Camille Blackman | Neurology and Gender-Affirming Care | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Camille Blackman | Neurology and Gender-Affirming Care | Best Researcher Award

Camille Blackman is a dedicated medical student and multidisciplinary researcher with a passion for advancing gender-affirming healthcare and surgical education. Currently pursuing her MD at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, she brings a diverse background in anthropology, emergency medicine, and clinical research. Camille’s clinical experiences range from working as an EMT and physical therapist assistant to serving as a medical assistant in dermatology. Her current research at Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health centers on surgical outcomes, educational innovation, and health equity. She has published and presented nationally on topics like craniofacial surgery, sexual medicine, and transgender health. Outside of medicine, she is a nationally competitive runner and co-founder of Nameless Track Club. Camille also contributes to mentoring, leadership development, and medical education reform. Fluent in English and French, she exemplifies a well-rounded, compassionate, and forward-thinking physician in training.

Profile

🎓 Education

Camille Blackman’s academic journey reflects her interdisciplinary strength and commitment to health equity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from Northwestern University (2012–2016), where she was also a Division 1 athlete. To transition into a medical career, she completed a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at DePaul University (2016–2017). Camille is currently a Doctor of Medicine (MD) candidate at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, expected to graduate in 2026. Her medical education is enhanced by participation in the Surgical Exploration and Discovery (SEAD) program and leadership in multiple mentorship initiatives. Her academic excellence is evidenced by her involvement in high-impact research, her role as an M3 mentor, and her selection for honors like Academic All-Big Tens. Throughout her academic path, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to inclusion, excellence in scholarship, and innovation in clinical care, especially for underserved populations such as the transgender and gender-diverse community.

🧪 Experience

Camille Blackman has built a robust portfolio of healthcare experience over nearly a decade. As a current research trainee at the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, she contributes to cutting-edge projects focused on surgical outcomes and health equity. Prior to that, she worked as a medical assistant at the Illinois Dermatology Institute (2020–2023), a physical therapist assistant at RUSH Rehabilitation (2018–2021), and an EMT at Medical Express Ambulance (2018–2020). Her roles have spanned both emergency and outpatient care, giving her a comprehensive clinical foundation. In addition to her hands-on experience, she’s actively involved in medical education as a mentor and peer leader at UICOM. Camille also volunteers in both clinical and community settings, including Face the Future Foundation and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. Her practical and research experience across diverse settings reinforces her trajectory as a future physician-leader in gender-affirming and reconstructive surgery.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Camille Blackman has been recognized for both academic and athletic excellence. She is a recipient of the prestigious Academic All-Big Ten award (2013–2016) and earned the John and Rita Canning and Dinn Brothers Student-Athlete Scholarships while at Northwestern University. In athletics, she is a Tracksmith-sponsored elite runner and has posted competitive times in major races, including a 2:48 marathon and top finishes in the Chicago 13.1 and Shamrock Shuffle. Her early accolades include the Western Massachusetts Athlete of the Year and the Tommy Cochary High School Mile Grant. As a medical student, she was selected for the Surgical Exploration and Discovery (SEAD) program and received a $25,000 pilot grant from the Hopkins Business of Health Initiative as a co-investigator for transgender health systems innovation. Her honors reflect a rare combination of scientific acumen, athletic discipline, and community impact, affirming her multifaceted contributions to medicine and public health.

🔬 Research Focus

Camille Blackman’s research centers on gender-affirming care, surgical education, and health disparities. At the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, she explores clinical outcomes related to chest masculinization and hormone therapy, and contributes to the development of transgender health infrastructure. She has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications on subjects such as craniofacial surgery techniques, body mass index implications in gender-affirming surgeries, and innovative educational approaches like clay modeling in anatomy instruction. Camille’s forthcoming book chapters on vaginoplasty and transgender care centers further establish her as an emerging scholar in surgical education and gender health equity. She has presented her work at high-profile conferences, including the Plastic Surgery Research Council and the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Through her research, Camille aims to enhance inclusivity, clinical outcomes, and the surgical learning experience, particularly in areas where historically marginalized populations have faced significant healthcare gaps.

