College of Professional Studies: Celebrations of 91ӣƵ

The College of Professional Studies is the finest example of Millikin’s commitment to combining theory and practice. Our world-class faculty rely on the most current research in their fields as they teach teachers, nurse nurses, train trainers and manage sport managers. Their use of existing studies and contributions to new scholarship ensures that CPS students are not just prepared to “be” something, they are prepared to “do” some things; to make, to create, to produce new knowledge.

At Millikin, every observation, simulation and presentation that CPS students do is another link in the evolution of these vital professions. We encourage and celebrate scholarship, in both theoretical and practical areas, because the questions, suggestions, proposals or hypotheses that come from the College of Professional Studies all have the potential not only to be heard or read or published or cited, but to directly improve the lives of patients, students and clients. This scholarship matters, it is meaningful, and so too is our celebration of it.

Dr. Andrew Smith 
Dean, College of Professional Studies 

 

2025 Celebrations of 91ӣƵ Presentations Listed Below

  • Bridging Worlds: Cross-Cultural Learning from Tokyo to Millikin

    SH303

    11 a.m.-noon

    Presenter(s):

    Conor Daundivier, Bella Dudley, Trista Hampton, Sam MaVey, Jazmyn Schnetzler

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Hee Young Choi

    Abstract/Description:

    During Summer 2024, students embarked on a study abroad experience at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan. Through hands-on fieldwork, interviews, and direct interactions with Japanese peers, participants dove deep into the country's rich cultural landscape. The program went beyond traditional learning, challenging students to explore complex themes of global citizenship, personal identity, and cross-cultural ethics. By immersing themselves in real-world contexts, students gained nuanced insights into global perspectives and developed a more sophisticated understanding of their role in an interconnected world.

     

    Beyond Stereotypes: Exploring Global Citizenship Through K-pop and Modern History

    SH303

    1-1:45 p.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Tara Grider, Erik Kendall, Tiffany Miller

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Hee Young Choi

    Abstract/Description:

    This presentation features student projects from ED 350: Global Citizenship and K-pop, a course that encourages students to think critically about global citizenship by examining modern history in the Far East and the global impact of Korean popular music. Through active reading and critical analysis, students explored complex social and political issues, challenging stereotypes and stepping outside their comfort zones to better understand global interconnections. This session offers a fresh look at how music, history, and critical thinking come together to build a more engaged and thoughtful approach to cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship.

     

    Language, Culture, and Community: Navigating Education and Identity in a Global Society

    SH303

    2-3 p.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Brandilyn Wegmann, Liz Trimble, Shiho Todo, Rin Watanabe, Natasha Mell

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Hee Young Choi

    Abstract/Description:

    This panel brings together diverse perspectives on language, culture, and community in education, exploring how policies, schooling, and social integration shape individuals' identities and opportunities fostering diversity and inclusion. Two Elementary Education students will share their research on critical policy issues affecting multilingual learners in the U.S., focusing on the impact of Proposition 227 on bilingual education and the effects of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on immigrant students. Alongside them, two international students will offer personal insights into their experiences with acculturation, English language use, college coursework, and building relationships within the Millikin community.

     

    Supporting Young Readers: ED 305 Reading Inquiry Projects

    SH303

    3-4 p.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Connor Daundivier, Bella Dudley, McKenzie Greene, Ashleigh Johnson Jones, Jazmyn Schnetzler, Will Simpson, Bella Smith, Faith Wilson

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Kaitlin Glause

    Abstract/Description:

    Effective reading instruction and assessment for young students requires flexible and tailored expertise from teachers. In this presentation, ED 305: Reading Methods students report on the findings of Reading Inquiry projects, where teacher candidates identified, researched, and generated best practices in assessment and instruction for supporting young readers.

  • Anesthesia and Pulmonary Aspiration: The Role of Gastric Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

    HSW200

    8-8:45 a.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Mel Harper

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Teresa Gulley

    Abstract/Description:

    Gastric point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) enables anesthesia providers to evaluate a patient's stomach contents prior to surgery to assess the risk of pulmonary aspiration for better risk stratification. This presentation will include my DNP project dissemination, including inferential statistical analysis, regarding my quality improvement project, which aimed to increase anesthesia providers' knowledge of the benefits of gastric POCUS to enhance patient safety and increase their willingness to incorporate gastric POCUS into their routine assessments.

