Carlow Scholars’ Day

Table of Contents

Schedule of Events

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Opening & Keynote 

AJP 107 

• 11:00 – 11:10 AM: Kickoff with Dr. Humphrey 

• 11:10 AM – 12:00 PM: Keynote by Dr. Alexis Macklin 

AJP Atrium 

• Poster setup begins for Undergraduate Poster Session (12–2 PM) 

12:00 – 2:00 PM | Poster Presentations & Lunch 

AJP Atrium & 1st Floor Hallway 

• 12:00 – 2:00 PM: Undergraduate Poster Session 

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Campus School Poster Viewing 

• 1:00: Presentations begin in AJP 107 

• Campus Laboratory School Students depart at 1:00 PM 

AJP 107 Presentations 

• 1:00 – 1:10 PM: Veteran Suicide: A Nursing Perspective – Melissa Ventura 

• 1:10 – 1:20 PM: Non-Supine vs Supine Laboring – Morgan Timbur 

• 1:20 – 1:40 PM: Overcoming Social Polarization – Jessica Neu 

1:40 – 3:00 PM 

• The Critical Point Presentation: 

Alora Borovich, Lee Butler, Nour Chebli, Keegan Flanagan, Grace Fritsch, Skylar Godlewski, Faith Healy, Anna Leonard, Anastacia Papas, Vanessa Ovesney, Kayla Rickman, Mandy Ruffing, Palak Savani, Claudia Schirda, Vanessa Spiker, Claire Stevens, Maura Thomas-Wright, Jane Windsheimer, Junebug Wilkinson 

Undergraduate Poster Session Ends at 2:00 PM 

3:00 – 4:00 PM | Faculty Presentations 

AJP 107 

• 3:00 – 3:15 PM: Congenital Cytomegalovirus – Ruth Foreman 

• 3:15 – 3:30 PM: Primary Care & Late-Life Suicide Risk – Elizabeth Zimmerman-Clayton 

• 3:30 – 3:45 PM: Building Nests – Valerie Herrero 

Graduate Poster Setup Begins at 4:00 PM in AJP Atrium 

4:30 – 6:00 PM | Graduate Poster Session 

AJP Atrium TVs (Virtual Posters by): 

Ruth Buccieri | Hayley DaCanal | Colleen Martin | Cambyl Schry | Venus Smith | Rebecca Syx 

5:30 – 7:15 PM | Graduate & Faculty Presentations 

AJP 107 

• 5:30 – 5:40 PM: Education on Constipation Management – Kudla, Mardonov, Zappi 

• 5:40 – 5:50 PM: Syphilis Education in OB/GYN Patients– Finney, Krofcheck, Lyons 

• 5:50 – 6:00PM: Gender-Affirming Care for Adolescents in The Primary Care Setting – Rachael Crowe 

• 6:00 – 6:10 PM: Effects of Burnout in Corrections Officers – DiNicola et al. 

• 6:10 – 6:25 PM: Swallowing Wellness Clinic – Moran, McFall, Neiderhiser, Cordray (virtual) 

• 6:25 – 6:40 PM: Empowering Choices: Enhancing Nutrition Label Confidence Through Education in Medically Underserved Communities – Fenster et al. 

• 6:40 – 7:00 PM: Service Learning in Honduras – Corneglia et al. 

• 7:00PM – 7:15 PM: Nurse Practitioners Mandatory Continuing Education to Increase Evidence Based Practice Implementation – Proie 

AJP 113 

• 5:30 – 5:50 PM: Mindfulness for Modern Life – Tim Steinhauer 

• 5:50 – 6:10 PM: Optimizing Hospital Costs – Sneeden et al. 

• 6:10 – 6:30 PM: Using Predictive Analytics in Health Insurance to Identify High-Risk Membership by Health Insurers – Hodgson & Wise (virtual) 

• 6:30PM – 6:50PM: Providing Children and Adolescents a User-Friendly Approach to Manage Mental Health Symptom” – Constable and Smith (virtual) 

Thank you to all our presenters!

Special Thanks to Faculty Sponsors! 

Program and Room Assignments 

Undergraduate Poster Presentations 12PM-2PM 

Bachelor of Science in Biology AJP 107

Jehnna Szelc
Madeline Klawikowski

Bachelor of Science in Nursing AJP 107

Abigail Altieri
Francesca Beighley
Amber Boglitz
Jenna Cukrzynski
Madisyn Cypher
Taylor Douglass
Chapel Fauser
Kylie Giuntini
Alison Humberston
Christina Jolley
Hayley Kerfoot
Caitlin McCarthy
Fulgence Ngui
Heidi Nientimp
McKenna Pierce
Megan Pollinger
Paige Ramsey
Skylyn Raypush
Anna Sanchioli
Madyson Scott
Alexandra Slider
Mikayla Starbuck
Julia Stipetic
Sydney Taylor
Thomas Torcasio
Madalyn Trainer
Morgan Trimbur
Julianna Welsh
Autumn Wright
Alexis Zurbola

Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant AJP 107

Meghan McCoy

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology AJP 107

Hannah Creely
Kerry Paustenbach

Bachelor of Science in Second-Degree Nursing AJP 107

Alexandra Leitner

Graduate Poster Presentations 

Abstracts 

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 

Sound Tracking and Localization in Blind Athletics 

Hannah Creeley 

Faculty Sponsor: Clara Cheng & Jennifer Roth 

Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI) tennis is played with foam balls containing a mechanical rattle, making sound only during changes in momentum. This study examined the effects traveling path has on sound localization and tracking in participants. The findings can benefit blind athletics as we learn how to optimize players’ sound localization ability, leading to more efficient coaching techniques that can increase success and enjoyment of the sport, as well as retention of new players. Sighted and blind participants aged 18-60 were blindfolded as BVI tennis balls were tossed at them by a researcher standing 20 feet in front of them. The balls were thrown at target points -15°, -5°, 0°, 5°, 15° from where the researcher was standing. In 3 blocks of trials, researchers stood to the left, right, or in front of the participants. The ball bounced three times before reaching the target point. Participants shuffled laterally to make contact with the BVI tennis ball. Another researcher sat behind the participant giving hand signals to communicate which target the balls should be tossed at. There was not enough data collected to confirm the effect age has on sound localization and tracking abilities. As blind tennis grows worldwide, coaches of sighted athletes who typically have players turn to hit a ball, will know to coach blind athletes to keep both ears pointed toward the ball. 

Blended Coffee Bridges: Empowering Women Through Peer-Led Support 

Kerry Paustenbach 

Empowering Women Through Peer-Led Support Abstract: Blended Coffee Bridges is a unique and inclusive peer-led support group, specifically designed for middle-aged professional women. It addresses a range of challenges, including chronic health conditions, addictive personality traits, co-dependence, and life management. What sets us apart is our welcoming, coffee-clutch-style atmosphere, which fosters connection, mutual growth, and resilience through shared lived experiences and equal input. Meeting biweekly via Zoom, the group maintains accessibility and intimacy by limiting sessions to 10–12 participants, fostering a safe, judgment-free environment where every voice is valued. Activities include structured discussions, collaborative goal setting, mindfulness practices, and exchanging practical coping strategies and resources. We also offer a potential weekend session expansion, demonstrating our commitment to flexibility for members with diverse schedules. Blended Coffee Bridges incorporates therapeutic components such as emotional support and reflection but emphasizes that it is not a replacement for professional therapy or medical treatment. Instead, it serves as a community platform for shared knowledge, encouragement, and empowerment. With its strong commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and representation, the group not only celebrates but also deeply respects the unique contributions of each member, fostering resilience and personal growth. This project underscores the transformative power of peer-led initiatives, creating a space where women can overcome challenges, build confidence, and find fulfillment. Blended Coffee Bridges contributes meaningfully to the discourse on resilience, inclusivity, and community support, offering inspiration and hope in today’s complex and demanding world. 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

A Case Study & Nursing Care Plan for a Person with Psychiatric Care Needs 

Melissa Ventura 

Faculty Sponsor: Christina Jolley 

This presentation follows a prototype patient, in this case a Marine who attempts suicide, as nursing considerations for unique patient populations in mental health are considered. The presentation highlights the nurse’s perspective on the case, detailing pathophysiology, assessment, and comprehensive care planning with a special emphasis on nursing diagnoses and interventions for this population with unique mental healthcare needs. 

ICU Delirium 

Skylyn Raypush 

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cole 

Co-Presenters: Amanda Redlinger, Kayla Moran 

Critically ill patients are especially vulnerable to the consequences of delirium since it results in a disturbance of consciousness and cognition. The review of the literature aimed to determine the most effective methods for prevention, management, and treatment for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) delirium. The literature indicated the use of a validated tool, such as the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC), are prophylactic interventions to assess for the presence of delirium. Further, there is no best way to manage delirium pharmacologically. However, quetiapine (Seroquel) has showed positive results in reducing delirious symptoms, and melatonin was a successful intervention to reset the sleep schedule. Lastly, the literature revealed that nursing interventions are an essential intervention to implement before and during the onset of delirium. Overall, the management of delirium requires a comprehensive approach to prevent and manage the occurrence in critically ill patients. However, further research and analysis of interventions is needed due to the continued occurrence of delirium in critically ill patients.   

Rectal Cancer 

Alexis Zurbola 

Faculty Sponsor: Maggie Myers 

Co-Presenters: Alexis Zurbola, Mary Grace Adamczak, Kylie Mazurik, Lily Ibanez 

For our poster presentation, our group has created a patient, Joe, who after a routine colonoscopy was performed was told that there was a mass found growing on his upper rectum. A two-centimeter mass was removed and sent out to be biopsied. The mass tested positive, and Joe was diagnosed with rectal cancer and told that he required a short-term ileostomy. The ileostomy was temporarily placed to allow time for the rectum to fully from surgery. He needs to be provided with a teaching plan about multiple new aspects of his life such as a care plan for his ileostomy, foods to avoid, and popper maintenance. He had multiple risk factors of developing rectal cancer such as age, smoking, sex, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. Joe’s health literacy is moderate, he can read at a 6th grade reading level and does not understand many medical terms, these factors affected how we provided teaching to him on how to achieve optimal health. 

Myocardial Infarction 

Sydney Taylor 

Faculty Sponsor: Maggie Myers 

Co-Presenters: Ava Matz, Naveah Gibb-Peters, Karina Mellon, Kylie Fabry 

Our group collaborated to create our patient, Joe Miller, who was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. Mr. Miller has a past medical history of 1 diabetes and hypertension which pose as risk factors to his health. He has a high school diploma and currently works as a firefighter and his spouse works as a nurse, giving him an advantage in understanding basic health needs. In our presentation, we explain how we can use this information to teach Mr. Miller using various methods. Our presentation is an example of how a nurse will deal with this specific disease process in coordination with the patient. 

Pneumonia 

Julianna Welsh 

Faculty Sponsor: Christina Jolley 

Co-Presenters: Marlena Battista, Jocelyn Stasiowski 

This is a patient profile for a 29-year-old woman with pneumonia, considering her youthful immune system, high health literacy, and preference for natural remedies. Her socioeconomic challenges and her supportive family, particularly her husband, who is actively involved in her healthcare decisions are all taken into account with case navigation.  The group provided education in a manner tailored to her needs, focusing on key areas to promote optimal health. The importance of completing the full course of antibiotics to prevent resistance was emphasized. Regarding child safety, both the patient and her husband were  educated on proper medication storage and child proofing techniques. Staying hydrated, resting, and using humidifiers to help with breathing, while advising her to avoid smoking and delegate household tasks when possible, were also recommended. Additionally, clear instructions were given on when to seek medical help, such as when symptoms worsen, and strategies were provided to prevent reinfection, including hand hygiene and disinfecting the household.  To ensure understanding, the patient was asked to explain the treatment plan in her own words and  the team tailored the education to her health literacy level. Her concerns about medications were addressed and the role of natural remedies was emphasized. Distractions were minimized by turning off the TV and phone and the information was provided in manageable portions. This comprehensive approach was aimed at empowering her to manage her recovery and prevent future complications while respecting her preferences and involving her family in the process. 

Improving UAP/PCT Performance for Better Patient Outcomes 

Madisyn Cypher 

Faculty Sponsor: Meghan Rosse 

Co-Presetners: Trista Miller 

Improving UAP/PCT Performance for Better Patient Outcomes 

Our team created a patient profile for a 29-year-old woman with pneumonia, considering her youthful immune system, high health literacy, and preference for natural remedies. We also took into account her socioeconomic challenges and her supportive family, particularly her husband, who is actively involved in her healthcare decisions. The group provided education in a manner tailored to her needs, focusing on key areas to promote optimal health. We emphasized the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics to prevent resistance. Regarding child safety, we educated both the patient and her husband on proper medication storage and childproofing techniques. We also recommended staying hydrated, resting, and using humidifiers to help with breathing, while advising her to avoid smoking and delegate household tasks when possible. Additionally, we gave clear instructions on when to seek medical help, such as when symptoms worsen, and provided strategies to prevent reinfection, including hand hygiene and disinfecting the household. To ensure understanding, we asked the patient to explain the treatment plan in her own words and tailored the education to her health literacy level. We addressed her concerns about medications and emphasized the role of natural remedies. We minimized distractions by turning off the TV and phone and provided the information in manageable portions. This comprehensive approach was aimed at empowering her to manage her recovery and prevent future complications while respecting her preferences and involving her family in the process. 

Nurse Burnout 

Alison Humberston 

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Huber, Time Herzer 

Co-presenters Katherine Stolte 

In our research project, we are exploring a common issue in healthcare, nurse burnout. Nursing shortages have led to nurses being overworked, which can lead to nurse burnout. Studies have shown nurse burnout can lead to many complications in the hospital, such as a decrease in patient satisfaction. Our goal for this presentation is to bring awareness to nurse burnout, as well as find better solutions for this ongoing issue. 

Myocardial Infarction – Health Promotion/Prevention Patient Teaching 

Thomas Torcasio 

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Huber 

Co-Presenters: Kimaria Samuel, Alise Godfrey-Williams 

Myocardial Infarction Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The research presented for this project was compiled to educate patients on the prevalence of myocardial infarction to prevent the onset and recurrence of the disease. Patient education plays a critical role in the prevention, recognition, and management of MI, particularly for individuals with low health literacy and multiple risk factors. This presentation follows the case of Bob Duncan, a 59-year-old truck driver with a history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, physical inactivity, smoking, and poor sleep hygiene. Using the nursing process, this project aims to explore assessment strategies, goal setting, and the implementation of a personalized teaching plan to improve Bob’s understanding of myocardial infarction. Through simple language, teach-back methods, and culturally sensitive materials, nurses can empower patients like Bob to recognize early warning signs, adopt heart-healthy lifestyle changes, and reduce the risk of recurrent cardiac events. Being able to compile patient enduction into easy-to-understand infographics can help minimize the struggle with health literacy and improve patient education, understanding, and health significantly. 

Preventing the Spread: Enhancing Infection Control among Surgical Trauma and Transplant Patients 

Taylor Douglass 

Faculty Sponsor: Christina Holley 

Co-Presenters: Amy Barrette 

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant risk to patients in medical-surgical units, particularly in surgical trauma and transplant populations. These patients face heightened vulnerability due to compromised immune systems, invasive procedures, and open wounds. HAIs, including bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and surgical site infections (SSIs), contribute to prolonged hospital stays, increased patient discomfort, and delayed recovery. Additionally, healthcare workers experience increased workloads due to more intensive infection monitoring and treatment regimens. Objectives focus on improving hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers and visitors, reducing HAIs, and increasing infection prevention awareness through education and training initiatives. Additional goals include reducing SSIs in surgical trauma/transplant patients and ensuring patients receive comprehensive infection prevention education before discharge. Strategies include targeted hand hygiene campaigns, stricter adherence to aseptic protocols, early infection detection, and standardized antimicrobial prophylaxis. Visitor involvement is also crucial in infection prevention, as noncompliance with hand hygiene can contribute to pathogen transmission. Engaging visitors through education and visual reminders ensures a collaborative approach to patient safety. Aligned with the Quality Improvement and Safety competencies of the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) framework, this initiative integrates evidence-based practices to create a safer hospital environment for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors alike. 

Analyzing Clinical Outcomes of Sepsis and Shock in ICU and Postoperative Organ Transplantation Patients 

Francesca Beighley 

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica huber, Amy Bernhardt 

Co-Presenters: Josie Kobak 

patients, shock typically arises from blood loss during surgery, infections, graft rejection, or abdominal complications like bleeding or compartment syndrome. These patients are particularly vulnerable due to immunosuppressive therapy, the risk of organ rejection, and postoperative recovery. Early recognition and targeted interventions are essential in managing shock and preventing further complications. 

The aim of this project is to identify and analyze trends related to sepsis development in ICU and postoperative transplant patients over a 12-month period. By reviewing clinical data, we seek to establish early signs and symptoms of sepsis, focusing on vital signs, laboratory results, and patient demographics. The goal is to reduce sepsis-related morbidity by 15% and mortality by 10% by implementing targeted interventions, including updated monitoring protocols, staff education, and preventive measures. Progress will be evaluated quarterly to assess the effectiveness of these interventions. 

Understanding the specific trends, risk factors, and clinical indicators of sepsis will empower healthcare providers to adopt proactive measures, improving patient safety and care. This project aligns with the QSEN competency of safety, aiming to enhance early detection and prevention, ultimately reducing sepsis-related harm in ICU and postoperative 

Hospital Associated Pressure Injuries (HAPIs) 

Megan Pollinger 

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Clancy 

Co-Presenters: Julia Zdrojewski 

Critical patients within the ICU are at higher risk for hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) due to immobility and long-term use of medical devices. Many do not receive beneficial skin assessments, which increases complications and their length of stay. HAPIs lead longer hospital stays and higher rates of morbidity Inadequate skin assessments can delay intervention and increase treatment costs Early identification and prevention protocol like the Braden Scale may reduce skin breakdown 

Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPIs) through Effective Policy Implementation 

Paige Ramsey 

Faculty Sponsor: Timothy Herzer 

Co-Presenters: Falyn Carr, Ireland Killen 

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a significant concern in healthcare facilities that can lengthen patients’ stays, decline patient outcomes, and increase costs for the hospital. Preventing HAPIs involves the implementation of effective policies using evidence-based practice. This poster presentation focuses on the best prevention strategies concluded from a review of existing literature and case-studies. This approach to prevention can decrease the occurrence of HAPIs, which would improve patient care and outcomes. 

