Health and Behavioral Studies News

Occupational therapy students attend ASIST workshop for suicide prevention

Recently, second-year OT students along with students in the School Counseling Program participated in a workshop known as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

College of Health and Behavioral Studies position announcement

Associate Dean sought for CHBS

Psychology professor hosts parent conference

On September 22, the psychology department hosted a one-day educational and personal development conference on parenting for the Harrisonburg community.

Dietetics graduate continues studies in Campus Recreation

After Brian Tran (’17) obtained a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and nutritional sciences, he decided to pursue a Master of Science degree in sport and recreation leadership with a focus on campus recreation.

Students participate in Summer Autism Camp

A collaborative group of students served 11 children with autism and their families through the Summer Autism Camp at JMU’s Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Services this past summer.

#CHBSChats with Eddie Marshall

#CHBSChats with Eddie Marshall (Athletic Training) - Our series of informal chats with students

Occupational therapy welcomes new program director

Dorne brings a bright energy, fresh ideas and an impressive résumé of experience to her new role as director of the occupational therapy program.

Specializing in student health

After working in the emergency room of Sentara RMH for three years, Jessica Sampson accepted a PA position at the JMU Health Center this past January.

Helping patients with Parkinson's Disease

Every year, VOTA provides $1,000 scholarships to three students who show academic and professional excellence, and a strong desire to serve the community.

Finney speaks at alma mater

Finney was invited to the University of Nebraska, her alma mater, to speak with the faculty and students of the QQPM graduate programs and staff from the Buros Center.

Flaten finds a niche in JMU kinesiology

I figured I would move somewhere that would challenge me physically, and now JMU is challenging me mentally to grow as a well-rounded individual.

#CHBSChats with Amber Tordoff

#CHBSChats with Amber Tordoff (Physician Assistant - Health Professions) - Our series of informal chats with students

#CHBSChats with Rebecca Wilson

#CHBSChats with Rebecca Wilson (Nursing) - Our series of informal chats with students

Psychology Peer Advising under new leadership

The Psychology Peer Advising (PPA) program has thrived for the past nine years under the leadership of professor Kimberly DuVall, who is handing over the reins as director of the program.

Graduate turns thesis into successful career

Rachel Gregory (’16) graduated with a Master of Science degree in nutrition and physical activity. Since then, she has started her own successful business and published a book; all based on her graduate school research.

Health Sciences welcomes new professor

After serving as a sabbatical replacement for a year at her alma matter, Berea College, Tracey Thomas began looking for a new position at universities across the U.S. When she found JMU, she fell in love.

PHETE professor wins educator award

Kinesiology professor, Cathy McKay, has been recognized as a College/University Health Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (VAHPERD).

JMU assessment and measurement faculty partner with Carnegie Mellon

JMU faculty have formed a strategic partnership with colleagues at Carnegie Mellon

Department of Psychology welcomes new faculty

Undergraduate psychology welcomes three new faculty members for fall 2018.

JMU School of Nursing director testifies before Congress

JMU School of Nursing director Julie Sanford testified before the U.S. Senate on the growing shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas and potential solutions to fill this critical, national need.

Kinesiology students published in journal

Recent graduates published in the spring 2018 VAHPERD journal

School of Nursing gets $2.7 million

The James Madison University School of Nursing will receive $2.7 million in federal grant money over the next four years

CCN named 2018 Best Practice Program

The Caregivers Community Network was recognized with a 2018 Best Practice Program Award (2nd place) by the Commonwealth Council on Aging.

Applied behavior analysis concentration ranked top in nation

Psychological sciences program has ties to IIHHS research and practicum experiences

Assessment and Measurement students present at the AERA and NCME conferences

Students attended the annual meetings of the National Council on Measurement in Education and the American Educational Research Association in April.

Building relationships through caring and fun

Reflections on the Caregivers Community Network by JMU students - Spring 2018

#CHBSChats with Scott Caravas

#CHBSChats with Scott Caravas (Social Work) - Our series of informal chats with students

Barron reflects on leading JMU's psychology learning community

JMU's PLC was founded in 2002 and has been led by Kenn Barron for the past 15 years.

Psychological sciences students excel at measurement conferences

Two students represented JMU and the Department of Graduate Psychology at professional conferences

Alumni return to campus to help judge psychology symposium projects

As the symposium has grown over the years, it has become more difficult for faculty and graduate students to find sufficient time to judge the posters so the department of psychology invited alumni to assist.

2018 Psychology Student Symposium

Highlights of the 2018 Undergraduate Psychology Student Symposium

Social work faculty and students attend conference

In March, JMU social work faculty members, Laura Hunt Trull and BJ Bryson took 14 students to the annual Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors, Inc. (BPD) conference in Atlanta.

Psychology faculty recognized for outstanding service

Three psychology faculty members received College of Health and Behavioral Studies Faculty Awards in 2018. Professors Kenn Barron, David Daniel and David Szwedo stood out for their excellence in teaching and research.

