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
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
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