DPT Students Present Research at National Conference

More than 40 University of Scranton Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students were selected to present their group research projects at the American Physical Therapy Association national meeting, which took place in February in Boston. Thirty-eight of the DPT students presenting research are graduates of the University.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a professional organization with more than 100,000 members that include physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy. The meeting is the premier physical therapy conference in the U.S.

A list of the DPT students who presented research at the meeting, their research project and the faulty members they worked with on their projects follows.

John-Paolo Barcinas, Acton, Massachusetts, presented research titled "Creative Movement Therapy Impact on Mental and Physical Health Outcomes for Refugees Living with Trauma: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Lori Maria Walton, Ph.D., professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Barcinas earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Alexander Bracken, Oakhurst, New Jersey, presented research titled "The Effect of Aromatherapy on Anxiety in Patients Who Are Status-Post Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Anthony Carusotto, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Bracken earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Lauren Colella, Goshen, New York, presented research titled "Mental Health Factors and Exercise Adherence in Women with Breast Cancer Interventions: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Anthony Carusotto, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department, and Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of  the Physical Therapy Department. .

Sarah Coulson, Branchburg, New Jersey, presented research titled "Impact of Core Stabilization on Balance and Mobility in Persons with MS: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, faculty specialist in the Physical Therapy Department. Coulson earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Conor Coyle, Garden City, New York, presented research titled "Clinical Applications of Wearable Technology for Monitoring Sleep in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of  the Physical Therapy Department. Coyle earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Nicholas Daly, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, presented research titled "Creative Movement Therapy Impact on Mental and Physical Health Outcomes for Refugees Living with Trauma: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Lori Maria Walton, Ph.D., professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Daly earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Ben DeTrempe, Scranton, presented research titled "Clinical Applications of Wearable Technology for Monitoring Sleep in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair in the Physical Therapy Department. .

Haley Donoghue, Old Bridge, New Jersey, presented research titled "The Impact of POD0 Mobility on Function for Patients Following Joint Replacement: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Dana Maida, DPT, faculty specialist and assistant director of clinical education in the Physical Therapy Department, and Janette Scardillo, DPT, faculty specialist and director of clinical education in the Physical Therapy Department. Donoghue earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Adrianna Duranti, West Chester, presented research titled "Clinical Applications of Wearable Technology for Monitoring Sleep in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of  the Physical Therapy Department. Duranti earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Colleen Gaffney, Highland Mills, New York, presented research titled "The Impact of POD0 Mobility on Function for Patients Following Joint Replacement: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Dana Maida, DPT, faculty specialist and assistant director of clinical education in the Physical Therapy Department, and Janette Scardillo, DPT, faculty specialist and director of clinical education in the Physical Therapy Department. Gaffney earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Gina Garatino, Byram Township, New Jersey, presented research titled "Sociodemographic Factors and Hospital Readmission Rates for Home Health Care Medicare Beneficiaries: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Tracey L. Collins, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Garatino earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Shannon Gill, Cape May Court House, New Jersey, presented research titled "Sociodemographic Factors and Hospital Readmission Rates for Home Health Care Medicare Beneficiaries: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Tracey L. Collins, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Gill earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Brian Harrison, Jericho, New York, presented research titled "The Effect of Aromatherapy on Anxiety in Patients Who Are Status-Post Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Anthony Carusotto, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Harrison earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Jack Iannucci, Orangeburg, New York, presented research titled "The Effect of Aromatherapy on Anxiety in Patients Who Are Status-Post Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Anthony Carusotto, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Iannucci earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Matthew Kinback, Factoryville, presented research titled "Impact of Core Stabilization on Balance and Mobility in Persons with MS: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, faculty specialist in the Physical Therapy Department. Kinback earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

William Laughlin, Lansdale, presented research titled "Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, faculty specialist in the Physical Therapy Department, and Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Physical Therapy Department. Laughlin earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Veronica Lenox, Bridgewater, New Jersey, presented research titled "Home-Based Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Capacity in Children with Congenital Heart Defects: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Nicholas Rodio, DPT, instructor in the Physical Therapy Department. Lenox earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Dylan LeVan, Bethlehem, presented research titled "The Effect of Aromatherapy on Anxiety in Patients Who Are Status-Post Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Anthony Carusotto, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department. LeVan earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Alexis Long, Wayne, New Jersey, presented research titled "Forced Migration Trauma (FMT) Impact on Health Outcomes for Refugee Women: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Lori Walton, Ph.D., professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Long earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Claudia Mattes, Closter, New Jersey, presented research titled "The Impact of POD0 Mobility on Function for Patients Following Joint Replacement: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Dana Maida, DPT, faculty specialist and assistant director of clinical education in the Physical Therapy Department, and Janette Scardillo, DPT, faculty specialist and director of clinical education in the Physical Therapy Department. Mattes earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Megan McDermott, Brick, New Jersey, presented research titled "Forced Migration Trauma (FMT) Impact on Health Outcomes for Refugee Women: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Lori Walton, Ph.D., professor in the Physical Therapy Department. McDermott earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Nicholas Mohr, Milltown, New Jersey, presented research titled "Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, faculty specialist in the Physical Therapy Department, and Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Physical Therapy Department. Mohr earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Matthew Moran, Moosic, presented research titled "Impact of Core Stabilization on Balance and Mobility in Persons with MS: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, faculty specialist in the Physical Therapy Department.

