POSTER PRESENTATIONS:

Bidwell, K., Abad-Jorge, A., Richman, B. Maternal and Pediatric Nutrition Education of Outreach Community Nurses: Improving Health and Nutrition of Children and Families at the Child Health Partnership. Accepted for Poster Presentation at FNCE October 2026 in San Antonio, TX.

Healy, E., Hesse, M., Abad-Jorge. Course Integration brings MIND Diet to Life: A Mixed Methods Evaluation. Accepted for Poster Presentation at the SNEB Conference, July 2026 in Washington, DC.

Chang, G., Walsh, J., Harris, H. (April 13, 2026). Eating Disorder Risk Among College Sport Club Athletes. 2026 Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Education Conference, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

PRESENTATIONS (Capstone Research):

Bidwell. K. Maternal and Pediatric Nutrition Education of Outreach Community Nurses: Improving Health and Nutrition of Children and Families at the Child Health Partnership. Faculty advisor Abad-Jorge, A.

Healy E. Course Integration brings MIND Diet to Life: A Mixed Methods. Evaluation. Faculty advisor Hesse, M.

Townsend, M. Impact of an 8-week employee health challenge on self-reported health status and nutrition habits. Faculty advisor Dengo, A.

Chang, G. Eating Disorder Risk Among College Sport Club Athletes. Faculty advisor Walsh, J.

Lentz, K. Nutrition Education for Food Service Staff at Harrisonburg City Public Schools. Faculty advisor Torisky, D.

PRESENTATION (Thesis Research):

Beers, S., Carson Sackett, S., Dengo, L., Akers, J. (2026). Social Media as a Predictor of Orthorexia Nervosa in NCAA Female Student-Athletes [Master thesis, James Madison University].

AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS:

Ver Ikeseh

2026 Overall Best Oral Presentation, Graduate Student Showcase of Scholarship and Creative Activities, JMU.

2026 Graduate Student Association Impact Award for significant contributions to the graduate student community, JMU.

2025-26 SOAR Outstanding Individual Contribution to a Student Organization Award, JMU.

2025–2026 McGuire Visiting Artist Fellow at The Blake School in Minneapolis, MN, a mural arts mentorship program focused on youth engagement and public art.

Alexandria Searls

2026 Museum Studies Research Competition Finalist, The Virginia Association of Museums, for “Sites and Sounds, Sights and Silences,” merging work from studio art/fibers and art history to propose multisensory involvement in museums and indigenous sites.

2026 Graduate Student Association Professional Development Grant, JMU.

Jeremy Starn

2026 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Graduate Fellowship, $6,000, VMFA, Richmond, VA

2025 Integrative Arts Project Grant, Office of Creative Propulsion, JMU

2025 Graduate Student Association Professional Development Grant, JMU

EXHIBITIONS:

Renée Calway

2025-26 Working Title: Creative Voices of Virginia, VA MOCA, Virginia Beach, VA.

2025 Prisms, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VA MOCA), Virginia Beach, VA.

2025 Deep Ecology Reclaim, Duke Critique Space, JMU. Solo exhibition.

2025 Art and the Ecosystem, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, JMU.

2026 Dilapidated Dreams of the Salt of the Earth, Duke Critique Space, JMU. Solo exhibition.

Brandie Dziegiel, Carly Brink, Renée Calway

2026 Grad Solos I, Grace St Gallery and Duke Critique Spaces, JMU

Behnaz Ghasempour

2026 Invisible Threads, MFA Thesis Exhibition, Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art, JMU.

Ver Ikeseh

2026 Belonging, MFA Thesis Exhibition, Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art, JMU. This included JMU Project 50, an interactive thesis mural engaging over 80 participants including university leadership, faculty, staff, students, local and international artists, and community members.

2026 I Still Have a Dream, Hotel Madison, Harrisonburg, VA. Solo Exhibition.

2025 Distorted Families, Arts Council of the Valley, Harrisonburg, VA. Solo Exhibition.

Liv Luke

2026 Weaving Eigengrau, MFA Thesis Exhibition, Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art, JMU.

Alexandria Searls, Elisha Hill, Jeremy Starn

2026 Grad Solos II, Grace St Gallery and Duke Critique Spaces, JMU.

Alexandria Searls, Brandie Dziegiel, Carly Brink, Jeremy Starn, Ver Ikeseh

2026 Graduate Student Group Show, Office of the Provost, JMU.

Jeremy Starn

2026 Alternative Topographies, Arts Council of the Valle, Harrisonburg, VA. Solo Exhibition. 

2026 Collections of Curiosities, Hunt Gallery, Mary Baldwin University. Co-curator of interdepartmental exhibition.

2026 UnBound #15, Candela Gallery, Richmond, VA.

2026 A Fools Errand, Community Counseling Center, Harrisonburg, VA. Solo Exhibition.

2025 A Fools Errand, Arts Incarnate, Harrisonburg, VA. Solo Exhibition.

2025 At Hand, At Present: Collage and the Practice of Making Do, The Mid-American College Art Association (MACAA) juried hybrid exhibition, online.

2025 Midwest Nice Art Annual National Juried Exhibition, Northern State University.

JMU ENGAGEMENT:

Ver Ikeseh

2025-26 Graduate Student Association Liaison Representative, supporting graduate student advocacy and engagement.

