Fall
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Recent Submissions
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Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Tobacco Use and CessationRacial and ethnic disparities in cigarette and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in the United States persist as a pressing public health concern. A legacy of targeted marketing (Nicksic et al., 2022), socioeconomic inequities (Forman et al., 2025; Levy et al., 2025), and unequal access to cessation resources (Avila et al., 2022; Lee et al., 2023) continues to sustain these disparities. Research demonstrates that while cigarette smoking has declined overall, the rise of e-cigarette use has introduced new forms of nicotine dependency, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations (Foxon et al., 2024; Lozano et al., 2021). Furthermore, policy initiatives such as menthol bans demonstrate potential but must be paired with culturally responsive cessation interventions to achieve equitable outcomes (Booras et al., 2023). This literature review synthesizes current findings (2020-2025) and concludes that public health strategies rooted in cultural competency and structural reform are essential for reducing racial and ethnic inequities in tobacco and e-cigarette use.
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Step Toward Functional Independence: Teaching Shoe Tying Through Video Modeling and Task AnalysisShoe tying is a functional life skill which requires dexterity, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This project takes place at the Recreational Education Center (REC) in Peabody, Massachusetts with the objective of testing the effectiveness of using a video model to teach shoe tying. At the time of recruitment, the participant was a client receiving applied behavior analysis services at the REC who was unable to tie shoes, and was capable of learning the skill. Once the video model was selected, a task analysis was created which breaks the skill down into small steps to track progress. After baseline data was collected, intervention trials were conducted using a least-to-most prompting hierarchy. Results found video modeling to be successful in improving shoe tying independence.
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Surveying Radiologic Technologists: Factors That May Influence Employees to Stay in Their JobsThis project examines workplace factors that Radiologic Technologists consider most important in influencing their retention at Salem Hospital. The assessment was based on observations across all modalities in the Radiology department, with the most notable finding being a shortage of Radiologic Technologists. This shortage is a common challenge faced by many hospitals, prompting extensive research into the contributing factors. The project was carried out using a survey distributed to Radiologic Technologists in the X-ray, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, Interventional Radiology, and Ultrasound departments. The goal was to identify which factors were most important to Radiologic Technologists and make inferences on whether these factors may contribute to retention. Overall, the survey results showed that work-life balance and workplace culture/supportive leadership were the most important factors, whereas professional growth and recognition/appreciation are not as important. This indicates that the decision to stay or leave a job may depend on a good work-life balance and a positive work culture.
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Mothera and Child Resources: A Resource Pamphlet Supporting Mothers and Children in LynnThis project, completed with the Lynn Public Health Division, focused on identifying and organizing resources available to mothers and children in the community. By assessing local programs and gaps in services, I developed an accessible resource pamphlet to support families and improve awareness of available assistance. Research highlights ongoing disparities in maternal health, including limited access to care and higher rates of hypertension and financial concerns among recent immigrants. To ensure inclusivity, the pamphlet should be translated into multiple languages and regularly updated. It will be distributed during North Shore Mother Visiting Group appointments and made available in the Lynn City Hall Resource Room.
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From Risk to Resilience: The Cardiac Rehabilitation JourneyThis Internship project examined how Anna Jaques Hospitals cardiac rehabilitation program is e<ective for patients who su<ered a cardiac event. To analyze this, upon completion of the cardiac rehabilitation patients were presented with a satisfaction survey. Patients went through 12-24 sessions of the cardiac rehabilitation program. This involved patients to participate in various exercises that specialized nurses and exercise physiologist monitored using EKGs, blood pressures, weight and the measure of the energy of the expenditure of physical activity (METS). The overall goal for cardiac rehabilitation is to allow cardiac patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and recover from their cardiac issues. The results of the satisfaction survey have proven that Anna Jaques Cardiac Rehabilitation program is beneficial to all cardiac patients who attend.
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Mosaic of Access on Campus: A Visual representation of the Complexities of AccessThis poster includes a literature review regarding the use of Universal Design for Learning in higher education and focuses on data collected from students' engagement in academic accessibility services. Fifteen questions regarding the services offered by the Center for Accessible for Academic Resources (CAAR) were divided into three groups and printed for students' participation. Each set of five questions was assigned to a wooden board with a clear adhesive film. Each question had a color glass tile students placed on the board to represent 'yes' answers. The results showed students' knowledge of services such as tutoring, and areas where CAAR could improve in spreading awareness to students. Results also displayed the levels of participation across the different campus locations.
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From Stress to Rest: Massage Therapy and the Nervous System ConnectionThis project examines how massage therapy affects stress levels and sleep quality by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Body & Soul Massage in Salem, MA, focuses on promoting relaxation and wellness through therapeutic massage. Participants of different ages completed a Google Forms survey after their massage session, and their responses were analyzed for patterns. The results showed clear trends: most participants experienced lower stress levels, feeling calmer and less tense, and many reported better sleep quality, including falling asleep faster and waking less during the night. Overall, the findings suggest massage therapy supports improved relaxation and well-being.
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Building Bridges: Community Resource GuideThis project aimed to develop an extensive Community Resource Guide to help clinicians in linking clients to the most necessary local and statewide services. A survey was developed and distributed to gather information on which resource categories were the most requested and the most needed in clinical practice. A needs-assessment survey was developed and distributed with a clinician-informed approach to gather information on which resource categories were the most requested and the most valuable in clinical practice. The final guide offers updated, accessible, and relevant resources to improve the clinicians' ability to provide them with timely referrals and, in turn, enhance the overall client care.