✅ Conclusion

Camille Blackman is a future physician and trailblazer in gender-affirming healthcare whose interdisciplinary expertise, clinical compassion, and research innovation are advancing inclusive medicine, educational reform, and equity in surgical outcomes.

Publications

Jun-kyu Hwang | Neurosurgery | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Jun-kyu Hwang | Neurosurgery | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jun Kyu Hwang is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Yongin Severance Hospital, affiliated with Yonsei University College of Medicine in Korea. He earned his M.D. from Yonsei University in 2010 and later pursued a Master’s and currently a Ph.D. in Neurosurgery at the same institution. With extensive clinical training and fellowships in pediatric and general neurosurgery at prestigious institutions including Severance Hospital and Asan Medical Center, Dr. Hwang has built a robust academic and clinical foundation. Since 2021, he has been serving in his current role, contributing to surgical education, clinical practice, and neurosurgical research. His work spans advanced neurosurgical procedures, clinical innovation, and academic mentorship. He is known for his dedication to patient care, surgical precision, and academic rigor. Dr. Hwang’s career reflects his commitment to advancing neurosurgical practice through a combination of hands-on experience and continued academic pursuit.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Hwang completed his M.D. degree at Yonsei University College of Medicine in 2010, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to neuroscience and clinical surgery. Driven by academic excellence and a passion for neurosurgery, he further obtained a Master’s degree in Neurosurgery from the Graduate School of Yonsei University between 2016 and 2019. His postgraduate educational journey reflects a focus on deepening his expertise in surgical techniques, neurological pathology, and clinical outcomes. Continuing this academic momentum, he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Neurosurgery at Yonsei University. This doctoral work demonstrates his strong interest in neurosurgical innovation and research, with a commitment to integrating scientific advancement into clinical practice. His education spans both rigorous academic study and immersive clinical training, forming a comprehensive foundation for excellence in neurosurgical care and research. Dr. Hwang’s ongoing academic endeavors ensure that he remains at the forefront of modern neurosurgical developments.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Hwang began his clinical journey with a neurosurgical residency at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University from 2014 to 2017, where he gained comprehensive surgical and clinical experience. He continued his training as a Clinical Fellow in Pediatric Neurosurgery at Severance Hospital in 2018, focusing on the surgical treatment of neurological conditions in children. From 2019 to 2020, he expanded his expertise through a fellowship at Asan Medical Center under the University of Ulsan, specializing further in complex neurosurgical procedures. In 2021, he assumed the role of Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University. His professional roles have encompassed patient care, surgical instruction, and clinical mentorship. Dr. Hwang’s experience reflects a trajectory of increasing responsibility, technical refinement, and dedication to both adult and pediatric neurosurgical practice. He continues to contribute significantly to clinical excellence, resident education, and research development in neurosurgery.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not listed in the provided CV, Dr. Jun Kyu Hwang’s prestigious appointments and continuous academic advancement signify professional recognition and trust by leading medical institutions. His acceptance into competitive fellowships at Severance Hospital and Asan Medical Center—two of Korea’s top medical centers—reflect his exceptional competence and commitment to excellence. His transition from residency to fellowship and then to Clinical Assistant Professor at Yongin Severance Hospital is itself a mark of distinction. Typically, such roles are conferred upon individuals who demonstrate not only strong clinical capabilities but also promise in academic and research contributions. His ongoing Ph.D. candidacy at Yonsei University also indicates academic recognition and support for his scholarly potential. These milestones together point to a career distinguished by merit-based progression, institutional confidence, and high standards of patient care and medical professionalism.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Hwang’s research focuses on the clinical and surgical aspects of neurosurgery, with a particular interest in pediatric neurosurgery, advanced surgical techniques, and neuro-oncology. His academic pathway, including a Master’s and ongoing Ph.D. in Neurosurgery, is aligned with investigating surgical outcomes, improving procedural methodologies, and exploring innovative approaches to treating neurological disorders. His clinical fellowships and continued academic pursuits suggest involvement in translational research—bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications. As a Clinical Assistant Professor, he likely collaborates in institutional research initiatives, contributes to clinical trials, and mentors junior researchers. His research aims to enhance precision in neurosurgical interventions, reduce complications, and improve recovery outcomes, particularly in pediatric populations. With experience in high-volume tertiary hospitals, Dr. Hwang integrates his research with real-world patient care, contributing data-driven insights to the academic community. His long-term vision likely involves developing safer, more effective neurosurgical strategies through evidence-based practice.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Jun Kyu Hwang exemplifies a dedicated neurosurgeon committed to academic excellence, clinical expertise, and research innovation, making impactful contributions to both patient care and the neurosurgical field in Korea.

