KU graduate students to present research to legislators, public at state Capitol

LAWRENCE — Twelve University of Kansas graduate students from the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses will present their innovative research March 21 at the state Capitol.

Legislators and the public will be able to hear from the students about the potential public and economic effects of their research during the 21st annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit. Their research covers a broad range of topics, including how metabolism affects Alzheimer’s, the integration of artificial intelligence in higher education and the health effects on children who experience food insecurity.

“The KU graduate students presenting at the Capitol Graduate Research Summit are working to develop solutions to society’s greatest questions and challenges,” said Ric Steele, associate vice provost for graduate studies. “They serve as examples of the vital contributions of our student researchers and of the university’s commitment to impactful research that addresses problems of worldwide significance and delivers solutions that make a difference to the state, nation and the world.”

Graduate students from Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University will also present at the research summit.

The top presenters from each university will earn a certificate and a $500 award.

KU Lawrence participants:

• Annie Chuning, doctoral student in clinical child psychology, “Rates of Food Insecurity Influence Parent/Child Mental Health and BMI in Rural Kansas.”
• Cassie Sutton, doctoral student in psychology, “Ultra-processed, Hyper-palatable, and Energy-dense Foods in the U.S. Food Supply: Prevalence Across 30 Years.”
• Kara Hageman, doctoral student in bioengineering, “Preventing Orthopedic Joint Infection by Developing Antibacterial Bone Cement.”
• Luke Parker, doctoral student in educational curriculum & instruction, “Transforming Academic Landscapes: A Comprehensive Study of Artificial Intelligence's Integration in Higher Education at the University of Kansas.”
• Merve Akin Tas, doctoral student in educational psychology, “Comparing the Use of Bayesian Network Analysis and Spatial Analysis to Identify the Social Determinants of Health and Education in Kansas Counties and School Districts.”
• Mohsen Fatemi, doctoral student in public administration, “Navigating Transformative Change: Insights into City Information Processing and Disaster Preparedness Evolution in Public Management.”
• Natalie Lind, doctoral student in chemistry, “Uranium Catch and Release as a Strategy for Nuclear Fuel Recycling.”
• Susan Koerner, doctoral student in speech language pathology, “Tiered Virtual Coaching as a Professional Development Model for Speech-Language Pathologists in AAC Intervention Strategies.”

KU Medical Center participants

• Riley Kemna, doctoral student in neuroscience, “Energy Metabolism Impacts Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology.”
• Kelley Nelson-Strouts, doctoral student in speech-language-pathology, “Supporting Reading Through Developing an Assessment of Meaningful Word Parts.”
• Jordan Trant, doctoral student in cell biology and physiology, “A New Factor Involved in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Progression.”
• Deena Woodall, doctoral student in nursing, “Longitudinal Evaluation of Practice Readiness for a Rural Nurse Residency Program Using an Interactive Computerized Decision Tool.”