Restraints in the in-patient setting 

Julia Stipetic 

Faculty Sponsor:  Jessica Huber 

Co-Presenters: Sadie Binotto 

Restraint use in the hospital setting can be beneficial for a number of reasons. We have examined research to determine the long-term effects of restraint use in the in-patient setting not only for patient outcomes but to determine if there is a better route to implementing restraints. We focused primarily on the effects that contribute to hospital length of stay, mortality rates, and overall to what is the benefit for the patient. Our research dives into the importance of least restrictive restraints based on patient need and improving health outcomes. 

Jenna Cukrzynski 

Pressure Ulcer Prevention 

Madalyn Trainer 

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Huber 

Co-Presenters: Amy McGee 

During vaginal delivery, up to 90% of women experience some degree of perineal tearing, but it is the severity of the tear that may determine the extent of pain, recovery time and potential complication. This hypothetical study proposes an investigation into the benefits of perineal massage during the third trimester in reducing the severity of perineal tearing among primiparous women in the Pittsburgh area. If conducted, the study would involve 100 participants, with 50 practicing perineal massage and 50 not, to assess the impact on perineal integrity and the severity of postpartum tearing. In hospitals perineal massages are not a standard prenatal practice, but this research explores its potential as a preventative method. By investigating these outcomes, this study aims to provide data that could inform future maternal care practices. 

Reducing the incidence of Pressure Ulcers Using Evidence Based Practice 

Fulence Ngui 

Faculty Sponsor: Kaylee GIlchrist 

Co-Presenters: Emily Novak 

The proposed project aims to reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers on Mercy Hospital’s Unit 12E by 50% within the next 6 months. To achieve this, we recommend implementing three evidence-based strategies: (1) Evidence-based care bundles with risk assessments upon admission, (2) Unit-based skincare expertise, and (3) Staff education with auditing feedback (Floyd et al., 2021). The Braden skin assessment, utilized during risk assessments, will help identify pre-existing pressure injuries earlier, allowing for timely intervention and a reduction in the development of new injuries. Additionally, updating or creating a standard skincare procedure or wound policy, paired with thorough staff education, is crucial. Studies have shown that complete adherence to pressure ulcer and wound policies significantly decreases hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (Forkuo-Minka et al., 2024). A third recommendation is the implementation of regular two-hour interval turning, increased use of pillows/cushions for bony areas, and reinforcement of proper skin care techniques. These practices have been shown to decrease pressure injuries and provide early relief when consistently followed (Gaspar et al., 2019). While additional strategies could be explored, the focus will be on these core interventions—risk assessment, wound care education, a standard policy, improved turning compliance, and early identification. These efforts are essential to achieving the goal of reducing pressure injuries by 50% in six months. 

Nurse-Led Fall Prevention Interventions: Addressing Barriers and Improving Outcomes 

Chapel Fauser 

Faculty Sponsor: Amy Bridgeman 

Co-Presenters Samantha Tressler 

Our project examines evidence-based fall strategies and how nurses can implement these elements to decrease the risk of falls on acute care units. By reviewing credible literature sources and unit data from Shadyside Hospital, we identified key barriers to fall prevention including staff education gaps, recourse limitations, and variations in nurse decision-making skills. Our findings suggest that to prevent falls, we must integrate nurse-led fall prevention protocols focusing on patient risk assessment, fall precautions, and staff-wide educational programs. This research specifically highlights the need for reinforced educational programs for staff members and unit-specific strategies to help reduce fall rates and improve patient safety in the hospital setting. 

Improving Nurse Compliance on CLABSI Prevention 

Hayley Kerfoot 

Co-Presenters: Enkela Syla 

Through literature reviews, it was found that a designated CLABSI prevention rounding team, a specific CLABSI prevention nurse, audits done on CLABSIs, and CLABSI prevention bundles result in a reduction in the number of CLABSIs in the hospital. Through rounding teams, there was real-time feedback in the prevention of CLABSIs and designated teaching. This can be achieved with individualized teaching or through course modules, or group education. A CLABSI prevention nurse was found to be a good educator and tool in the prevention of CLABSIs. They can provide real teaching and check if all steps were followed in the prevention of CLABSIs. Audits allowed for specific education and help for individuals in the prevention of CLABSIs. The CLABSI prevention bundles are evidence-based practices in reducing the number of CLABSI and helping patients. The evidence-based practices in CLABSI prevention bundles allow for continuity of care and demonstrate best practices in preventive techniques. 

Mitigating Nurse Burnout: A Self-Care Approach using Sleep Hygiene and Progressive Muscle Relaxation 

Hedi Nientimp 

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Huber 

Co-Presenters: Ella Driggers 

This study explores the impact of sleep hygiene and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) as interventions to enhance nurse well-being and reduce burnout. The primary goal is to assess whether these self-care strategies decrease exhaustion and increase professional engagement through a pre and post survey, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. By implementing evidence-based techniques, this research aims to provide practical recommendations for improving nurse resilience and overall job satisfaction. Potential findings (since our research is not concluded) may indicate that improved sleep hygiene and PMR contribute to lower burnout rates, decreased exhaustion, and increased workplace engagement. These insights can inform future wellness programs and institutional policies to support nurses in sustaining their health, job satisfaction, and safe patient-care practices. 

Pressure Ulcers 

Abigail Altieri 

Co-Presenters: Kayla Ater 

Our project is about pressure ulcers in the hospital and how to prevent them from happening and/or prevent them from getting worse. 

Falls 

Alexandra Slider 

Co-Presenters: Nguyen Truong 

The identified problem addressed in the powerpoint is the gap of knowledge deficit related to fall precautions and how they are implemented within the hospital. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies falls as the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional death in the world with up to 646,000 deaths every year (Ojo et al., 2022) Leading to the need of increasing more staff and their education to implement exercise programs and proper dedication to improve patient mobility to decrease fall risks. It was found that exercise programs, especially those focusing on balance and physical activity, improved participants’ physical capabilities and reduced their fear of falling (Ueda et al., 2022). Showing that nurses often become the “second victim” expressing increased stress, anxiety, guilt, concern for liability, and self-doubt about the quality of care they provide (King et al., 2018). Thus, leading to fall precautions being put in place in the most restrictive manors and limited recovery process.The ineffective communication and leadership within healthcare increases the patient’s fall risk. The lack of education resources and support available to nurses increases the risk of falls; only 60% possessed adequate knowledge about fall prevention strategies; clearly identifying a knowledge deficit among health care workers ( Albashaet al., 2023). 

Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries: A Multidisciplinary Prevention Program for Improved Patient Outcomes 

Anna Sanchili 

Co-Presenters: Alessia Pugliese 

Pressure injuries are a critical issue in hospital settings due to the issues of patient immobility. Based on established research, a structured prevention program that aims at reducing pressure injury incidence by 30% within one year. Some of the key strategies for this prevention program include early risk assessments, routine repositioning, pressure relieving devices, and staff education. To implement this prevention program into practice stakeholder training with unit leaders, nurses, patient care technicians, and the other members of the care team needs to take place to ensure accountability and adherence. Patients and families will also receive education to promote independent repositioning. The use of quarterly audits to assess effectiveness and conduct quality improvements. This study highlights the importance of the multidisciplinary team to collaborate in order to enhance patient outcomes and foster evidence-based practice within the healthcare setting. 

Enhancing Fall Prevention in Acute Care Facilities 

Caitlin McCarthy 

Co-Presenters: Mollie Stanton 

Falls in acute care settings pose significant risks, leading to injuries, extended hospital stays, and increased costs. This project aims to reduce hospital-related falls by 25% within 12 months in the acute care setting, aligning with the QSEN competency of Patient Safety. Evidence-based interventions include fall risk assessments, staff and patient education, environmental modifications, and assistive technologies. Based on the research, key recommendations for implementation include specialized fall prevention training for healthcare professionals, targeted environmental modifications, and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration and communication. The effectiveness of these interventions will be assessed through fall rate tracking, patient satisfaction surveys, and post-fall incident reviews. This initiative seeks to create a safer clinical environment and improve patient outcomes through sustained, evidence-based preventive measures. 

Addressing Inadequate Nurse Staffing to Improve Patient Safety and Nurse Retention 

Mikayla Starbuck 

Co-Presenters: Dajanell Hallam, Emma LaRocca 

Inadequate nurse staffing continues to challenge healthcare systems nationwide, contributing to adverse patient outcomes, decreased nurse satisfaction, and high turnover rates. Our project identified a shared concern across multiple clinical units: chronic understaffing and its impact on care delivery. Guided by the QSEN competency of safety, our group conducted a comprehensive evidence-based analysis to evaluate the scope of this issue and propose realistic, high-impact solutions.  Data collection included quality indicators, patient satisfaction scores, stakeholder interviews, and a review of current policies. The literature strongly supports the association between higher RN staffing levels and improved patient outcomes, including reduced mortality and hospital-acquired complications. Stakeholders emphasized burnout, inadequate support, and limited involvement in staffing decisions as major contributors to turnover.  Our proposal includes implementing evidence-based interventions such as enhanced nurse residency programs, acuity-based staffing models, and workplace reforms promoting professional autonomy, collaboration, and flexibility. These recommendations aim to improve nurse retention, reduce burnout, and elevate the quality of care delivered.  This project supports a system-wide shift toward sustainable staffing practices that prioritize both patient and provider safety. By addressing the root causes of turnover and engaging nurses in staffing solutions, we aim to reduce staffing-related risk by 20% within six months, ultimately promoting a healthier work environment and safer patient outcomes. 

Intensive Care Unit: HAPI Prevention 

Autumn Wright 

Co-Presenters: Regan Llanso 

The project is focused on the development and prevention of pressure injuries, specifically in an intensive care unit (ICU). Throughout research done, it was determined there is a huge issue seen in all inpatient healthcare with patients developing pressure injuries for a multitude of reasons. When researching and gathering data, there seems to be a lack of information in ICUs. There are interventions that can and should be done to decrease the incidence of pressure injuries that just seem to be overlooked. This project looks into the idea of implementing specific interventions that don’t increase the workload of the nurses by much, but will actively decrease the risk and development of pressure injuries over the body. Implementation of ICU specific pressure injury prevention charting as well as pressure injury prevention assessments will better the outcome for a patient at risk for developing one. With these interventions, the nurse will have a regular reminder that this assessment must be done, and it can give a brief overview of what specific pressure injuries the patient may be at risk for whether it is due to a breathing tube or due to the lack of repositioning. There are lots of reasons turning and repositioning the ICU patient is difficult as they are of a high acuity, however, this is of upmost importance as the development of a pressure injury can directly affect the patient outcome. 

Hospital Associated Delirium in the ICU 

Amber Boglitz 

Co-Presetners Megan Kellerman 

Hospital acquired delirium in the intensive care unit is an issue that can occur in any critical care patient. Delirium can be prevented by the health care team if correct precautions are taken. For example, hourly rounding, early mobilization, patient centered care, and teamwork from other nurses. Health care providers need to be aware of the early symptoms of delirium to treat the symptoms before causing further issues. Patient centered care is an important factor to help prevent delirium due to assessing frequently and noticing changes in the patient’s condition. The goal of the project is to increase the awareness of hospital associated delirium and decrease the number of patients who develop delirium while in the intensive care unit. 

Improving Patient Safety: Evidence-Based Strategies to Reduce Pressure Injuries in Critical and Progressive Care Units 

Madyson Scott 

Co-Presenters: Alexis Nardei 

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, are a prevalent concern in healthcare settings, particularly in critical and progressive care units. These injuries result from prolonged pressure on the skin, leading to impaired skin integrity and increasing the risk of complications such as infections and delayed healing. Patients with limited mobility, including bedridden older adults, are at the highest risk. Pressure injuries are largely preventable through targeted interventions.   This project aims to reduce the occurrence of pressure injuries by 30% within three months through evidence-based strategies, including repositioning patients every two hours, conducting daily skin assessments, managing moisture and incontinence, and providing nutritional support. The effectiveness of these interventions will be assessed through weekly chart audits, staff compliance tracking, and patient evaluations.   Our recommendations emphasize standardized risk assessment tools, staff education, environmental modifications, and patient-centered care approaches. Studies indicate that consistent implementation of such strategies significantly reduces pressure injury rates, enhancing patient outcomes and overall care quality. By integrating multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous monitoring, healthcare teams can create safer environments and improve patient well-being. 

Study Abroad in Sicily, Italy at UPMC ISMETT Hospital 

Madisyn Cypher 

The Sicily Study Abroad program offers nursing, cardiovascular perfusion, social work, and respiratory students a unique opportunity to gain clinical experience at the Transplant Institute (ISMETT) in Palermo, Italy. Through weekly 1 ½ to 2-hour post-conference seminars, students reflect on their clinical placements, guided by faculty. Weekly journal entries allow students to document their experiences and insights, which are submitted to faculty via email.  The program emphasizes Personal Reflection, with students submitting a narrative each week on three key areas: their clinical experience at ISMETT, their exploration of Sicilian culture and history, and personal growth. Students also integrate basic Italian phrases to communicate with Italian-speaking patients and staff, while using alternative strategies when needed. Working alongside Italian preceptors, students gain hands-on experience and learn to adapt their skills to a different healthcare system.  Faculty observe students’ clinical practice, providing guidance and evaluation in both hospital and community settings. Students assist with daily patient care activities and compare healthcare practices in Italy and the U.S., particularly in transplant and inpatient care. This program allows students to enhance their clinical knowledge, improve cultural competency, and develop self-awareness, preparing them for a more global approach to healthcare practice. All while exploring and experiencing the beautiful country of Italy! 

Fall Prevention Strategies in the Acute Care Setting 

Kylie Giuntini 

Co-Presenters: Ashley Josebeck 

Patient falls remain a significant safety concern in acute care settings, where complex patient needs and high nurse-to-patient ratios contribute to increased fall risk. This project aims to enhance fall prevention strategies by emphasizing patient engagement, improving communication between nursing staff and patients, and strengthening fall prevention protocols. A qualitative approach was used to assess patient experiences, revealing gaps in education, inconsistent fall prevention communication, and inadequate documentation of fall-related incidents. Key interventions include providing comprehensive patient education through brochures and teach-back methods, implementing standardized bedside discussions, utilizing bed alarms and hourly rounding, and improving electronic health record (EHR) documentation. Additionally, staff training focuses on effective communication and recognizing risk-taking behaviors. By implementing these strategies, this project seeks to reduce fall incidents, improve patient safety, and enhance nursing care quality. 

The Impact of Non-Supine Versus Supine Positioning on Laboring Women: A Comparative Analysis of Labor Duration, Cesarean Rates, Maternal Comfort, Neonatal Presentation, and Birth Outcomes 

Morgan Trimbur 

The position of laboring women can significantly influence the many aspects associated with the birthing process, including labor duration, cesarean delivery rates, maternal comfort, neonatal presentation, and overall outcomes. Despite current evidence, clinical providers often have women go through labor in the supine position due to convenience. This study examines how different birthing positions affect labor and delivery experiences, their impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes, and their influence on key clinical variables. The method used included analyzing previously established research from literature and observational studies conducted to examine the effects of different positions of the labor process. Findings suggest that non-supine positioning is associated with shorter labor duration, lower cesarean delivery rates, improved maternal comfort, favorable neonatal positioning, and better overall outcomes. Using guidelines and strategies designed to promote non-supine positioning can benefit many birthing mothers. Offering support and education about common alternative positions such as squatting, the use of a birthing stool or bar, and kneeling positioning can encourage women to decide what is of most comfort to them and allow them to have a say in their labor and delivery process. 

Mindfulness for Modern Life: Cultivating Clarity in Chaos 

Timothy Steinhauer 

External complexity requires inner clarity. In an era of rapid technological change, societal unrest, and artificial intelligence reshaping how we live and work, cultivating inner clarity is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. As external complexity grows, so does the need for intentional practices that anchor us in presence, compassion, and well-being. Mindfulness for Modern Life: Cultivating Clarity in Chaos is a mindfulness-based, interactive session rooted in neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and the lived experience of leadership. Drawing on years of personal mindfulness practice and extensive experience presenting in educational and professional settings, this session offers practical, research-informed strategies that can be easily woven into daily life. These practices support the cultivation of peace, the discovery of purpose, and the development of personal power. Together, these qualities help us thrive in a world filled with external complexity. Participants will explore how mindfulness creates the inner conditions needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and compassion. Special Segment: As we navigate a world flooded with digital demands and artificial intelligence, mindfulness becomes a vital tool for cultivating discernment and presence. This session will briefly explore what mindfulness can teach us about engaging with AI and digital overload, from managing distractions to maintaining a strong sense of agency. Participants will leave with a personalized mindfulness toolkit for sustainable well-being and leadership in complex environments. This session is ideal for students, educators, leaders, and professionals seeking grounded, actionable ways to thrive amidst the noise of modern life. 

Sepsis Frequencies within Intensive Care Units 

McKenna Pierce 

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Huber 

Co-Presenters: Marissa Fabac 

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition resulting from a dysregulated immune response to infection, leading to systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction, and potential death. Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are particularly vulnerable to developing sepsis due to multiple risk factors, including the use of invasive medical devices, existing comorbidities, and traumatic injuries or wounds. Despite advancements in early recognition and timely management, which have significantly reduced the incidence and mortality associated with sepsis, it remains a major challenge in critical care. Continued efforts to improve preventive strategies, enhance early diagnostic tools, and implement evidence-based interventions are essential to further reduce the burden of sepsis in ICU settings. 

Bachelor of Social Work 

Spreading Her Wings Through Advocacy and Inclusion 

Julie Goldberg 

Faculty Sponsor: Fran C Flaherty 

A collection of creative visual awareness projects to advocate for, as well as showing empathy and compassion to the disability community. 