Students work together to provide healthcare at homeless shelters

For the past year, students in the nursing, physician assistant and dietetics programs have volunteered with the mobile healthcare service that provides treatment to the local homeless population.

Visiting psychology professor shares workforce insight

The psychology department was able to host Eric Landrum as the keynote speaker for the Psychology Symposium on April 22.

Social work student presents honors project

Senior social work student Haley Lipton’s honors project was accepted for presentation at the 2018 Southern Regional Honors Council Conference.

Honors Nursing Students Going to Duke

Four Honors students graduating in May from JMU Nursing have accepted positions at the prestigious Duke University Hospital.

#CHBSChats with Katherine Kowalk

#CHBSChats with Katherine Kowalk (Health Sciences) - Our series of informal chats with students

Pi Mu Professional Day encourages healthcare research

On April 10, 2018, the Pi Mu chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing held their annual Professional Day.

CSD student receives $20,000 scholarship

Communication sciences and disorders (CSD) doctoral candidate, Erin Clinard, has been awarded a $20,000 scholarship by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD).

#CHBSChats with Emilee Blosser

#CHBSChats with Emilee Blosser (Kinesiology) - Our series of informal chats with students

Students travel to US-Mexico border for service-learning opportunity

Over winter break, eleven students and a faculty member coordinated a service-learning trip to San Juan, Texas, a city located along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Guest speaker discusses transgender nutritional needs

On Saturday March 17, dietitian Zachari Breeding came to James Madison University to speak to faculty and students about nutritional considerations for the transgender community.

Event: It’s Ok to Die … When You’re Prepared.

Join us for an informational talk about advanced directives, tools for making challenging medical decisions, and numerous other action steps to take when “your time” comes.

School of Nursing receives Compass Award for Diversity and Inclusion

In recognition of its contributions and its commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion, the Office of the President has presented the School of Nursing with the Compass Award for Diversity and Inclusion.

Events organized for Occupational Therapy Month

To celebrate Occupational Therapy Month, the JMU Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) has planned three activities throughout April focusing on restorative practices and meaningful occupations.

#CHBSChats with Rachel Civale

#CHBSChats with Rachel Civale (Nursing) - Our series of informal chats with students

New CSD study abroad in York, England

Professor Rory DePaolis will be taking 14 junior CSD majors to the University of York to attend a four-credit linguistics course this summer.

Phi Epsilon Kappa members spend spring break volunteering

During spring break of 2018, several members of Phi Epsilon Kappa went to Charlotte, North Carolina to volunteer at Lifespan, a non-profit organization that provides services to individuals with disabilities.

#CHBSChats with Morgan Epps

#CHBSChats with Morgan Epps (Social Work) - Our series of informal chats with students

Health sciences students present research at conference

On April 18, four teams of JMU health sciences students will travel to the Georgetown Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) in Washington, D.C., to present their own findings on diverse and pressing health topics.

Paralympic athletes visit KIN 100 class

Paralympic athletes visited KIN 100 classes to teach wheelchair basketball skills and educate students on the challenges that accompany the sport.

Exchange student completes CSD research

Communication sciences and disorders (CSD) professor Chris G. Clinard and German exchange student Lisa M. Jessen completed research about how the brain processes sounds when we are listening with background noise.

#CHBSChats with Lexie Trinchere

#CHBSChats with Lexie Trinchere (Nursing) - Our series of informal chats with students

Kinesiology students and faculty attend SHAPE conference

The 2018 SHAPE National Conference & Expo was held March 20-14 in Nashville.

Social Work class partners with Open Doors to serve homeless population

Since 2014, students in SOWK 317 class have partnered with Open Doors, an organization located in Harrisonburg which provides shelter and support for the local homeless population.

Local healthcare administrators provide new perspectives for HSA students

In the Health Services Administration program, working professionals that double as JMU adjunct faculty provide practical and applied perspectives – demonstrating to students the day-to-day operations of healthcare.

Student promotes hand hygiene through public health strategies

Health sciences major Stephanie Pasewaldt completed her Honors College capstone project at schools in Uganda and Kenya, where she promoted handwashing through education and infrastructure interventions.

#CHBSChats with Stephanie Pasewaldt

#CHBSChats with Stephanie Pasewaldt (Health Sciences) - Our series of informal chats with students

#CHBSChats with Biniam Abraham

#CHBSChats with Biniam Abraham (Physician Assistant - Health Professions) - Our series of informal chats with students

Psychology students receive engagement grants

Psychology majors Kathia Bonilla and Caleigh Strother both had ideas for ways to serve patients in their field placement settings and received grants to make their ideas into reality.

Students volunteer with rescue squad

PA students gain clinical experience while volunteering their time to the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad.

#CHBSChats with Mina Attia

#CHBSChats with Mina Attia (Graduate Psychology) - Our series of informal chats with students

2018 CHBS mini-grant recipients announced

Congratulations to the recipients of the recent mini-grant competition to support faculty development.