2025-26 Member of Vision Team 5: Graduate Research, JMU.

LECTURES:

Renée Calway

2026 “Dilapidated Dreams of the Salt of the Earth”, Architecture class, JMU.

2026 “Dilapidated Dreams of the Salt of the Earth”, ForKids! Staff group, organization in fighting for families and children living in poverty, Chesapeake, VA.

Jeremy Starn

2025 “Displacement”, Pecha Kucha: Boundless Bound Symposium, JMU.

MEDIA FEATURES:

Ver Ikeseh

2026 Braunstein, Justin. “Collaborative community mural: JMU students, staff and the Harrisonburg community paint mural”, The Breeze, April 16, 2026. 
https://www.breezejmu.org/culture/collaborative-community-mural-jmu-students-staff-and-the-harrisonburg-community-paint-mural/article_4a655da5-0567-40e5-afa0-0b4f480adf8a.html

2026 Ver Ikeseh: Belonging, produced by JMU Media Productions.

Alexandria Searls, Brandie Dziegiel, Renée Calway,

2025 Art and the Environment: Three MFA in Art First Years Respond, JMU News, Thursday, December 18, 2025, https://www.jmu.edu/news/sadah/2025/12-17-mfa-first-years.shtml.

Jeremy Starn

2026 Jeremy Starn: Unsettling Monumental Achievements, Kwaaie Pier, January 28, 2026, online magazine interview. https://kwaaiepier.nl/jeremy-starn-unsettling-monumental-achievements/

PERFORMANCES AND PUBLIC ART: 

Renée Calway

2026 Dilapidated Dreams of the Salt of the Earth, JMU.

2026  In Via Tecum: Stilleven in Ash and Amber, Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach, VA.

Ver Ikeseh

2026 Kwibuka 32, a live painting performance at a commemorative event marking the remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda; the work is now part of the permanent collection of the Department of Political Science at JMU.

Jeremy Starn

2025 Take a picture with nature, it'll last longer, Community engagement art project, Harrisonburg, VA

PUBLICATIONS:

Behnaz Ghasempour

2026 Invisible Threads, MFA Thesis Publication, Scholarly Commons, JMU.

Ver Ikeseh

2026 Belonging, MFA Thesis Publication, Scholarly Commons, JMU.

Liv Luke

2026 Weaving Eigengrau, MFA Thesis Publication, Scholarly Commons, JMU.

Alexandria Searls

2026 “Walking Art”, Voices for Distant Worlds, Boundless Unbound, editor Feixue Mei, JMU. Artist book be exhibited at LA Book Art Fair, May 2026.

WORKSHOPS:

Renee Calway

2026 From These Bricks, MADCon, Staunton, VA.

• Blacklight Stencil Night, The Rabbit Hole, Norfolk, VA.
• Dilapidated Dreams of the Salt of the Earth, six open workshops at JMU; Architecture class at JMU; ForKids! Children in Shelter group, Chesapeake, VA; ForKids! Staff group, Chesapeake, VA.

2025 Push, Peel, Print; A Night at the Museum, Rosemont Elementary School, Virginia Beach, VA; Celebrating Children, Mt. Trashmore, Virginia Beach, VA.

2025 Let’s Take Act, Virginia Beach ViBe District, VA.

Ver Ikeseh

2026 Mentor for Artists and Apprentices Program at the Explore More Discovery Museum, working with youth artists in a structured mentorship and exhibition program.

COMMUNITY IMPACT:

Hosted a panel on pathways to graduate school for first-generation undergraduate students through the program’s Equity in Action Committee.

Organized a spring career clothing drive through the Equity in Action Committee, collecting professional attire to increase student access to clothing for interviews, internships, and career opportunities.

Assumed leadership roles in the JMU Chapter of NAMI; participated in the JMU Campus Out of the Darkness Walk and increased membership through regularly hosted meetings.

Facilitated counseling groups for elementary school students in Page County; developed social-emotional learning curricula and materials for students in grades 3–5. Group topics included Big Feelings, Grief, Self-Esteem & Anxiety, and Social-Emotional Skills.

Facilitated Journeys Grief Camps, day programs designed for children and adolescents (ages 4–18) who have experienced the death of a loved one.

Led Building Cultural Humility workshops for students in an integrated health sciences program, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on personal, professional, and organizational factors influencing client/patient care and collegial interactions.

Facilitated small-group dialogue sessions for Madison International participants in the UNST 150 Global Learning and Living course; delivered six sessions for a residential learning community of first-year international and U.S. students.

Delivered Anxiety Toolbox workshops, providing psychoeducational programming for undergraduates on stress and anxiety, cognitive-behavioral connections, and personalized coping strategies.

Provided assessment services (Spring 2026) for the ARROW Project.

Organized an annual coaches clinic for local high school, college, and youth sport coaches to promote understanding of a challenge mindset and resilience development.

Presented on mental health awareness to coaches and administrators at Stonewall Jackson High School as part of the McMillin Center’s PEAK Performance Lab outreach program.

Established a partnership with Spotswood High School to provide sport psychology services.

Provided sport psychology services to the Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) athletic department.