Bachelor of Arts in Biology 

A Study on the Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis in Domestic Dogs and Cats Within Western Pennsylvania 

Jehnna Szelc 

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Frank Ammer 

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin disease that is becoming more common in domestic pets. The initial causes and biological pathways of this condition and its associated symptoms have remained largely unknown. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of AD in domestic dogs and cats within western Pennsylvania and analyze whether certain factors like species or breed increase the risk of development. Data for this study was collected from skin-related patient visits at Middle Road Animal Clinic in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, from May-September 2024. Patient data log entries included individual demographics and patient histories consisting of species, breed, gender, weight, visit reason, additional tests, diagnosis, subsequent treatment, and owner-related questions. Data was collected from 56 dogs and 7 cats. With a lack of feline cases, data interpretation and discussion mainly involved the canine sample. The most common cat diagnoses were ear mites and ear infections (otitis externa), seen in 43% of patients. The most common dog diagnosis was otitis externa, reported in 46% of dogs, followed by atopy in 25%. Canine sample data was additionally separated by the American Kennel Club breed groupings, displaying that significantly more sporting and toy breeds were reported. Among both species, there was a higher prevalence of otitis externa, likely resulting through a secondary infection from AD. The results were compared to previous studies, which supported these findings with similarly reported breeds and symptoms. More research is necessary for the extent of additional factors like gender, genetics, and environmental region on AD development. 

Studying the Implications of Introducing Physics to Young Scientists 

Madeline Klawikowski 

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Deluca 

Introducing physics at a young age is crucial for improving recruitment and retention in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. While STEM careers are rising, a significant gap remains for women and underrepresented minorities. Engaging young students in STEM education can help reduce this gap by encouraging interest across all groups of students. This project aimed to introduce STEM activities to a diverse range of students and create connections between college-level and elementary-level physics concepts. The activities included cost-effective, interactive, and thought-provoking physics experiments focusing on static electricity, air resistance, potential energy, and friction. Following the experiments, students completed a survey to assess their experience. The survey responses showed that most students had a positive experience with the presentation.   

Bachelor of Science in Second Degree Nursing 

Preoperative Infection Prevention in the Surgical Environment 

Alexandra Leitner 

Faculty Sponsor:Dr. Angela Summer 

Preoperative infection prevention is crucial in the surgical environment to reduce the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), which affect 0.5% to 3% of patients. SSIs can lead to severe complications such as delayed wound healing, sepsis, abscess formation, and organ failure or death. This project examined evidence-based infection prevention strategies and compared them with the clinical policy of Allegheny Health Network (AHN). The literature recommends key preoperative interventions, including the avoidance of razors for hair removal, the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) plus alcohol for skin preparation, prophylactic antibiotics, and nasal antisepsis for decolonization. The AHN policy aligns with these best practices, mandating CHG baths, nasal antisepsis, and antibiotic administration while also emphasizing the use of hospital gowns and clean linens. While both the policy and research support effective infection control, differences exist in specific procedural details. By integrating evidence-based practices into hospital protocols, healthcare facilities can enhance patient safety, reduce healthcare costs, and improve surgical outcomes. 

Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant 

Determination of Fundamental Function of CD4-CAR “T-Cell” Using Non-Target Cancer Cells 

Meghan McCoy 

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ammer 

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are genetically engineered cells that express a new receptor, allowing them to bind to a specific antigen on cancer cells and kill them [1,2]. The process to make CAR-T Cells and the transduction of CAR transcript may alter the original immune function of T cells due to random incorporation in their genome. This led us to hypothesize that engineering T cells to express CAR might alter its original role and inhibit cytotoxic functions. To test this, CD4-CAR-T cells were used to determine their cytotoxic effect on non-target cells using various cancer cell lines (MCF-7, SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231, and U-87-MG). The 7-AAD assay was used to measure cytotoxicity. This study found that CD4-CAR-T cells had similar cytotoxic effects on all non-target cancer cell lines as non-transduced CD3 cells. This allowed us to conclude that CAR-T cells retain their original cytotoxic functions after genetic engineering or transduction.  

Graduate Abstracts 

Antibiotic Stewardship

Danielle Bai

Faculty Sponsor: Bernadette Sherman

Co-Presenters: Jolynn Meyer, Lindsey Herd

Over prescribing of antibiotics continues to occur in the primary care setting despite years of educational warnings of the detrimental effects of antibiotic resistance including gastrointestinal complications, prolonged hospitalizations, lack of antibiotics to treat future infections, and increases in morbidity and mortality rates. There are a host of barriers that lead to poor antibiotic stewardship including wanting to meet patient expectations, diagnostic uncertainty which leads to a better play it safe than sorry attitude, lack of experience, and the pressure of time constraints to treat and move on to the next patient are just name a few. With the lack of primary care physicians in the U.S., nurse practitioners (NPs) are stepping up to fill the void. This places NPs in a position where they can be crucial in promoting and maintaining proper antibiotic stewardship. Electronic point of care systems can be used to guide NPs in prescribing antibiotics according to evidence based guidelines and avoid the vast array pressures that leads to poor stewardship.

The Ethics of Rest: Reclaiming a Human Right in a Culture of Exhaustion

Allie Greene

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Barr

Rest is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right, essential for healing, resilience, and reclamation. This presentation examines rest as a biological necessity, a social justice issue, and an ethical imperative within social work.

While vital to mental, emotional, and physical health, rest is often commodified, pathologized, or denied to those most impacted by systemic oppression. The normalization of exhaustion stems from hyper-capitalist values that equate worthiness with productivity. Social and economic structures, rooted in historical injustices such as white body supremacy, patriarchy, and exploitative labor systems, reinforce the myth that rest must be earned.

Environmental justice theory links the exploitation of labor to the depletion of natural resources, as capitalism extracts both without regard for well-being, making rest a vital act of sustainability against burnout and ecological collapse. Social work, a profession built on justice and human dignity, has an obligation to advocate for systemic rest.

Resilience and Risky Drinking in Emerging Adults​ with Previous Extracurricular Participation

Ava Avolio

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Roth

Incorporating a Positive Youth Development framework, this study demonstrates how extracurricular participation provides adolescents with resilience development opportunities that encourage trait and behavioral benefits lasting into emerging adulthood. Resilience has been previously identified as a protective factor and promoter of advantageous life outcomes despite childhood adversity. Data was collected from 18–25-year-old participants across over 50 American universities and trade schools. The study and resulting confirmatory factor analysis suggest that extracurricular participation does have a positive significant correlation with resilience and the subsequent resilience has significant correlations with drinking behaviors and educational attainment during emerging adulthood. Further research incorporating intentional resilience-building into these established programs is encouraged as a method of reaching underserved communities.

The Impact of Syphilis Education Amongst OB/GYN Patients

Sarah Finney

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Alison Bauer

Co-presenters: Brooke Lyons, Marinda Krofcheck

Throughout our time at Carlow we have been encouraged to pursue our own unique journeys to excellence. This Scholars’ Day we aim to share the product of this pursuit with a presentation to reflect upon the results of the quasi-experimental study we worked to design & implement along the course of the past year. Our study was designed to explore the impact of our proposed patient education intervention amongst at risk patients, and ultimately, whether or not the educational tool could increase a patient’s willingness to undergo screening for syphilis. This project was illuminated by our shared spirit of discovery as it was designed to pursue a greater understanding of how we can best serve our at risk populations. However, it was also designed with hope that the scholarly application of our findings will allow for better care for our communities in the form of both primary and secondary prevention.

Motherhood and Fetal Period: A Study on the Impacts of Autoimmune Diseases and Compounding Social Determinants of Health on Micro, Meso, and Macro Levels

Sean Roesener

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Nauvpreet Kaur

In order to dimensionalize healthcare practice, it is prudent to craft one’s scope to accommodate each stage of life–fetal, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. As one ages through each level, unresolved health and social issues snowball. Factors such as social determinants of health–in the micro, meso, and macro columns–in combination with autoimmune diseases can compound into a vicious cycle of chronic health issues. Simply put, autoimmune diseases render pregnant individuals vulnerable towards birth defects, which by extension, prime the child and eventually perpetuate this cycle with their own children.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Related to Low Back Pain

Pablo Lazo-Salmeron

Olivia Geisler

Faculty Sponsor: Navpreet Kaur

Acceptance and commitment therapy are important to the field of physical therapy because they promote better awareness and being more mindful. Having better mental health, mindfulness, and awareness can improve a physical therapy session and allow more efficient progress with accurate goals. This is because we are allowed to gain the trust of the patient and consider their needs by making a plan of care that best fits each individual

Motivational Interviewing in the World of Physical Therapy

Tyler Knowsley

Faculty Sponsor: Navpreet Kaur

Co-presenters: Janet Nauyokas, Mary Pecoraro

Motivational interviewing is a technique that encourages change in patients’ daily behaviors. In physical therapy, motivational interviewing can be used to improve patient outcomes. Patients begin to realize the potential in themselves to elicit new behaviors. 

Social impacts of chronic pain and how it affects patient care

Kiaura Vargo

Faculty Sponsor: Navpreet Kaur

Co-Presenters: Fabian Matos Machado

Chronic Pain is a debilitating condition characterized by persistent pain lasting over three months affecting any area of the body caused by a myriad of causes. Chronic Pain has been linked to multiple SDOH. 12 million patients with chronic pain see Physical Therapists yearly, this being one of the main causes of visits to Physical Therapy. SDOH, such as poor sleep, must be accounted for in planning treatments as this condition can increase the healing time necessary. Clinicians need to be aware of the SDOH associated with Chronic pain as this is important to provide holistic care and better treat patient conditions.

Integrating Trauma-Informed Care in Physical Therapy: Screening Tools, Clinical Implications, and Strategies for Mental Well-Being

Nicole Truzzi

Faculty Sponsor: Navpreet Kaur

Co-presenters: Nicole Truzzi, Alexis Caplan

Trauma, including PTSD and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), affects physical and mental health, influencing pain and rehabilitation outcomes.³ Trauma-informed care (TIC) emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment to prevent retraumatization in clinical settings.1 TIC addresses the complex needs of patients with trauma histories, including those with PTSD and ACEs. ACE allows the clinician to encompass the patient’s “physical, behavioral, and mental health issues throughout the lifespan” as it “correlates with chronic disease”⁴ such as ischemic heart disease and cancer.³ TIC² encourages the use of relevant interventions such as EMDR⁵, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy³, and mindfulness practices such as yoga.³ Despite its importance, many physical therapists receive limited training in trauma screening and its clinical implications.³ As physical therapists, we need to explore more in TIC, highlighting screening tools, the impact of trauma on rehabilitation, and strategies to enhance mental well-being for improved patient outcomes.

A Holistic Approach to Rehabilitation: Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Managing Chronic Pain in Adults

Alexis Caplan

Faculty Sponsor: Navpreet Kaur

Co-presenters: Paige Jones

Chronic pain is a complex condition affecting many adults, often leading to physical disabilities and mental health issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has become a valuable treatment for improving daily function while reducing pain and distress. [1,2] Since chronic pain impacts both the body and mind, addressing mental health is as important as physical care. Combining CBT with physical therapy helps manage both physical and emotional challenges. CBT can be used alone or as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. [2] Key techniques include exercise, pacing, relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation, all of which improve pain-related thoughts and behaviors. Research shows CBT enhances coping skills, particularly in veterans’ pain treatment programs. While medications are common, combining CBT and physical therapy can reduce morbidity risk, depression, and disability. A multidisciplinary approach promotes a healthier, more fulfilling life by addressing the psychological and behavioral aspects of pain. [1,2, 3]

Multifaceted Strategies to Positively Impact Sleep Habits and Hygiene

Paige Jones

Faculty Sponsor: Navpreet Kaur

Co-Presenters: Mary Pecoraro

The human body needs sleep to complete essential functions like recovery, brain function, and physiological processes. The CDC discusses that adults in the U.S. get inadequate sleep, which less than 7 hours. Research suggests that proper sleep hygiene is necessary to improve quality of sleep and overall life. Sleep hygiene is a set of practices that help improve your sleep, sleep effectiveness, and long-term health. Various methods work towards a healthy sleep pattern like logging certain activities like the time you wake and fall asleep, medications, exercise, and meals. Inadequate sleep can lead to adverse health outcomes and noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCCD). Adequate sleep is linked to reduced depressive symptoms, decreased pain, and better quality of life. Individuals using a multifaceted approach to healthy sleep will have overall improved health outcomes. Sleeping 7-9 hours per day lowers the risk of NCCD and adverse health effects.

Unseen Hands

Emily Powell

“Unseen Hands” reveals the resilience of Pittsburgh’s homeless community and the tireless efforts of those working behind the scenes to promote racial equity and justice. Capturing the hidden stories of marginalized individuals and highlights the critical contributions of support networks, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized communities. Unseen Hands serves as a call to action, inspiring the community to see the shared humanity in each person and champion systemic change for racial and social justice.

Social Impacts of Chronic Pain and its Effect on Patient Care

Fabian Matos Machado

Faculty Sponsor: Navpreet Kaur

Co-Presenters: Kiaura Vargo

Chronic Pain is a debilitating condition characterized by persistent pain lasting over three months affecting any area of the body. The consistent nature of the condition results in every aspect of the afflicted individual’s life being affected, so continued pain management and readily accessible healthcare are significant when managing the condition. Unfortunately, several social determinants of health (SDOH) have been found to limit an individual’s ability to receive proper healthcare and have been shown to exacerbate pain. For instance, poor sleep can be caused by, or even aggravate, Chronic Pain. Another example includes anxiety or depression, as the population that experiences Chronic Pain is 5 times more likely than those who don’t to experience these mental health struggles. Additionally, these conditions are driving forces in generating poverty since Chronic Pain may lead patients to lose their ability to work directly, or indirectly via depression and anxiety. Around 24 million ER visits annually are for Chronic pain. Additionally, 12 million patients with chronic pain see Physical Therapists yearly, this being one of the main complaints in Physical Therapy. SDOH must be accounted for in planning treatments since they can increase recovery time. Anxiety can affect the cortisol pathway, leading to increased inflammation, which would also affect patient care plans. Clinicians need to be aware of the SDOH associated with Chronic pain, and the biological, economic, and social aspects caused by these SDOH that could affect care. This is important to provide holistic care and better treat patient conditions.

The Use of Therapy Dog Programs to Reduce Perceived Stress Levels in Adolescents

Rebecca Syx

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. A. Spence

Adolescents report high stress levels related to academics. Prolonged exposure to stress has been shown to impact a student’s wellbeing and often manifests in a variety of symptoms independent of age. Therapy dogs can improve student’s mood and positive emotional responses. The project is a pre and post intervention design in a suburban high school. Forty-three adolescents aged 14 to 18 were consented to participate in weekly 20-minute sessions with certified therapy dog teams over 6 weeks with weekly participation number ranging from 24 to 43. Self-reported stress levels were measured utilizing a five-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after each session. Participants self-reported positive stress reduction on the five-point VAS by a mean difference of -2 during each weekly session within the 20-minute visit period. The results of this project indicated that therapy dog programming does provide a reduction in self-reported stress levels of high school aged adolescents.

Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact on Sleep and Recovery

Janet Nauyokas

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Navpreet Kaur

Co-Presenters: Fabian Matos Machado

Sleep is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health, encompassing components like regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, and duration. However, these elements are often disrupted by Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). Adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds, for example, report poorer sleep quality compared to those in higher socioeconomic settings. Socioeconomic factors such as income, education level, race, employment status, and living environment all significantly impact sleep quality and duration, with lower-income, less-educated, and unemployed individuals being more likely to suffer from sleep disorders. Poor sleep has been linked to serious health conditions like dementia, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. For physical therapists, the effects of sleep on muscle regeneration are particularly relevant. Hormones like Testosterone, IGF-1, and Cortisol, which are essential for muscle recovery, are regulated by the sleep-wake cycle. Insufficient sleep can impede muscle regeneration, leading to longer recovery times and diminished treatment outcomes. It is critical for physical therapists to recognize the role of SDOH in sleep quality, injury recovery, and overall health. By screening for SDOH and referring patients to appropriate resources such as social workers, physicians, and psychotherapists, therapists can help improve sleep, accelerate recovery, and support better health outcomes.

Promoting Inclusivity Within Community Spaces: OT-Informed Sensory Safari Program Collaboration with the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Madison Earley

Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth Sherman

Co-Presenters: Sarah Cooper, Amanda Gioia, Jessica Macierowski, Ainsley Dillon

The Sensory Safari Program is intended to create an inclusive, welcoming environment that enables children and families with sensory processing needs to engage comfortably in educational and recreational activities at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. This event was offered to explore perceived impact of environmental modification and awareness of sensory needs, related to consumer engagement and comfortability within community spaces. Environmental barriers and sensory processing difficulties can often make community spaces overwhelming and unpredictable, reducing overall engagement. Structured, interactive experiences, including tactile exploration stations, animal-related sensory activities, and additional environmental accommodations were designed to foster supportive and inclusive opportunities. Qualitative surveying and observation-based findings informed effectiveness of sensory-friendly community spaces. Findings suggest the need for inclusive programming within community spaces and supportive educational opportunities for staff regarding their role in supporting individuals with disabilities. Additionally, this event highlights the benefit of occupational therapy-informed strategies applied to promote equitable participation.

Mastering ReST: An Evidence-Based Guide to Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Alaina Goldberg

Faculty Sponsor: Amanda Smith

Co-Presenters: Chloe Mantheiy, Jordan Henderson, Paula Schultz

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder characterized by deficits in motor planning and programming, which affect a child’s ability to produce accurate and consistent speech. Rapid Syllable Transition Training (ReST) is an emerging evidence-based intervention designed to address these motor-based deficits by targeting prosodic elements of speech, including accuracy, rhythm, and smoothness of syllable transitions. Unlike traditional CAS treatments, ReST applies motor learning principles and utilizes nonword stimuli to minimize the influence of previously stored linguistic errors, thereby enhancing generalization. This tutorial examines the principles behind ReST, how it is implemented in therapy, and its effectiveness in treating CAS. It also considers what ReST means for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in clinical practice and highlights areas for future research. Research suggests that ReST can help improve speech outcomes for children with CAS by applying motor learning strategies and supporting neuroplasticity.