      

    Implementation of Crisis Management Simulation for Perioperative Cardiac Arrest: A Quality Improvement Project

    HSW200

    8:45-9:30 a.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Catherine Gruenwald

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Gail Fyke

    Abstract/Description:

    This presentation with consist of a PowerPoint presentation discussing the purpose, implementation, and results of my DNP quality improvement project. My project focused on simulation for perioperative cardiac arrest with anesthesia providers. This presentation should last 20-30 minutes with time for questions at the end.

     

    Perioperative Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy: A Quality Improvement Project

    HSW200

    9:30-10:15 a.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Hayley Rogers

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Audra Trump

    Abstract/Description:

    This presentation will outline the benefits of using a goal-directed fluid management approach perioperatively. Background information will be provided on how anesthesia providers can incorporate a goal-directed fluid management approach in their daily clinical practice. The results after implementing education on goal-directed fluid therapy will be discussed to determine if knowledge gaps were closed post-implementation.

     

    Management of Intraoperative Malignant Hyperthermia: A Quality Improvement Project

    HSW200

    10:15-11 a.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Allison Pallo

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Jamie Nickell

    Abstract/Description:

    The purpose of this DNP project is to evaluate the impact of an educational presentation and simulation on the detection and treatment of MH in the operating room and its influence on enhancing clinician confidence. The intention of this QI project is to evaluate the following question: Does the implementation of an MH simulation training, with the utilization of a protocol, improve clinician knowledge and confidence regarding MH management?

     

    A Quality Improvement Project to Increase Identification and Management of Postdural Puncture Headache

    HSW200

    11-11:45 a.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Kapila Miller

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Teresa Gulley

    Abstract/Description:

    An overview of a quality improvement project focused on the identification and management of postdural puncture headache. This presentation will also include the results of the quality improvement project implemented in Spring 2025.

     

    Implementation of Transthoracic Echocardiography Simulation to Promote Euvolemia in Managing Perioperative Hypotension

    HSW200

    1-1:45 p.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Joseph Stocksiek

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Dana Flatley

    Abstract/Description:

    This presentation provides an overview of the literature supporting Transthoracic Echocardiography as a tool to assess the cause of hypotension and determine the appropriate treatment. Additionally, this presentation will provide data on the effectiveness of simulation learning among nurse anesthesia interns.

     

    Enhancing Provider Skill with Fiberoptic Intubation Techniques Through Simulation

    HSW200

    1:45-2:30 p.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Maren Reynolds

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Dana Flatley

    Abstract/Description:

    This project aims to enhance anesthesia provider skills with fiberoptic intubation through simulation and application of a cognitive aid.

     

    Implementation of a Crisis Management Simulation for Amniotic Fluid Embolism Diagnosis and Treatment: A Quality Improvement Project

    HSW200

    2:30-3:15 p.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Morgan Moore

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Pamela Laskowski

    Abstract/Description:

    This presentation will discuss a scholarly project pertaining to simulation of amniotic fluid embolism in the pregnant patient. The purpose of the project was to improve anesthesia provider confidence in caring for the patient experiencing amniotic fluid embolism.

     

    Chest X-ray Fundamentals and Interpretation of Endotracheal Tubes and Central Venous Catheters

    HSW200

    3:15-4:15 p.m.

    Presenter(s):

    Kristin Gernant, Erin O’Malley

    Faculty Sponsor(s):

    Dr. Gail Fyke, Dr. Pamela Laskowski

    Abstract/Description:

    As of 2022, Registered Nurse Anesthesia Interns (RNAIs) are required to evaluate a minimum of five chest x-ray images to meet the practice standards established by the Council on Accreditation (COA). In 2024, chest x-ray interpretation was also added to the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) certification exam. This quality improvement project aims to provide RNAIs with the knowledge required to identify proper endotracheal tube and central venous catheter (CVC) placement on chest x-ray images.