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 2024
Clinical Improvisation in Music Therapy for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Pui-Shan Yung,
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
Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) Consumer follow-up for Aging in Place, Bianca Cordova
Advocacy Efforts for the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, Caitlin Cornish
Integrating Occupational Therapy Strategies in Autism Community Programs, Danielle Daoud
Exploration of Driving Rehabilitation Best Practices to Sustain an Occupation Focused Driver Rehabilitation Program, Kelsey East
Social Skill Program Development: A Bottom-Up Approach, Sydney Fallis
Communities Helping Communities: Identify Impact Through Surveys, Sarah D. Farrar
Features of Optics and Mounts that Facilitate Participation in Birding for Power Wheelchair Users: An Exploratory Study, Alexander Field
ADHD in College Students, Bailey Flaherty
Service Gap in Kalamazoo County: Establishing a Reimbursable, Child-Led Multidisciplinary Feeding Tube-Weaning Protocol, Piper Friend
Occupational Therapy in a Daytime Homeless Shelter Setting, Ruth Erin Garcia
Evaluation of Soft Employability Skills in Students with Disabilities attending a Vocational Training Program, David Gasser
Occupational Therapy's Role in Medication Management with the Corewell Health System, Anthony Genna
Swim Instructor Education for Adaptive and Inclusive Swimming, Anna Griesbach
Hope on the Slopes: Occupational Therapy's Role in Adaptive Ski Programming, Claire Hague
The Effects of Theatre-Based Interventions with Older Adults Diagnosed with Neurodegenerative Diseases, Calli Hudson
An Occupational Therapist's Role as a Prospective Payment System Coordinator and Identifying Patient Trends in an Inpatient Rehab Center, Autumn Idalski
Occupational therapy's role in serving individuals with social, emotional, and cognitive deficits at Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Molly Ireland
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Transition Programs for High School Students with Disabilities, Taylor Kehren
Increasing Quality of Life: Providing Education and Resources for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jeanette Kymes
Entry Level OTA Module Content: Sexual Activity as an ADL, Peightyn Larson
Occupational Therapy's Impact Utilizing Trauma-Informed Care With At-Risk Youth, Kerri Lindeman
Program Development of Meaningful Work for those with Brain Injury: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Alyssa McKenna
Ins and Outs of Running a Successful Non-Profit Organization at Northern Michigan Equine Therapy, Megan Morrill
Seeking Identity in the Built Environment The Impact of Latinx Culture Centers on College Campuses, Nancy Munoz
Improving Efficiency of Referrals and Documentation at Drive Well Michigan Driver Rehabilitation Clinic, Paige Norgan
The Benefits of an Occupational Therapy Lens Within a Gymnastics Center to Promote Greater Inclusivity and Cohesion in Classes, Kimberly Ortiz
Outdoor Community Based Rehabilitation Program Development, Dylan Pritel
TheraShield, LLC a Company Designing Products to Increase Comfort and Maintain Skin Integrity, Alissa Remijan
TRAVELING WITH A PURPOSE, Nina Rossman
PLEASE WAIT: RE-DEFINING THE WAITING EXPERIENCE THROUGH DESIGN, Kedzie Rutan
Exploring and Implementing Evidence-Based Educational Approaches in an Entry-Level Doctoral Occupational Therapy Program, Hannah Schultheiss
Advocating for Occupational Therapy at the Systemic Level, Alyssa Schwartz
An Accessible Garden for CDS: Facilitating Participation, Building Skills, and Raising Awareness, Kelyn Rae Sckrabulis
Therapeutic Gardening for Older Adults at a Community-Based Day Center: A Doctoral Capstone Experience, Anna Serbantez
Inclusive/Exclusive, Sophia Shettler
Dog and Owner Emotional Relationship Training, Andrea Sowles
Substance Use Disorder: Parent Support Group, Alexandra Superson
Development of a Community Living Coffee Shop, Micah Taniguchi
Creating Opportunity for the Homeless Population to Engage in Meaningful Occupations, Jada S. Toliver
Occupational therapy's role in increasing client engagement in substance use disorder treatment programming with a community-based interdisciplinary team, Jennifer Tornga
Connections Through Contrast The Built Environment Embracing Art Exhibition, Josilyn Welch
Impact of Cooking Groups on Children and Adolescents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Abigail Willinger
Capstone Projects from 2021
The Solution within the Work: A Scoping Review on Vicarious Resilience, Bridget Sova