Top Research by Honors Students in College of Education and Health Professions Recognized

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Honors nursing student Ashley Evans, left, discusses her research with Miranda Small, an honors student majoring in communication disorders.

Looking for a simple test to determine whether you’re dehydrated? What are the drugs most commonly prescribed for children with autism – and do their benefits outweigh the side effects? Undergraduate students in the College of Education and Health Professions honors program presented research on these and a wide range of other topics at the college’s second annual Honors Research Symposium last week.

About 50 honors students, faculty and staff members attended, affording the student presenters many opportunities to explain their research and field questions. 

A jury of professors selected three top research projects to win cash awards: 

• First place: Miranda Small, “Factors Determining the Efficacy with the Use of Pharmacotherapy in Children with ASD and Other Disorders”
• Second place: Jenna Burchfield, “Hydration Biomarkers: Creating a User-Friendly Hydration Technique”
• Third place: Lindsay Campbell, “Effects of Nursing Staff on Quality of Long-Term Care Facilities”

“All of the jury members commented on the quality of this year’s projects,” said Marcia Imbeau, an associate professor of curriculum and instruction who announced this year’s winners. “We think they will continue to get better and better, as students have a chance to see other student research. This is a group that likes to stretch themselves.”

Three other students whose work is still in progress received certificates.

The symposium also featured workshops on technology resources, resumes, honors thesis projects, and Honors College research and study abroad grants. All of the student presenters were invited to stay for the COEHP Luncheon Academic Seminar Series (CLASS), a monthly forum where faculty and staff share their work. Nan Smith-Blair, associate professor of nursing, presented on clinical research and hands-on training opportunities in the nursing program.