John Mulligan, Melville, presented research titled "Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, faculty specialist in the Physical Therapy Department, and Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Physical Therapy Department. Mulligan earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Andrew Murray, Warners, New York, presented research titled "The Effect of Aromatherapy on Anxiety in Patients Who Are Status-Post Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Anthony Carusotto, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Murray earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Bridget Neal, Massapequa, New York, presented research titled "Home-Based Physical Activity & Cardiorespiratory Capacity in Children with Congenital Heart Defects: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Nicholas Rodio, DPT, instructor in the Physical Therapy Department. Neal earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Erin O’Shaughnessy, Jamison, presented research titled "Mental Health Factors and Exercise Adherence in Women with Breast Cancer Interventions: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Anthony Carusotto, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department, and Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Physical Therapy Department. O’Shaughnessy earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Kyra O'Toole, Chalfont, presented research titled "Sociodemographic Factors and Hospital Readmission Rates for Home Health Care Medicare Beneficiaries: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Tracey L. Collins, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department. O'Toole earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Valeria Oshepkova, Maywood, New Jersey, presented research titled "Forced Migration Trauma (FMT) Impact on Health Outcomes for Refugee Women: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Lori Walton, Ph.D., professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Oshepkova earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Alexis Pagonis, Garden City, New York, presented research titled "The Impact of POD0 Mobility on Function for Patients Following Joint Replacement: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Dana Maida, DPT, faculty specialist and assistant director of clinical education in the Physical Therapy Department, and Janette Scardillo, DPT faculty specialist and director of clinical education in the Physical Therapy Department. Pagonis earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Nicole Parello, Staten Island, New York, presented research titled "Impact of Core Stabilization on Balance and Mobility in Persons with MS: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, faculty specialist in the Physical Therapy Department. Parello earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Ashna Patel, Monroe, New York, presented research titled "Sociodemographic Factors and Hospital Readmission Rates for Home Health Care Medicare Beneficiaries: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Tracey L. Collins, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Patel earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Stefan Pinkston, Archbald, presented research titled "Clinical Applications of Wearable Technology for Monitoring Sleep in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Physical Therapy Department. Pinkston earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Collin Purdy, Hillsborough, New Jersey, presented research titled "Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, faculty specialist in the Physical Therapy Department, and Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of  the Physical Therapy Department. Purdy earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Pamela Sbarra, New Fairfield , Connecticut, presented research titled "Home-Based Physical Activity & Cardiorespiratory Capacity in Children with Congenital Heart Defects: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Nicholas Rodio, DPT, instructor in the Physical Therapy Department. Sbarra earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Brooke Thomson, Byram Township, New Jersey, presented research titled "Creative Movement Therapy Impact on Mental and Physical Health Outcomes for Refugees Living with Trauma: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Lori Maria Walton, Ph.D., professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Thomson earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Samiel Torres, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, presented research titled "Creative Movement Therapy Impact on Mental and Physical Health Outcomes for Refugees Living with Trauma: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Lori Maria Walton, Ph.D., professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Torres earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Baylee Turetzky, Lewes, Delaware, presented research titled "Forced Migration Trauma (FMT) Impact on Health Outcomes for Refugee Women: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Lori Walton, Ph.D., professor in the Physical Therapy Department. Turetzky earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Sydney Walters, Mehoopany, presented research titled "Mental Health Factors and Exercise Adherence in Women with Breast Cancer Interventions: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Anthony Carusotto, Ed.D., assistant professor in the Physical Therapy Department, and Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Physical Therapy Department. Walters earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

Carley Wiseman, Hillsdale, New Jersey, presented research titled "Home-Based Physical Activity & Cardiorespiratory Capacity in Children with Congenital Heart Defects: A Systematic Review." For this project, the DPT students worked with faculty mentor Nicholas Rodio, DPT, instructor in the Physical Therapy Department. Wiseman earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Scranton in 2021.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy was the first doctoral degree program offered at The University of Scranton. The program is accredited by the rigorous standards of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE),

Guaranteed seats to the DPT program are offered to exceptional high school students entering the University as undergraduates. Those wishing more information on guaranteed seats, should contact the University’s Undergraduate Admissions Office.