Presented an overview of integrated sport psychology and mental health services at JMU and in the community at the Psychology in the Valley March event.

Conducted social-emotional and behavioral screenings for children ages 3–8 through the Ready to Learn Program, offering tailored recommendations to parents on self-regulation, social-emotional development, and school readiness.

Collaborated with the occupational therapy department to co-facilitate social skills and self-regulation groups for children.

PRESENTATIONS:

Allen, J. J., Bryan, E., Khaldun, N. M., Piper, C. M., Szwedo, D. E., & Allen, J. P. (2026, April). Navigating conflict: The impact of peer and parental support on trauma-affected adolescents [Poster presentation]. Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research on Adolescence, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Allen, J. J., Young, A., Khaldun, N. M., Piper, C. M., Szwedo, D. E., & Allen, J. P. (2026, April). Attachment style and future romantic relationship satisfaction: The moderating effects of emotional expressivity, communication during conflict, and self-sacrifice [Poster presentation]. Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research on Adolescence, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Chait, N., Decker, A., Owens, C., & Cooke, A. (2025, November). SOGD youth, ACES, and suicidality [Poster presentation]. Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Chait, N., Hackett, L., & Shaver, E. (2026, February). Supporting students through transition: Housing insecurity, foster care, and parental incarceration [Symposium]. National Association of School Psychologists Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

Chait, N., Li, K., Johnson, B., Amonds, T., Rahynes, B., & Proctor, S. L. (2026, February). District-level training for responding to Black students’ trauma [Poster presentation]. National Association of School Psychologists Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

Dalilatojari, S., Khaldun, N. M., Szwedo, D. E., & Allen, J. P. (2026, April). Associations between parent-child relationships, romantic attachment, and self-worth in adulthood [Poster presentation]. Virginia Association for Psychological Science Annual Meeting, Staunton, VA.

DiCarlo, A. M., Piper, C. M., Szwedo, D. E., & Allen, J. P. (2026, April 17). Child-rearing practices on friendship quality and alcohol use in adulthood [Conference presentation]. Virginia Association for Psychological Science (VAPS) Convention, Staunton, VA.

Dick, S. J., Piper, C. M., Szwedo, D. E., & Allen, J. P. (2026, April 17). Adolescent parenting and friendship quality as predictors of adulthood workplace burnout [Conference presentation]. Virginia Association for Psychological Science (VAPS) Convention, Staunton, VA.

Hackett, L., & Chait, N. (2026, February). Fairness in discipline for youth experiencing homelessness and foster care [Practitioner conversation]. National Association of School Psychologists Annual Conference, Chicago, IL.

Harmison, R., Ramirez, B., Shoss, L., Bunner, B., & Vilenkin, S. (2026, February 21). Starting from scratch: A discussion on building embedded sport psychology services in Division III athletics [Conference panel discussion]. AASP Mid-Atlantic Regional Sport Psychology Conference, Glassboro, NJ.

Khaldun, N. M., Allen, J. J., Piper, C. M., Szwedo, D. E., & Allen, J. P. (2026, April). Parental, peer, and cultural influences on self-worth [Poster presentation]. Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Adolescence, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Mendez, J., Khaldun, N. M., Szwedo, D. E., & Allen, J. P. (2026, April). Environmental impacts on mental health outcomes in early adulthood [Poster presentation]. Virginia Association for Psychological Science Annual Meeting, Staunton, VA.

Piper, C. M., Allen, J. J., Khaldun, N. M., Szwedo, D. E., & Allen, J. P. (2026, April 16–19). Early relational skills associated with romantic competence and the moderating effect of gender [Conference presentation]. Society for Research in Adolescence Conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Piper, C. M., Beamish, E. N., Khaldun, N. M., Allen, J. J., Szwedo, D. E., & Allen, J. P. (2026, April 16–19). The impact of parental abuse in adolescence on adult relationships [Conference presentation]. Society for Research in Adolescence Conference, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Shoss, L., & Ramirez, B. (2026, March 25). When two worlds collide: Integrating clinical and sport psychology to support athlete mental health and performance [Conference presentation]. Psych in the Valley Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.

UNIVERSITY IMPACT:

Developed an injured athlete support group for JMU Athletics, Dukes on the Mend (DOTM).

Coordinated the athletics-wide “Dukes Wellness Night,” bringing together multiple disciplines to promote athlete wellness, community, and connection.

Established a partnership between JMU Rugby and the McMillin Center to provide sport psychology services.

Co-led the CHBS Inclusion and Belonging Council, addressing student needs and developing university-wide outreach initiatives.

Delivered Dukes Perform mental performance workshops for the JMU School of Music symphony and chamber orchestras.

Taught PSYC 497: Senior Seminar in Sport Psychology (Spring 2026).

Taught 10 total sections of PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology (Fall 2025-Spring 2026)

Supported undergraduate teaching and research in PSYC 403: Independent Research.

Supported the integration of CAPS into the University Health Center, providing mental health assessment and intervention services to over 100 new patients and completing nearly 300 appointments during the 2025–2026 academic year. Helped develop this integrated care model as a new third-year practicum placement for advanced students.

AWARDS:

Karan Deengar (M’19) was honored with the 2026 General Education Innovation Award at James Madison University.

