As the semester draws to an end, Health Sciences students from five sections of the Applied Health Research Methodology class participated in an online symposium of nearly 100 attendees to showcase their final project – a research proposal poster. The final project represented a cumulation of everything the students learned in the course: analyzing research, formulating a research question, developing their research protocol, and conveying and defending their research protocol to an audience.
From over 75 group projects, 10 posters were selected by course instructors to compete in the symposium event for top honors. Assistant Professors Keith Brazendale, Michael Rovito and Jeanette Garcia coordinated the online event this year due to COVID-19 precautions.
“While we typically host this event in person, the online forum this year allowed more family and friends of the students to watch them in action. It was great to see so much support for students,” said Rovito.
The class is often students’ first experience in research. It helps set a critical foundation for understanding how to approach the development of a sound research proposal.
“Students enjoy coming up with their own research question, where they identify a gap in the research and formulate a study to attempt to answer important questions as it relates to health and wellness,” said Brazendale. “This critical thinking skill is essential for our students as many aspire to be healthcare professionals.”
Whether students go on to conduct their own research or not, the course aims to foster a greater appreciation for research and how it is applied in the fields of healthcare and public health.
“As you can see from the variety of research topics we had, our students’ interests span across so many different areas of health and wellness,” said Garcia. “You can see their passion and already vast knowledge in these areas. I’m excited to see what they accomplish in their careers.”
Health Sciences is the second largest major at UCF, with over 3,900 students. With two distinct tracks for students to tailor their education, the program provides a solid foundation for careers in healthcare and public health that often require a graduate/professional degree.
Health Sciences Undergraduate Research Symposium 2020 Award Winners
First Place (Tie)
Paleolithic Diet for Alleviating Symptoms in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Student researchers: Tatum Cox, Gabriella Goldstein, Michaela Gundrum, and Marielys Rodriguez
The Incidence of Dental Caries Among Cannabis Users: A Prospective Cohort Study
Student researchers: Mya Altiery, Moniesha Bhola, Alain Duenas Torrado, Sarah Khan, Ashley Matthews, and Rabia Syed
Second Place
Pain Disparities of Shoulder Arthroplasties in the Elderly
Student researchers: Paolo Agahan, Woodley Fenelus, Jennilyn Finch, Jessica Hakim and Matthew Jabbari
Third Place
Acupuncture as an Alternative for Postoperative Pain Control in Adult Cataract Surgery
Student researchers: Theresa Le, Alex Nguyen, Jackie Ong, Shannon Recor, and Lynn Van
Best Team Presentation
The Effects of Psilocybin and Cognitive Therapy in College Students with Depression
Student researchers: Natalie Feminella, Shaban Gheith, Morgan Kerr, and Sarah Pecora
Congratulations to our award winners and all students who participated. We are so proud of you!
