Nov. 30, 2020
Season of Giving: Shoneia Jones
Nov. 3, 2020 This story is part of the School of Health Professions’ ‘Season of Giving’ series in which we highlight scholarship recipients who are driven by giving back – to their patients and clients, and to their communities. Thanks to the generosity of scholarship donors, recipients are not only able to focus on their education, but also enrich their communities through their passion and their work. It’s a cycle of generosity that just keeps giving. Shoneia Jones, an Occupational Therapy student from Chicago, received the Janet and John Farmer Endowment to Advance the School of Health…
Nov. 18, 2020
MU research project to study COVID-19 immunity
Scientists conducting an interdisciplinary research project at the University of Missouri are taking blood draws of MU students, faculty and staff who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 to examine their antibody levels over a period of time. The project is designed to better understand how the human body’s immune system responds to COVID-19 post-infection. “We have learned a lot about this disease over the past several months, but there is more that needs to be understood – for instance, how do different members of the population – particularly the younger, college-age demographic who are relatively highly socially active, develop immunity to…
Nov. 11, 2020
Detecting Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms arise
MU researcher develops procedures to help identify early signs of cognitive decline Both of Andrew Kiselica’s grandfathers developed dementia when he was in graduate school. As Kiselica was going through neuropsychology training in graduate school, he saw his mother’s father become unable to walk or speak due to severe dementia. The University of Missouri researcher said that personal experience has motivated his work to identify and prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Now an assistant professor of health psychology, Kiselica recently finished a study that has resulted in procedures for defining the preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Since there are…
Nov. 9, 2020
MU health psychology expert shares tips for safely enjoying the holiday season during COVID-19
The holiday season is usually a time spent with family and friends, but current COVID-19 restrictions related to travel and social gatherings are causing many families to adjust their holiday plans. After nine months of unprecedented emotional and physical stress, MU health psychology expert Kimberly Kimchi highlights key topics to consider for safely enjoying the holiday season.
Nov. 2, 2020
Dr. Anne Bedwinek Retires from the University of Missouri
Nov. 2, 2020 After nine years as an associate adjunct professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SLHS), University of Missouri, Anne Bedwinek, PhD, CCC-SLP is retiring from teaching. We are grateful for her contribution to our department. Anne taught Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Disorders, a required graduate course. During her time at Mizzou, our students had the opportunity to observe craniofacial teams in a hospital setting. Students also learned from Anne how to present at a professional conference, providing continuing education to SLPs in the field about this complex area. The students were encouraged to share what they…
Oct. 30, 2020
When The 1918 Flu Pandemic Canceled Halloween, Missouri Got Creative (St. Louis Public Radio)
The coronavirus pandemic has affected numerous holidays in the United States already this year, and next on the chopping block is Halloween. It’s a familiar tale: In 1918, Halloween was officially canceled due to the flu pandemic. The Oct. 31, 1918, edition of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat declared: “Even the spirits must respect the influenza ban.” That fall marked the second and worst wave of the 1918 flu pandemic. The mortality rate was higher than that of the ongoing coronavirus spread and significantly higher than a normal flu’s. The Missouri State Board of Health warned against…
Oct. 27, 2020
Nancy Cheak-Zamora named chair of the Maternal and Child Health section of the American Public Health Association
Nancy Cheak-Zamora, associate professor of health sciences in the MU School of Health Professions, will become the chair of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) in November. In this role, Cheak-Zamora is responsible for providing thought leadership to nearly 3,000 public health professionals. MCH is the second-largest section with APHA that has 23,870 active members.
Oct. 27, 2020
Mizzou Physical Therapy Highlighted at the Educational Leadership Conference
Kirsten Mack, DPT Congratulations to the physical therapy faculty and students who recently presented research on the scholarship of teaching and learning at the virtual Educational Leadership Conference through the American Physical Therapy Association in October. Mizzou was well represented at this national event, with five presentations exploring ways to enhance outcomes on teaching and learning in physical therapy education. Please see below for a list of presentations by physical therapy faculty and students: TitleAuthors Differences in Self-Reported Health Literacy Practices Amongst First, Second, and Third-Year Physical Therapy Students Briedwell T,…
Oct. 14, 2020
Improving health care autonomy for young adults with autism
Independence has always been a driving force in Nancy Cheak-Zamora’s life. Now an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Health Professions, she grew up undiagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disorder that can lead to difficulty reading. “Although I wasn’t receiving all the assistance or services I probably needed because I was undiagnosed, I always had supportive people in my life who encouraged me and gave me opportunities to be successful,” Cheak-Zamora said. “That encouragement fundamentally allowed me to take on more independence and work through challenges in a way that has helped me succeed in both academia…
Oct. 8, 2020
COVID Silver Linings
MU Adult Neuropsychology Clinic stayed steps ahead of peers in adapting to serve the community Oct. 8, 2020 Department of Health Psychology clinics in the School of Health Professions serve well over 1,000 patients every year. In addition to clinical service and research in autism, brain injury and rehabilitation, the department’s faculty oversee an extensive psychology training program for pre-doctoral interns and postdoctoral residents. “We are one of the most high-volume clinics in the country when you consider number of patients seen per faculty member,” says Dr. Eric Hart, associate department chair, director of adult neuropsychology, and clinical professor.