Jay Fuchs was honored by 2026 C.E.D.A. National Championships as the Critic of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Central Region.

Arielle Hamadé was honored as a 2026 Top Intern in Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education of Virgina (SCHEV).

Ezekiel Olaniyan was honored with the 2026 Outstanding Individual Contribution to a Student Organization Award for his work with the International Students Association at the Student Organization Awards and Reception, Division of Student Affairs.

Ezekiel Olaniyan was selected to participate in the 64th United Nations Graduate Study Program in Geneva, Switzerland in the summer of 2026. This is the oldest educational program supported by the United Nations.

Oghenetega Ologbo was honored as a 2026 Top Intern in Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education of Virgina (SCHEV).

Oghenetega Ologbo was honored with the 2026 Engaged Citizen of the Year Award at the Student Organization Awards and Reception, Division of Student Affairs.

DaNae Peterson (M’25) was honored with The Graduate School’s 2026 Outstanding Thesis in Education, Social Sciences, and Humanities Award.

JMU ALUMNI FEATURE STORIES:

Featured Alumna, Mariam Ismail (M’24) and currently Assistant Professor and Digital Projects Coordinator, Virginia Tech: Feature Friday: From Graduate Assistants to Digital Scholarship Leaders - JMU Libraries.

Featured Alumna, Sheriden Osei (M’25) Finding her Calling Beyond the Screen: Advocacy in Action.

PRESENTATIONS:

Bates, S. (M’25), Yoder, A., Smith, G. (M’25), Ologbo, O., Dushimirimana, A., and Zaied, R. (M’21). (April, 2026). From panic to podium: Cultivating conference confidence.  CONNECT session panel presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.

D’Agostino, P. (April, 2026). An examination of Chris Brown’s extensive history of assault allegations through image repair theory. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.

D’Agostino, P. (April 2026). Growth and abscission of an individual opinion. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.

Dushimirimana, A. (October, 2025) “Will I find home…?” A Fulbright Scholar’s journey of identity and belonging in the U.S. Paper presented at the Fulbright Association 48th Annual Conference “United We Stand,” Miami, FL.

Dushimirimana, D. (November 2025). Addressing stigma and underutilization of mental health services in Rwanda: The role of media and social norms. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Denver CO.

Dushimirimana, A., Morena, L. (M’25), and Alemán, M.W., (April 2026). “I don’t like to be asking for the basics because the basics are something that should already be in existence, right?” Voices of international graduate students’ academic and social experiences at a U.S. university.  Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA. Top Paper Award in Voices of Diversity Division.

Gunkel, B. (April 2026). Voice of resistance: A rhetorical analysis of personal testimony in the documentary Crip Camp. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.   

Gunkel, B. (April, 2026). Voice of resistance: A rhetorical analysis of personal testimony in the documentary Crip Camp. Poster presented at The Graduate School’s Showcase of Scholarship and Creative Activities, Harrisonburg, VA.

Kier, B. (April 2026). The great accommodation race. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.

Martin, R. (April 2026). The ukulele apology: Colleen Ballinger’s image repair in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA

Martin, R. (April 2026). Reweaving stigma. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.

Olaniyan, E. (April 2026). Image repair identity, and institutional crisis: A Strategic communication analysis of Claudine Gay and Harvard University. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA

Olaniyan, E. (April 2026). Rejected by the algorithm: Mental health consequences for young Black men in job applications in the United States. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Birmingham, AL.

Olaniyan, E. (April 2026). When the algorithm says no: How young Black men interpret job rejections in AI-driven hiring systems. Poster presented at The Graduate School’s Showcase of Scholarship and Creative Activities, Harrisonburg, VA.

Ologbo, O., Meganck, D., & Woo, C.W. (September 2025) Bridging education and community impact to empower future professionals. Engaged Scholarship Consortium International Conference, Roanoke, VA.

Ologbo, O. (November 2025). Domestic violence: A cross-cultural comparison of its impact on the self-esteem and behavioral patterns of women in Nigeria and the U.S. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Denver CO.

Ologbo, O., Kayiganwa, K. M., & alumna JMU Presidential Engagement Fellow Ijeluola, T. (M’25) participated as panelists in the session “African Female Graduate Students in Conversation: Feminist Worldmaking, Survival, and Scholarly Practice” at the African, African American and Diaspora Studies International Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.

Ologbo, O. (April 2026). Agenda in focus: Media’s power through framing. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.

Ologbo, O. (April, 2026). Scandal and reputation: Astronomer’s Coldplay jumbotron crisis and image repair. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.

Ologbo, O. (April 2026). Bridging education and community impact to empower future professionals. Poster presented at The Graduate School’s Showcase of Scholarship and Creative Activities.

Rodak, M., Nicholson, E., & Dushimirimana, A. (April 2026). The Re-Emergence of the Debate over Audre Lorde’s “Master’s Tools” Challenge for These Times.  Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Pittsburgh, PA.

Schleyer, A. (April 2026). Deliberation and Argumentation: Civility on Contemporary College Campus. Poster presented at The Graduate School’s Showcase of Scholarship and Creative Activities.

Yoder, A. (March 2026). Fragments of Home. Presented at the 2026 International Symposium on Autoethnography and Narrative, Virtual Conference.

