Scholarship Symposium and Poster Session 2026

Continuing Education Units
The Faculty Development Committee is pleased to offer CEUs to occupational therapy and nursing professionals. If you wish to receive CEUs for attendance at the Scholarship Symposium and Poster Session 2026, please complete the “sign in” and “sign out” surveys for your profession. Your certificates will be emailed to you within 4 weeks after the event.

Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 11258, for up to six (6) contact hours. Attendance at this event is free of charge. 

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Complete the 2026 Scholarship Symposium Survey

(1) 9:15-9:31

Healing the System: Educating a Culturally Responsive and Diverse Nursing Workforce at SMU

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – Completed Scholarship

Authors

• Sam Alavi-Irvine*, EdD, Director, SMU Center for Community Engagement & Ethnic Health Institute 

Learning Outcomes

1. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to identify how nursing program curricula, faculty practices, and institutional climate influence the development of culturally responsive beliefs, skills, and preparedness among BSN graduates.
2. Participants will be able to describe institutional and curricular strategies that strengthen culturally responsive nursing education and support equitable licensure outcomes for diverse nursing students.

See the Podium Presentation.

(2) 9:31 – 9:47

Best Practices for Managing Cultural Taxation 

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – Completed Scholarship

Authors

• Elizabeth Ching*, OTD, M.Ed., BSOT, OTR/L, Professor, Occupational Therapy, Samuel Merritt University 

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the meaning of “Cultural Taxation.”
2. Name the three (3) Best Practices for managing cultural taxation.

See the Podium Presentation.

(3) 9:47 – 10:03

Development of the Bystander Attitude and Behavior Scales for Gender-Based and Oppressive Violence with University Faculty 

Scholarship of Discovery — Completed Scholarship

Authors

• Nada Elias-Lambert*, MSW, PhD, Department of Social Work, Samuel Merritt University
• Sarah R. Leat, MSW, PhD, Social Work, University of Memphis
• Kristin W. Bolton, MSW, PhD, Social Work, University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Richard S. Pond Jr., PhD, Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Jessica Grace, MSW, PhD, Social Work, University of North Texas

Learning Outcomes

1. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to describe the development and factor structure of the Faculty Bystander Attitude Scale (FBAS) and Faculty Bystander Behavior Scale (FBBS), including their application in assessing faculty responses to gender-based violence and related forms of oppression.
2. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to evaluate how faculty-specific bystander measures can inform and strengthen inclusive violence prevention programming and campus climate assessment efforts addressing intersecting forms of oppression (e.g., sexism, racism).

See the Podium Presentation.

(4) 10:03 – 10:19

3D Motion Analysis to Assess Trunk Motion Post Hemipelvectomy: Case Report

Scholarship of Discovery — Completed Scholarship

Authors

• Sheryl Ettinger*, PT, DPT, PCS, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Samuel Merritt University
• Julie Perfect PT, DPT, PCS, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Samuel Merritt University
• Stephen W. Hill*, PhD, Motion Analysis Research Center, Samuel Merritt University
• Andrew W. Smith PhD, Motion Analysis Research Center, Samuel Merritt University (no longer affiliated)
• Preeti Nair*, PT, PhD, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Samuel Merritt University

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe how the trunk can compensate for lower limb anomalies.
2. Identify how using 3D motion capture can better assess complex gait patterns.

See the Podium Presentation.

(5) 10:19 – 10:35

Physio Games: Impact of Peer-led Group Work vs. Lecture Review Sessions on Retention of Physiology Concepts in an Undergraduate Course 

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning — Completed Scholarship

Authors

• Rhea Kimpo*, PhD_², Dept. of Basic Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CA
• Veronica Young, Burlingame High School, Burlingame, CA

Learning Outcomes

1. Define active vs. passive learning.
2. Describe the neural processes that may underlie active and passive learning.
3. Describe the impact of active learning vs. passive review sessions on retention of physiological concepts in an undergraduate course.

See the Podium Presentation.

(6) 10:35 – 10:51

Creation of an Innovative Trauma Informed Care Simulation Experience for Pre-Licensure Nursing Students at Samuel Merritt University

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning — Completed Scholarship

Authors

• Sam Alavi-Irvine*, EdD, Director, Center for Community Engagement & Ethnic Health Institute¹  
• Tavi Baker, MPH, Associate Director, Center for Community Engagement & Manager, Ethnic Health Institute¹  
• Shelitha Campbell DNP, MSN, BSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PHN, HMCT, Associate Professor, MSN-FNP Program¹  
• Jeneva Gularte-Rinaldo PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program¹  
• Sarah Koster*, FNP, MSN, MPH, Assistant Professor, Entry Level Masters of Science in Nursing Program¹  
• Lauren O’Niell*, BFA, CHSOS, Simulation Technology Specialist, Health Sciences Simulation Center¹  
• Rachel True*, MPH, Director of Operations, Assistant Professor, Health Sciences Simulation Center<sup>1  
  
  ₁</sup> Samuel Merritt University

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the process of creating an innovative simulation scenario in collaboration with the Health Sciences Simulation Center and community partners.
2. Identify best practices for keeping the idea of psychological and physical safety for students, simulated patients, faculty, and HSSC staff at the forefront of planning new simulated experiences at Samuel Merritt University.

