Health and Human Services News

Innovative research

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The McQueary College of Health and Human Services hosted the 27th Annual Student Research Symposium on April 27th, 2023.  

It was an exciting time for students and faculty mentors to showcase their scholarly work.  

There were 76 research posters and 1 student organization spotlight presented by students from both undergraduate and graduate programs across the college. Eight of the 11 departments and schools were represented. 

“Thanks to the rest of the MCHHS Student Research Symposium committee, staff, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work planning for the 2023 Research Symposium. It was a wonderful symposium that had engaging poster presentations, great conversations, energy, and of course, we cannot forget all of the delicious refreshments and desserts provided,” said Dr. Wafaa Kaf, professor of audiology. 

“I can attest to the significance of the experience that students gain in both their personal and professional lives by presenting. I was happy to witness future potential scholars in the making from various fields of study. Students, make sure you save the date for the 2024 Research Symposium!” 

Advocating for social workers

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The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Missouri Chapter recently appointed Missouri State University social work graduate student Jess Harman to its board of directors.

Harman, who’s from Topeka, Kansas, will join the board as its Master of Social Work Student Chair member. Her appointment begins July 1, 2023.

“There’s only one position available for the entire state of Missouri,” Harman said. “In the field of social work, it’s a notable position to hold.”

About the NASW Missouri Chapter

The chapter was founded in 1975 and is currently the largest professional association of social workers in the state, with over 1,400 members.

The nonprofit professional membership organization is specifically for degreed social workers and students matriculating through Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited schools who collaborate to fulfill the National Association of Social Workers’ National Board’s mission at the local level.

Celebrating student success

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To celebrate the hard work and dedication of students this past year, the MCHHS departments will host several end of year celebrations.

“In a fast-paced world, it is important to slow down and appreciate major accomplishment – to savor the moment,” said Dr. Mark Smith, MCHHS dean.

“That is why the MCHHS white coat, pinning, and celebration ceremonies for our students are crucial. They afford us the opportunity to celebrate those that trusted MSU with important life and career decisions.”

Event details

Events are open to graduates’ friends and families.

School of Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner Celebration, May 15, 6-8 p.m., Kentwood Hall

School of Nursing Pinning, May 18, 2-4 p.m., John Goodman Amphitheatre

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Celebration, May 18, 5-7 p.m., Metropolitan Grille

RN to BSN Completion Celebration, May 19, 11-1 p.m., O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Atrium

Public Health and Sports Medicine

Public Health and Sports Medicine Awards Ceremony, May 18, 5-6 p.m., O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences 100

MAT and MSAT Awards Ceremony, May 19, immediately following commencement, Kampeter Hall 160

Health Services Awards Ceremony, May 19, immediately following commencement, McQueary Hall

Biomedical Sciences

Graduation Banquet, May 18, 5:30 p.m., The Old Glass Place

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Doctorate of Audiology White Coat Ceremony, May 6, 1-3 p.m., Carrington Hall 208

School of Social Work

BSW and MSW Completion Celebration, May 19, 10:30-12:30 p.m., PSU Union Club

Psychology

Psychology and Gerontology Honors Reception, May 4, 5-7:30 p.m., PSU Theater

Innovating hands-on learning

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Investing in resources to give students hands-on learning opportunities is a top priority for MCHHS.

One of the resources is the Simulation (SIM) Lab located in O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center.

The SIM Lab is a controlled hospital environment with real machines and mannequins used to simulate a real-life health care experience.

“The main purpose of the SIM Lab is to give students going into health care professions a chance to interact with the health care environment before they are thrown into their profession,” said Alexis Curran, MCHHS simulation coordinator.

“We create a scenario where it may be something they will see in the hospital. This will help prepare them for patient care.”

How the lab operates

Students use the SIM lab starting in their junior year. Faculty members monitor and control the lab.

The lab has a control room. Faculty and lab techs will sit inside and observe. They’ll also control the mannequin and the cameras.

“The lab uses a recording system so students can watch in a different room and help critique each other.”

The lab has several hospital rooms to replicate different scenarios. They include:

  • Medical surgery room.
  • Clinical room.
  • Intensive care unit (ICU).
  • Maternity room.
  • Pediatric room.

Continuing to evolve

To give students more real-life scenarios, the SIM Lab continues to be upgraded and used in different situations.

“Last fall, we also started using simulated patients (SPs), which are human actors who take on a patient profile to make the scenario seem more realistic,” Curran said.

“Our students don’t perform skills like catheters or NG tubes on our SPs, but they have been a great asset for helping our students learn communication skills, and students have reacted positively to working with a live person.”

The goal for the future of the lab is to have departments within the college collaborate to give students more diverse experiences that are as realistic to the patient care setting as possible.

Learn more about MCHHS resources