AWARDS:

Jina Yang was selected as a 2026-2027 Emerging Leader for the Association for Humanistic Counseling.

Lydia Larimore was named the 2025 Virginia School Counselor of the Year by the Virginia School Counselor Association (VSCA) https://neabscoes.pwcs.edu/news/2025/04/vsca_lydia_larimore_2025

Lydia Larimore is an ASCA 2026 School Counselor of the Year^® finalist  https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Recognition/School-Counselor-of-the-Year/Featured-Finalist-Lydia-Larimore

Lacey Sawyers received West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences 2026 Outstanding Teaching Award

Renee Haskins, Ph.D., program alumni, received the University of Alaska Fairbanks Faculty Development Award

PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS:

Blake, N. (2026, June 18). Artificial intelligence in counseling: An ethical framework for clinicians [Conference presentation]. Trinity River Counseling Services Annual Counseling Summit, Fort Worth, TX, United States.

Blake, N. (2026, February 5). Weathering the same storm: Supporting students while navigating shared experiences [Conference presentation]. Texas University and College Counseling Centers Conference (TUCCCC), United States.

Bryant, K. (2025). Developmental building blocks of trauma competency and implications for counselor educators [Conference presentation]. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (ACES).

Hurley, P., & Mojta, C. (2026). Treating problematic sexual behavior with Internal Family Systems viewed through a polyvagal lens. In S. Neves (Ed.), The Routledge international handbook of sexual compulsivity and clinical sexology. Routledge.

Joseph, A. (2025). Exploration of relational-cultural theory applications for home-based therapy in counseling courses and supervision [Conference presentation]. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (ACES).

Joseph, A., & Nolan, T. (in press). Modeling case conceptualization: A teaching approach to intergenerational trauma. ACES Teaching Practice Briefs.

Kho, S., & Yang, J. (2026, April). Addressing Racial Oppression in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Women of Color. Poster Session for 2026 American Counseling Association Conference. Columbus, OH.

Lim, J., Kho, S., Yang, J., & Dermody, A. (2026, April). From Trauma to Strength: Growth in Immigrant and Refugee Women. Education Session for 2026 American Counseling Association Conference. Columbus, OH.

Lim, J., Kho, S., & Yang, J. (2026, April). Finding Strength in the Shift: Posttraumatic Growth Among Korean Immigrant Women in the U.S. Round Table for 2026 Korean Counseling Association-International Chapter Conference. Columbus, OH.

Lister, J. Z. (2025). Supporting professional counselors who experience online hate [Conference presentation]. Virginia Counselors Association Convention, Norfolk, VA, United States.

Mojta, C., Tseng, N. W., & Crockett, S. (2025). What’s taboo? Confronting topics regarding sexual shame, touch, and fantasy in the classroom [Conference presentation]. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (ACES).

Sawyers, L. (2025). EMDR. In J. E. Randall Reyes & J. Haas (Eds.), Introduction to trauma counseling: Inclusive approaches. Cognella Academic Publishing.

Sawyers, L. (2026, March). Unlocking hope: The impact of trauma therapy in the treatment of substance use disorder [Roundtable presentation]. Appalachian Studies Association Conference.

Snow, T., et al. (2025). Infusing integrated behavioral health in counselor education: A panel of educators from six programs [Conference presentation]. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (ACES).

Tseng, N. W., & Sturm, D. (2025). An argument for play in counselor education and supervision [Conference presentation]. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (ACES).

Yang, J., & Hiatt, K. (2025). Reimagining gatekeeping: Embracing relational-cultural strategies for change [Conference presentation]. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (ACES).

PRESENTATIONS:

Fertig, J. (2025, November). The “Favorite No” activity: The value of learning & high expectations. [Roundtable presentation]. National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention, Denver, CO. [Josie Fertig]

Kimble, B. (2025, November). Say gay: The use of queer literature in the classroom. [Roundtable presentation]. National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention, Denver, CO. [Benjamin Kimble]

Smiley, H. (2025, November). Eight great classics boldly reimagined: To Kill a Mockingbird. [Roundtable presentation]. National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention, Denver, CO. [Hailey Smiley]

Shoffner, M., & Smiley, H. (2025, November). Pedagogical care as purposeful endeavor in ELA teacher education. National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Convention. Denver, CO. [Haley Smiley]

PUBLICATIONS:

Fertig, J., Fisher, E., Kimble, B., Smiley, H., Lewis, M., & Shoffner, M. (2025, December 3). Young adult literature at the 2025 NCTE Annual Convention: A reflection from four new English teachers. YA Wednesday. https://www.drbickmoresyawednesday.com/wed-posts/young-adult-literature-at-the-2025-ncte-annual-convention-a-reflection-from-four-new-english-teachers [Josie Fertig, Ellie Fisher, Benjamin Kimble & Haley]

Fisher, E., Johnson, E., Smiley, H., & Shoffner, M. (2025, September 10). The texts we select (and why we love them). YA Wednesday. https://www.drbickmoresyawednesday.com/wed-posts/the-texts-we-select-and-why-we-love-them [Ellie Fisher, Emma Johnson & Haley Smiley]

Galano, J., Sawyer, D., Sawyer, A. G., & Smiley, H. (2025). Leveraging future technology to better observe the past: Examples of generative artificial intelligence use by social studies teachers and students. Virginia Social Studies Journal. DOI: 10.33552/IJER.2025.05.000622 [Juliana Galano & Haley Smiley]

Smiley, H., Sawyer, A. & Galano, J., (2025) High school students view Snapchat AI to be like Google. Ohio Journal of School Mathematics 99(1), 30--37. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18061/ojsm.5053 [Juliana Galano & Haley Smiley]

AWARD:

Victoria Hockman received the JMU Literacy Alumni Award.

