkifli, Azimatun Noor Aizuddin, Hanizah Mohd Yusoff

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study examines the cross-cultural adaptation and expert validation of the Revised Trauma Quality of Life (RT-QOL) questionnaire, translating it from English to Malay.

Methods: The study employed Beaton’s adaptation guidelines and Takasaki’s framework for expert opinions, involving 51 road traffic injury patients recruited from the Emergency and Trauma Department (ED) of a public hospital in Kedah, Malaysia, from March to June 2022. Participants were contacted via telephone 30 days after their hospital visit regarding their involvement in the study. Three independent experts, comprising academicians in healthcare and emergency department clinicians, reviewed and reconciled the RT-QOL Malay …

Intermittent Fasting And Cardiometabolic Health In Adults With Obesity: A Scoping Review, Tri Siswati, Lathifa Zahra Putri Nugroho, Natasya Nurul Gina, Almira Sitasari, Agus Wijanarka

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Obesity is a significant global health challenge, with adverse impacts on cardiometabolic health such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. One promising intervention in obesity management is intermittent fasting (PI). However, scientific evidence on the impact of IF on cardiometabolic health is still limited. This study used a scoping review design to evaluate the association between IF and cardiometabolic health in obese adults. Reference sources are available in English at least abstract between 2015–2023 as well as from PubMed and Google Scholar web sources. The search keywords on PubMed are "Adult AND intermittent fasting AND cardiometabolic" and on Google Scholar …

Factors Related To The Incidence Of Hypertension Among People Above 18 Years At The Cibatu Public Health Center, Bekasi Regency, Verizka Azra, Yustiyani Yustiyani, Minsarnawati Minsarnawati, Catur Rosidati

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Hypertension is a non-communicable disease that still becomes a public health issue. The percentage of hypertension cases at Cibatu Public Health Center increased from 31.7% in 2021 to 37% in 2022. Based on a preliminary study, hypertension was found to be the most common non-communicable disease at Cibatu Public Health Center. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the incidence of hypertension among individuals aged 18 years and older at Cibatu Public Health Center, Bekasi Regency, in 2024.We conducted a cross-sectional study in May involving 121 respondents. This study used standardized questionnaires that had been validated in previous research, …

The Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Food (Upf) Consumption, Sedentary Behavior, And Overweight Status Among Students At Sman 1 Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, Husna Dzakya Azzahra, Zenia Elsa Fitri, Imas Arumsari

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

Overweight is a condition where excess body fat accumulates, leading to increased risks of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and cancer. The prevalence of overnutrition in adolescents aged 16-18 years has been rising over the years, from 5.7% in 2013 to 9.5% in 2018. This study aims to analyze the relationship between Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) consumption and sedentary behavior on overweight status among students at SMAN 1 Tangerang. A cross-sectional design, data were collected through interviews with 114 respondents using the SQ-FFQ Ultra-Processed Food questionnaire and the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), with quota sampling employed. The …

Exploring The Non-Communicable Disease Burden In Indonesia – Findings From The 2023 Health Survey, Akifa Laila Rusyda

Indonesian Journal of Public Health Nutrition (IJPHN)

The present study rigorously examines the correlation between obesity, high-risk dietary consumption, and unhealthy lifestyles with the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Indonesia. The study employed a cross-sectional study design using secondary data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, analyzing 38 units (n) representing Indonesia's provinces in 2023. The correlation analysis, conducted using Pearson's test with a significance level of 95% (α<0.05), revealed significant regional disparities in the prevalence of NCDs, dietary consumption, and lifestyle factors across Indonesia. Moreover, the findings reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between obesity, high-risk food consumption, and lifestyle risk factors with the prevalence of several NCDs, including diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. These results underscore the potential impact of our research on public health in Indonesia. The results highlight also the urgent need for targeted public health initiatives, such as policies promoting healthier food choices, controlling the food environment, encouraging physical activity, and supporting smoking cessation to mitigate the growing burden of NCDs in Indonesia.

Inequities In The Rehabilitation Process Of Musculoskeletal Injuries In Maine, Devon A. Grant

Thinking Matters Symposium

Since 2016, Maine’s population has grown as a result of migration and a welcoming of refugees. Changes in state demographics influence the population’s and individuals’ social determinants of health (SDOH) (ie., “where people live, learn, work, and play”) and health literacy (ie., a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information to inform health-related decisions). This project aims to identify the health inequities or disparities throughout Southern Maine in the care of injuries to the lower extremity, such as the knee or ankle, as well as explore factors that influence the healthcare outcomes of athletes in surrounding communities. This study …

Food Insecurity And Childhood Obesity: College Students' Past And Present Eating Habits, Morgan A. Schmidt

Honors Thesis

Childhood obesity rates have become an increasing concern in the United States. It has been declared an epidemic due to the increasing number of children who are affected by obesity every year. While many factors can cause obesity, the primary factor is an individual’s dietary choices. This paper presents a literature review on eating habits and the long-term effects of childhood dietary choices on an individual’s body mass index (BMI), specifically among college students. It includes survey results that quantify college students' current eating habits compared to childhood ones. Additional factors influencing eating habits were evaluated, including the National School …

Age–Period–Cohort Effects Of Adult Cigarette Smoking In The United States, 1971–2020, Dinko Kranjac, Ashley W. Kranjac