Let Them Eat C***: Sex Work, Criminality, and Human Trafficking

Rebecca Nance

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ashley Barr

Sex workers, often women, people of color, immigrants, and members of the LGTBQ+ community, face barriers to traditional employment. Legislation that criminalizes sex work enhances already significant barriers to housing, employment, and healthcare. Social stigma perpetuates the conditions that compromise sex workers’ health and safety, ensuring that the industry remains underground and beyond the reach of mainstream social protections. Federal and state legislation defines and criminalizes trafficking activity whereby individuals are forced, defrauded, or coerced into commercial sex work. Human rights advocates suggest that legitimizing sex work empowers individuals, enhances their access to supportive resources, and reduces harmful social stigma. Detractors cite the power imbalances associated with sex work as evidence that the sex industry fundamentally undermines workers’ humanity and facilitates human trafficking. Social workers must examine these arguments through ethical lenses, including professional codes of conduct and deontological perspectives. This analysis supports the argument that decriminalization promotes empowerment and social justice without facilitating human trafficking. In fact, anti-trafficking policies are more suited to easing sociocultural discomfort than combatting trafficking and ultimately undermine sex workers’ right to social justice and empowerment. The current laws speak volumes about whom policymakers consider to be deserving of help and whose humanity they can caveat. Policymakers must move beyond the bias and stigma that underpin the criminalization of sex work and undermine anti-trafficking laws’ effectiveness. Legislation must address who truly needs protection and from what. The real problem is not sex, but systemic marginalization.

Bridging The Gap: The Critical Need for Comprehensive Feeding Clinics in Pittsburgh Using the SOS Approach

Calli Sneddon

Faculty Sponsor: Allegra Cornaglia

Co-Presenters: Jessica Davis, Calli Sneddon, Emily Stockman, Julia Tefs

Feeding difficulties in infants, such as food refusal, are significant and concerning issues for caretakers and health professionals. They often lead to malnutrition and parental anxiety. Sensory-based treatments, one of which is the Sequential Oral Sensory Approach, have emerged as effective treatments for pediatric feeding disorders. It is important to note that speech-language pathologists play a critical role in diagnosis and management; hence, SLPs offer safe swallowing and feeding plans considering a child’s particular needs and family values. According to ASHA (2024), difficulties in feeding in children include sensitivity to food and refusal, with sensitivity heightened due to sensory and motor problems, especially in children with developmental disabilities. The SOS Approach seeks to address these difficulties through the application of a multidisciplinary, stepwise approach in the desensitization process regarding various food properties toward encouraging exploration and gradual acceptance of new foods. Research supports that sensory-based feeding intervention improves feeding behaviors and reduces mealtime stress for both children and their family members, hence making it a necessity in pediatric feeding therapy to integrate holistic, individualized approaches.

HOSPITAL-ASSOCIATED CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE: EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT, AN EVIDENCE-BASED QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Colleen Martin

Faculty Sponsor: Kathleen Tennant

The dimension of scholarship that reflects the main goal of my project is application. After identification of a clinical issue based on internal evidence, a nurse clinical decision guide tool to decrease the number of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infections in an Oncology unit was chosen as the project aim. Clostridium difficile is a bacterium of the colon and is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections annually in the United States. Patients who have cancer are disproportionately at an increased risk for Clostridium difficile infections. After extensive research and a critical appraisal of evidence, the clinical decision guide tool was chosen and implemented. This quality-improvement, quasi-experimental design was guided by the Iowa Model of Care. A team was formed, and stakeholders were engaged, with formal implementation initiated. The data has been collected and is currently being analyzed. The data will be presented on Scholar’s Day. Data will include the number of Clostridium difficile infections pre-intervention versus post-intervention, and the number of Clostridium difficile tests ordered pre-intervention versus post-intervention.

Impact of Parental Involvement on Language Development in Children Receiving Speech Therapy: A Systematic Review

Kelly Shelpman

Faculty Sponsor: Allegra Cornaglia

Co-Presenters: Malayna Zimcosky, Sydney Cawley, Hannah Oakes

This systematic review examined the impact of parent involvement in pediatric language interventions, focusing on intervention types, disorder types, and outcomes. The review highlighted the significant role that parent involvement plays in improving language development for children with various speech and language disorders, including hearing loss, developmental delays, and language impairments. Parent training programs such as Teach-Model-Coach-Review, Infant Behavior Program, and Language and Play Everyday (LAPE) have been found to enhance the use of naturalistic communication strategies, leading to improved language skills in children. Less structured parent involvement contributed to positive language outcomes, mainly through enhanced caregiver-child interactions and greater SLP-caregiver communication. The findings suggest that parents’ consistent use of targeted strategies, whether through formal training or natural interactions, plays a critical role in children’s language development. Despite positive outcomes, limitations such as publication bias, the absence of long-term follow-up data, and inconsistent search strategies were identified. Future research should refine search methodologies, explore factors influencing long-term parent adherence to intervention strategies, and include randomized controlled trials to determine the most effective methods for promoting sustainable parent involvement in pediatric language interventions.

The Impact of Military Service Duration on Attitudes Toward Mental Health Services

Tabitha Walker

Faculty Sponsor: Allegra Cornaglia

This proposed study investigates the impact of military service duration on attitudes toward mental health services among U.S. veterans. The research will contribute to the existing literature on veterans’ perceptions and utilization of mental health services. The study will enroll at least 100 veterans from various military branches. Control variables include age, gender, and branch of service. Data will be collected through an online survey. Participants will self-report service length, measured in years from the date of enlistment to the date of discharge. The Attitude Toward Mental Health Services Scale (ATMHS) scores will assess attitudes toward mental health services. The findings will be analyzed and discussed to provide insight into how service duration influences mental health attitudes. It is hypothesized that longer service duration will negatively impact veterans’ attitudes toward mental health services. Therefore, this understanding could lead to more effective support strategies tailored to veterans’ needs in the future.

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Substance Use in Adults

Haley Bicko

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacqudio

This proposed study investigates the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on substance use in adults. The research will contribute to the existing literature on childhood adversity and substance abuse. Additionally, it will examine the role of gender in this relationship. The study will include approximately 100 participants, both with and without a diagnosed substance use disorder. Gender, a control variable, will be self-reported. Childhood experiences will be assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE), while substance use will be measured through the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Drug Abuse Screening Tool 10-item survey (DAST-10), Penn State Nicotine Dependence Index- Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PS-EDCI), and Penn State Nicotine Dependence Index- Cigarette Dependence Index (PS-CDI). It is hypothesized that higher ACE scores will be associated with greater substance use. Additionally, it is expected that females will have higher ACE scores, leading to greater substance use. Findings from this research may enhance the understanding of this relationship and aid in the development of targeted support resources.

Do demographic factors influence college student perceptions of stigma towards seeking treatment for depression?

Molly Wagner

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacqudio

The study aims to examine how various demographics of students impact their perception of stigma related to seeking help for depression. It will involve 100 students from the University of Pittsburgh who will participate in the survey voluntarily. The survey will collect information on students’ gender, age, whether they are athletes or non-athletes, and if they are local or international students. Participants will complete a self-report tool called the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH), which consists of 10 questions designed to assess their perception of stigma when seeking help. The research will analyze this data to identify any correlations between demographic factors and stigma levels associated with seeking help for depression. It is hypothesized that student athletes and international students may exhibit higher levels of stigma when considering seeking help. Ultimately, the results aim to highlight the need for tailored support strategies that cater to the specific needs of different student demographics, encouraging them to pursue assistance when they experience signs of depression.

The impact of music on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adult oncology patients

Laurie Swift

Faculty Sponsor: Kate Tennant

For my DNP scholarly project, I conducted a study to determine the impact of a receptive music intervention on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adult oncology patients. During my literature search related to this topic, I found rich evidence supporting music’s benefit for this population. My project was implemented in a 26-bed oncology unit at a hospital in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. The project ran for 12 weeks with an ending sample size of 5. Due to the small sample size, the project results were not statistically significant. However, I believe my project has clinical significance and can help inform future practice. The sustainability of my project at the organization has not yet been established. However, I have a future opportunity to present my project and findings to their Cancer Care Committee. I hope my project will be accepted into the organization’s standard of care for oncology patients. When considering Boyer’s Model of Scholarship, my project best exemplifies the element of Discovery as my project contributes to a more significant knowledge base. I look forward to sharing my experience and findings with others.

Impact of Preoperative Hair Removal on Surgical Site Infection Rates

Haylet DaCanal

Faculty Sponsor: Ann Spence

Data from a 224-bed Level II Trauma Center in rural Pennsylvania illustrates a notable fluctuation in SSI rates, with a standardized infection ratio (SIR) peaking at 2.994 in 2021 and then markedly improving to 0.451 by early 2023. From October 2023 to July 2024, a 224-bed Level II Trauma Center in rural Pennsylvania reported 54 surgical site infections (SSIs), the surgical infection rate calculated in 2024 is 0.908. The data indicates variability in adherence to infection control protocols and surgical practices across different surgeons and surgeries, which may contribute to the differences in infection rates. Specifically, the process for preoperative hair clipping varies significantly across service lines, particularly among those with the highest infection rates. These variations in practice highlight a need for uniformity across departments, although each method still aligns with the primary goal of minimizing microorganism transmission through proper aseptic technique. To look deeper into these practices, the literature will investigate in patients undergoing surgeries that require hair removal at the surgical site, whether clipping hair in the preprocedural room, compared to clipping intraoperatively, reduces the incidence of surgical site infections during the post-operative period. The preoperative hair clipping protocol was implemented over four weeks to improve surgical hair clipping protocols by AORN guidelines. Patients were followed up to 30 days after their procedures to monitor for infections. Data revealed that compliance with the revised hair clipping protocol was significantly lower than expected, with only 13% of patients clipped following the recommended procedure.

An exploration of how exposure to social media and unsupervised internet use during childhood/early adolescence impact body image in young adulthood.

Brenna Nolf

Faculty Sponsor: Ann Spence

Due to the rise of social media and the ages at which it is being consumed, concerns have been raised considering the potential long-term effects on a person’s self-perception in young adulthood. This study examines the relationship between exposure to social media and unsupervised internet use as a child and how it relates to a person’s body image in young adulthood. Data will be collected from at least 100 young adults (ages 18-25) using an online survey. Participants will report the frequency with which they have used social media in the past and to what extent their usage was monitored by a parent/guardian. Control variables will include demographic questions (age, gender, race) and which platforms they were on. Participants will self-report their social media usage and internet access as a child and complete the Body Appreciation Scale- 2. Data will be collected and analyzed to determine whether or not increased social media exposure and lower parental supervision predict adverse body image outcomes in the future. It is hypothesized that those who had access to social media and unsupervised internet use at a young age negatively affect a person’s perception of themselves as they reach young adulthood.

Correlation Between Hours Playing Video Games and Depression

Eric Pernell

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacquadio

The current study will examine whether there is a correlation between the number of hours spent playing video games per week and depression levels. This study will enroll over 100 individuals over the age of 18. The online survey will include the PHQ-9 depression questionnaire and control questions regarding age, schooling, employment, self-perceived social economic status, hours per week playing video games, preferred genre, preferred game and average number of hours sleeping. Information obtained will be analyzed and tested for any possible correlations. It is hypothesized that higher weekly hours playing video games will have high correlation with depressive scores. This research seeks to further explore the impact, whether positive or negative, that video games can have on an individuals mental health.

Age of parental divorce and perceived quality of current relationships (as determined by the Social Provisions Scale)

Ashton Norton

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacquadio

The proposed study aims to investigate the influence of age at which individuals experience parental divorce on their perception of the quality of personal relationships in adulthood, utilizing the Social Provisions Scale (SPS) to measure perceived social support. Drawing on current literature, the research will examine a diverse sample of participants who experienced parental divorce at various developmental stages. Quantitative data will be collected using SPS, which assesses dimensions such as attachment, social integration, and reassurance of worth. It is hypothesized that the findings will indicate that the age at which parents’ divorce occurs significantly impacts individual’s perceptions of relationship quality. Early childhood experiences of divorce will likely be associated with lower perceived social support and relationship satisfaction, while those who experienced divorce during adolescence or later will likely report more resilience and adaptive relationship skills. The results are expected to align with existing studies, which highlight the critical role of developmental timing and social support in shaping relationship outcomes post-divorce.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Impact on Compassion

Meredith Gutierrez

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacquadio

The proposed study will look at how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact people’s ability to be compassionate. The research will contribute to the existing literature on how past, potentially traumatic, experiences can influence compassion in adulthood. The study will enroll at least 100 people from the greater Pittsburgh area, Cleveland, OH, and Rollinsford, NH. Control variables will include age, race, gender, and sexual orientation. Data will be collected through an online survey. Participants will answer survey questions regarding adverse childhood experiences and compassion. The Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults scores will assess previous number of adverse childhood experiences, and The Compassion Scale (CS) scores will assess overall level of compassion in adults. The findings will be analyzed and discussed to provide insight into how adverse childhood experiences can impact overall compassion in adulthood. It is hypothesized that those with adverse childhood experiences will be more compassionate than those who have none. Therefore, this could lead to a better understanding of the overall impact that adverse childhood experiences have on adulthood.

The impact of social media use on depression, focusing on the contributing factors that influence mental health outcomes in the digital age.

Umwari Clarisse

This proposed study investigates the impact of social media use on depression, focusing on the contributing factors that influence mental health outcomes in the digital age. The research will contribute to the existing literature on social media’s psychological effects by examining use patterns, content interaction, and emotional responses. The study will survey at least 100 participants from diverse demographic backgrounds. Control variables will include age, gender, frequency of social media use, and platform preference. Data will be collected through an online questionnaire, with social media use measured in hours per day and depression levels assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The findings will be analyzed to identify significant correlations between social media engagement and depressive symptoms. It is hypothesized that higher social media use will correlate with increased depressive symptoms. These insights could inform future interventions to promote healthier social media habits and improve mental health outcomes.

Calm and Collected: A Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Novice Nurses

Venus Smith

Faculty Sponsor: Renee Ingel

The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Anxiety and Stress in Novice Nurses Background: Novice nurses transitioning into critical care and acute care settings face high levels of stress and anxiety, contributing to burnout and decreased job satisfaction. Evidence suggests that mindfulness meditation can be an effective intervention for managing stress and enhancing well-being. Purpose: This project aims to evaluate the impact of a mindfulness meditation application on anxiety and self-perceived stress levels among novice nurses in the nurse residency program who have graduated within the past two years. Methods: A six-week mindfulness meditation intervention was implemented using a structured mobile application called the Calm app available to all nurses for free. The app usage instructions are for a minimum of 10 minutes 3 times per week. Participants will complete the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and self-reported measures of anxiety and stress before, every two weeks during, and once after the intervention. Data analysis will focus on pre- and post-intervention comparisons to determine changes in stress perception and anxiety levels. Results: The study anticipates that participants who engage in mindfulness meditation will experience a measurable reduction in anxiety and stress, supporting the use of meditation as a strategy for promoting resilience and well-being in novice nurses. Conclusion: This project underscores the importance of integrating mindfulness-based interventions in nursing practice to support novice nurses’ mental health, reduce anxiety, reduce burnout, and enhance workforce retention.

Multifaceted Strategies to Positively Impact Sleep Habits and Hygiene

Mary Pecoraro

Faculty Sponsor: Navpreet Kaur

Co-Presenters: Paige Jones

The human body needs sleep to carry out essential functions like recovery, brain function, and physiological processes. For example, the mind and body become revitalized which prepares us for the next day. Sleep is best when a person falls asleep quickly and is able to stay asleep and finds the right amount of quality and quantity. The CDC discusses that adults in the United States do not get adequate sleep, which is on average 7-9 hours every 24-hour cycle. Research suggests that having proper sleep hygiene is necessary to improve quality of sleep and overall life. Sleep hygiene is a set of practices and routines that help improve your sleep, improve sleep effectiveness, and long-term health.

The Impact of Fermented Food Intake on Levels of Depression

Heather Benek

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacquadio

I will be sharing my discovery process as I plan a research study related to the impact of fermented food intake on levels of depression with the hopes of completing the research project in PYM-709 next semester. Depression is one of the leading mental health challenges people face today; current research suggests that one’s gut microbiome may be a key contributor to both mental and physical health. Thus, exploring relatively simple ways to address the growing social challenge of depression is an exciting area of research.

The effect of Lingraphica’s “TalkPath Therapy” app as a supplement to cognitive-linguistic intervention: A single-subject design.

Brianna Ortiz

Faculty Sponsor: Samantha Dalessio

Co-Presenters: Anya K. Fox, Sydney Delposen

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of Lingraphica’s “TalkPath Therapy” app as a supplemental tool to traditional in-person therapy in maximizing the potential for improved deficits for adults with cognitive-linguistic disorders.

Methods:

A single-subject A-B design was used over 14 weeks. Phase A involved only traditional in-person therapy and Phase B involved supplementing the app in addition to traditional in-person therapy. Data of the participant’s progress was collected through a combination of standardized and informal measures.

Results:

Researchers found a stable linear trend among the standardized measures across Phase A to Phase B. These findings suggested that the addition of the app helped maintain performance, yielding no clinically significant change with the standardized measures. However, the participant’s performance on the informal measure increased slightly at the start of Phase B, which proceeded to stabilize for the remainder of the study, further emphasizing the app’s ability to promote consistency of skills. Overall, these findings suggest that the integration of the app offered valuable opportunities for at-home practice and reinforcement of targeted skills addressed during in-person therapy sessions for maintaining skills.

Conclusions:

Further research is needed to determine the benefits of at-home computerized practice and to identify the most effective ways to implement technology-based interventions alongside traditional therapy. These studies might utilize extended clinical trials and larger sample sizes to explore whether structured, clinician-monitored use of Lingraphica’s “TalkPath Therapy” app leads to clinically significant improvements in cognitive-linguistic deficits.

What is the Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on the “Perceived Stress” of a New Graduate Nurse in a Residency Program?

Ruth Buccieri

Faculty Sponsor: Kate Tennant

Problem Significance

Graduate nurses report stress and burnout as reasons for leaving their bedside nursing positions within the first year of employment. The Casey-Fink Experience Surveys are a qualitative measure utilized in a tertiary hospital in Western Pennsylvania as part of the nurse residency program for newly hired graduate nurses. In this initial survey, stress data scored above the national benchmark, with 60% of new graduates at this facility reporting high stress levels.

PICOT Question

What is The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on the “Perceived Stress” of a new Graduate Nurse in a Residency Program?

Methods

For this EBQI project, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) strategies were developed and derived from Dr. Kabat-Zinn’s formal MBSR program. Prior to the mindfulness intervention, the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and a demographic questionnaire were administered. Four mindfulness videos were provided on YouTube via an emailed link. The project lasted four weeks, with in-person meetings during weeks one and four. Participants were responsible for independently viewing the video links for weeks two and three. Following the intervention, the PSS-10 was readministered, and a brief post-intervention qualitative survey was completed.

Results

Pending

Conclusions

For sustainability, the data should provide evidence to support ongoing MBSR interventions for new graduate nurses, which would increase retention efforts and decrease turnover in this tertiary facility. Leveraging technology like YouTube can also enhance the program’s reach, accessibility, and flexibility for participants. Overall, this study’s findings may provide evidence for nursing education and administration that continued efforts should be made to support the graduate nurse.

Depression and Work Attendance/ Performance

Christina Lacock

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacquadio

This proposed study would examine the effect of depression on work attendance. This is important to understand as depression is prominent in the world and may impact individuals’ daily functioning. This study will include at least 100 participants who are currently employed. Control variables include gender and age. Participants would be instructed to complete an online survey which includes questions about depression, work attendance and demographics (gender and age). Data will be collected, analyzed and reported. It is hypothesized that a statistically significant relationship would be found between depression and work attendance.

For a 70-year-old female with hip and knee osteoarthritis, is therapeutic exercise more effective than pharmacological treatment for pain relief and joint function?

Carolina Wong Giansante

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee is a leading cause of pain and disability in older adults, requiring effective management strategies to improve joint function and quality of life. This study examines the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise compared to pharmacological treatment for pain relief and functional improvement, using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) as the primary outcome measure. Findings revealed that exercise-based interventions provide greater short-term benefits than non-exercise treatments. Baseline pain severity and physical function are key predictors of improvement, while comorbidities have minimal impact on treatment efficacy. The WOMAC has demonstrated excellent reliability, validity, and clinical relevance in assessing OA outcomes, supporting its use in both research and clinical practice. Current clinical practice guidelines strongly recommend exercise interventions tailored to patient preferences, accessibility, and affordability. Adjunct treatments, including tai chi, yoga, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and topical and oral NSAIDs, also show strong support. Kinesiotaping, acupuncture, acetaminophen, duloxetine, and tramadol are conditionally recommended based on individual patient needs. Clinicians should prioritize therapeutic exercise as a first-line treatment for hip and knee OA, considering patient-specific factors when prescribing an exercise program. Combining exercise with NSAIDs may further enhance pain relief and functional outcomes. This research underscores the importance of evidence-based, patient-centered approaches in OA management, guiding clinicians toward optimal treatment strategies that improve patient well-being and mobility.

Comparing the Efficacy of Corticosteroid Injections and Physical Therapy Versus Physical Therapy Alone in Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Management”

Brietta Patterson

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

This poster project evaluates the effectiveness of combining corticosteroid injections with physical therapy in managing chronic Achilles tendinopathy, compared to physical therapy alone. Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is a degenerative condition that leads to persistent pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility, often affecting athletes and active individuals. Effective management is crucial to improving quality of life and preventing further tendon damage.

Key findings indicate that eccentric exercise therapy is one of the most effective conservative treatments, significantly reducing pain and improving function. This approach strengthens the Achilles tendon while minimizing stress, making it a preferred, low-risk intervention. Additionally, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections have emerged as a promising treatment, particularly for severe or refractory cases, by promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation. While corticosteroid injections provide temporary pain relief, they do not facilitate long-term tendon healing and may weaken tendon structure, increasing the risk of further injury. Therefore, caution is advised when using corticosteroids as a primary treatment option. The review underscores the importance of personalized treatment plans, considering symptom severity, patient activity levels, and response to prior therapies. The VISA-A (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles) outcome measure is highlighted as a reliable and valid tool for tracking pain and functional improvements over time. Current clinical guidelines advocate for a multidisciplinary approach, integrating physical therapy with other conservative interventions such as orthotics and activity modification. A comprehensive, individualized strategy enhances patient outcomes by addressing both symptom management and long-term tendon health.

For 60 year old men with knee osteoarthritis, are strengthening exercises more effective than hyaluronic acid injections at improving functional abilities?

Noelle Narvaez

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that can lead to symptoms including pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion that can disrupt level of function in individuals it affects. An interprofessional team should work with every patient to develop the best plan of care to manage this condition, and agents such as TENS and supervised exercise can be used to manage knee osteoarthritis symptoms in the short term and long term, respectively. Based on moderate evidence, hyaluronic acid injections are not recommended for patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, neuromuscular training could be used to improve pain, function, and/or quality of life, and supervised exercise should be used to improve function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is an outcome measure with high reliability and internal and external validity that can be used to assess the functional effects of knee osteoarthritis over time.

In Pediatric Cerebral Palsy patients between the ages of 5 and 10, is gait training intervention more beneficial than medications to improve walking ability and improve gross motor function?

Rachel Flaherty

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

For children between the ages of 5 and 10 who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, there are a multidue of different options that the family can choose to help improve walking ability and gross motor function. While medication can be an easy and simple fix, there is evidence to support that promoting physical therapy that focuses on gait training intervention can be more beneficial for the patient’s gross motor development in the long run. Using the Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM) to assess the patient’s level of gross motor dysfunctions will allow clinicians to determine what gross motor interventions will be appropriate based on the progression of disease and age of the patient. Including mobility, walking speed, gross motor function goal-directed training, and patient or family goals will allow the patient to improve in their gross motor function and maintain a level of compliance during therapy sessions. These guidelines are importantly to put into physical therapy practice as it allows the client and their families feel as though they also have a step in treatment that can overall benefit the child’s gross motor function development and walking ability. It also takes into account the child’s age and the need to continue to make sure each session has salience to ensure the patient will want to continue to participate in further therapy sessions.

The Effects of Dry Needling vs. Electrical Stimulation on Patient’s with Neck Pain

Cassie Shoupe

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

The aim was to construct the best interventions for a patient with neck pain that presents in your clinic. More specifically, it compares dry needling and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) in reducing the patient’s overall pain. My research found that dry needling was more beneficial and cost-effective when compared to TENS. In this study, they utilized the visual analog scale (VAS) to measure an individual’s pain relief, where the participants ranked their pain 1-10. This outcome measure has a high level of ruling in and low level of ruling out the significant changes of pain level measured from interventions. To ensure we, as clinician and physical therapists, providing the best care, I researched the best clinical practice guidelines for a patient with neck pain. This CPG found that manual therapy, self-management advice, and exercise is an effective treatment strategy for both recent-onset and persistent neck pain. This poster seeks to communicate new findings, skills, and processes in physical therapy by providing the best plan of care for patients with neck pain. Clinical practice guidelines help guide clinicians in taking the best course of action with each patient. In this CPG, it showed the best practices involved with whiplash-associated disorders and neck pain associated disorders.

For a 23-year-old woman with patellofemoral pain syndrome, are hip strengthening exercises more effective than knee strengthening exercises for improving knee function using the LEFS?

Yousef Tamimi

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

The purpose of this research project was to address a question regarding the effectiveness of hip strengthening exercises versus knee strengthening exercises for the improvement of knee function in an individual with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The effectiveness of the exercises for knee function was assessed utilizing the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Databases were examined to find a systematic review, outcome measure study, and clinical practice guidelines to answer the question. The systematic review and clinical practice guidelines found that hip strengthening was superior to knee strengthening in treating PFPS. The clinical practice guidelines provided strong evidence that a combination of knee and hip strengthening exercises was most beneficial in treating PFPS and improving patient-reported outcomes and functional performance. Short-term outcomes and medium-term outcomes favored hip strengthening over knee strengthening for treatment of PFPS. Long term outcome comparisons were unknown. The outcome measure utilized in this project was found to be reliable, valid, and clinically meaningful in assessing PFPS. Ultimately, utilizing evidence-based practice in treatment of PFPS must supplement the clinician’s clinical experience and accommodate for the clinical presentation of the patient and their comfortability with the treatment options. This will ensure an evidence-informed approach to physical therapy intervention.

The Impact of Syphilis Education Among OB/GYN Patients

Sarah Finney

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Co-Presenters: Marinda Krofcheck, Brooke Lyons

Throughout our time at Carlow we have been encouraged to pursue our own unique journeys to excellence. This Scholars’ Day we aim to share the product of this pursuit with a presentation to reflect upon the results of the quasi-experimental study we worked to design & implement along the course of this past year. Our study was designed to explore the impact of our proposed patient education intervention amongst at risk patients, and ultimately, whether or not the educational tool could increase a patient’s willingness to undergo screening for syphilis. This project was illuminated by our shared spirit of discovery as it was designed to pursue a greater understanding of how we can best serve our at risk populations. However, it was also designed with hope that scholarly application of our findings will allow for better care for our communities in the form of both primary and secondary prevention.

UCL Injury: The Best Approach

Skylar Manning

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

For professional baseball pitchers with UCL injuries, surgical reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) is generally the most effective option for returning to pre-injury performance levels. This procedure has a high success rate, with the majority of athletes resuming competitive play and many regaining their prior level of performance. However, the recovery timeline is lengthy, often requiring 12-18 months before a full return to sport. Non-surgical interventions, including physical therapy, bracing, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, may be effective for partial UCL tears, particularly in cases where immediate high-performance demands are not required. These approaches can help restore function and reduce pain, but they are less likely to fully support the stress placed on the elbow in high-velocity throwing athletes. Additionally, some pitchers who attempt conservative management may ultimately require surgery if symptoms persist or performance declines. Clinicians should consider the severity of the tear, the athlete’s competitive level, and long-term career goals when developing a treatment plan. For high-level pitchers or those with complete UCL ruptures, surgery remains the most reliable path to full recovery and sustained performance. In contrast, non-surgical management may be a reasonable approach for lower-level athletes or those who prioritize a shorter recovery period over long-term durability. Individualized care, guided by clinical assessment and shared decision-making, is essential to optimize outcomes and ensure the athlete’s ability to safely return to play.

Lifestyle measures that have helped to combat childhood obesity

Christina DeFrances

Faculty Sponsor: Bernadette Sherman

Globally, obesity is on the rise. Children and teens often become overweight and/or obese due to poor eating habits and lack of physical activity. There are many health risks associated with childhood obesity including breathing problems, joint pain, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and type II diabetes. My research paper focuses on different strategies and techniques that can help to prevent childhood obesity/reduce the prevalence with the help of parental involvement. By reducing childhood obesity rates and improving the health of children and adolescents, it will help to improve their health status as adults and hopefully reduce the incidence of chronic health conditions in adulthood.

For a 45-year-old male post-rotator cuff repair surgery, is receiving a suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) with traditional PT more effective than receiving intraarticular corticosteroid injections with traditional PT for reducing pain and functional disability?

Jillian Richardson

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Rotator cuff injuries are common shoulder injuries that can be treated conservatively, or operatively depending on the severity and condition of the injury. Post-operatively, patients who undergo rotator cuff repair surgery are commonly treated with corticosteroid injections and traditional physical therapy. In recent studies, patients were found to benefit in both pain management and nausea relief after receiving SSNBs post-operatively, which are two major side effects following shoulder surgery that may lead to increased disability and decreased quality of life. These results are likely due to the fact that the suprascapular nerve contributes to 70% of the sensory innervations of the shoulder. The SSNB did not prove to decrease pain in non-shoulder surgeries however, which include abdominal and thoracic surgeries. Patients with different types of pains participated in studies with the VAS as the outcome measure used, including patients with acute pain, orthopedic pain, and post-operative pain following various surgeries. The VAS is highly specific in capturing self-reported pain in patients who are cognitively intact. Ultimately, current clinical practice guidelines for managing pain in patients following rotator cuff repair surgery include a multimodal approach to pain management and rehabilitation that include stretching, therapeutic exercise, strengthening exercise, non-opioid medications, and occasionally opioids to improve pain levels and functionality of patients.

For Patients with Transtibial Amputations, Does the Utilization of Soft or Rigid Dressings Increase Patient Outcomes?

Arianna Whiteman

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

This comprehensive review aimed to examine whether soft or rigid dressings for lower limb, primarily transtibial, amputees improve overall healing outcomes, including areas such as pain management, overall wound healing, and functional mobility. The research evidence is weak regarding whether one is better than the other. There is a level of uncertainty and lack of clarity in the literature on whether rigid dressing decreases wound healing time in comparison to soft dressings, whether rigid dressings increase the proportion of skin-related adverse events compared with soft dressings, and whether rigid dressings post-operatively decrease the time to walking compared with soft dressings. In conclusion, the research evidence shows that there is no benefit to using one over the other in terms of the various patient outcomes that are listed above. The option to pick one over the other will remain up to the individual preference of the surgeon/physician.

Aerobic Training and Resistance Training on Multiple Sclerosis Individuals

Josephine Karabinos

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

The aim of this review was to explore the comparative effects of both aerobic and resistance training programs on fatigue levels in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Findings consistently reveal that aerobic training is most effective for improving overall quality of life, mood, and psychological well-being, while also slightly addressing fatigue. Resistance training, meanwhile, enhances strength, balance, and mobility, indirectly contributing to fatigue reduction over time. Both approaches demonstrate clear clinical significance, with current guidelines recommending 2–3 sessions per week, carefully tailored to meet individual needs, abilities, and preferences. Tools such as the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), MSQOL-54, and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) are essential for accurately monitoring progress and effectively evaluating outcomes. This comprehensive review also underscores the importance of addressing barriers to exercise, including fatigue management, adherence, motivation, and access to necessary resources, through evidence-based strategies such as energy conservation education, goal setting, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, incorporating patient preferences and modifying intensity levels appropriately can further enhance long-term adherence and overall satisfaction. Reliability and validity assessments of the 6MWT confirm its utility for evaluating endurance in MS populations, highlighting its impressive sensitivity and specificity. These insights guide clinicians in designing personalized, evidence-based interventions to optimize outcomes and improve overall well-being.

Mental Health Professional Age and Stigma Held Against Individuals with Mental Illness

Jessica Witzleb

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacquadio

The study being proposed will investigate if the age of mental health professionals impacts the level of stigma they hold towards individuals receiving mental health treatment. This concept will be assessed using an adapted version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory (ISMI-9). The findings are hypothesized to reflect that the older the age of mental health professionals correlates with increased stigma against individuals receiving mental health treatment. These findings may imply that younger generations of mental health professionals can provide less biased care toward individuals with mental illnesses. This information could be utilized to provide training within mental health facilities to reduce stigma and lessen bias held towards the individuals receiving care.

For a 50-Year-Old Female Post-Stroke, is High Intensity Gait Training More Effective Than Standard Gait Training at Promoting Neuroplasticity as Measured by Gait Speed

Caitlin Mann

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Stroke is a leading cause of disability among adults, resulting in significant motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments. This research evaluates the effectiveness of high-intensity gait training compared to standard gait training in promoting neuroplasticity, particularly as measured by gait speed. Results indicate that high intensity gait training at specific intensities enhances lower limb function, gait efficiency, and endurance during critical periods of neuromuscular re-adaptation (first 6 months) through interventions such as high-intensity treadmill training, interval training, and strength training in addition to task-specific walking interventions. As measured through gait speed, a reliable and valid outcome measure, it strongly correlates with independence, quality of life, and outcomes of rehabilitation. Findings indicate a necessity for high intensity gait training in maximizing recovery post-stroke and its integration into rehabilitation protocols to improve functional mobility, overall health outcomes, and discharge planning. Additionally, the use of gait speed as an outcome tool strongly correlates to overall risk of mortality. This influences the relationship with neuroplasticity following stroke as faster gait speed indicates gains made in neural connections, “use it or lose it,” and overall mortality risk particularly in acute recovery. Even though it’s seen that neuroplastic changes begin to plateau after the 6-month period following stroke, high intensity treadmill training showed positive outcomes related to locomotion in chronic hemiparesis impairments.

Can Physical Therapy be more effective than localized corticosteroid injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Nigel Jarvis

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

My research examines the effectiveness of physical therapy (PT) versus corticosteroid injections in improving function and relieving pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is a common condition that can significantly impact daily activities by causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Treatment options vary, with PT focusing on exercises, manual therapy, and nerve gliding techniques to improve function, while corticosteroid injections provide anti-inflammatory effects for pain relief. Through my investigation, I found that PT offers greater long-term benefits in restoring function and preventing symptom recurrence. In contrast, corticosteroid injections are more effective for immediate pain relief, making them a preferred choice for patients seeking quick symptom management. However, the effects of injections tend to diminish over time, often requiring repeated treatments. This research has enhanced my understanding of evidence-based treatment approaches, allowing me to critically analyze the role of PT in managing musculoskeletal conditions. It has also reinforced my interest in optimizing patient care by balancing short-term symptom relief with long-term functional improvements. As I continue to advance in my career, this knowledge will guide my clinical decision-making, helping me provide comprehensive care that aligns with both patient preferences and best practice guidelines.

For adults with Parkinson’s disease experiencing gait freezing, is treadmill training with visual cues more effective than usual (traditional) treadmill in reducing the frequency and severity of freezing episodes?

Kelly Kraynick

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a common and disabling symptom of Parkinson’s disease, leading to increased fall risk and reduced mobility. This poster examines the effectiveness of treadmill training with visual cues compared to traditional treadmill training in reducing the frequency and severity of FOG. According to the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) and systematic reviews, treadmill training incorporating visual cues significantly improves gait performance, with combined visual and auditory cueing strategies yielding the greatest benefits. Improvements are primarily observed at the activity level, as measured by the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q). While short-term benefits are well-supported, variations in intervention protocols and follow-up durations limit the generalizability of long-term effects. The FOG-Q demonstrates excellent psychometric properties, including strong reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.93, ICC = 0.91) and high construct validity through correlations with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Clinically, treadmill training with visual cues should be incorporated into physical therapy treatment plans for patients with Parkinson’s disease experiencing FOG. Individualized interventions, safety precautions, and patient education are essential to optimizing outcomes. Additionally, balance training and high-intensity aerobic exercise should be considered as complementary strategies to address postural instability and improve overall mobility. By implementing evidence-based interventions, clinicians can enhance functional independence and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

For female, young adult (18-25) athletes, is surgical repair of acetabular labrum more effective than debridement of acetabular labrum for promoting pain free increases in mobility and performance with assessment using the Hip Outcome Score and other relevant outcome measures?