Kris Smith received the Virginia State Literacy Association Graduate Student Scholarship.

PRESENTATION:

Benson, N., Berry, A., Downey, J., Crenshaw, T., Bahlmann Bollinger, C., & Lewis, M. (2026, March). Innovating writing instruction to spark elementary and secondary students’ literacy competencies [Panel presentation]. Virginia State Literacy Association Annual Conference, Roanoke, VA, United States.

AWARDS:

Katharine Benson is a recipient of The Office of Sponsored Programs Fellowship, 2025-2026.

Angela Rona Estavillo has been offered and accepted a position in the English Ph.D. program at the University of Connecticut.

Anna Gitchell is a recipient of The Office of Research Development Fellowship, 2025-2026.

Tanner Pratt is a recipient of The Innovation & Impact Fellowship at JMU X-Labs. 

Aiman Rahman is starting a Ph.D. program in English (Literary History) at Ohio University in Fall 2026.

Aiman Rahman was awarded the Earl C. and Margaret S. Shively Scholarship by their English Department. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

Katharine Benson is a Graduate Assistant for the Celebrating Simms at Rocktown High School Project (Accessibility Coordinator, Outreach, Web, and Event Manager), 2025-2026. 

Riley Hollars is a Graduate Assistant at the Furious Flower Poetry Center, 2025-2026.

Riley Hollars has an upcoming internship with The Queer Love Project as poetry editor and will pioneer the addition of poetry to the project. 

Charles Owen is a Graduate Assistant for the Center for Interational Stabilization and Recovery. 

Dangerfield, Rylee as Sigma Tau Delta vice president, along with fellow officers, collaborated with the JMU English Department to fund Charlie Jane Anders' book talk and visit to JMU for her book, Lessons in Magic and Disaster.

Lucy Saunders will be working with the Honors college for the 2026-2027 academic year, facilitating pedagogical events and student workshops. 

PRESENTATIONS:

Benson, K. (2026). The polished shield: White women’s role in racial violence [Conference presentation]. William & Mary Graduate Symposium, Williamsburg, VA.

Benson, K., & Gitchell, A. (2026). Black soldiers in WWII: Reimagining and restoring history through film [Conference presentation]. AAAD Conference, Harrisonburg, VA. https://arcg.is/v05SS4  

Carranza, A. (2025, October 16-18). Origins of the Western Vampire: A Close Reading of Sheridan Le Fanu's "Carmilla" as the Foundation of the New Vampire[Conference Presentation]. Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association, Spokane, WA.

Carranza, A. (2026, February 26). Edith Wharton's "Roman Fever and Women as Pawns of Patriarchy[Conference Presentation]. William and Mary Graduate Symposium, Williamsburg, VA.

Dangerfield, R. The Ma Rainey Legacy Project 2026 AAAD Interdisciplinary Conference with Tanner Pratt and Micah Turner, Harrisonburg, VA.

Gitchell, A. M. (2026, February 26-27). Devolving Morality in AMC's The Walking Dead [Conference presentation]. William & Mary Graduate Symposium, Williamsburg, VA.

Gitchell, A. M., & Benson, K. V. (2026, February 11-13). Black Soldiers in WWII: Reimagining & Restoring History through Film [Conference presentation]. 2026 AAAD Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.

Hollars, R.  Annie Turnbo Malone and the Poro Empire: DH Project Analysis. 16th Annual African, African American, and Diaspora (AAAD) Interdisciplinary Conference, 11-13 February 2026, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Hollars, R. Motherhood as Monstrosity: Grendel’s Mother Transformed Through Dog-Woman. Medieval + Monsters: MAM, MAMA, and IMA Joint Conference with The Newberry Library, Dominican University and Newberry Library, Chicago, IL., 17-18 October, 2025.

Owen, C. (2026). The phantom pain: Imperial anxieties of uprootedness and alchemical knowing in Arthur Machen’s “The Great God Pan” at LABRC’s Sacred Arts 2026 Conference, University of Oxford, OX1, UK.

Pratt, T. (2026) The Ma Rainey Legacy Project at African, African American, and Diaspora Studies (AAAD) Interdisciplinary Conference 2026, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Rahman, A. (2025, November 18–20). Poetics of transgression: Of Borders, Boundaries, and Bodies in The God of Small Things. Paper presented at the Connections and Human Dimensions of Urban Space, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México 4th International Conference, Mexico City, Mexico.

Rahman, A. (2026, February 11–13). How far does the dime go? Visualizing the financial footprint of Black digital and public humanities. Paper presented at the Sanctuary: Sites of Survival and Spontaneity, 16th Annual AAAD Interdisciplinary Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.

