Students shine at 2025 CAHS Scholarly Showcase

UC College of Allied Health Sciences highlights student research with 82 projects

The University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) hosted its annual Scholarly Showcase on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Health Sciences Building. This is the 25th year the College of Allied Health Sciences has hosted the event during the final weeks of the spring semester.

The CAHS Scholarly Showcase serves as a platform for students to present their research findings, receive constructive feedback and engage with peers, faculty and alumni from various disciplines.

The day's agenda included multiple poster sessions, a panel discussion and a Career Conversations Corner, providing attendees with opportunities to engage with student researchers and explore career paths in allied health sciences. The event concluded with a group photo and awards announcement, celebrating the outstanding contributions of participating students.

Group photo of the CAHS Scholarly Showcase participants on the atrium steps

Faculty, staff and students on the atrium steps during the 2025 CAHS Scholarly Showcase.

This year's event featured 82 research posters and nearly 200 student presenters, highlighting the college's commitment to interprofessional collaboration and academic excellence. More than 20 CAHS alumni returned to campus and joined faculty to serve as judges for the poster sessions, offering professional insights and supporting the next generation of allied health leaders.

Compared to the previous year, which featured 64 posters, the 2025 showcase demonstrated significant growth in student research participation. This increase reflects the college's dedication to fostering a robust research culture among its students.

"The 25th annual CAHS Scholarly Showcase celebrated research, collaboration and the wide array of disciplines in the College of Allied Health Sciences," says Susan Kotowski, the 2025 CAHS Scholarly Showcase committee chair. 

By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and celebrating alumni engagement, the event underscores the college's mission to prepare students for the complexities of modern health care environments. 

Bridging the gap between classroom, career

For many students, the CAHS Scholarly Showcase represents more than a research presentation — it's a meaningful capstone to their academic journey and a stepping stone into their professional lives. By sharing their work with peers, faculty, alumni and industry professionals, students gain valuable experience in translating academic knowledge into real-world impact.

Brianna Semon, a medical laboratory science (MLS) student, reflected on how the showcase deepened her understanding of patient-centered care.

“This helped me understand more of the patient side of things and helped me to be able to connect what I see on my end with what the patient may actually be feeling," she says. 

The opportunity to present research fosters not only communication skills but also a broader perspective of allied health care delivery — one that emphasizes empathy, collaboration and practical application. The showcase encourages students to think beyond the lab or classroom and envision their role in the broader health care ecosystem.

Award winners announced 

Each year, the top 10 research posters are recognized with awards at the CAHS Scholarly Showcase. New in 2025, a Viewer's Choice Award was introduced, allowing attendees to vote for their favorite project. This year’s award recipients are:

Viewer's Choice Awards
Presenter(s)  Title  Mentor (s) 
Michelle Bruce Military Canine's Understanding/Hearing Abilities of Different Languages. Pete Scheifele
Grace Safarz, Nate Hogan, Caitlyn Hollar, Julianna Romero Hematologic Surveillance in AML Recurrence: Lessons in a Case of Early Diagnosis Gideon Labiner
Julie Thornton, Shelby Hafner Extended High Frequency (EHF) hearing loss predicts subtle damage at standard frequencies. Lina Motlagh Zadeh
Viewer's Choice Winners pose with their certificates
Students visit employers at the Career Conversations corner tables
Top 10 Poster Awards
Presenter(s)  Title Mentor(s)
Kelsey Krigbaum, Julianne Knoll, Olivia Matthews, Josh Burkhardt, Isaac Turner Aerobic Exercise and Chronic Low Back Pain: Summary of Evidence and Clinical Recommendations Chris Allen
Samantha Lambrinides, Diana Loebker, Symantha Rathbone, Sophia Shockey Cerebral Visual Impairment: The Relationship Between Screening Tools and Early Diagnosis 
Karen Harpster
Sarah Briscoe Hearing Screening and Diagnostic Protocols Implemented in Neonatal Intensive Care Units Across the U.S. Lisa Hunter and Chelsea Blankenship
Nate Hogan, Caitlyn Hollar, Julianna Romero, Grace Safarz Hematologic Surveillance in AML Remission: Lessons from a Case of Atypical Presentation Gideon Labiner
Ellen Connolly, Sela Maben Mindfulness for Caregivers of Stroke Survivors: A Case Series Kari Dunning, Meriden McGraw, Erin Wagner, Tami Bakas, Chalee Engelhard
Michelle Gabbard Parental Justice Involvement and Pediatric Clinician Note Documentation: Preliminary Findings 
Samantha Boch
Maddie Anderton, Meredith Adams Patient Preferences for Aphasia Care Jasmine Keaney
Hannah Austin, Haley Baysic, Veda Craig, Kathryn Hehn, Harry Klisch Resource Building and Implementation of Self-Advocacy Among Minority Youth Amanda LaGuardia and Dana Harley
Rayne Perone, Madalyn Thomas Smartphone Accessibility Handbook for Speech Language Pathologists Amanda Simmons
Raven Large Using Molecular Imaging to Detect Aortic Aneurysms Stephanie Hug and Whitney Bowen

Watch the 2025 Scholarly Showcase

Discover more from the 2025 CAHS Scholarly Showcase

Explore student research, see event highlights and learn how the College of Allied Health Sciences is advancing innovation in health care.
View the full showcase program

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