9667 research outputs found
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Developing a CRISPR/PITCh System for Fluorescent Tagging of ATE1
No full textCRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful tool for precise DNA modifications. Within the CRISPR toolset, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated “PITCh” (Precise Integration into Target Chromosome) enables efficient gene knock-in by repairing Cas9-induced double-stranded breaks using repair templates with short homologous sequences (5–25 bp). Our lab is interested in the functional significance of LIAT1’s interaction with ATE1. Using PITCh, we will tag endogenous ATE1 with a fluorescent protein to track its localization in cells. For this, we will co-transfect pX330 encoding Cas9 and a guide RNA targeting the ATE1 gene, pBluescript containing a repair template, and pXG25 encoding Cas9 and a guide RNA targeting the PITCh sequence. To generate the pBR322 plasmid, we successfully performed PCR and restriction enzyme digestion, followed by ligation of the insert into the vector. We are currently screening for positive plasmid clones. Once positive clones are identified and isolated, DNA sequencing will be performed to validate them
Empowerment Through Understanding: Trauma-Informed Care Training for At-Risk Youth Programs
No full textThis capstone project was intended to provide training on Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and strategies for creating a trauma-sensitive environment for staff and volunteers who work closely with at-risk youth (aged 18-24). It is an important concept to understand when working with at-risk youth, as understanding the impact of trauma on the brain is key to effective support. The course content provided knowledge to recognize, understand, and respond appropriately to individuals with unique needs, fostering a safer, more supportive environment, and ultimately supporting health and well-being.Elevate North Texa
Advocating for Inclusion: The Role of Sensory Safe Spaces in Promoting Participation
No full textThis capstone project aimed to promote inclusion by addressing the lack of knowledge and awareness of sensory processing challenges as well as determine the need for and benefits of sensory safe spaces to increase community participation. Literature shows that those with sensory processing difficulties avoid participation in certain activities, especially those carried out in highly stimulating environments, due to the environments’ decreased capacity to meet sensory needs as well as the lack of understanding and awareness among personnel regarding sensory processing issues. The capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy in educating the public and advocating for inclusion and sensory safe spaces. The capstone project involved collaboration with an occupational therapist, local community members, and businesses in Lafayette, Louisiana.The Beluga Projec
Expressive Art Program for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
No full textThis project aims to develop a 5-week expressive art program developed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This program emphasizes the use of art as a process to positively impact social participation, guided discovery and shared decision making, and promoting self-expression.Austin State Supported Living Cente
Promoting Sensory Regulation Among Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability at a Day Habilitation Center
No full textThe purpose of this capstone project was to create a sustainable, occupation-based program to promote sensory regulation among adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) at a day habilitation program in Irving, TX. An assessment of needs at the capstone agency highlighted a significant gap in sensory regulation services for program members. Upon a review of the literature, themes of implications of sensory dysregulation, barriers to sensory regulation, and effective interventions for sensory regulation among adults with IDD emerged. The doctoral student utilized methods including observations, interviews, surveys, evidence-based practice, evaluations, and a pilot program to develop and implement a sustainable sensory regulation program. Deliverables of the program included a sensory curriculum, staff training, and posters of individualized sensory regulation strategies for program participants. Goals and objectives of the program targeted member participation in sensory strategies, staff knowledge related to sensory integration, and student skill development. In the end, the doctoral student met all goals and objectives, presented deliverables, and noted detectable change among program participants and staff members.Ability Connectio
To vaccinate or not? A qualitative study of parents’ lived experiences on hpv vaccination for boys aged 9-12
No full textThe human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, affecting 80% of women and 90% of men during their lifetimes. Although vaccines have been available since 2006 and are over 90% effective in reducing HPV-related complications, including HPV-related cancers, only about half of U.S. parents vaccinate their children. Boys receive the HPV vaccine at lower rates than girls, despite current medical professional recommendations for vaccination for both genders between ages 9 and 12. The purpose of this qualitative study was to address a gap in the research literature, specifically how parents decide to vaccinate or not vaccinate their sons aged 9 to 12 against HPV. Using descriptive phenomenology, the study described parents' lived experiences and their decisions on whether or not to vaccinate their sons through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants conducted via teleconference. Guided by Becker's health belief model, the data were analyzed using Colaizzi's methodology, revealing four themes: (a) Trust Vaccine, (b) Parent Responsibility to Protect their Son and Others, (c) Vaccine Danger, Distrust, and Unnatural, and (d) Son Not at Risk of HPV Because Too Young for a Sexual Relationship. The four themes and the unifying theme of "Parents Protect" all exemplified Becker's health belief model components, describing how parents make this decision for their sons. Based on these findings, there is a considerable need for greater support, health promotion, and the development of clear, unbiased interventions that respectfully acknowledge parents' desire to protect their children, both boys and girls, when making their decision regarding the HPV vaccine
EMPOWER: A Comprehensive Health and Wellness Education Program for Adults
No full textThis project aims to develop a comprehensive patient education program focused on promoting health and wellness for individuals managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes. The initiative emphasizes increasing health literacy and builds confidence through resources and the integration of occupation-based activities. By EMPOWERing patients with knowledge and practical tools, the program seeks to enhance self-management skills, improve quality of life, and support long-term health outcomes through an occupational therapy lens.Franklin County Rural Health Clini
“Ping-Pong for Parkinson’s Disease”: A Program Guide to Increase Community Engagement for Louisiana Community Members Living with Parkinson’s Disease and Their Caregivers
No full textIn south Louisiana, there are 11,000 of the estimated 1,000,000 people in the United States living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) (LSU School of Kinesiology, 2024). Local PD community resources in south Louisiana consist of various exercise-focused classes, support groups, research opportunities, fundraisers and educational walks, educational conferences, and political advocacy. Some of the individually focused local classes include dance, tai-chi, boxing, walking, and support groups. There are currently limited local opportunities comprehensively including the social, cognitive, and physical aspects of PD. The goal of this capstone project was to address the need for more comprehensive resources in south Louisiana by creating an inclusive, holistic program manual that incorporates multiple symptoms of PD. The program guide was created as a template on how to create and run a class tailored for those with PD and provides a strong foundation for future leaders to begin with the foundational elements already created while incorporating their own ideas into the program as well.Mission For Movemen
Breaking Down Barriers: The Power of Open Access
No full textThis presentation provides a comprehensive overview of Open Access (OA) publishing and its role in transforming scholarly communication. Open Access represents a fundamental shift from traditional publishing models by providing free, immediate online availability of research while allowing authors to retain copyright through Creative Commons licensing.
The presentation explores the four primary OA models: Platinum/Diamond (no author fees, externally funded), Gold (author processing charges with full OA or hybrid options), Bronze (free to read but not openly licensed), and Green (self-archiving in repositories). Each model is illustrated with practical examples, including Texas Woman's University's own OA initiatives such as the TWU Student Journal and the Repository@TWU.
Key topics addressed include Creative Commons licensing frameworks, the distinction between OA types, common misconceptions about OA quality and cost, and the substantial benefits of OA publishing. These benefits encompass increased citation rates, broader global research access, enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, greater public engagement, compliance with funding mandates, and improved equity in scholarly communication.
The presentation also highlights TWU's specific OA resources, including publishing agreements with major publishers (Springer Nature, Emerald, Cambridge, Oxford, Sage, ACM) that cover or discount article processing charges for affiliated researchers. By demystifying Open Access and providing actionable information, this presentation empowers researchers to make informed decisions about disseminating their work while maximizing its impact and accessibility