Rahman, A. (2026, March 26–27). The Mycelium of Radical Delights: Ross Gay’s exploration of Black joy. Paper presented at the Radical Hope: Reimagining Justice in Insecure and Precarious Times, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.

Saunders, Lucy (2026 February) Performative Grief: The Metamorphosis, Bourgeois Respectability, and Caretaker Resentment [Paper Presentation]. William and Mary Graduate Research Symposium, Williamsburg, VA.

Turner, M. (2026, February). The Ma Rainey Legacy Project [project presentation]. James Madison University AAAD Conference, Harrisonburg, VA.

Turner, Micah. (2026, February). Eloquence and Repulsion: The Paradox of Frankenstein’s Creature [paper presentation]. William & Mary Graduate Symposium, Charlottesville, VA.

PUBLICATIONS:

Dangerfield, R. designed the marketing and program materials for the 2026 AAAD Interdisciplinary Conference in my role as the publicity and communications graduate assistant for the AAAD office.

Dangerfield, R. completed editorial work for both national (NCTE's English Education) and state (Virginia English Journal and Journal of Virginia Science Education) journals in my role as an editorial assistant for Dr. Melanie Shoffner.

Estavillo, A. R. (2026, April). Tomorrow is here I said tomorrow is waiting. Bryant Literary Review, 27, 81.

Estavillo, A. R. (forthcoming). Droga. Pangyrus.

Pratt, T. “Dancing the Cow.” Iris Literature and Arts Magazine 4(1), 34.

Pratt, T. “Hate Poem.” Iris Literature and Arts Magazine 4(1), 7.

AWARDS:

Emily Barner- nominated for the Outstanding Student Partner CUP Award (Community University Partner) through the JMU Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC).

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

Morrison Bruce Center Graduate Assistant Samantha Holbrook recognized in this story about the interdisciplinary Gus Bus partnership that she organized through her role with the Morrison Bruce Center.

Morrison Bruce Center Graduate Assistant Samantha Holbrook recognized in this story about the Morrison Bruce Center EmpowHER program that she coordinates.

PRESENTATIONS:

Cerkovnik BP, Neyroud D, Callaway CS, Judge AR, D’Lugos AC. (2026). Voluntary Physical Activity Prevents Pancreatic Tumor-Induced Cachexia, Immobility, and Muscle Pathology. International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference. *Data blitz and poster.

Kurz AM, Graham RR, Carrasco AP, Salgado BE, Guerrero E, D’Lugos AC. (2026). Impact of Gelatin Supplementation on Indices of Skeletal Muscle Recovery: A Pilot Study. Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine Southeast Chapter.

Romero TN, Luden ND, Womack CJ and Saunders MJ (2026). Effects of a sodium bicarbonate hydrogel supplement on gastrointestinal symptoms and performance during high-intensity running. Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine Southeast Chapter. Greenville, SC.

Meskin, S. A., Stevens, A., & Womack, C. J. The Effect of Leg Hair Exposure on Body Composition Measurements via Air-Displacement Plethysmography. Southeast American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Greenville, SC, 2026.

Smith, D. β-Alanine Supplementation Does Not Attenuate Inflammation or Improve Muscle Function Following Resistance Exercise. Southeast American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Greenville, SC, 2026. (Faculty mentor not listed as co-author in conference program.)

McCauley A, Morrow E, Hargens TA. Impact of sleep-log alignment on ActiGraph vs. ActivPAL estimates of physical activity. Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine Southeast Chapter. Greenville, SC.

McKay, C. & Damewood, M. (2025, June). Amplifying the Voices of Students with Disabilities in Integrated Physical Education. International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity. Tralee, Ireland, 2025.

PUBLICATIONS:

Romero TN, Luden ND, Womack CJ and Saunders MJ (2026). Effects of a sodium bicarbonate hydrogel supplement on gastrointestinal symptoms and performance during high-intensity running. Under revision

Young, H,. Luden, ND,. Saunders, MJ,. Kurti, SP. Pregnancy-Related Changes in Operating Lung Volumes and Expiratory Flow Limitation During Treadmill and Cycling Exercise: A Case Study. Accepted, Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal.

Foster, A., Dennis, E. J., Kurti, S. P., Luden, N. D., Saunders, M. J., & Womack, C. J. Effects of Verification Stage Intensity and Duration on V̇O₂max Determination Revised manuscript under review at European Journal of Applied Physiology.     

