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Best Practice
Occupational therapy students win Chancellor's research honors
Two School of Health Professions occupational therapy students hope their research will mean better care for stroke survivors. Their work has already earned them the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements in Behavioral and Social Sciences. Alex Roark and Erica Lindner won the honor at Mizzou's annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievements Forum. The event showcases student research and scholarly and creative achievements to the Mizzou community.
Alex and Erica worked with mentor Giuli Krug on the research titled "Efficacy of a Modified Constraint Induced Therapy Protocol in an Outpatient Clinical Setting." The study involves encouraging the parts of the body weakened by stroke to work and strengthen by constraining the unaffected side. So far, results are encouraging as the research participants show good improvement in strength and range of motion.
In the spring, undergraduates from any major and all academic levels present their research at the forum. Students compete in the following categories: Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts and Design, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering. Other SHP students competing were Kristin Lamvik and mentor, Stacy Wagovich, Communication Science and Disorders and Jason Domachowski and mentor Shawna Strickland, Respiratory Therapy.
SHP Dean Rich Oliver says there’s no better way for students to consider continuing their professional education than to engage in mentored research projects. “If we are to grow the next generation of research faculty, participating in these types of opportunities is critically important,” he says. “Much of the research we do is very translational in nature and has immediate application for the clients we serve. This helps students gain better understanding of evidenced based practice and the importance of new discoveries to the improvement of the health care.”