Cassidy Coiley

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Optimal care plans for acetabular labral tears in female athletes in the young adult range, 18-25 years old should include a comprehensive, evidence-based approach in order for optimal return to support and improvement of quality of life in recovery. Acetabular labral repair surgery is the preferred intervention for symptomatic labral tears with the goal of symptom reduction including pain, hip joint stability improvement, as well as improvement of function. After surgery, rehabilitation should utilize outcome measures like the Hip Outcome Scale (HOS), assessing the athlete in both activities of daily living (ADLs) and sports related function. Utilizing this tool allows for both objective monitoring by the provider as well as the ability to tailer rehabilitation to meet the specific weak points presented in the outcome measure. In addition to the HOS, the Hip Pain and Movement Dysfunction Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Non-Arthritic Hip Joint Pain should be utilized. This allows for the highest level of care with the provision of guidelines that are evidence-based recommendations for post-operative rehabilitation. The emphasis of this document is on progressive strengthening, neuromuscular control, and functional movement training all of which complies to help allow for the facilitation of safe return to activity for the athlete. The integration of all of these tools and guidelines ultimately helps increase the level of recovery as well as the rate of return to sport, promoting hip function and long-term joint health for the athlete.

Tissue Engineering – The Past, Present, and Future of Human Creation

Brooklyn Ober

Faculty Sponsor: Brenda Swnson-Biearman

Tissue engineering is the complex science of formulating and synthesizing tissues analogous to human tissues for the purpose of replacing or repairing innate tissues. Currently there are four major strategies for tissue engineering: stem cell engineering, 3D bioprinting, hydrogel formation, and the upcoming organ-on-a-chip technology. This science has recently been a topic of discussion as a potential route to replace donor organ transplantation as well as animal studies. Tissue engineering has also been successfully used to tailor treatments of cancer, damaged tissues, and orthopedic injuries to the individual patient and can increase positive patient outcomes. However, not every study has found that this science has been efficacious in its proposed applications. One major limitation to this field is the cost of research and the cost of synthesizing novel materials to use in engineering. Another limitation to this field is the lack of standardized research and impaired sharing of thoughts. To begin to combat the latter limitation, this study synthesizes the current advances and application of tissue engineering, as well as explore future implications of this study and how the practice of tissue engineering is projected to change the medical field in the near future.

For women aged 40-45 with pelvic organ prolapse, does pelvic floor physical therapy compared to no intervention or surgery alone improve pelvic floor function and reduce prolapse symptoms?

Talley Mia

Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth Sherman

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has emerged as a highly effective conservative intervention for managing pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition that significantly affects the quality of life in individuals, particularly women. PFMT targets the strengthening and coordination of pelvic floor muscles, which helps alleviate common POP-related symptoms, including pelvic pressure or discomfort, urinary incontinence, and bowel dysfunction. Evidence supports its efficacy in individuals with early to moderate stages of prolapse, where regular training can lead to improvements in muscle strength, endurance, and functional support of pelvic organs.

The use of validated tools to monitor treatment outcomes is crucial in guiding clinical decisions and evaluating progress. The Spanish version of the Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QoL) questionnaire has demonstrated strong assessment properties, confirming its reliability and validity for measuring quality of life changes associated with PFMT interventions. The minimal detectable change (MDC) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) have yet to be clearly established, which limits its clarity in practice. Clinical practice guidelines recommend individualized PFMT programs, often enhanced with behavioral strategies, biofeedback, or electrical stimulation, and delivered as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Regular patient-reported outcome measures ensure person-centered care, supports treatment adherence, and reinforces the role of PFMT as a cornerstone in the conservative management of POP.

The unheard voices: Qualitative insights on the lived-experiences of community reintegration for those with substance use disorder (SUD) through semi-structured interviews

Jessica Fisher

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a current health pandemic that is sweeping the globe, with the added challenge of a high relapse rate. Results from the 2021 National Survey of Drugs and Health displayed that 46.4 million individuals who are over the age of 12 were reported to have a substance use disorder (SAMHSA, 2022). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) have a unique opportunity to reduce chronic relapse rates by addressing occupational deficits that arise from the cessation of substance use. Through their expertise, OTPs can help replace substance use with more meaningful and purposeful occupations, supporting individuals in building healthier habits and routines. Currently, there is no OT practice guideline supporting the profession’s work with SUD, thus OTP’s remain under-utilized in supporting this population. (Ardoin, 2022). To address this persistent issue of chronic relapse and the scarcity of OTPs in SUD recovery programs, my capstone project proposes employing a qualitative, semi-structure interview methodology to examine the outcomes of integrating occupational therapy in an SUD recovery program. Participants completed pre- interview assessments to evaluate their current occupational participation, quality of life, and recovery outcomes. Additionally, semi-structured qualitative interview with the lead researcher were conducted. This presentation will review the outcomes of my capstone project, including the overarching themes derived from participants surveys and interviews, as well as the implications of integrating occupational therapy into SUD recovery programs.

In adult patients diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, are resistance exercises more effective than balance training exercises for postural control measured using the sit and reach test?

Sint Van Solkema

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacquadio

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impacts motor function, often leading to decreased postural control, impaired mobility, and an increased risk of falls. One of the primary contributors to these deficits is a reduction in trunk proprioception, which limits a patient’s ability to maintain an upright posture and execute necessary mobility tasks. This study aims to investigate whether resistance exercises are more effective than balance training exercises in improving postural control in adult patients with Parkinson’s disease, as measured by the sit and reach test. Resistance exercises have been shown to enhance neuromuscular function, increase muscle strength, and improve postural stability, all of which are essential for maintaining functional independence in individuals with PD. Additionally, resistance training has been associated with reduced fatigue levels and improved sleep quality, both of which contribute to better overall health and well-being. In contrast, balance training exercises primarily target static and dynamic stability but may not provide the same strength gains necessary for postural correction and functional mobility. By examining the effects of these two exercise modalities on postural control, this study seeks to determine the most effective intervention for improving trunk stability and overall functional performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The findings could have significant implications for clinical rehabilitation strategies, highlighting the importance of incorporating resistance training into individualized treatment plans for patients experiencing postural instability

Mental Health Training in a Correctional Facility

Jordan Friedman

Faculty Sponsor: Alexa Piacquadio

Access to mental health training in the correctional officer population impacts incarcerated individuals. The current study seeks to examine length of time as a correctional officer, gender, number of hours of training received, age, level of comfort at jail, and perception of stigma towards inmates. It is hypothesized that lesser hours of training received will be related to higher perceptions of stigma towards inmates. To test this hypothesis, an online survey will be administered to correctional officers.

Understanding Cushing Syndrome

Abdualrahman Musa

Faculty Sponsor: Brenda Swanson-Biearman

Cushing syndrome (CS) is a disorder characterized by prolonged exposure to excess cortisol, leading to metabolic, endocrine, and psychological complications. It can be caused by exogenous factors, primarily glucocorticoid use, or endogenous factors, including pituitary adenomas (Cushing disease), adrenal tumors, and ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors. CS is often associated with obesity, hypertension, muscle weakness, and psychiatric disturbances. It is of note that early diagnosis is critical for reducing long-term morbidity and mortality, which can include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and infections. Diagnosis involves a multidisciplinary approach utilizing biochemical tests, imaging, and clinical assessment. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying etiology, ranging from surgical interventions to pharmacologic therapies. Albeit successful treatment improves survival, long-term monitoring is essential due to persistent risks, particularly cardiovascular and metabolic complications. This review outlines the clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and long-term outcomes of CS, highlighting the importance of early recognition and comprehensive care.

The Physical and Mental Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy

Amber Clites

Faculty Sponsor: Renee Ingel

ACOG recommends that pregnant women should participate in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. The current dilemma is that less than 25% of pregnant women are meeting these guidelines. A factor contributing to this problem is that healthcare providers lack providing education to pregnant women regarding. The aim of the project is to determine if nurse practitioner delivered education on exercise would influence participation in a recommended exercise program across six weeks. The project took place at an obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic. The inclusion criteria for participation included pregnant women ages 18 to 40, in any stage of pregnancy, with no medical pregnancy complications or contraindications to exercise during pregnancy as determined by their obstetrician and cleared by their obstetrician to participate in the study. A convenience sample was recruited over 2 weeks by this principal investigator during routine office visits. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: a control group who receives standard care or an intervention group who receives education. The standard care group continued with care as usual by their provider. The intervention group was provided verbal education regarding exercise benefits. In addition, they were expected to complete 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. Participants from both groups completed a pre- and post-study survey. Participants in the intervention group also completed weekly surveys. The post-study surveys were compared to determine if there was a difference among groups. The study is ongoing. Results and conclusions are pending upon completion of the data analysis.

Supporting caregivers: An educational approach to increase competence and decrease burden in dementia care settings.

Karlee Noel

Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth Sherman

As I am preparing to graduate in May of this year, I am completing my doctoral capstone project at a residential care facility to implement educational practices for employees, specifically nurses and nursing aides, on the importance of person-centered care for residents with dementia. The educational pieces provided to the caregivers involved with the project have been created by myself, the student, with research findings from up-to-date scholarly articles. I chose to pursue this topic for my capstone project because the geriatric population is one that suffers from a lack of personalized care practices, especially when diagnosed with an incurable, life-altering disease. Through the practice of occupational therapy, it is within the scope of practice to educate necessary individuals on caring for others in a variety of settings among different populations. The importance of this research is increasingly growing, as current research identifies that adequate knowledge in this topic leads to lower levels of caregiver burden and better QOC for residents with dementia (Resciniti et al., 2020). Throughout my time at the care setting, I can attest that this research has been highly relevant to informing my doctoral capstone experience and allowed me to support nursing staff in meeting person-centered QOC standards for residents with dementia.

For young adults with chronic ankle instability, is it better to introduce them to external support rather than only rehabilitation?

Jenna Holloway

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Individuals with chronic ankle instability should be using both external supports and doing rehabilitation exercises at physical therapy. With the higher risk of re-injury with chronic ankle instability, we want to give the ankle as much support as possible. Utilizing patient-reported outcome measures, ROM, and assessing the ankle edema. Using bracing and balance training to help reduce the injury. Use of external support should be based on the severity of the injury and the patient preference. For an ankle injury that is a minor injury, utilizing rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the ankle joint would be the best idea, specifically using the kinesiotaping and kinesobands. Elastic orthoses, textured insoles, and kinesoiotaping have been found to be beneficial for improving postural stability compared to other external

bracing. Elastic orthoses and textured orthoses are most beneficial for more severe ankle injuries where the ankle is continuously weak and needs more support. The Y-balance test is a reliable and valid outcome measure to help determine the risk of injury in the lower extremity along with assessing the postural control of the individual. It should be to compare the individual’s strength, balance, and stability in the ankle joint in three different directions. By getting those measurements at the beginning of the study and after the rehabilitation exercises, we will be able to take those differences and see the improvements. Specifically, improvements in the distance reached with each direction.

Swallowing Wellness Clinic

Shannon Moran

Faculty Sponsor: Jacqueline Gartner – Schmidt

Co-Presenters: Audrey McFall, Merril Neiderhiser,Isabella Cordray

Our presentation for Scholar’s Day will introduce the Carlow University community to the Swallowing Wellness Clinic at Carlow’s SLP pro-bono clinic. Welcome to our vision -the clinic will be dedicated to addressing age-related swallowing difficulties known as presbyphagia (age-related swallowing changes), which impact up to 68% of older adults.

Our clinic aims to educate people about the signs and symptoms of typical age-related swallowing and identify changes that may indicate a medical diagnosis of dysphagia (swallowing disorder). Our initiative seeks to lead the way in proactive screening, evidence-based interventions, and patient-centered care, focusing on improving swallowing function and overall quality of life for older adults. The clinic’s core framework includes three key pillars: early detection through holistic screening, evidence-based therapy programs, and prevention-focused education. Proactive screening using tools like the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) help identify swallowing impairments early, even when symptoms are not noticeably apparent. Evidence-based therapy tailored to each patient, incorporating exercises and strategies to enhance swallowing safety. Most importantly, the clinic emphasizes prevention-focused education on the signs and symptoms of presbyphagia. By leveraging the latest research and therapeutic interventions, the Swallowing Wellness Clinic at Carlow’s pro-bono SLP clinic aims to provide an impactful difference in the lives of countless elderly individuals, ensuring that eating remains a safe, enjoyable, and socially enriching experience throughout aging. Through early detection, targeted interventions, and comprehensive education, we aim to set a new standard in swallowing wellness.

Autism-Spectrum Disorder and Gender Diversity: An Examination of Voice Therapy through an Intersectional Lens

Makenzie Miller

Faculty Sponsor: Jacqueline Gartner – Schmidt

Co-Presenters: Marissa Avadanian, Abby Batkhan, Sarah Kastelic, Makenzie Miller

Speech-language pathology continues to adapt to the needs of several growing populations, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gender diversity, particularly within the context of gender-affirming voice therapy. Research suggests a higher prevalence of ASD among transgender and gender-diverse individuals compared to the general population. ASD presents unique cognitive, social, and motor learning differences that impact traditional voice therapy approaches. Therefore, it is a requisite for all practicing speech-language pathologists to acknowledge the intersection between these populations, learn how they impact each other in clinical practice, and tailor intervention strategies. This includes Conversation Training Therapy and Resonant Voice Therapy, to accommodate and benefit individuals in this intersection who are seeking gender-affirming voice therapy. There is a lack of consensus and research within the adult ASD population regarding differences in motor learning, specifically explicit versus implicit, and the implications for the efficacy of therapeutic approaches for patients with ASD. Future research should investigate tailored therapeutic frameworks, optimizing intervention strategies to support both the ASD population and gender-diverse individuals in achieving their communication goals. Understanding the intersection of ASD and gender diversity is crucial in developing neuroaffirming clinical practices that respect the unique needs of this population.

Antibiotic Stewardship for Urinary Tract Infections in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Tephanie Fissella

Faculty Sponsor: Kate Tennant

Antibiotic stewardship (AS) in long term care facilities focusing on urinary tract infections has been shown to impact patient outcomes positively. The objective of this evidence-based quality improvement project was to evaluate whether the education and implementation of the AHRQ toolkit’s “”Four Moments of Decision Making”” would enhance the appropriate use of antibiotics for UTIs in a skilled nursing facility. PICOT question: Does provider-led education on antibiotic stewardship and the implementation of the AHRQ toolkit decrease the overuse use of antibiotics for urinary tract infections over a six-week period in a skilled nursing facility?

The AHRQ toolkit, four moments of decision-making, was introduced in a 50-bed skilled nursing facility in Western Pennsylvania. The chi-square test revealed statistical significance with a p-value of 0.04, indicating that the AHRQ toolkit significantly improved antibiotic prescribing practices for UTIs. Six weeks before the introduction of the AHRQ toolkit, antibiotics were ordered 7 times and 3 of the 7 did not meet AHRQ standards for treatment. Six weeks post-introduction, antibiotics were ordered 8 times and all 8 met AHRQ standards for treatment.

Clinical significance was substantiated with staff reporting an increased understanding of AS. The AHRQ toolkit will be implemented into practice. The tool was reliable and valid for this sample size however, it will need to be tested again in a larger sample. Sustainability will be covered by the infection preventionist of the building, continuing education on AS, and incorporating the tool into their policies and procedures as it refers to AS.

Antibiotic Stewardship for Urinary Tract Infections in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Nurse Practitioners mandatory continuing education to increase evidence based practice implementation

Courtney Proie

Faculty Sponsor: Bernadette Sherman

Evidence-based practice (EBP) and improved outcomes have been well documented. In addition, the overall outcomes of Nurse Practitioner (NP) provided care have been well documented with outcomes equal to and, in some cases, superior to that of physicians. However, there is data to show that there are difficulties applying EBP into care. The possibility of combining new EPB recommendations with CME may lead to higher rates of implementation of EBP. This paper explores the currently literature related to NP outcomes, implementation of EBP, continued mandatory education (CME), and possibilities for further incorporation CME requirements to ensure the most recent EBP recommendations are being disseminated for clinical practice.

Gender-affirming care for adolescents in the primary care setting

Rachael Davis

Faculty Sponsor: Alison Bauer

Gender-affirming care is a medically necessary standard of care for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth. With long wait times in specialized gender clinics, primary care providers (PCPs) are tasked with considering providing some gender-affirming interventions in the primary care setting. This article describes gender-affirming treatment options and appropriate evidence-based interventions that are suitable for the primary care setting, including counseling, support, risk assessment, timely referral, guidance in social affirmation, menstrual suppression, monitoring for adverse effects of hormone therapy, and collaboration with specialized clinics. PCPs have an obligation to provide this standard care for TGD youth to improve health disparities.

Providing Children and Adolescents a User-Friendly Approach to Manage Mental Health Symptom

Trey Constable

Faculty Sponsor: Enrique Mu

Co-Presenter: Christina Smith

This initiative seeks to introduce a structured, evidence-based Mental Health Coping Toolkit into Pittsburgh Mercy Behavioral Health’s partial hospitalization program, empowering children and adolescents to take an active role in managing their mental health symptoms. The toolkit is designed to complement professional treatment by providing patients with accessible, developmentally appropriate coping strategies that reinforce therapy goals. This change represents a shift in Pittsburgh Mercy Behavioral Health’s approach to mental health care—moving from a solely clinician-driven model to an integrated system where patients build self-regulation skills alongside therapeutic interventions. The goal is to institutionalize this method as a core component of patient care, ensuring that all youth leaving the program are equipped with tangible coping strategies that reduce emotional crises and prevent hospital readmissions.

ACL Injury and Reconstruction Techniques: Current Practices and Emerging Innovations

Kassidy Miller

Faculty Sponsor: Brenda Swanson-Biearman

This thesis explores current and emerging techniques in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, focusing on graft choices and advancements aimed at improving recovery and reducing re-injury rates. While bone-patella-tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts remain the gold standard for athletes, alternatives like hamstring tendon (HT) and quadriceps tendon (QT) autografts show promise but face challenges such as higher failure rates and limited clinical data. Allografts are easier to size but have higher failure rates and longer recovery times. Emerging methods, including collagen-based membranes, periosteal augmentation, and robotic-assisted surgery, offer potential improvements in graft integration and surgical precision. Additionally, biologically enhanced grafts, decellularized allografts, and modulating macrophage activity may play key roles in optimizing healing and reducing graft failure. The integration of personalized treatment strategies, advanced rehabilitation protocols, and collaborative research will be crucial for advancing ACL reconstruction outcomes in the future.

