Health and Human Services News

Archives for December 2023

Spreading their wings

by

The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) is proud to announce that 135 students were hooded, pinned or received a white coat within a department or school ceremony for the fall 2023 semester. 

“These ceremonies are crucial in offering the space to celebrate MSU students who have worked hard to excel,” said MCHHS Dean Dr. Mark Smith. 

Students who were hooded or pinned will be graduating, while those who received a white coat will progress to clinical placements. 

Occupational therapy (OT) 

Twenty-five Master of OT students were hooded. 

Nursing 

Forty-five Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were pinned. 

Communication sciences and disorders 

Thirty-two speech-language pathology students were pinned. 

Physician assistant studies (PAS) 

Thirty-three PAS students received white coats. 

Unveiling the latest research at the MOABA conference 

by

Missouri State University students and faculty attended the annual Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis (MOABA) conference on Nov. 9-10 in St. Louis. 

Speakers were invited from all over the country to present at the conference on topics ranging from services for autistic learners to time and nutrition management. 

Dr. Jordan Belisle, president of MOABA and associate professor for the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, began his term as the organization’s president with the goal of expanding its scope and outreach to underserved communities.  

The Institute for Dynamic Behavior Science 

A total of 10 student posters were accepted to the conference from MSU by students in the Institute for Dynamic Behavior Science (IDBS).  

Belisle and Dana Paliliunas co-founded IDBS; it includes students from the Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BAT) program and the new Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program.  

Posters presented at the conference 

A mix of BAT students, PsyD students and undergraduate student researchers from the undergraduate lab (BEAR Lab) participated in the research presented at the conference. 

“MOABA challenged my thoughts about the behavior analysis field. It helped me consider how I want to grow in behavior analysis and what contributions I hope to make as a professional,” said Katelyn Frahm, a first-year graduate student in the BAT program.  

“I loved seeing all the students and professionals come together for the common goal of serving others.” 

Poster topics included: 

  • Language and cognitive training for autistic children, presented by Frahm. 
  • Laboratory research on human cognition and behavior, presented by Amanda Middleton. 
  • Supporting unhoused people in the community, presented by Bentley Elliot. 
  • Willingness to engage with international students on campus. 
  • Values-based skills training for adults with disabilities. 

Four doctorate-level researchers who were also conference speakers judged the competition independently.

“All student presenters represented the institute and the department exceptionally well,” Belisle said. Attendees were incredibly enthusiastic about this work and its impact on the field of ABA and communities served.” 

Explore the school of mental health and behavioral sciences

Shaping future nurses with the Mid-America Transplant Scholarship

by

The Mid-America Transplant (MAT) Scholarship funds 10 nursing students annually with $1,000 each. Beyond financial aid, the scholarship’s mission is to spread awareness about organ donation and transplantation.  

According to Dr. Kathryn Patterson, director of the School of Nursing at Missouri State University, the focus is on educating nursing students about organ donation. 

“It’s about introducing students to a specialized field within nursing, making them realize the significance of organ donation,” Patterson said.  

A transformative experience 

The scholarship extends beyond textbooks and lectures, offering an immersive tour of the Mid-America Transplant facility in St. Louis.  

“The tour opened our eyes to the intricacies of organ procurement and the advancements in medical technology,” Patterson said. “It was an educational encounter that gave the students’ perspective on this domain of nursing.” 

The tour showcased the facility’s comprehensive setup, from the operational rooms and laboratories to the protocols and equipment.  

“The experience wasn’t just about seeing the facility,” Patterson said. “It was about witnessing the empathy of the staff, the respect for donors and their families and the cutting-edge technology driving this life-saving mission.” 

Scholarship information 

The Mid-America Transplant Scholarship stands as a testament to the transformative power of educational initiatives.  

By blending financial support with hands-on experiences, the scholarship not only helps students, but also shapes their understanding of the profound impact nurses can have in the world of organ donation and transplantation.  

Nursing students interested in applying must submit an essay. It must include:   

  • A discussion of organ donation.  
  • The role nurses play in the organ donor process, including the impact of grief on donor families.   
  • The role MAT plays in southwest Missouri communities.   

Learn more about the School of Nursing 

MCHHS graduate gets ready to do big things

by

Abby Grisham is eagerly awaiting her graduation from Missouri State University this fall. 

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise and movement science, she reflects on her enriching experiences on campus and is excited about her upcoming role as an exercise physiologist at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Grisham’s involvement on campus 

Grisham has been actively involved in various campus organizations, especially the Pre-PA Society and the Exercise Science Society.  

She’s grateful for the positive influence these groups had on her and the supportive networks they provided during her time as a student. 

Cherished academic moments 

In her academic journey, Grisham expresses admiration for professors like Dr. Stacy Goddard and Dr. Ryan Gordon.  

“I’m excited for my future endeavors, but the support and care from professors like Dr. Goddard and Dr. Gordon have been so valuable, not just academically, but personally too,” Grisham said. 

Grisham notes that their influence has been pivotal in shaping her career aspirations and even inspired her to contemplate pursuing a master’s in exercise physiology. 

Classes like KIN569 (health appraisal and exercise testing techniques) and KIN465 (exercise prescription: strength and conditioning) impacted her profoundly. These courses not only fueled her passion for the field, but also directly prepared her for her new job at Saint Luke’s Hospital. 

Stepping into the professional realm 

Grisham who’s from Urbana, Missouri is thrilled to be joining the St. Luke’s team.  

Some of her responsibilities in the cardiovascular imaging lab will include helping with stress testing, EKG (electrocardiogram) interpretation and echo procedures.  

Grisham attributes her confidence during the interview process to the extensive preparation she received from her professors. 

Missouri State’s impact 

Expressing a deep attachment to MSU, she credits the institution for providing essential resources, supportive faculty and fostering lasting friendships.  

While she looks forward to the next phase of her journey, she’ll miss her friends, professors and the vibrant atmosphere at Missouri State. 

Although saying goodbye is bittersweet, she remains grateful for the personal and professional growth that MSU provided. 

“I love Missouri State and I’m really sad to leave,” Grisham said. “I feel like I’ve grown so much here, both as a person and a health care provider.” 

Learn more about exercise and movement science