Corneliu Toader | Neurosurgery | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Dr. Corneliu Toader | Neurosurgery | Distinguished Scientist Award

Conf. Univ. Dr. Corneliu Toader is a renowned Romanian neurosurgeon, serving as a primary neurosurgeon at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases since 2000 and as a university lecturer at “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest. With over three decades of experience, he has performed over 3,200 complex neurosurgical operations, including more than 1,200 cerebral aneurysms. His clinical expertise spans cerebrovascular surgery, AV malformations, brain and skull base tumors, and spinal procedures. He has also held key leadership roles, including Manager of the National Institute of Neurology since 2009. A dedicated academic, he has advanced from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, shaping the next generation of neurosurgeons. He is multilingual and trained across Europe, bringing global standards to Romanian neurosurgery.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Toader graduated from the “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, in 1986, with a general medicine degree and the highest honors, scoring 10/10 in his licensure exam. He completed secondary education at Liceul Sanitar Galați (1976–1980). In 2007, he earned his Ph.D. in Medicine from “Carol Davila” University, awarded Magna Cum Laude by ministerial decree. He has received international neurosurgical training via EANS courses in spine, vascular, pediatric, and functional neurosurgery, conducted in France, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Germany. Additional training includes pediatric neurosurgery in Brașov, reconstructive microsurgery in Italy, skull base surgery in Bucharest, and a visiting neurosurgeon stage in Marburg, Germany. His continuous education in Europe reflects a commitment to cutting-edge neurosurgical advancements and academic excellence.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Toader’s medical career began in 1986 as a military intern doctor, followed by a general practice role (1989–1990) in Galați. From 1990 to 1995, he trained as a neurosurgery resident at Spitalul “Gheorghe Marinescu,” Bucharest. He then served as neurosurgery specialist (1995–2000), and since 2000, as a primary neurosurgeon at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases. Academically, he began as Assistant Professor in 1999, became Senior Lecturer in 2011, and is now Associate Professor at “Carol Davila” University. He was Medical Director (2007–2009) and has been Manager of the National Institute since 2009. He has performed over 3,200 advanced neurosurgical procedures. His organizational skills include public health service management, acquired through specialized national training. He is highly skilled in both clinical and academic neurosurgery with leadership roles in institutional governance.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Toader was awarded Magna Cum Laude for his 2007 Ph.D. in Medicine from “Carol Davila” University. He graduated with a perfect score in his medical licensure exam, a rare academic distinction. He has received recognition for completing prestigious neurosurgery training programs across Europe under the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). He was invited as a foreign visiting neurosurgeon to the University Clinic of Neurosurgery in Marburg, Germany. His leadership roles as Medical Director and Manager of the National Institute reflect his exceptional administrative and professional contributions. His expertise in micro-neurosurgery, laser neurosurgery, and skull base procedures has earned him recognition within the Romanian and European neurosurgical community. Additionally, his proficiency in English, French, and Italian supports his international collaborations and continued excellence in academic and surgical fields.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Toader’s research interests align with his surgical expertise in cerebrovascular diseases, particularly cerebral aneurysms, arterio-venous malformations, and skull base tumors. His academic and clinical investigations emphasize advanced techniques in micro-neurosurgery, laser-assisted surgery, and reconstructive neurosurgery. He integrates his European neurosurgical training into practice, enhancing outcomes for complex brain and spinal pathologies. His research also covers pediatric neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, and functional neurosurgery. Dr. Toader is engaged in multidisciplinary studies to improve surgical approaches and patient recovery, supported by his teaching role at “Carol Davila” University. His managerial experience supports institutional research projects focused on clinical innovation, procedural safety, and surgical efficacy. His contributions shape national neurosurgical protocols and mentor research in clinical neurosciences and neurosurgical education.