See the Podium Presentation.

(7) 10:51 – 11:07

Higher Doesn’t Mean Worse: Females Exhibit Elevated Corticosterone with Preserved Stress Recovery

Scholarship of Discovery — Completed Scholarship

Authors

• Lisa Margerum*, PhD, Assistant Professor, Basic Sciences, Samuel Merritt University

See the Podium Presentation.

(8) 12:08-12:24 pm

Embedding Early STEAM Learning Into Everyday Activities and Play: Preliminary Results from an Exploratory Pilot Study with Parents and their Children with Disabilities

Scholarship of Discovery — Scholarship in progress

Authors

• Yvette Meré-Cook*, Ed.D., OTR/L, Associate Professor, MOT/OTD Programs_¹

OTD Research Fellows

• Yvette Meré-Cook, Ed.D., OTR/L, Associate Professor, MOT/OTD Programs_¹
• Jojo Chen*, OTDS¹
• Abby Guild*, OTDS_¹
• Gabriela Lopez*, OTDS_{¹
  1 Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Samuel Merritt University}

Learning Outcomes

1. Participants will examine the opportunity gap affecting children with disabilities in early childhood science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) experiences, and describe the role of occupational therapy in supporting equitable access to early STEAM learning.
2. Participants will learn about the methods of and preliminary results from a research study that partnered with families of children with disabilities as participants and incorporated Samuel Merritt University entry-level doctoral students as research fellows.

See the Podium Presentation.

(09) 12:24 – 12:40 

An Investigation of the Biomechanical Effects of Wearing Customized Foot Orthotics

Scholarship of Discovery — Scholarship In progress

Authors

• Stephen Hill*, PhD, Associate Professor, Manager, Motion Analysis Research Center, College of Podiatric Medicine, Samuel Merritt University
• Tim Dutra*, DPM, Assistant Professor, College of Podiatric Medicine, Samuel Merritt University

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding the effect of custom orthotics and without orthotics on plantar pressure in athletic shoe gear
2. Reviewing importance of patient foot posture index, balance, and biomechanical examination as basis for better understanding the effects of custom orthotics

See the Podium Presentation.

(10) 12:40 – 12:56 

Simulation-Based Education for Implementing AI in Physical Therapy Practice

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning — Scholarship in progress

Authors

• Hoda Salsabili, PT, PhDs, Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, College of Health Sciences, Samuel Merritt University

Learning Outcomes

1. The educational impact of simulation-based training using an AI-assisted patient monitoring platform on physical therapy students’ perceptions of clinical reasoning and AI implementation.
2. The educational impact of simulation-based training using an AI-assisted patient monitoring platform on physical therapy students’ confidence integrating AI recommendations, and preparedness for future AI use.

See the Podium Presentation.

(11) 12:56 – 1:12   

A Longitudinal Study of SMU Faculty Perceptions and Use of Generative AI: Assessing Evolving Needs and Practices 

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning — Scholarship in progress

Authors

• Liz Winer*, MA, Senior Instructional Designer, Academic and Instructional Innovation, Samuel Merritt University
• Michelle Wuller*, MSN, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University
• Rhea Kimpo*, PhD, Associate Professor, Basic Sciences, Samuel Merritt University

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe changes in SMU faculty perceptions and use of generative AI (GenAI) for teaching and learning over a two-year longitudinal period.
2. Identify current faculty development needs and AI literacy gaps based on comparative longitudinal survey data.

See the Podium Presentation.

(12) 1:12 – 1:28    

Writing Samples as an Admission Criterion and a Post-Admission Early Identification Tool in the Occupational Therapy Programs: A Case Study 

Scholarship of Discovery — Completed Scholarship

Authors

• Robyn Wu*, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, Professor, Occupational Therapy Programs, Department of Rehabilitations Sciences
• Chi-Kwan Shea, PhD, OTR/L, Professor Emeritus, Professor, Occupational Therapy Programs, Department of Rehabilitations Sciences
• Diane Tom, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, ATP, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Programs, Department of Rehabilitations Sciences
• Nandini Dasgupta, PhD, Director of Institutional Research

Learning Outcomes

1.  Identify the value of conducting ongoing program evaluation, including the investigation of admission criteria with respect to meaningful student performance outcomes.

See the Podium Presentation.

(13) 1:28 – 1:44    

Utilizing Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis in Entry Level Occupational Therapy Education 

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning — Scholarship in progress

Authors

• Feyisayo Falayi*, OTDs, Doctor of Occupational Therapy student
• Stephen Hill PhD*, Associate Professor, Manager, Motion Analysis Research Center
• Nichole Vasquez, OTD, Assistant Professor, MOT and OTD Programs, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

See the Podium Presentation.