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

The rates of cigarette use among American adults have dropped substantially throughout the last six decades, yet smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. It is crucial to identify the putative time-varying population-level factors of age, period, and cohort that influenced the decrease in smoking prevalence so we can maintain the downward trend. We used 49 years of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and hierarchical age–period–cohort (HAPC) analysis to examine lifecycle, historical, and generational distribution of smoking among Americans aged 18–74 years old. The prevalence of smoking has …

Psychological Treatment Behind The Walls:Insights From The Inside, Rogelio Serrano

Psychology Division Scholarship

Repeated eras of mass incarceration, criminalization of marginalized communities, and substance use policies have created a revolving door of justice involved populations. The ever-increasing prison population has repeatedly become the largest contingency of mental health clientele for an overburdened mental health system. Those who work with formerly incarcerated individuals in the community often don’t know the unique set of challenges faced by practitioners within the system. Increased understanding and coordination of care can offer opportunities for sustained recovery and reduced levels of recidivism. In this presentation participants will learn about the unique insights on mental health treatment that can be …

A Cross-Sectional Analysis: Employment And Its Impact On Physical Activity, Academic Performance, And Quality Of Life Among Bellarmine University Students, Orlando Exposito Nuñez

Undergraduate Theses

Introduction: Half of undergraduate students are employed, meaning they must balance work with academics, physical activity (PA), and personal responsibilities. This study examines the potential negative impact of employment on PA, academic performance, and quality of life (QOL) among college students. Methods: The cross-sectional survey comprised 125 Bellarmine University students (Age 21.07 ± 3.40; 52% female, 48% male). Measures included the RAND SF-36 for QOL, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and a custom academic and employment questionnaire. Racial and ethnic demographics included White (75.2%), Black or African American (11.2%), Hispanic or Latino (15.2%), Asian (4.8%), Multiracial (4.8%), …

Understanding Barriers To Fresh Produce Consumption In Detroit, Riley Ann Macdonald, Kalyyanee Ganesh Nanaaware, Jeff Lu, Derek Zahnleuter, Heather Sun, Sara Naessig, Aminah Bharadia, Eric A. Mcgrath

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Understanding Barriers to Fresh Produce Consumption in Detroit

Abstract:

Background Information:

Detroit has barriers to fresh produce consumption and poor health outcomes related to diet, which necessitate further study. We aim to investigate these barriers by understanding current consumption practices of fresh produce, and provide evidence for future solutions to combat these barriers.

Methods:

Surveys were distributed at two urban garden locations (Wayne State University School of Medicine Medical Student Garden and Wayne Pediatrics Garden) in Midtown, Detroit, to patrons (n=34) receiving fresh produce between March-October 2024. Surveys screened for demographics, transportation, what produce patrons took, if they …

Addressing Informal Caregiver Burnout In The United States: Policies, Interventions, And Recommendations, Michael Blampye

Master's Projects and Capstones

Informal caregiver burnout has been and will continue to be a significant public health concern in the United States, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of initiatives and policies to reduce its negative impacts. This paper provides an overview of existing approaches to address caregiver burnout at the individual, community, and national level, identifying critical gaps in policies and programs. By highlighting successful approaches in other developed countries, this paper presents comprehensive program and policy recommendations to strengthen informal caregiver support systems in the United States. Prioritizing these proposals can guide policymakers in creating a more supportive environment that values the crucial …

Examining Racial Disparities In Cancer Incidence And Mortality Across South Carolina Regions, William Stokes, Swann Arp Adams, Kara M Montgomery

Senior Theses

Purpose: To provide updated cancer mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) data across South Carolina (SC).

Methods: State and national incidence and mortality data were collected from the South Carolina Central Cancer Registry (SCCCR) and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER). MIRs (mortality rate/incidence rate) were calculated for all cancer sites, cervical, colon, female breast, lung and bronchus, oral cancers, and prostate cancers from the years 2016-2021, excluding 2020.

Results: Major racial disparities in MIR were found in SC, with the largest discrepancies seen in cervical, colon, and prostate cancers. Of note, each SC region had white cervical …

Shifting Healthcare In Rural South Carolina: A Study Of Media Coverage Of The Effects Of Hospital Closures, Morgan Harper

Senior Theses

Rural hospital closures have become an increasingly urgent issue in healthcare across the United States. These closures have impacted access to healthcare, the job market, and general community health. Most hospitals have been forced to close due to low patient volumes, financial struggles, and corporate ownership. Immediate implications of closures include the displacement of healthcare workers, community concern about lacking a central healthcare facility, and increased travel times to access care.

This thesis examines South Carolina’s healthcare landscape in areas with hospital closures since 2012 and explores the effects of and responses to these closures as discussed in newspapers and …

Impacts On College-Aged Asian American Mental Health, Zahra Soherwardy

Senior Theses

This study explores the relationship between different forms of racial harassment and mental health issues in Asian American college students. Asian American mental health is a growing concern in the field of public health. Asian Americans have the lowest treatment rates and some of the highest stigma levels of any demographic. They are also impacted by the model minority myth and discrimination, further alienating them from getting help. The topics of subtle racism, blatant racism, and current racial discrimination were compared to depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, and four domains of aggression using survey data. Subtle racism was found to be …