Womack, C. J. Meskin, S. A., Stevens, A. Leg Hair Coverage Alters Body Volume Measurements During Air-Displacement Plethysmography. Manuscript under review at European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

AWARDS:

Dakota Babcock - Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing

Erin Glaser - Outstanding MSN Nursing Leader

Rebecca Kresse - Outstanding Leadership MSN Project of Interest

Zach Motyka - Sigma Theta OZ Best Podium Presentation Award, Annual OZ Research and Scholarship Day, April 16, 2026

Julia Suter - Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Professional Engagement

Tonka Williams - 2025 Virginia Allen Distinguished Honorable Service to Humanity in Nursing Practice from DNPs of Color

Tonka Williams - 2025-2026 Graduate School Award for Civic Engagement. Project title “Aortic Health Equity: A National Awareness Campaign for the Black Communities”

Tonka Williams - Virginia Nurses Association Nurse Executive Leadership Excellence Award

PRESENTATIONS:

Andrews, B., Metzler-Sawin, E. (2026). Evaluating school nurses’ immunization compliance methods following VIIS integration into PowerSchool in rural Virginia school divisions: A Program Evaluation [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Batir, S., Argenbright, C. (2026). Improving Fast Track Efficiency Through Flow Nurse Implementation in the Emergency Department [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Berrios Canada, B., Buchanan, H. (2026). Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Culpeper Free Clinic in Managing Chronic Diseases and Providing Cancer Screening Services for Uninsured Adults [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Biddulph, T., Lewis, E. (2026). Nursing Activities Score (NAS) informed assignments, a Quality Improvement project to reduce ICU nurse burnout [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Callahan, N., Argenbright, C. (2026). Streamlining Ambulatory Documentation: Enhancing Epic Usability and Provider Efficiency [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Crosswell, B., Argenbright, C. (2026). Streamlining Outpatient Surgery FCOTs Through a Patient-Prepared Checklist [Poster presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Glaser, E., Argenbright, C. (2026). Nurse Manager Job Satisfaction and Span of Control [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Hanni, J., Argenbright, C. (2026). Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB®) Training Program to Reduce Workplace Violence and Improve Nurse Safety [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Jones, A., Buchanan, H. (2026). Nurse Communication-Quality Improvement Project [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Jones, J., Buchanan, H. (2026). Heart Failure Clinic Program Evaluation [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Leonardo, N., Buchanan, H. (2026). Meeting Homeless Health Needs: A Program Evaluation of a Mobile Health Clinic [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Mohl, D., Metzler-Sawin, E. (2026). A Program Evaluation of the Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing (EmPATH) Unit [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Motyka, Z., Metzler-Sawin, E. (2026). Remote Monitoring to Reduce Heart Failure Readmissions: An Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Project [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Price, C., Lewis, E. (2026). Mortality Risk Screening to Enhance Timely Advance Care Planning: A Program Evaluation [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Shoptaw, T., Argenbright, C. (2026). A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Underreporting of Pediatric Peripheral Intravenous Infiltration and Extravasation (PIVIE) Incident [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Subedi, K., Buchanan, H. (2026). Improving the Screening and Referral Process for Social Determinants of Health in the Homeless Population [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Whelden, T., Lewis, E. (2026). Older adults are CAPABLE: A program evaluation [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

Wilkins, K., Buchanan, H. (2026). Improving Access and Mental Health Services to College Students: A Program Evaluation [Podium presentation]. Omega Zeta Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing 8th Annual Research and Scholarship Day, Harrisonburg, VA.

AWARDS:

Mikayla Cashwell was selected as an American School Counselor Association ambassador for the Summer 2026 national conference in Louisiana.  

Alexia Cravens won the Carl Swanson Award for Service to the Counseling Profession.

Morgan Melchor won the Helen Moore Award for the Pursuit of Counseling Excellence.

Jada Robinson was a Michele Dowdy Fellow for the Virgina Counselor’s Association and she attended the leadership academy in the fall.

Liana Turturro won the William Hall Award for Contributions to the Learning Community.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

In addition to the impact of our in-house audiology and speech-language clinical services, our graduate students:

• Provided community outreach for infants, ages 6-12 months and their caregivers through The FIRST program
• Completed hearing screenings at 10 schools within Harrisonburg Community Public Schools
• Assisted in providing weekly evaluation and intervention services at 5 Rockingham County elementary schools
• Provided therapy services to preschoolers at Young Children’s Program and Kid’s Harbor

PRESENTATIONS:

Ciocca, O., Kearns, D., *Chappell, H., *Soong, C., *Sperrazza, N., Zane, E., Cohn, N., & Coderre, E.L. (2025, October). Inferencing During Visual and Verbal Narrative Comprehension in Autism: An EEG Study. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, Boston, MA

Kalenichenko, K., DePaolis, R., Harbick, S., & Huynh, T. (2025, November). Infant Communication Patterns in Triadic Relationships Across Socioeconomic Strata [Poster Presentation]. Annual Convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Washington, D.C.

Ritter, Rachel, Timler, G., Visconti, C., Zane, E., Ritter, B., & McCaslin, C.(2025, November). Exploring the Neurodivergent Identity [Poster Presentation]. Annual Convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Washington, D.C.

Zane, E., Booth, E.*, Bunner, R.*, Chappell, H.*, Soong, C.*, Cohn, N., & Coderre, E. (2025, May). Visual attention to the climax of pictorial and verbal narratives decreases with increasing autistic traits. In E. Zane & M. Losh (Chairs) Discursions on Discourse: How Autistic Traits Contribute to Language Processing and Expression in Various Discourse Contexts [Panel]. Oral presentation at the annual meeting of the International Society on Autism Research (INSAR). Seattle, WA.

PUBLICATION:

Timler, G. & McCaslin, C. (2025). How do we identify client needs through a neurodiversity-affirming lens? ASHA Leader. https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1f.30012025.neurodiversity-affirming-slp.34/full/