Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/178758
Research The CHP is seeking to develop a vibrant research program. With several long-standing efforts and a strong funding base, research in each school and cooperative, interprofessional research programs have allowed the CHP to further enhance its reputation. >> In the summer of 2013, nutrition researcher Dr. Mardi Parelman began research on obesity, receiving a university grant to aid in her study. >> Charles Carlin, Shernavaz Vakil, and Katie Boarman collaborated to develop an interdisciplinary training program for future speechlanguage pathologists (SLPs) who want to specialize in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Students in the program will learn how to use AAC systems and technologies (e.g., iPads, pictures, computers) to help children and adults communicate more effectively. The collaborative project brings together faculty from the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and from the Department of Curricular and Instructional Studies, as well as several community partners (e.g., Akron and Cleveland Public Schools, Cuyahoga and Stark County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, and the KidsFirst Program for children with autism spectrum disorders). Over a five-year period, the AAC training program will provide up to 26 SLP graduate students with training toward licensure and a certificate of specialization in AAC. Grant funds will also provide tuition assistance and stipends as well as support mentorship, specialized interdisciplinary course work, and hands on training. Finally, this program will reduce shortages of SLPs with AAC training, diversify the workforce, and enhance communication and learning for 58,000 Ohio students with complex communication disorders. >> Drs. Tim McCarragher and Karin Jordan are undertaking a MEDTAPP Healthcare Access initiative. This research will assist the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)/ 8 Ohio Medicaid with the efficient and effective administration of the Medicaid program. At Ohio Medicaid's request, the Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center (GRC) will administer the MEDTAPP Healthcare Access Initiative. This $28 million, 18-month initiative involves a partnership between Ohio Medicaid and Ohio's colleges and universities to support the development and retention of additional health care practitioners with skills and competencies to serve the Medicaid population using emerging health care delivery models and evidence-based practices, such as health homes and integrated behavioral and physical health service delivery. Within the School of Nursing, Dr. Kathy Tusaie is also the primary investigator of a MEDTAPP Healthcare Access Initiative Project. Drs. Caroline Murrock and Christine Graor are using a Midwest Nursing Research Society Seed grant to study community dance intervention on low-income populations. >> In partnership with the School of Sports Science and Wellness Education, the Nutrition Center in the School of Nutrition and Dietetics is providing nutrition education for the PACE (Physical Activity/Tennis & Character/Health/ Nutrition Education) Akron's Way grant. This program is a collaboration of The University of Akron, Akron General Health and Wellness Center, Akron Children's Hospital and schools and agencies in the Akron Community. Keeping PACE seeks to address/reduce known risk factors causing Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and related negative health behaviors in minority, male and female youth ages 8 – 18 years from low-income backgrounds in Akron, Ohio.