Wrap up

• Q&A 
• Evaluations 
• Closing remarks

The live event has ended and breakout rooms are now closed. 

If you missed the Poster Session, you can still preview the posters. Visit the links below.

Poster 1  - Join Breakout Room 1

Escape the Rash: Unlock the Impact of an Escape Room as an Effective Active Learning Activity.

A Pilot Active Learning Strategy Utilizing AI to Structure a Dermatology Escape Room for Didactic PA Students.

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – Scholarship In progress

Authors

• Emily Crow, MPAS, PA-C, Assistant Professor, Master Physician Assistant Program, Samuel Merritt University

See the poster. 

Poster 2  - Join Breakout Room 2

Students’ Perception of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in FNP Education

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – Completed Scholarship

Authors

• Haesook Kim, PhD, APRN, GNP-BC, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University
• Jane Perlas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University
• Tal Vitaly Sraboyants, DNP, FNP-C, CHFN, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University

See the poster.

Poster 3  - Join Breakout Room 3

Health sciences students’ perceptions on the potential utility of immersive virtual reality in anatomy and neuroanatomy education

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – Scholarship In progress

Authors

• *Kamla Ahluwalia PhD, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Samuel Merritt University
• *Akash Khare MD, MS, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Samuel Merritt University
• *Rhea Kimpo, PhD, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Samuel Merritt University
• *Karissa Legleiter, EdD, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Samuel Merritt University

See the poster.

Poster 4  - Join Breakout Room 4

The Role of the Television Drama The Pitt in Nursing Student Life: Entertainment or Socialization?

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – Scholarship In progress

Authors

• Deborah McBride, PhD, RN, CPN, CCRN ABSN, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University
• *Deb Updegraff, MS, RN, PNP, CNS ABSN, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University

See the poster.

Poster 5  - Join Breakout Room 5

Dissociation Between Subjective and Objective Indicators of Fatigue and Effort in People with Multiple Sclerosis

 Scholarship of Discovery — Scholarship In Progress

Authors

• *Preeti Nair, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt University
• Dhruv Redkar, Department of Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt University
• Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon, CA
• Stephen Hill, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt University
• Andrew Smith, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt University
• Gail Widener, Department of Physical Therapy, Samuel Merritt University 

See the poster.

Poster 6 - Join Breakout Room 6

Evaluating High School and Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Perspectives in a Cooperative Education Program

Scholarship of Application / Service – Completed Scholarship

Authors

• *Tavi Baker, MPH, Associate Director, Center for Community Engagement and Manager, Ethnic Health Institute
• *Jose L. Reyna, PT, DPT, OCS, Adjunct Professor, DPT Program
• *Tracey Wagner, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, Assistant Professor, DPT Program

See the poster.

Poster 7  - Join Breakout Room 7

Close Collaboration from a Distance: Comparing Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant Students’ Perceptions of a Joint Class Session between Samuel Merritt University and Grossmont College 

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – Completed Scholarship

Authors

• *Robyn Wu, OTD, OTR/L, Professor, MOT/OTD Programs, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
• *Diane Tom, OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, MOT/OTD Programs, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
• *Domenique Embrey, OTD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, MOT/OTD Programs, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
• *Joyce Fries, MS, OTR/L, Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Grossmont College

See the poster.

See the resource.

Poster 8  - Join Breakout Room 8

Quantitative Analysis of Typhon Data: Impact of COVID-19 on CM Students’ Clinical Work

Authors

• Fusae Kondo Abbott, DNSc., RN, Director and Professor, Master of Science in Nursing - Case Management, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University
• Janet Rowland, EdD, RN, Assistant Professor, Master of Science in Nursing - Case Management, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University
• Rebecca Boyd Anderson, MSN, RN, Assistant Professor, Master of Science in Nursing - Case Management, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University 

See the poster.

Poster 9  - Join Breakout Room 9

Nurses Collaborate with the Social Work Department to Provide Holistic Care for Unhoused Individuals 

Scholarship of Integration – Scholarship In progress

Authors

• *Haley Koning, DNP, MSN, RN, PHN, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University
• *Elizabeth Sibson Tuan, DNP, MS, RN, College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University

See the poster.

Poster 10  - Join Breakout Room 10

Bridging the Engagement-Retention Gap through Gamification

Author: Michele Santilhano

See the poster.

Poster 11  - Join Breakout Room 11

Moving forward with change: Improving an established nursing exchange program

Scholarship of Service – In progress

Authors
•    Laurie Rosa*, MS, RN, Samuel Merritt University
•    Fusae Abbott*, DNSc, RN, Samuel Merritt University
•    Zahra Naderi Asiabar,DNP, FNP-C, MSN, BSN, RN, Samuel Merritt University 
•    Michele Santilhano, DNP, RN, Samuel Merritt University
•    Jessica Tellier, MSc, BSN, RN, Samuel Merritt University

See the poster.