Publications

Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

apl. Prof. Dr. med. habil. Gerd Fabian Volk (👶1978, Wertheim am Main) is a leading German otolaryngologist 👨‍⚕️, currently serving as Senior Physician and Head of the Facial Nerve Center in Jena 🏥. With a deep commitment to clinical excellence, academic teaching 📚, and innovative research 🧪, he has significantly contributed to the fields of neurolaryngology, facial nerve disorders, and ultrasound diagnostics 🧠🗣️. His work bridges cutting-edge imaging 🖼️ and functional diagnostics for head-neck disorders. Living in Jena with his family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧, he actively supports patient education through YouTube 📹, coordinates national workshops, and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration 🤝. Volk is a respected speaker 🎤, faculty member at international dissection courses ✂️🧠, and an initiator of hybrid symposia. He balances leadership with education, translating research into real-world clinical impact 🌍💡.

Profile

Education 🎓

Studied human medicine at Westfälische Wilhelms Universität Münster (1999–2006) 🎓🩺, earning his state exam. In 2007, he completed his doctorate (Dr. med.) with a thesis on axonal regeneration in retinal ganglion cells in primates and rats 🧬🐒🐀. He achieved board certification in ENT (2012) 👂👃🧠 and earned his postdoctoral qualification (habilitation) in 2017 with pioneering research on quantitative imaging of facial muscles 🖼️💪. His venia legendi was granted by Friedrich Schiller University Jena in otorhinolaryngology 📜👨‍🏫. Further qualifications include DEGUM Level II (2018) for ultrasound, clinical trial leadership certification (2009), animal research leadership certification (2002), and interdisciplinary leadership training at UKJ 🏅📊. His broad educational background underpins his medical, scientific, and didactic work, combining clinical care, diagnostics, and teaching for the next generation of ENT specialists 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👨‍🏫.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Since 2013, Dr. Volk leads the Facial Nerve Center in Jena and co-founded the Tinnitus Center 👨‍⚕️🔊. He is currently Senior Physician at the ENT Department, University Hospital Jena and member of the steering committee for the Center for Rare Diseases Jena (since 2024) 🧩🧬. He previously held rotational research fellowships in radiology and neurology (2008–2013) and has organized national ENT courses since 2009 🧠🎓. With consistent academic teaching since 2012, he has led cadaver dissection courses, neurolaryngology workshops, and ultrasound diagnostics trainings 🧑‍🏫💻. He is an active contributor to ethics commissions and rare disease networks 👥⚖️. His work merges clinical ENT practice, surgical skill, and educational outreach through digital platforms (e.g., YouTube, www.lemg.org) 🌐📹. A devoted mentor, he organizes monthly PhD symposia and integrates hybrid teaching formats, balancing high-level medical care with forward-thinking academic initiatives 📚🏥🎯.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Recipient of multiple national prizes, including the 1st Poster Prize by the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (2019) 🥇📊 for Parkinson-related facial muscle imaging, and the DEGUM Head-Neck Section Award for his habilitation research (2018) 🧠🏅. Awarded competitive IZKF research fellowships in neurology and radiology (2008–2013) 🧬🔬. Recognized leader in rare disease diagnostics and member of Germany’s CRANIO-Net for rare craniofacial disorders (since 2022) 🧩👶. Since 2020, he contributes to the Ethics Commission of the University Hospital Jena ⚖️. He is speaker for ENT indications in the Botulinumtoxin Working Group of the German Society of Neurology (since 2022) 💉🧠. Nominated for professorial posts in Bielefeld, Halle, and Charité Berlin between 2019–2023 🏛️📚. Volk’s sustained excellence across clinical care, diagnostics, research, and education has earned him national recognition and leadership roles in academic ENT medicine 🧠🏥✨.

