Capstone research projects are an option for a number of degrees at Western Michigan University. They are a completion of a faculty advisor-approved research, application or curriculum project related to the student's professional practice. While the requirements vary according to program, they generally integrate the student’s major studies, and extend, critique and apply knowledge gained throughout the program. They are usually completed in a one-semester timeframe.
ScholarWorks hosts capstone projects voluntarily submitted by students and their advisors. The collection is therefore a small sample of the total number of completed capstones at the university.
Capstone Projects from 2025
Advocating for Occupational Therapy's Role within Pediatric Oncology: Overcoming Barriers and Expanding Impact, Erin R. Barents
Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy in Occupational Therapy, Samantha Baril
Trauma-Informed Education in Inpatient Mental Health: Applying the Neurosequential Model through Occupational Therapy Principles, Hannah Barton
Addressing Caregiver Health Through Intergenerational Relationships and Occupational Therapy’s Role in Supporting Caregiver Health, Madison Cochensparger
Development of a Service-Learning Implementation Guide; Development of an Articulation Pathway for Occupational Therapy Assistants to Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, Mikayla E. Eshbach
The Impact of Equine-Assisted Services Through an Occupational Therapy Lens, Caitlyn Espinosa
Safe Sensations in Flight: Integrating a Sensory-Based Protocol for the Flight Experience to Support the Knowledge of Neurodiverse Conditions, Jillian French
Exploring the Role of an Occupational Therapist in Driver Rehabilitation, Lauren Garling
The Sensational Eight: Education on the Sensory System Within a Center Based Multi-Sensory Environment, Jenna Gottschalk
An Exploration of Self-Identity and General Functioning Among U.S. Female Athletes Post-Paralympic Games, Riley M. Groves
Promoting Mental Wellness in Emergency Medical Service Students, Providers, and Their Support Systems Through Occupational Therapy, Morgan Gutzman
Program Development for Occupational Therapy Services Within a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, Charles H. Hanks
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurodiversity: Sensory, Behavior, Trauma-Informed and Interdisciplinary Considerations, Sawyer Hodgkins
Enhancing Independence of Individuals Who Are Aging in Place Through Smart Home Technology, Grayden Hoekwater
The Impact of Reminiscent Kits in Reducing Behaviors in Individuals with Dementia, Moriah Holloway
Sensory Processing at Bethany Christian Services: Education and Implementation of Sensory Needs for Adolescent Males Through a Trauma Responsive Lens, Tatum L. Johnson
Co-Regulation and Connection: Caregiver Education and Training, Anna Kelley
Applying Occupational Therapy Principles to an Adaptive Ski Program: Strategies for Education, Advocacy, and Development, Alyssa Klaver
Bridging Vision and Function: The Intersection of Occupational and Vision Therapy, Julia Lalain
Behavioral Insights from Robotic Pet Interactions in Dementia Care, Hannah Lindstrom
Supporting Every Camper: Understanding Stress and Trauma-Informed Care, Hunter McCaig
Enhancing Confidence and Co-regulation: The Integration of a Virtual Support Program for Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Braeleigh McCoy
Spirituality in Daily Living: A Program Focused on Enhancing Spiritual Well-Being for Older Adults, Amanda Murray
Integrating Cultural Competence and Humility into Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Education, Jade Nguyen
Creating Connections Through Art in Occupational Therapy and its Impact on Identity and Belonging, Lianna Paris
Fit for Life: Improving Quality of Life and Fall Prevention through Group Fitness for Older Adults, Alison K. Plasman
Creating Sensory-Friendly Early Childhood Classrooms: Educator Training and Implementation of Inclusive Tools, Carly Pylat
Enhancing Support for Refugee Women: Supplemental Resources for Service Providers through an Occupational Therapy Lens, Nabilah Salwa
Occupational Therapy-Based Strategies to Support Tier 1 and 2 of MTSS, Katherine Satterfield
Assistive Technology to Increase Occupational Participation for Individuals with SCI, Emma M. Sauger
Implementing Fine Motor Skills into ABA Services to Promote Engagement in Activities of Daily Living, Hannah Sherman
An Exploration of Sensory and Fine Motor-Based Interventions to Address Self-Regulation and School Participation in Students Impacted by the Flint Water Crisis, Katie Sicklesteel
Occupational Therapy’s Role in Older Adults with Low Vision, Claire Sinacori
Nature-Based Activities and Educational Programming to Promote Health and Wellbeing in Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Madison E. Smith
Occupational Empowerment through the Provision of Functional Literacy Services, Richard H. Townsend III
Developing and Implementing Support Groups for Parents Postpartum, Kathleen Van Kampen
Enhancing NBCOT® Exam Readiness in an Entry-Level OTD Program, Kallen Wolfer
Enhancing Staff Training and Safety for Campers with Disabilities at an Accessible Outdoor Camp, Dalla Wong
Capstone Projects from 2024
Implementing the Positive Approach to Care® Methods as an Effective Training Curriculum for Staff at an Adult Day Center, Delaney Acri
