Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Health Sciences showcased and recognized nearly 50 student research projects representing more than 100 students during its 8th annual Scholars Day on April 12. The day included awards presented to students and alumni and a keynote address from an EKU alum. The event was held in conjunction with EKU’s Scholars Week.
“For many of our students, this is their first time submitting a peer-reviewed abstract and presenting their research in a professional setting,” said Dr. Michael Ballard, interim associate dean of the college. “As a result of the confidence gained by our students through CHS Scholars Day, many of them go on to submit and present their research at other state or national level discipline-specific conferences. CHS Scholars Day is truly a day to celebrate the accomplishments of our exemplary students and faculty mentors.”
Each department within the college recognized outstanding student research projects.
Gemma Saylor’s project, “Ellers Danlows Syndrome: Diagnosing a Rare Disease,” received the Outstanding Undergraduate project for the Department of Environmental Health Science & Medical Laboratory Science. Saylor was mentored by Professor Melissa Wyatt.
Julian Morgan’s project, “The Impact of Economic Ecosystems in Analyzing African Nations Sports Success,” was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate project for the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. Morgan was mentored by Dr. Joel Cormier.
Caitlyn Brooks’ project, “Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Individuals With and Without Children,” was named the Outstanding Undergraduate project for the Department of Health Promotion and Administration. Brooks was mentored by Dr. Heather Tudor.
Peyton Brock’s project, “Patient-Provider Communication Analysis in Madison County, Ky.,” was named the Outstanding Graduate project for the Department of Health Promotion and Administration. Brock was mentored by Dr. Molly McKinney.
“The Benefits of Tai Chi on the Older Population,” a project from students Mary Wilson, Lauren Steely and Kierstin Haas, was named the Outstanding Undergraduate project for the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Dr. Cindy Hayden served as the faculty mentor for this student project.
“Uncovering One’s Occupational Identity: Touching the Good Within,” a project from students Shelby Reynolds, Erin Fifield, Heidi Everett, Jaelyn Ross, Mason Richardson, Rebecca Stemler, Samantha Kolb, Shelby McWilliams and Zach Storms, was named the Outstanding Graduate project for the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. Dr. Camille Skubik-Peplaski and Rene Causey-Upton served as the faculty mentors for this project.
Chelsea Creech’s project, “The Importance and Efficacy of Leave No Trace on Public Lands,” was named the Outstanding Undergraduate project for the Department of Recreation and Park Administration. Dr. Brian Clark served as the faculty mentor for this project.
Lauren Seaman’s project, “Too Old for the Outdoors? Think Again! A comprehensive look at recreation participation and impacts among senior adults,” was named the Outstanding Graduate project for the Department of Recreation and Park Administration. Dr. Brian Clark served as the faculty mentor for this project.
Avery Carpenter and Daniel Watts of the School of Nursing received Outstanding Undergraduate honors for their project, “Mindfulness and Meditation: Treating Anxiety in College Students.” Dr. Melanie Adams-Johnson served as the pair’s faculty mentor.
Allyn Miller-James and Kenneth Catchpole, Ph.D. of the School of Nursing received Outstanding Graduate honors for their project, “Increasing the Completion Accuracy of the EPIC Peri-Operative Events Module.” Dr. Molly Bradsaw served as the pair’s faculty mentor.
Three student projects were selected as overall category winners.
Ariell Monroe, from the Department of Recreation and Park Administration, received top honors in the Discipline/Application category for the project, “How Recreation Therapy Increases Play and Inclusion for Children with Disabilities.” Dr. Michelle Gerken served as project mentor.
Chase Barnes, graduate student from the Department of Public Health, received top honors in the Traditional Research category for the project, “The COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of Mental Health Effects Associated with Health Care Workers.” Dr. Laurie Larkin served as project mentor.
Shelby Reynolds, Erin Fifield, Heidi Everett, Jaelyn Ross, Mason Richardson, Rebecca Stemler, Samantha Kolb, Shelby McWilliams and Zach Storms, graduate students from the Department of Occupational Therapy, received top honors in the Case Study category for their project, “Uncovering One’s Occupational Identity: Touching the Good Within.” Dr. Camille Skubik-Peplaski and Renee Causey-Upton served as faculty mentors for the project.
Two alumni were recognized with awards for their professional endeavors.
Dr. Mendy Blair, vice president and chief nursing officer at Baptist Health Richmond received the CHS Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is given annually to an individual who has achieved distinction in their professional or personal field of endeavor. Blair is a two-time EKU alumnus and has 37 years of progressive and exemplary experience in the field of nursing.
Nicholas Sexton, project director for the Costco Dedicated Team at Liberty Mutual Insurance, Risk Control Services in Phoenix, Arizona, received the CHS Emerging Leader Award. This award is given annually to an alum from the last decade who demonstrates innovation and leadership for the purpose of advancing health, wellness and human services.
Keynote speaker for the day was Rich Mattingly, 2021 EKU Distinguished Alumni, EKU Foundation Board Member, and long-time advocate and adviser to non-profit organizations. He spoke on the topics of mental health and resiliency.