In TCU’s Mary Couts Burnett Library, Harris College students gathered to showcase their research prowess at the annual Student Research Conference. This event, a beacon of academic excellence, not only celebrated the scholarly achievements of budding researchers but also showcased the limitless frontiers of the health sciences.
The conference welcomed students from various disciplines within the college, each presentation embodying a unique narrative, woven with meticulous research and fervent dedication.
One notable aspect of the conference was the diverse range of research topics explored. Over 51 presentations highlighted the multifaceted environment of health care research. Students delved into areas such as health care disparities, patient care innovations and the integration of technology to enhance health care behavior, among others.
Students engaged in lively discussions, exchanging insights and perspectives that enriched their understanding of the complex challenges facing health care today. Faculty mentors, renowned for their expertise, provided invaluable guidance, nurturing the intellectual growth of the student researchers.
As the conference came to a close, accolades were awarded to students who exemplified academic excellence and Harris College’s commitment to innovative health care practices for the betterment of society. Among the winners were:
As the conference came to a close, accolades were awarded to students who exemplified academic excellence and Harris College’s commitment to innovative health care practices for the betterment of society. Among the winners were:
Best Undergraduate Honors Boller Research Presentation
Isabel Van Vleet, whose study on “Longitudinal Study of Lexical-Semantic Organization as Measured by Repeated Word Association in Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing” offered novel insights into how children with cochlear implants and hearing aids grow in their word knowledge from ages four to seven.
Best Undergraduate Research Poster
Jane Thorton and Mary Jones, whose study on “Exploring the Impact of Unstructured Play in Finnish Schools: A Case Study on BIA and Hair Cortisol Levels” offered novel insights into the health and stress levels fo children who received 75-90 minutes of recess daily.
Best Master’s Level Research Poster
Sarah Hudson, whose study on “Predictors of Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts Among Adolescents” offered novel insights into patterns and factors that predict suicidal thoughts in adolescents.
Best Doctoral Level Research Poster
Sarah Junkersfeld, whose study on “Impacts of Virtual Reality and Exercise” offered novel insights into how virtual reality affects and enhances the experience of exercise.
Boller Presentation Awards
First place, and invited to represent us at the upcoming university presentation: Isabel Van Vleet, "Longitudinal Study of Lexical-Semantic Organization as Measured by Repeated Word Association in Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing," Communication Sciences and Disorders | Mentor: Emily Lund, Ph.D.
Runner up: Ellie Jackson, "The Impact of Exergaming Competitions on Affective Performance Variables," Kinesiology | Mentor: Robyn Trocchio, Ph.D.
Posters
Undergraduate First Place: Jane Thorton and Mary Jones, "Exploring the Impact of Unstructured Play in Finnish Schools: A Case Study on BIA and Hair Cortisol Levels," Kinesiology | Mentor: Debbie Rhea, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Second Place: Brooke Johnson, "Derivational Morphology in First Grade Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Communication Sciences and Disorders | Mentor: Emily Lund, Ph.D.
Master’s Level Studies
First Place: Sarah Hudson, "Predictors of Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts Among Adolescents," Social Work | Mentor: Nada Elias-Lambert, Ph.D.
Second Place: Paige Stokes, "Safe Sex Education Versus Abstinence-Only Education," Social Work | Mentor: Tee Tyler, Ph.D.
Doctoral Level Studies
First Place: Sarah Junkersfeld, "Impacts of Virtual Reality and Exercise, Kinesiology | Mentor: Robyn Trocchio, Ph.D.
Second Place: Courtney Trevino, "Comparing Two Vocabulary Interventions for Children who Speak Using AAC," Communication Sciences and Disorders | Mentor: Emily Lund, Ph.D.
The university-level Three-Minute Thesis Competition took place that evening, and Harris College had two winners:
Riley Carter | Second Place and People’s Choice Award
Jessica Mattingly | Third Place
As the leaders of tomorrow's health care landscape, these student researchers are poised to make a lasting impact, shaping health care innovation for generations to come.