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Volk’s research centers on facial nerve diagnostics and therapy 🧠🧑‍⚕️, neurolaryngology, and ultrasound imaging of head-neck structures 🖼️. He specializes in quantitative imaging of facial muscles for conditions like facial paralysis and Parkinson’s disease 🤖🧠. His work combines clinical neurophysiology, MRI analysis, and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) 📈💬. He also pioneers educational innovations in hybrid learning, simulation-based teaching, and cadaver dissection techniques for ENT and neurology professionals 🧑‍🏫🧪. Through platforms like www.lemg.org and dedicated YouTube channels 📹, he disseminates knowledge on advanced diagnostics such as salivary duct endoscopy, voice disorders, and botulinum toxin use 💉. A strong advocate for interdisciplinary networks and rare disease research, he leads initiatives in patient-centered care, including organizing the “Fazialis-Nerv-Tag” and supporting patient education 🤝❤️. His translational research aims to enhance diagnostic precision and develop novel rehabilitation strategies for complex craniofacial disorders 🧬🔧.

Publications 

  • Electromyography as an Objective Outcome Measure for the Therapeutic Effect of Biofeedback Training to Reduce Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis

    Healthcare
    2025-03-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13050550
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

  • Evaluation of the Effects of an Electromyography-Based Bio-Feedback Training of Patients with Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis Using Electromyography Amplitudes as Objective Outcome Measure

    2024-12-16 | Preprint
    DOI: 10.20944/preprints202412.1326.v1
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

  • Deceleration of denervated facial muscle atrophy through functional electrical stimulation: a sonographic quantification in patients with facial nerve paralysis

    European Journal of Translational Myology
    2024-11-13 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2024.13162
    CONTRIBUTORS: Gabriel Meincke; Johannes Krauß; Maren Geitner; Anna-Maria Kuttenreich; Dirk Arnold; Jonas Ballmaier; Thomas Lehmann; Winfried Mayr; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

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Dr. said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

 

Profile

  • Googlescholar
  • Researchgate

Education

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in 1993 from The American University in Washington, D.C., where he also completed his Master of Arts in Psychology in 1990. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Distributive Science from the same institution, which he obtained in 1986. Fluent in English and German, he also has familiarity with French. He can be reached via email at spournaghash@yahoo.com or by telephone at 011-98-09122074388.

Work experience
  • Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has extensive academic and research experience in psychology. He served as a Research Associate in 2001 at the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. In 2002, he took a sabbatical as a researcher at the Department of Psychology, Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, focusing on cross-cultural studies related to Iranian attitudes towards the West. Since 2002, he has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Tehran University, having previously held the same position at Azzahra University in Tehran from 1996 to 2001. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Council on Energy and Economic Studies at the Institute for International and Political Studies (IPIS) from 1998 to 2000, where he also worked as a political researcher. His early academic career included serving as a Teaching and Research Assistant at The American University’s Department of Psychology from 1987 to 1990, where he contributed to courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience Seminar, Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, and Learning and Behavior.

Books

–Fundamentals of Clinical Psychopharmacology, (2007); Samt Publications
-Drugs and Behavior, (2004); Samt Publications.
-Physiological Psychology, Tehran University Publication.
-Intimacy; Alzahra University Publication.
-Theories of Addiction, Alzahra University Publication.

