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 2026
Life Skills to Promote Independence Following Discharge from Inpatient Psychiatric Care, Alli Bammert
The Intersection of Occupational Therapy and Optometry in the Treatment of Visual Impairments: Addressing an Unmet Need, Grace Bannon
Practical Exploration of the Role of Occupational Therapy in a Nature-Based School Setting, Emma Campbell
Development of Resources to Support Independence in and Access to Nature-based Activities, Riley Carpender
Multicultural, Trauma‑Informed Feeding Protocols for Children with SPD in Student‑Led OT Clinics, Matt Crummel
From Browsing to Building: Navigating Your Google Resource Space (Drive & Site), Libby Cunningham
Advocacy, Outreach, and Expansion of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association Mental Health Special Interest Section, Isabel Evola
Bridging The Gap: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Real-Time Counselor Support Training at Kesem, Elizabeth Fallon
Enhancing the Lived Experience of Individuals With Dementia and Caregivers Through a Cinema Program, Ellia Flejtuch
Advancing Hand Therapy Practice Through Specialized Clinical Reasoning and Patient Education, Candace Heinlein
Education to Increase Students’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Interest in Occupational Therapy, Brooke Hineman
Social Skill Program Development: Social Thinking Curriculum, Anna Holman
Development of Purposeful Movement Breaks and Sensory Pathways to Enhance Student Engagement and Participation, Ashlyn Houck
An Occupational Therapy Approach to Sensory Education: Training Paraprofessionals to Support Students’ Sensory Needs, Sophia Hubber
Designing Inclusive Dog Training Opportunities for Handlers with Diverse Access Needs: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Lauren Huffman
Sensory Processing at a Children’s Advocacy Center: Staff Education and Resource Development to Support Trauma-Informed Care, Hayley Jackson
Occupational Therapy and Grief: Building Knowledge, Justifying Scope, and Supporting Practice, Jessica Jacques
Refreshing Recess: An Every Moment Counts Initiative for Engaging Recess Participation, Paige Kuhn
The Innovation of an Accessible Assistive Device, Audrey Lackey
Creative Art-Based Program to Address Body Image in Cancer Survivors and Caregivers, Tisa Lightfoot
Development of 6-Week Tier 2 Intervention Tracks Within an Elementary MTSS Framework, Maxwell Lyle
Beyond Baby: How Occupational Therapy Supports Families in the Prenatal and Postpartum Period, Taylor Maysonet
From Theory to Practice: Splint Fabrication Through Occupational Therapy Video Library, Caitlyn McCaughey
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Community-Based Nonprofit Durable Medical Equipment Programs, Coral McFern
Role of Occupational Therapy in Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding: A Mental Health Perspective, Ava Morrison
Implementation of a Cardio Drumming Program to Promote Health and Wellbeing in Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Amanda Moyer
Developing and Implementing Pediatric Pelvic Health Education Groups for Autistic Youth Focused on Toilet Training, Sasha Poland
Occupational Therapy & Zoo Exhibit Design: Embedding Accessibility Within, Jacqui Randall
Expanding Access to Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy: Integrating Clinical Application and Program Development, Deanna Rietveld
Addressing Barriers to Occupational Therapy Access for Foster Youth Through Advocacy and Education, Josephine Sanders
Expanding NBCOT® Exam Readiness Resources in an Entry-Level OTD Program, Thahiyatul Sarah
Enhancing Feeding Skills: Development and Implementation of a Pediatric Feeding Group Program in an Outpatient Setting, Alexia Spyrka
Social Skill Program Development for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Clayton Stapert
Sexuality and Intimacy: Education on OT Approach, Abby Stritzinger
Promoting Mental Wellness and a Calm Learning Environment in a 2nd Grade Classroom, Grace Tone
Promoting Maternal Well-Being: Occupational Therapy in Pregnancy and Postpartum, Nora Udrys
The Importance of Holistic Care: The Development and Implementation of Spiritual Resources for Caregivers and Staff at Joni’s House El Salvador, Chloe Veilleux
The Bronco Well: An Educational Podcast for Pediatric Caregivers’ Wellbeing & Quality of Life, Molly Veldheer
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
Organizational Diagnosis Toolkit, Ann Marie Lindley, Catherine Nolan, Connie L. Halvorsen, Franki C. Hand, Isys S. McCormack, Jennifer A. Hance, Jess Beutler, Kelsey Spaulding Caras, Sara German Jimenez, and Stephanie Graves
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