Implementation of a Bilingual Feeding Program for Hispanic Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sarah Aguilar
Sensory Room Protocol and Education on Sensory Processing Differences in the School Setting, Bethany R. Antor
A Pilot Intervention for Adolescent Adoptees: The Interoception Curriculum, Francie X. Bailey
Wild Wheels: Meaningful Art Program Designed for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Alexis Bailey-Lauchie
Integrating Sport’s Vision Training into Vision Therapy: The Role of Occupational Therapy, Emily M. Beaird
Expanding Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management at Western Michigan University, Kaitlyn R. Brady
Cityscapes and Classrooms, Sheridan Britney
Program Development for Group Interventions Targeting Loneliness in Older Adults, Antoinette Cave
Mindful Teaching in Adolescent Dance Educaton: Prioritizing Mental Health, Camille Chimner
Trauma Informed Care Resources for Foster and Adoptive Families, Nitasha Cooper
A How-To Guide for Implementing Level I Faculty-Facilitated Fieldwork Sites: A Western Michigan University Model, Jordyn Diaz
Reimagining Comfort: Designing for Climate Resilience, Dissinger
Evaluating Sensory Processing and Functional Outcomes of Children Participating in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Read and Ride Program: A Single-Subject Research Study, Samantha Dunleavy-Shotsberger
Impact of Trauma on Development: Creating Training Materials for Effective Trauma Evaluations, Jessica M. Englerth
Student Comprehension of Addressing ACOTE Standards Related to Fieldwork Educators and Level I Fieldwork Sites, Baileigh Grabow
Inclusive Yoga Programming for Children with Diverse Needs, Allison H. Hansel
Enhancing Self-Regulation Skills with the Zones of Regulation, Sara Hayes
The Development of an 8-week Neurodiversity-Affirming Caregiver Co-Regulation Coaching Program., Carissa Heestand
Integrative Sensory Room for General Education and Special Education 3rd-5th, Julia Henderson
The Effects of Customized Art-Based Interventions on the Quality of Life of Older Adults with Early-Stage Dementia, Kalei Hubert-Mclennan
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Transition Programs for High School Students with Disabilities, Kara Hutchison
The Integration of Occupational Therapy in Transition Programs to Improve Outcomes for Students, Morgan Jagiela
Implementation of an Occupation-Focused Education Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Riley Janssen
Friends at Work: Creating a Peer-to-Peer Program for Individuals with Disabilities in the Workplace, Claire Johnson
Pediatric Developmental Milestones and Surveillance; Understanding Pediatrician, OT, SLP, BCBA, and Respective Pre-professionals’ Current Knowledge, Roles, and Confidence, Gabrielle A. Jones
Development of CARF Accreditation Requirements for a Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Individuals Independently Living with Post-Traumatic Brain Injury, Samantha Kowalczyk
Improving the Care of Individuals with Neurogenic Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Brooke Loucks
A Descriptive Study: Capability for Change in Older Adult Falls Prevention Using an Intelligent and Intuitive Online Learning Platform at a Medical Care Facility, Emily N. Makowski
Navigating Improvement for a Master of Occupational Therapy Program: Enhancing Content for a Mental Health Course, Emily Markovicz
Connections Over Compliance: A Toolkit to Create a Pathway to Success for Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Students, Mary Kate Nelson
Promoting and Sustaining an Adaptive Sports Program on a College Campus Through Outreach and Resource Developmen, Morgan E. Otero
Occupational Therapy Health & Wellness Promotion for Adults Living with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Sydni Rodriguez
Occupational Therapy's Role in Post-Secondary Transition Programing for Young Adults with Disabilities, Mallory Rubley
Designed Memories: How can the built environment affect memories, Jared Schneider
Development of Clinical Practice Tools to Improve Understanding of Neuro Vision Rehabilitation, Shreena Shah
Therapeutic Recreation and Adaptive Ice Skating for Individuals with Disabilities, Anna Tamburrino
Grant Funding for Non-Profit Organizations and Community Focused Entrepreneurship, Tyler Turnquist
Implementation of A Life Skills Program with Houseless Youth, Stephanie Velasco
Recollection-Based Occupational Therapy: An Activities Program for Catholic Dominican Sisters with Dementia, Alyssa J. Visockis
Holistic Education to Empower and Enhance Women's Health Throughout Pregnancy, Birth, and the Postpartum Period, Hannah Wilson
Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Pui-Shan Yung,
Support Group Development and Implementation for Parents with Disabilities, Jessica Zydorczyk
Capstone Projects from 2023
Outcome Measures at a Private Outpatient Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic, Kelly Alter
THE TYPOLOGY OF SURVIVAL, Briana Alvarado
Patient Centered, Kiara Bartlett
Addressing Sensory Processing and Mental Health Needs in the Middle School Setting, Kate Bergsma
Occupational Therapy Integration in Psychosocial Rehabilitation: The Clubhouse Model, Kenzie Callahan
Expanding Trauma Treatment with Sensory Based Occupational Therapy, Domonique Chambers