Conference Presentations

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has contributed extensively to neuroscience and psychology research, presenting his findings at prestigious conferences such as the Society for Neuroscience and the Eastern Psychological Association. His work has focused on drug discrimination learning, conditioned taste aversion, and the effects of opioids and their antagonists. In 1987, he co-authored studies assessing the discriminative stimulus properties of naloxone and the failure of cholecystokinin to counteract morphine sulfate’s effects. His later research explored the antagonism of morphine stimuli, the role of buprenorphine in opiate-naive and dependent animals, and the impact of RO15-4513 on ethanol-induced taste aversion. He has collaborated with notable researchers, including A.L. Riley, contributing to investigations on diazepam exposure and behavioral toxicology. His presentations in New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Boston, and other major research venues highlight his significant role in advancing psychopharmacology and behavioral neuroscience.

Publication

Bailey Bennett | Cognitive Rehabilitation| Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Bailey Bennett | Cognitive Rehabilitation| Best Researcher Award

 

Emporia State University, United States

Profile

 

Education

She completed her Master’s in Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling at Emporia State University from August 2021 to May 2024, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Her studies included a focus on Mental Health.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pittsburg State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in December 2020. Her studies emphasized Substance Abuse Services.

Additionally, she completed her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts at Johnson County Community College from January 2015 to May 2017, also graduating with a 4.0 GPA and as a member of the Honors College.

WORK EXPERIENCE

She has extensive experience in the mental health and art therapy fields. Since January 2021, she has been working at Minds Matter LLC as a Cognitive and Behavioral Therapist, as well as an Art Therapy Consultant. In this role, she provides therapy to individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), helping them live independently, while also offering consultations and support for integrating art into therapy sessions. She presents on various topics, including research and art therapy, and assists clients in reaching their individual goals. Additionally, she attends weekly supervision sessions to deepen her knowledge of TBI.

From August 2023 to May 2024, she completed an internship at the Emporia State University Counseling Center, where she provided therapy to students, administered assessments, and contributed to treatment plans. She adhered to ethical standards and confidentiality in her work.

She also interned at Corner House Inc. from August 2022 to April 2023, where she provided therapy, participated in client screening and assessment, and assisted in treatment plan development. She provided both individual and group counseling, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and confidentiality.

During her time at Crawford County Mental Health in Pittsburg, KS, from January to December 2020, she completed 400 hours of internship, working at the Addiction Treatment Center and the Women’s Renewal House. She facilitated various client groups and observed counselors in different settings.

Additionally, from August 2019 to May 2020, she served as the Media Manager and Vice-President for Students for Violence Prevention at Pittsburg State University. In this position, she created media content and worked with university staff to educate students on topics such as sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, and unhealthy relationships. She was awarded the NASPA-BACCHUS Region IV-W Peer Educator Award for her efforts in educational outreach.

Awards

She has received several notable awards throughout her academic and professional career. In 2023, she was honored with the Research Award at the Capital Graduate Research Summit at Emporia State University. She also earned 3rd place at the Research and Creativity 2023 People’s Choice Award. In 2020, she received the NASPA-BACCHUS Region IV-W Peer Educator Award for Excellence for her contributions to peer education on campus. Additionally, she was awarded the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship for Pittsburg State University’s Psychology Program in 2020.

Educational Opportunities & Research Experience

She has conducted significant research and contributed to various academic projects. In 2022, she conducted human subjects research to study the effects of art therapy on individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), finding significant results regarding reduced anxiety in this population. Her research was presented at the Capital Graduate Research Summit in Topeka, KS, in 2023, where she was awarded the Research Award for ESU.

From 2019 to 2020, she worked as a Research Assistant for Dr. Warner, focusing on visual attention and conducting human subjects research, which was submitted to the APA National Conference.

Additionally, she served as the Vice-President/Social Media Coordinator for Students for Violence Prevention (SVP) from 2019 to 2020, where she played a key role in organizing and promoting initiatives focused on preventing violence and raising awareness on campus.