Do Individuals Tend to Agree or Disagree with their Mental Health Diagnosis?

Rachael Davis

Faculty Sponsor: Jennifer Roth

Objective: To gain vital information into the question of whether individuals agree with or disagree with their mental health diagnosis from a professional provider. Methods: Non-experimental cross-sectional, anonymous online survey with non-probability, convenience sampling. Participants were at least 18 years old and have a mental health diagnosis from a professional provider. Utilized the DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure – Adult measure and questions regarding a participant’s level of agreeance to their specific diagnosis. It also investigated differences in levels of agreeance between PCPs and other types of professional providers. Results: As age increases, the score on the DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure – Adult decreases significantly (p = <0.001). On average: responses were variable, but most participants were likely to agree with their given diagnosis overall; the highest level of agreeance was for Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; the lowest level of agreeance was for Borderline Personality Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; participants diagnosed with BPD had the highest rate of reported symptoms on the DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Measure – Adult; participants reported the highest level of agreeance for their given diagnosis when received from a PCP. Implications: Speculatory reasoning for results: symptoms could be getting better over an individual’s lifespan; more symptoms could indicate multiple possible diagnoses; individuals may be more inclined to agree with their PCP’s diagnosis due to PCP’s need to rely on self-reported symptoms; individual’s relationship with their professional provider have greater influence on their level of agreeance.

For a 25-year-old cross country runner with Achilles tendinitis, is eccentric exercise better than other forms of exercise for reducing pain and improving function?

Connor Riisen

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

The purpose of this research was to discover new knowledge regarding what type of exercise is most beneficial for physical therapists to provide when treating patients with Achilles tendinopathy. A systematic review that was found showed that eccentric exercise was better than other forms of exercise, such as concentric, light training, heavy slow resistance, electrotherapy, vibration training, and a rest control group. The outcomes for this study were assessed via the VISA-A questionnaire, which measures treatment outcomes in physically active individuals who have Achilles tendinopathy, by looking at pain, functional status, and ability to perform sport activities. This outcome measure has been shown to be a reliable and valid for pain and functional disability in this population. Additionally, the updated 2024 CPG on mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy recommended that exercise loads should be as high as tolerated by the patient and be completed at least 3 times per a week, based on strong evidence (A) from level 1 studies. The CPG also support the use of eccentric exercises as a “first-line treatment” when creating plan of cares for Achilles tendinopathy. This information found can be used by physical therapists to help select the frequency, intensity, and type of exercise to provide for this patient population.

Implementing Virtual Reality as Non-Pharmacologic Strategy for Post-Operative Pain Control

Caitlyn Zimmerman

Faculty Sponsor: Amy Bernhardt

Co-Presenter: Kaleigh Flavin

Our project explores the implementation of virtual reality (vr) as a non-pharmacological pain management method for post-operative patients to reduce perceived pain levels and enhance patient satisfaction

Shock/Sepsis in ICU and abdominal transplant units

Josephine Kobak

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Huber & Dr. Clancy

Co-presenters: Francesca Beighley

Shock presents a critical challenge in both ICU and abdominal transplant units, often exacerbated by the complexity of patient conditions. In the ICU, shock can result from hypovolemia, cardiogenic failure, sepsis, or obstruction, each requiring prompt intervention to restore tissue perfusion and prevent organ failure. For abdominal transplant patients, shock typically arises from blood loss during surgery, infections, graft rejection, or abdominal complications like bleeding or compartment syndrome. These patients are particularly vulnerable due to immunosuppressive therapy, the risk of organ rejection, and postoperative recovery. Early recognition and targeted interventions are essential in managing shock and preventing further complications. The aim of this project is to identify and analyze trends related to sepsis development in ICU and postoperative transplant patients over a 12-month period. By reviewing clinical data, we seek to establish early signs and symptoms of sepsis, focusing on vital signs, laboratory results, and patient demographics. The goal is to reduce sepsis-related morbidity by 15% and mortality by 10% by implementing targeted interventions, including updated monitoring protocols, staff education, and preventive measures. Progress will be evaluated quarterly to assess the effectiveness of these interventions. Understanding the specific trends, risk factors, and clinical indicators of sepsis will empower healthcare providers to adopt proactive measures, improving patient safety and care. This project aligns with the QSEN competency of safety, aiming to enhance early detection and prevention, ultimately reducing sepsis-related harm in ICU and postoperative transplant patients.

Development of an occupation-based program: Enhancing community access to meaningful activities for survivors of human trafficking

Mikenzie Hiler

Faculty Sponsor: Blythe Westendorf

Human trafficking survivors have complex biopsychosocial needs and supportive intervention methods to meet their needs are limited. Survivors are often excluded from research efforts investigating healthcare services’ efficacy. Occupational therapists are uniquely suited to support overcoming the present gaps in research and care. This doctoral project will advocate for occupational therapy’s role with survivors of human trafficking, examine current recommendations for services, and create an occupation-based program. A thorough literature review and series of interviews with experienced mental health or occupational therapy practitioners support the content of the occupation-based program. Findings suggest that trauma-informed care methods and skills in cultural competency strengthen interventions to meet the survivors’ needs. An educational program designed for those who provide community-based interventions to human trafficking survivors can support bridging research and direct services.

The Effects of Education Intervention on Patient Knowledge and Confidence on Constipation Management

Katrina Kudla

Faculty Sponsor: Alison Bauer

Co-Presenters: Laziz Mardonov, Madison Zappi

Although constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition in the United States, when left unmanaged, it can lead to poor symptom management and diminished quality of life. Many patients rely on over- the- counter (OTC) medications to treat their symptoms; however, prolonged use of laxatives without consulting a healthcare provider can lead to laxative misuse and worsening of symptoms. This study aimed to examine patients’ experience with constipation, as well as assess the effects education had on patient knowledge on management and confidence. A pretest-posttest design was used to assess the effect of constipation education on patients’ knowledge and confidence in symptom management. Participants completed a survey on their experiences with constipation management, followed by a pretest on OTC medication knowledge. The intervention used was an education presentation addressing constipation causes, management, and the use of OTC laxatives. Patient knowledge was then reassessed with a posttest. Pre-intervention data revealed that 67% of participants had never discussed constipation management with their provider and had not received prior education. Survey results also reported that over 40% of patients use two laxatives for symptom relief regularly. Post-intervention data revealed 76% of participants had improved test scores, as well as 82% reporting more confidence after education. Constipation education had improved patient knowledge and confidence in managing constipation symptoms, signifying the need for routine provider education.

Better Sleep Better Outcomes

Knowsley Tyler

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Huber & Dr. Clancy

Co-Presenters: Sean Roesener

This poster offers a condensed view and information on the benefits of healthy sleeping habits. There are many different sleep quality forms such as “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index” (PSQI) and the RU-SATED scale. These forms help a physical therapist grade the different sleep habits of the patient. Sleep is the period of time when the body recovers and resets for the next day.¹ A person who is having sleeping problems or a lack of sleep may suffer from other health problems.

Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring the Occurrence, Risk Factors, and Advancing Treatment Modalities

David Paul

Faculty Sponsor: Blythe Westendorf

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that deteriorates an individual’s ability to maintain motor and mental function. PD, as understood today, is an age-related illness that is diagnosed solely based on history and clinical presentation. The World Health Organization has projected that in 2040, neurodegenerative disorders will become the second leading cause of death globally. These neurodegenerative disorders include diseases such as PD and Alzheimer’s. As of this time, nearly one million individuals within the U.S. live with PD and research estimates that by the year 2050, nearly 25.2 million people globally will have developed PD. With advancements in research, there have been an increase in biomarkers that may point to future diagnostic methods for preventing or initiating treatment earlier into disease progression. The purpose behind this literature review is to highlight background knowledge about PD, prevalence, variants, risk factors, diagnosis, current and upcoming advancements in treatment.

Building Nest

Valerie Herrero

Faculty Sponsor: Sarah Zeffiro

Building Nests is a multilayered investigation into educational ecosystems. In this research I have extended the work of my Creative Inquiry which used scholarly research and personal narrative to imagine a future of learning through the design and merging of school and community spaces. In my current work I have pursued two interconnected pathways through which I have sought further understanding about designing learning spaces that foster meaningful connections and creative, curious, and purposeful learning. One pathway focuses on research and data collected by serving as a volunteer coordinator for educational organizations in Mckees Rocks, PA. Additionally, I have conducted ethnographic research while facilitating learning experiences in classrooms, drop-in afterschool programs, and community education centers in various locations in Pittsburgh and Mckees Rocks. The second pathway focuses on organizing and displaying my research, data, and findings through the creation of visual art. In the process of creating mixed-media nests, I have utilized artmaking as a process of study, documentation, and meaning making. The paths will merge in a culminating exhibit. The exhibit will use gained insight and scholarship to showcase the work being done in communities like McKees Rocks, examine the ways community and traditional education spaces are designed, contribute to relevant conversations in teaching and learning, and to imagine a future that looks at learning spaces as metaphorical nests where purpose meets function with careful attention.

In adults with osteoarthritis, how does aquatic therapy compare to land-based exercise in improving pain, functional, mobility, and quality of life?

Tyler Chrise

Faculty Sponsor: Kunal Bhanot

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that leads to pain stiffness, and reduced mobility. Exercise is a key component of OA management, with both aquatic therapy and land-based exercise offering therapeutic benefits. This review compares the effectiveness of these two approaches in improving pain relief, joint function, and overall quality of life in patients with OA. Aquatic therapy, performed in a buoyant environment, reduced joint loading and impact, making it ideal for patients with severe pain or mobility limitations. The hydrostatic pressure and resistance provided by water can enhance muscle strength, improve joint range of motion, and reduce swelling. Studies suggest that aquatic therapy leads to short-term pain relief and functional improvements, particularly in the elderly and those with severe OA. Land-based exercise, including strength training, stretching, and aerobic activities, remains the standard approach for OA management. Weight-bearing exercises help maintain bone density, improve muscle support around joints, and enhance overall mobility. While land-based exercise may pose initial challenges due to joint discomfort, long-term adherence has been associated with greater functional gains and sustained pain reduction compared to aquatic therapy. Both therapies have demonstrated benefits, but the choice depends on patient preferences, severity of OA, and physical capabilities. A combined approach may offer the most comprehensive benefits by integrating the low-impact advantages of aquatic therapy with the muscle-strengthening effects of land-based exercise to optimize outcomes for OA patients.

Toward engagement and equity in digital mental health: Exploring the effect of individual characteristics and digital determinants of health on tool preferences

Nicole Currivan

Faculty Sponsor: Joshua Bernstein

Digital mental health interventions are revolutionizing healthcare. They promise to improve access to care in a world where supply cannot meet demand. However, the promise of digital health is only met if end users feel motivated to start and continue with treatment. Too often user feedback is left out of multidisciplinary efforts to create digital tools. When user-centered design is lacking, engagement and equity can suffer. This study describes recent advances in frameworks for user acceptance and engagement using a social justice and health equity lens. It aims to support the development of these theories by examining how user characteristics and digital determinants of health can influence user preferences in the features and design of digital mental health tools. Survey data will be collected from a representative sample of the US population including marginalized groups. Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling will be used to assess how user characteristics predict tool preferences. These results will support further development of existing frameworks for digital intervention design and use.

The relationship with OB/GYN and its impact on the experience of adverse birth outcomes

Lexus Griffin

Faculty Sponsor: Adrienne Ingram-Boslau

This dissertation investigates the impact of the relationship with one’s physician on traumatic birth experiences. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, this study serves as an opportunity to demonstrate the objective prevalence of birth trauma as well as illuminate the subjective experiences that are attributed to a traumatic birth experience. Simultaneously, the study will explore how the connection and perceived levels of support with one’s physician can serve as a protective factor or contribute to feelings of traumatization. Moreover, these findings will inform healthcare professionals on their practices moving forward to care for women and their families.

STOP AND WATCH (SAW): Early Detection and Prevention of Nursing Home Transfers

Lea Ochs

Faculty Sponsor: Kathleen Tennant

Problem Significance Adults 65 years and older residing in nursing homes are among the most ill, with nearly 80% having two or more complex chronic medical conditions. Over 50% of hospital admissions are from long-term and skilled nursing facilities (CMS, 2023), and many are avoidable. Hospital expenditures grew to over $1.3 billion in 2021; this age group accounted for 37% of all spending. EBP Question What is the effect of the education and implementation of the INTERACT quality improvement program and early intervention using the STOP AND WATCH (SAW) tool on the hospital transfer rate in nursing homes compared to no educational intervention or use of tools? Methods The study was educated on and used the SAW tool to identify early symptoms of acute illness and the effects of early intervention in nursing home patients to prevent hospital transfers over 10 weeks. Paper copies of the tool were displayed throughout the facility, and hospital transfers were tracked via the electronic health record. Results Over 10 weeks, staff initiated 76 SAW tools, reducing hospitalizations from 60 to 28 compared to the previous year. Data analysis is pending. Conclusion With education on and consistent use of the SAW, the tool effectively reduced hospital transfers and became standard practice in this 108-bed nursing home. Thus, the findings may be applicable to other nursing homes with high transfer rates.

“Providing Children and Adolescents a User-Friendly Approach to Manage Mental Health Symptoms

Trey Constable

Faculty Sponsor: Enrique Mu

Co-Presenters: Christina Smith

This initiative seeks to introduce a structured, evidence-based Mental Health Coping Toolkit into Pittsburgh Mercy Behavioral Health’s partial hospitalization program, empowering children and adolescents to take an active role in managing their mental health symptoms. The toolkit is designed to complement professional treatment by providing patients with accessible, developmentally appropriate coping strategies that reinforce therapy goals. This change represents a shift in Pittsburgh Mercy Behavioral Health’s approach to mental health care—moving from a solely clinician-driven model to an integrated system where patients build self-regulation skills alongside therapeutic interventions. The goal is to institutionalize this method as a core component of patient care, ensuring that all youth leaving the program are equipped with tangible coping strategies that reduce emotional crises and prevent hospital readmissions.

Ways to Improve Sleep Health/Hygiene

Olivia Geisler

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Kaur

Co-Presenters: Pablo Lazo

According to betterhealth sleep hygiene is “behaviors and environmental factors that can be adjusted to help you have a good night’s sleep” (1). The reason sleep is important is because it allows the body to recover, retain information, immune system health, manage stress, and brain function.

Insecure Attachment Style and the Risk of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Victimization

Cambyl Schry

Faculty Sponsor: Tina Krolikowski

The present study aimed to gain insight into the relationship between insecure attachment styles and intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) victimization, specifically among the vulnerable college-aged demographic. Given the gravity that attachment theory holds in interpersonal relationships, this research sought to determine whether specific attachment styles contribute to the likelihood of experiencing IPSV. Quantitative data was gathered through a demographic questionnaire, which included information on experiences of IPSV victimization, and the Collins and Read (1990) Adult Attachment Scale. The Chi-square Test of Independence was then applied to determine the nature of the relationship between attachment styles and the experience of IPSV.

Empowering Choices: Enhancing Nutrition Label Confidence Through Education in Medically Underserved Communities

Katherine Fenster

Co-Presenters: Ashley Dupre, Hannah Marze, Alyssa Yagulli

Our research analyzes the nutrition literacy of adult patients in a medically underserved community in Beaver County. This research also explores the importance of nutrition label literacy, the factors influencing consumer understanding, and potential interventions to improve label comprehension. Research shows that nutrition education, particularly around understanding food labels, can effectively improve dietary choices. Despite regularly using food labels, many people lack the confidence to interpret them correctly and confidently, highlighting the need for targeted education. The goal of this research is to discover how the methodology of education can increase food label knowledge confidence to foster healthier eating behaviors and reduce diet-related health risks. Our research found that overall, participants reported that they felt more confident after interacting with our educational pamphlet, laying the foundation for future studies and highlighting education needs in underserved communities.

The Center for Immigrant Transition

Hannah Alajlouni

Faculty Sponsor: Bernadette Sherman

Immigrants face significant mental health challenges pre- and post-migration, including anxiety, PTSD, and social isolation. Research indicates that these difficulties stem from experiences such as political violence, sexual assault, and language barriers (Chu et al., 2013; Jacquez et al., 2024; Ornelas, 2021). Despite the growing need for mental health support, accessible services tailored to immigrant populations remain limited. This study explores the potential benefits of establishing more immigrant transition centers that integrate evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. A true experimental pretest-posttest control design will assess the effectiveness of structured mental health programs in reducing psychological distress and improving social wellness. Outcome measures will include the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Social Well-Being Scale. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving culturally adapted mental health services or a control group. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and confidentiality will be prioritized (ACA, 2014). Findings from this study could support the expansion of immigrant-focused mental health programs and inform funding for culturally responsive interventions. The establishment of centers like the Center for Immigrant Transition—designed to provide trauma-informed care, language support, and social integration services—could play a crucial role in addressing these needs. By offering specialized support, such centers may help immigrants navigate mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being.

Impact of Preoperative Hair Removal on Surgical Site Infection Rates

Hayley DaCanal

Faculty Sponsor: Ann Spence

Surgical site infections (SSIs) occur in 2.1%-7% of cases and are a leading cause of postoperative complications. Research indicates that improper surgical hair clipping can increase SSI risk. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) recommends clipping hair outside the operating room using clippers to reduce microbial contamination. However, practice variations persist, elevating SSI risk. This quality improvement project aimed to standardize the preoperative hair-clipping process by implementing an evidence-based protocol. The intervention involved educating preoperative nurses and developing a Preoperative Hair Clipping Checklist incorporating Cardinal Health clipper instructions for use and AORN’s Patient Skin Antisepsis guideline. A Level II trauma center used a pre/post-intervention design. Baseline SSI rates were collected, and preoperative nurses were educated on proper clipping techniques. Compliance with the standardized protocol was monitored, and postoperative infection rates were compared. Compliance was lower than expected, with only 13% of patients clipped per protocol. The main barrier was the absence of hair removal orders in preoperative order sets. No SSI occurred in patients clipped preoperatively (n=20), while two infections were observed in those clipped intraoperatively (n=113), though statistical significance was not reached (χ² = 0.35, p = 0.55). Standardizing preoperative hair clipping improves adherence to best practices and may reduce SSIs. This initiative underscores the role of nursing education and protocol standardization in infection prevention.

