Health and Human Services News

Highlights from the 28th Annual Student Research Symposium

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Thanks to the McQueary College of Health and Human Services’ 28th Annual Student Research Symposium, students and their faculty mentors got to present their scholarly work. 

The symposium on April 26, 2024, featured 69 abstracts showcasing contributions from both undergraduate and graduate students across the college. Some examples of project topics included motivation in sports, the coach-athlete relationship and body image. 

This year, there were activities, such as a selfie stand for pictures and a drawing for swag bags, resulting in 17 lucky winners receiving their prizes after the event.  

“I’m thankful for the student research symposium, which gave all 18 graduate students in my KIN 785 Psychology of Sport course a chance to present their research,” said Dr. Keith McShan, assistant professor of kinesiology. “For many of these students, it was their first time in a group research project. I felt like a proud father watching my students go from the data collection process and analysis, to presenting their results.” 

“The symposium was a great bonding experience for my graduate students and all participating MCHHS students.” 

Learn more about MCHHS

Showcasing May awards for the 2023-2024 school year

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McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) is home to many brilliant and hardworking staff and faculty. This May, we recognize a few who went above and beyond to grow in their roles.  

Their dedication not only advances their personal and professional growth, but significantly enhances the quality of education and service within the college. These individuals exemplify the values and mission of MCHHS, setting a high standard for their peers. 

Faculty/staff nominated awards 

  • BEAR-illiant Researcher Award: Dr. Wafaa Kaf 
  • Teamwork Trailblazers Award: Interprofessional Education (IPE) Collaboration 

MCHHS Inclusive Excellence Challenge Champions 

Student nominated awards 

  • Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor: 

MCHHS recognition – Dean’s awards 

  • The Unsung Heroes: MCHHS Custodial Staff 
  • Academic Partnership: 

Professorships 

  • Roy D. Blunt Life Science Professorship: 

Xie, a recipient of the Roy D. Blunt Life Science Professorship, is spearheading a four-year research project titled “Cultivate Children’s Wellbeing through Dual-Component Intervention.”  

This project aims to address developmental delays among children aged 3-5 from low-income families in Springfield. By focusing on enhancing social-emotional and fundamental motor skills, the initiative seeks to promote lifelong resilience and well-being through a preventive and sustainable approach. 

“Well-being is a critical life outcome everyone strives for. Adversity and challenges are inevitable in life, which requires us to be resilient and positive,” said Xie, assistant professor of kinesiology.  

“However, resilience and well-being don’t come naturally; they need to be learned and developed over time. MSU has numerous disciplines that can contribute meaningfully to our community. This research-based initiative has great potential to improve children’s development.” 

Commitment to excellence 

These awards highlight the exceptional work of the MCHHS community at Missouri State University. Congratulations to all award recipients! 

Learn more about MCHHS

Honoring promotions within MCHHS 

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We are pleased to honor faculty and staff in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) who earned tenure and/or a promotion this year! This is an accomplishment that reflects a sustained commitment to their work.   

Congratulations to all! 

Learn more about MCHHS

Empowering student researchers

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Mark your calendars and get ready to learn. The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) is gearing up for its 28th Annual Student Research Symposium. 

Scheduled for 3-5 p.m. April 26 in the Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom, this event promises to be a showcase of scholarly excellence from our students. The symposium will feature innovative projects of both graduate and undergraduate students in the college. 

Promoting scholarly endeavors 

The symposium serves as a platform for students to present projects they have diligently researched over the past year. From groundbreaking discoveries to insightful analyses, the symposium will reveal the diverse research endeavors taken by students across various programs.  

Guidelines for presentations 

Participating students can kickstart their journey by submitting abstracts starting Feb. 12 through Qualtrics. With a submission deadline of March 18, students are encouraged to craft concise abstracts, adhering to a 1,250-character limit.  

For those opting to present their research through posters, attention to detail is vital. Posters must fit within a 4’ x 6’ space on a poster board, with the standard size recommended at 56” x 42”.  

To assist students in creating posters, templates and tutorials are available on the MCHHS RStats page. These resources elevate the visual storytelling aspect of student research. 

Bringing ideas to life 

To ensure student posters receive the attention they deserve, the MCHHS technology office (KMPT 440) offers printing services. Students can submit their posters for printing through the MCHHS poster printing request form.  

It is crucial to adhere to the submission deadline, as posters submitted after 5 p.m. April 17 may not be guaranteed for printing. Once ready, students will be notified to collect their printed posters from the technology office. 

Celebrating academic ingenuity 

The 28th Annual MCHHS Student Research Symposium is more than just an event; it is a celebration of academic ingenuity and scholarly pursuit.  

As students prepare to showcase their research, the symposium stands as a testament to the college’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation. So mark your calendars, submit your abstracts and join us in applauding the next generation of research trailblazers at the symposium. 

Learn more about the research symposium