Lincoln Gray discusses engagement with diverse audiences

Communication sciences and disorders professor Lincoln Gray's research involves layering multicultural and interdisciplinary perspectives to generate new scientific findings.

JMU hosts Virginia Nursing Students' Association state convention

On February 10, 2018, JMU hosted the VNSA state convention offering nursing students an opportunity to learn about different specialties and roles in nursing while fostering professional development.

Alumna works to improve geriatric care

Alumna Jeannette Suter ('99, '02) has worked in numerous roles to promote comprehensive senior care.

Simulation based experiences improve cultural competence

The School of Nursing has expanded its simulation lab program to include diversity scenarios, enhancing the cultural competence of students through simulated clinical interactions.

#CHBSChats with Kaelie Jager

#CHBSChats with Kaelie Jager (Health Sciences) - Our series of informal chats with students

PA program partners with Free Clinic

Now in the second year of a five year grant from the Health and Human Services Administration, the Physician Assistant students reflect on their first year experiences at the clinic.

Claire Lyons receives General Education Distinguished Teacher Award

Psychology professor Claire Lyons has been awarded the General Education Distinguished Teacher Award in recognition of her dedicated service and ability in teaching students.

Giving Day funds make a difference

The kinesiology department utilized its portion of the funding to cover student travel costs for two regional conferences.

Giving Day funds make a difference

The Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS) utilized its portion of last year's gifts to support summer camp programming.

Giving Day funds make a difference

The department of Graduate Psychology used its portion of the funding to purchase training materials for Higher Ground, a project aimed at battling adolescent substance abuse in public schools.

#CHBSChats with Taylor Short

#CHBSChats with Taylor Short (Graduate Nursing) - Our series of informal chats with students

Viewpoints on Health

Viewpoints on Health will be held on March 22, 2018 at 5:30p.m. in HBS 5040

Giving Day funds make a difference

The department of Communication Sciences and Disorders utilized their Giving Day funding to purchase updated assessment technologies that now serve the adult clinic.

Giving Day funds make a difference

The Department of Psychology allocated their portion towards bringing keynote speaker Eric Landrum to this year's Psychology Symposium.

Giving Day funds make a difference

The social work department dedicated its portion of Giving Day funding to expand student participation in the Rural Area Medical Volunteer Corps. (RAM), a healthcare outreach initiative.

Quantitative psychology student wins national research award

Paulius Satkus, a first year student in the quantitative psychology concentration in the psychological sciences M.A. program, received the "Best Student Paper Award."

CHBS faculty awards for 2018 announced

Congratulations to the following faculty named as recipients of the 2018 CHBS faculty awards.

Inter-professional education seminar held

An all day seminar on Inter-professional education took place bringing together over 100 graduate students and advanced undergraduate students from seven disciplines.

CSD faculty published in research journal

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is pleased to share that the February 2018 edition of the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology includes two publications from JMU CSD faculty members.

#CHBSChats with Grace Berardini

#CHBSChats with Grace Berardini (Physician Assistant - Health Professions) - Our series of informal chats with students

National Library of Medicine exhibition visits JMU

A travelling exhibition created by the National Library of Medicine will spend six weeks at JMU Libraries through collaboration with the physician assistant (PA) program.

Kinesiology student completes Kennedy Krieger Institute internship

Volunteering with Overcoming Barriers revealed a love of working with children with disabilities for senior kinesiology major Katie deMuth. The experience helped her decide to plan a future in occupational therapy.

Futuro Latino Drug-Free Communities honored by CADCA

Futuro Latino Coalition is housed at the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services at James Madison University.

CSD graduate students earn prestigious awards

Six CSD graduate students received recognition for their superior academic performance.

Gabriele, Moran join list of JMU winners

Mark Gabriele, a professor of biology, and Thomas Moran, a professor of kinesiology, are among 12 recipients of the Outstanding Faculty Award.

#CHBSChats with Brynn Morales

#CHBSChats with Brynn Morales (CSD) - Our series of informal chats with students

New auditory research journal launched

Michael Hall, psychology professor recognized a need for a research journal with a particular auditory focus and collaborated to launch one.

JMU classmates finish the Rehoboth Beach Marathon

KIN 100 students prepare for and complete a marathon over the course of a semester

#CHBSChats with Hannah Frick

#CHBSChats with Hannah Frick (Kinesiology) - Our series of informal chats with students

Senior works towards substance-abuse free community

As an intern with the University of Virginia Gordie Center, senior kinesiology major Morgan Hardt helped plan a national substance abuse education conference for NCAA student-athletes.

Jeff Dyche named CHBS Madison Scholar

Jeff Dyche, a professor in the psychology department, was recognized as the Madison Scholar for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies in November.

Overcoming Barriers Halloween event

On the evening of Nov. 1, JMU students put on their best Halloween costumes to celebrate the holiday with area youth who happen to live with a disability.