Parenting Styles, Parent-Teen Conflict, and Parental Stress in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Stephen Taylor

Faculty Sponsor: Tina Krolikowski

The relationship between parents and their children may guide their children to develop into well-adjusted teenagers, and subsequently, adults. The parent-teen dynamic faces challenges on a day-to-day basis given the biopsychosocial changes that occur within the adolescent, especially when puberty begins. Adolescence naturally presents challenges for the parent-teen relationship because emotions are heightened, stress increases, and the desire for teenage autonomy can result in a parent-teen power struggle. Mental health diagnoses such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may complicate the parent-teen dynamic given the way it interferes with executive function skills. Parenting styles are the forces that guide the parent-teen relationship, which can either support the dynamic or exacerbate the issues within. Given the ways in which parenting styles can influence parent-teen conflict and the externalizing behaviors and psychological adjustment of youth, the present study aimed to understand how parenting styles may impact parent-teen conflict and parental stress when the teenager has ADHD. Parents of teenagers with ADHD and parents of teenagers without a mental health diagnosis were recruited to complete a survey that focused on parenting styles, parent-teen conflict, and parental stress. The survey included informed consent, demographic items, and three questionnaires: the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ; Robinson et al. 2001), the Conflict Behavior Questionnaire – 20 (CBQ-20; Robin & Foster, 1989), and the Parental Stress Scale (PSS; Berry & Jones, 1995). The present study is currently in the data analysis stage.

Effects of Burnout in Corrections Officers

Ashley DiNicola

Faculty Sponsor: Adrienne Ingram-Boslau

Co-Presenters: Isabella Williams, Kailah Hinkle, Allyson Scuilli, Bradley Wallace, and Kennedy McGinnis

Occupational burnout is an exhaustive state that is the result of prolonged, excessive, and unsustainable stress found in the workplace. One could argue that most professions, if not all, contribute to an individual’s emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing, especially in the long term. Given the high-stress nature and inherent emotion and physical labors of the profession, individuals working in corrections face a considerable risk of suffering from severe workplace burnout and occupational stress. Occupational burnout, in previous research, has shown mixed to moderate support for obstructing an individual’s quality of life and professional efficacy. The authors of the present study intend to systematically review the influence and effects of burnout on cognitive attributions in corrections officers by reviewing existing literature and employ a qualitative analysis into the proposed hypothesis: Corrections Officers (COs) who report higher levels of burnout will be more likely to make negative attributions about inmates behaviors. The present research currently consists of a literature review with in depth explorations into the phenomena of occupational stress and working conditions, resulting impacts of burnout on corrections officers’ mental and physical health, and burnout’s effects on cognition. The authors’ intentions are to help fill in the gaps in literature concerned with how cognitive processes are impaired in correctional settings due to increasing levels of occupational burnout and workplace fatigue.

Using Predictive Analytics to Identify High-Risk Membership by Health Insurers

Courtney Hodgson

Faculty Sponsor: Enrique Mu

Co-Presenters: Kimberly Wise

Using Predictive Analytics to Identify High-Risk Membership by Health Insurers is revolutionizing care delivery by enabling earlier identification of high-risk members determined to benefit from clinical and disease management programs. Historically reliant on delayed analyses of medical claims, insurers now leverage advanced models to assess and manage risk dynamically. By analyzing historical data, including past claims, patient demographics, and provider information, predictive analytics unveil patterns that forecast future outcomes. This innovative approach combines defined risk scores, established predictive models, and “if-then” business rules to optimize resource allocation and tailor interventions to members’ unique needs. Predictive modeling equips insurers to implement proactive strategies that not only reduce utilization and contain costs but also enhance the quality of care for their members.

How can appropriate support systems be implemented to facilitate the successful reintegration of survivors of sex trafficking following incarceration?

Shannon White

How can appropriate support systems be implemented to facilitate the successful reintegration of survivors of sex trafficking following incarceration? Sex trafficking remains a ubiquitous and ever-increasing global issue. The long-lasting traumatic impact on survivors is multifaceted and poses extensive physical and mental health challenges. The dearth of therapeutic understanding regarding this complex topic heightens the need to investigate the implementation of appropriate support systems for survivors seeking to reintegrate into society following their incarceration. Accordingly, the expertise of mental health professionals and researchers is needed to ensure improved treatment outcomes for survivors upon their release from incarceration. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to explore these aforementioned systems and processes via face-to-face, one-on-one interviews with 5-7 mental health providers with at least a master’s degree in a mental health-related field. The findings will be explored following a qualitative, survey-based research approach. Common thematic patterns will be identified, coded, and interpreted via a qualitative thematic analysis procedure.

Frameworks: Building Community for the Teaching Artist

Meaghan Welch

Faculty Sponsor: Sarah Zeffiro

Frameworks: Community for the Teaching Artist is an initiative I aim to continue to develop that will create meaningful artistic exploration for artists and educators through hands-on workshops and reflective group discussions. Grounded in scholarly research, the first planned workshop was foe Carlow’s EC 315 Steam Lab and Makerspace class featuring an experience where students will integrate Social Emotional Learning with mixed-media art making to support stress relief, emotional regulation, and collaboration. This project builds upon the ideas explored in my Carlow Creative Inquiry thesis, with the goal of establishing a sustainable support network for artists while also focusing on my own personal art-making journey of mindfulness, self-discovery, and professional-skill building. My goal is that the Frameworks experience can empower educators to feel more confident in themselves and their art both in and beyond the classroom. Ideally, I believe that every child should walk into an art classroom that feels like a positive learning environment. However, there is an inherent paradox: to effectively support others, we must first support ourselves. I believe that to nurture students, educators must also nurture their own well-being. Through this artist residency, I set out to apply the insights from my research in a personal and practical way. My goal was to create opportunities where educators could build a community through art making, so I could see if such an experience could be meaningful, beneficial, and an effective tool for combating burnout and stress.

Implementing Art Room Routines for Students with ASD

Meaghan Welch

Faculty Sponsor: Sarah Zeffiro

For my Action Research Project, I worked with three 9th grade students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who were all new to the building and had been struggling in a choice-based high school art room. The classroom was designed with an open choice of six different lessons. The choice-based learning environment worked well for learners who enjoyed having the freedom of multiple options to choose from, but these three students were encountering difficulties. A lack of structure and no method put into place to reinforce classroom routines lead to reoccurring undesirable behaviors that affected their learning. Two antecedent strategies stood out that worked well together: organizing a breakdown of routines and lessons into simple basic steps with visual support and establishing an IF/THEN method for straightforward expectations and incentive. I worked with my cooperating teacher to create three binders with the classroom routine on the front, a folder inside to safely store their projects, and lessons broken down into three chunks with three steps each. Additionally, I utilized IF/THEN sheets that I could write on with a dry erase marker. To increase incentive, their instructions everyday were “IF I work for 10 minutes THEN I get free choice time.” Over three weeks, with the assistance of my team, I delved deeper into the question of whether implementing a structured routine can positively benefit the learning experience of students with autism in an art classroom.

Optimizing Hospital Costs: Data Entry Outsourcing

Carissa Snedden

Faculty Sponsor: Enrique Mu

Co-Presenters: Adam Majsak, Lisa McDonaldson, Theresa Ozeck

Hospitals today are facing significant challenges in maintaining acceptable operating margins due to the drastic shifts brought on by the pandemic. Rising cost of medical supplies, difficulty in staff retention, and an increasing demand for higher wages by medical personnel are contributing to rising operating costs. This study investigates the decision-making process for a hospital aiming to reduce overhead costs and maximize resource utilization by evaluating alternatives for its data entry functions. The primary decision at hand is whether the hospital should outsource data entry jobs or maintain in-house staffing. Key criteria for this decision are considered and include cost efficiency, operational efficiency, scalability, and data accuracy and security, with particular emphasis on the critical importance of maintaining high standards of data integrity due to the sensitive nature of medical records and compliance with HIPAA regulations. The paper employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model to apply a weighted scoring method to evaluate the alternatives, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors. The analysis reveals that while outsourcing offers significant advantages in cost savings and scalability, maintaining in-house staffing ensures better control over data accuracy and security, essential for patient care and hospital operations. Additionally, a hybrid model is explored as a potential solution to leverage the benefits while mitigating the associated risks of both approaches.

Faculty Presentations

Warm handoffs and cold fumbles: How one primary care practice recognizes and responds to late life suicide risk

Elizabeth Zimmerman-Clayton

Suicide in late life (65 and older) is on the rise, yet this tragedy is not well understood and most people who die by suicide have had contact with primary care in the year before their death. Only about half of primary care physicians report screening most or all of their patients for suicide. Considering barriers like time and resources, the collaborative care model is needed to better respond to this issue in primary care settings. Past research of late-life suicide risk practices in primary care settings has been isolated by discipline. Adding an interprofessional perspective to the research, a qualitative, exploratory case study was conducted in fall 2023 in a single U.S. primary care health center that practices collaborative and integrated behavioral healthcare. Findings revealed that staff value connection with each other and patients as a tool for suicide prevention, and missed connection brings subsequent challenges.

Preparing Oncology Patients for Surgery: A Prehab Pilot Program

Megan Rodriguez

Only 7% of oncology patients complete enough low-impact exercise despite long-term benefit. Prehabilitation is a method to build functional status before major stressors, such as surgery. To improve patient recovery, a nurse practitioner developed a prehabilitation pilot program at a busy surgical center focusing on providing physical therapy exercises to oncologic patients before major abdominal surgery. This project delineates the creation, implementation, assessment of benefits, and improvement measures of the pilot program in detail, which resulted in a 59.93% increase in participants’ functional status (N = 6).

Congenital Cytomegalovirus: Knowledge, Practices and Beliefs Among Nursing

Ruth Foreman

Abstract

•Background: Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a common intrauterine infection, affecting 1 in 200 live birth. It can lead to serious complications, including sensorineural hearing loss, neurodevelopmental delays, and cerebral palsy. Despite its high prevalence and severe outcomes cCMV is often under recognized by both healthcare professionals and the general public.

•Purpose: This study examines nurses’ knowledge, beliefs, and practices in maternal-fetal and neonatal health in U.S. states where cytomegalovirus (cCMV) screening is not standardized. Currently, 32 states lack standardized cCMV screening.

•Theoretical Framework:

•Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,000 nurses affiliated with the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) in states that do not have standardized screening for cCMV. Out of those, 215 eligible participants responded anonymously. Their responses were analyzed to assess knowledge scores and beliefs regarding cCMV. Participants were incentivized with a $10 gift card for their participation. Data analysis was evaluated using ANOVA and Spearman rho correlation.

•Results: Nurses’ knowledge of congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) was limited, with an average score of 3.39 out of 10. Only 31.6% of respondents could accurately identify the prevalence of cCMV, and awareness of critical symptoms varied significantly among them. While 64% recognized low birth weight as a potential indicator, only 25.6% identified elevated liver enzymes. Additionally, awareness of the risks associated with asymptomatic cCMV was low; less than half of the respondents (47.9%) correctly acknowledged the potential for delayed-onset hearing loss.

Conclusions and Implications: The survey results reveal that nurses have significant knowledge gaps regarding cCMV. It is important to recognize its prevalence, clinical symptoms, and potential long-term effects on infants. Identifying these knowledge gaps is essential to ensure that nurses can effectively participate in identifying and managing cCMV, ultimately leading to better outcomes for affected children. Early detection and intervention are vital in managing cCMV. There is a need for improved educational efforts and training programs to enhance nurses’ knowledge of this common yet often overlooked condition.

Mindfulness for Modern Life: Cultivating Clarity in Chaos Theme: External Complexity Requires Inner Clarity

Timothy Steinhauer

External complexity requires inner clarity. In an era of rapid technological change, societal unrest, and artificial intelligence reshaping how we live and work, cultivating inner clarity is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. As external complexity grows, so does the need for intentional practices that anchor us in presence, compassion, and well-being.

Mindfulness for Modern Life: Cultivating Clarity in Chaos is a mindfulness-based, interactive session rooted in neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and the lived experience of leadership. Drawing on years of personal mindfulness practice and extensive experience presenting in educational and professional settings, this session offers practical, research-informed strategies that can be easily woven into daily life.

These practices support the cultivation of peace, the discovery of purpose, and the development of personal power. Together, these qualities help us thrive in a world filled with external complexity. Participants will explore how mindfulness creates the inner conditions needed to lead with clarity, resilience, and compassion.

Special Segment:

As we navigate a world flooded with digital demands and artificial intelligence, mindfulness becomes a vital tool for cultivating discernment and presence. This session will briefly explore what mindfulness can teach us about engaging with AI and digital overload, from managing distractions to maintaining a strong sense of agency.

Participants will leave with a personalized mindfulness toolkit for sustainable well-being and leadership in complex environments. This session is ideal for students, educators, leaders, and professionals seeking grounded, actionable ways to thrive amidst the noise of modern life.

Service Learning in Honduras: An Allied Health Adventure

Allegra Cornaglia

Co-Presenters: Blythe Westendorf, Kathryn Abebe, Karina Krygowski, Emma Cornell, Alyssa Griffo, Kelly Kraynick, Noelle Narvaez, Taylor Newton, Sophia Reinke, Isabelle Robarge, Mia Talley

This presentation explores the transformative impact of a service-learning trip to Honduras, where a multidisciplinary team of allied health practitioners collaborated with local educators and students at a school for children with disabilities. The initiative served as a real-world application of interprofessional education (IPE), fostering collaborative practice and enhancing educational and therapeutic outcomes. The trip centered on Escuelita Nazareth, a school dedicated to serving children with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and learning challenges. Participants engaged in classroom activities, therapy sessions, and teacher training, employing an interdisciplinary approach to address the complex needs of students. This collaboration emphasized shared learning, mutual respect, and the integration of diverse professional expertise to improve student outcomes. By working alongside Honduran educators, the team provided tailored interventions and modeled inclusive teaching strategies that could be sustained locally. The experience highlighted the critical role of IPE in preparing healthcare professionals for collaborative practice. Participants from various disciplines—including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and physical therapy—learned from and with each other while addressing real-world challenges. This approach not only enhanced their understanding of roles and responsibilities but also fostered effective communication and teamwork in delivering holistic care. The trip underscored the potential of interprofessional collaboration to bridge resource gaps in underserved communities. It also demonstrated how culturally responsive practices can empower educators and students alike. This presentation will share key insights, challenges, and recommendations for integrating IPE into global service-learning initiatives to promote inclusive education and health equity.

The Melody Project: An ELA/STEAM Interdisciplinary Project Inspired by Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Taryn Brown

This 4th grade project based learning activity requires students to use the engineering design process and work with students who think differently from themselves, all while using empathy and character analysis to drive their design thinking. This is the second year of this interdisciplinary collaboration between STEAM and 4th grade English Language Arts. Students designed a prototype for Melody Brooks, the protagonist of Out of My Mind by Sharon T. Draper, by exploring the engineering design process and working with a group of 6 students to demonstrate their empathy, literary comprehension, and character analysis in a project-based learning experience. Throughout the process, they explored AI, how to give constructive feedback, empathy mapping, the engineering design process, biomimicry, and over concepts. The intention of this project was to enhance learning through an interdisciplinary model, which reflects how students will use many different skills and work with people from various disciplines throughout their careers as students and professionals. For this reason, groups were created using data from RIASEC scores.

Exploring Student Leadership Possibilities: Specialized Ambassadors in TRiO SSS

Emily Jonas

Student retention in higher education has been widely linked to student involvement in campus activities, with research consistently showing that increased engagement enhances academic persistence and overall success (Kuh, 2013; Terenzini & Reason, 2016). However, the rising prevalence of mental health challenges among undergraduate students, particularly those in the traditional college age group, has made it increasingly difficult to motivate participation in extracurricular activities (Eisenberg et al., 2013). In response to these challenges, programs like specialized student ambassador initiatives have been effective in both fostering leadership and increasing participation in campus events (Williams et al., 2018). Following this model, the current project seeks to implement a similar student leadership structure within the TRIO Student Support Services program at Carlow University. This initiative will recruit five TRIO students, each of whom will choose a specialization related to their personal identity (e.g., healthcare major, online learner, athlete). Ambassadors will be responsible for managing communication channels (such as GroupMe or Discord) for students with similar identities and will host at least one related event per semester. The effectiveness of this program will be assessed using both qualitative interviews with ambassadors before and after the semester, as well as quantitative analysis of student participation rates. The study aims to contribute to the growing body of literature exploring the impact of peer-led programs on student engagement and retention, especially among students with specialized needs (Seidman, 2014; Rios-Aguilar et al., 2015).

Overcoming Social Polarization: An Exploration Of Deliberative Democracy, Communication Ethics, And Post-Truth America

Jessica Neu

This book joins deliberative democracy and Ronald C. Arnett’s scholarship on communication ethics into conversation with one another. By connecting the communication ethics model as defined by Arnett with the theory of deliberative democracy, this book will show how we can develop of a model of dialogic civility rooted in understanding and common ground, thereby uniting people with differing ideologies. The examples I highlight throughout this work serve as pieces that do not overly accentuate a specific niche or ism, but instead they represent a platform whereby individuals can enter a space between polarities in which a self-reflexive moment can occur. It is within this space that both progressives and conservatives can recognize that they are part of the problem currently plaguing the present moment and preventing societal unification that is grounded in a common center. As such, this work provides a sense of how to engage in conversation that recognizes and hears the Other in a way that makes all stakeholders uncomfortable. From this discomfort comes growth as individuals do not necessarily need to completely alter their ideologies, morals or values to both hear and understand someone with opposing views. In other words, identity politics and alternative facts can lead to challenging, but constructive conversation without vitriol and blatant disregard for the Other. Therefore, it is hoped that this work will make a profound contribution to the integration of communication ethics and pragmatic frameworks of dialogic civility in both theory and practice.