Three CHHS student presentations received awards at the 2020 WKU Virtual Student Research Conference. The award-winning presentations can be viewed below. The CHHS is proud of our students' accomplishments and the important work they have pursued during their college career. The exceptional faculty-mentors in the CHHS strive to support students in their research and learning goals.
College of Health & Human Services: Research & Sponsored Programs
2020 WKU Student Research Conference:
CHHS Student Research Presentations
Presenter: Bella Tawasha
Faculty Mentor:Dr. Carrie Cox, Assistant Professor, Fashion Merchandising
Abstract Title: What is a size 12? Sizing inconsistencies and inaccuracies within the fashion industry
Presenter: Sepehr Rassi, lead investigator and Spencer Otto, co-investigator, & presenter
Mentor:Dr. Jason Crandall, Associate Professor, Exercise Science
Abstract Title: Smartwatches: Popularity, Comfort level, & Challenges among Older Adults
Presenter: Matthew Johnson
Mentor:Dr. Rachel Tinius, Assistant Professor, Exercise Science
Abstract Title: Maternal Mood during Pregnancy may influence Cortisol Levels in Cord Blood
FEATURED: CHHS Alumni, 2020 Student Research Conference Judges
Dr. Donna Bredenberg was awarded her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in December 2019. Her DNP project was entitled: Sexuality and Romantic Relationship Assessment in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Advisor: Dr. Maire Blankenship. She was also the student speaker at the December 2019 CHHS Recognition Ceremony. Dr. Bredenberg was also featured in the WKU Alumni Association Hilltoppers Who Help feature, found here.
Kelly J. (Fussman) Crouch is an alumna of the undergraduate program in Communication Disorders and was the recipient of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Dr. Joseph Etienne Academic Excellence award (2016). She was awarded a FUSE grant while at WKU with her mentor Dr. Mary Lloyd Moore. Kelly developed and assessed the effectiveness of a cultural and English language program for international WKU students and was able to present her research at multiple conferences during her senior year at WKU. She received her master’s degree from Vanderbilt University and is currently in private practice in Nashville, TN.
Kelly Burgess graduated from the College of Health and Human Services' Department of Applied Human Sciences's Didactic Program in Dietetics in December 2017, and was awarded the Ogden Foundation Scholar Award. While at WKU, Kelly completed an Honors Capstone Thesis project titled, "Nutritional and Behavioral Repercussions of Food Insecurity and the Impact of Nutrition Education." Kelly's research consisted of two case studies on individuals classified as food insecure. The level of food insecurity and current eating habits were assessed, then customized nutrition education was provided to the individuals based on their needs. A follow-up evaluation was implemented to determine effectiveness of the education.
Kelly is currently a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist working as a Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for the University of Kentucky in Allen County, Kentucky. She continues to apply research and innovation with the educational programming she offers the community, including testing recipes for the Plate It Up Kentucky Proud Program.
"I participate in pilot trials of new and innovative programs to improve the health of individuals and families."
CHHS Faculty Judges
Kim Link, School of Nursing & Allied Health
Lauren Bland, Communication Sciences & Disorders
Karen E. Furgal, Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Danilo Tolusso, School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport
Mark Schafer, School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport
Sarah Herrick, School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.