Mentees of three School of Health Professions faculty presented their research studies during Health Sciences Research Day in November. The event featured more than 200 research projects from MU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as pre- and post-doctoral trainees. The projects covered various health topics including immunology, nutrition and exercise physiology, diabetes, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and health psychology.

By investing time and energy in the mentorship of students, these three faculty members are true exemplars of our school’s mission.

Congratulations to all who participated!

Nancy Cheak-Zamora (Health Sciences)
Mentee: Andrew Tate, undergraduate student
Project: Assessing and Promoting Independence in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Received School of Health Professions Dean’s Award

Brad Ferguson (Health Psychology)
Mentee: McKenzie Wallace, medical student
Project: Sex-specific Effects of Paced Breathing on Measures of Convergent and Divergent Thinking
Received First Place, Category 1 Clinical

Mentee: Esirioghene Emeje, undergraduate student
Project: Effects of the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol on anxiety and social functioning and relationship with heart rate variability in patients with autism spectrum disorder

Mentee: Molly McBride, medical student
Project: Effects of methylphenidate on verbal creativity, verbal fluency, and convergent thinking tasks in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Mentee: Ryan Holem, medical student
Project: Biomarkers in a Clinical Trial for the Effects of Propranolol in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Bill Janes (Occupational Therapy)
Mentee: Kial-Ann M. Rasmussen, graduate student
Project: Feasibility of Customized 3D-Printed Assistive Technology Within An Existing Multidisciplinary Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic