Health and Behavioral Studies News

Dietetics students create nutrition curriculum

Recognizing a need in the community, dietetics seniors Kathleen Kraft and Alexandra Lepecha, created an innovative curriculum to expand awareness about healthy eating for Harrisonburg families.

Online nursing programs ranked 30th

Online graduate nursing programs offered by the JMU School of Nursing improved by 67 places from 2018 in the latest national ranking by U.S. News & World Report.

SASS team offers assessment training to Division of Student Affairs & CSPA students

The Health Services Administration (HSA) program hosted its first speaker presentation on October 30, 2018.

HSA program hosts inaugural speaker series

The Health Services Administration (HSA) program hosted its first speaker presentation on October 30, 2018.

Gus Bus provides volunteer opportunities for students

The Gus Bus is a mobile literacy program that brings story time, reading activities and book checkout services to neighborhoods in Harrisonburg and Page County.

JMU students provide respite for caregivers

Caregivers Community Network (CCN) is a collaboration between Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) and JMU’s Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS) that provides respite for caregivers.

#CHBSChats with Janae Brown

#CHBSChats with Janae Brown (Social Work) - Our series of informal chats with students

Real Talk: Relationships event

With the holiday season approaching, finals drawing near, and roommate tensions on the rise, the Psychology Learning Community (PLC) hosted Real Talk: Relationships as part of their Introductory Psychology course.

Harrisonburg to Beijing: social work in a global context

During summer of 2018, social work professor Cindy Hunter completed a study tour in China that afforded her useful insight and new ideas.

Social work hosts homecoming open house

For the second year, the social work department opened its doors for alumni to tour the new facilities and spend time catching up with former and current classmates and professors during homecoming weekend.

Tackling mental health care in nursing

Fostering an innovation-rich environment, JMU SON created a psychiatric mental health simulation that will empower and prepare students to develop clinical competencies in psychiatric healthcare.

Emotional intelligence and occupational therapy

In October 2018, associate professor Jeanne Wenos and former program director Twylla Kirchen led an evidence-based presentation at the annual Leadership in Higher Education Conference.

Teaching the intangibles

JMU alumna Katie Tusing turns a life-changing accident into learning opportunities.

JMU’s Caregiver Hack team

The Lindsay Institute for Innovations in Caregiving in conjunction with the Virginia Navigator and Troutman Sanders, LLC sponsored and coordinated the statewide Caregiver’s Hack in downtown Richmond, Virginia.

Social work students study environmental justice and civil rights connection

What is the connection between environmental justice and civil rights? Social work students had an opportunity to learn the answer from Rev. Dr. Gerald Dudley a long-term civil rights activist from Atlanta.

#CHBSChats with Grace Cuevas

#CHBSChats with Grace Cuevas (Social Work) - Our series of informal chats with students

Kinesiology student finds passion in summer internship

Senior kinesiology major Alex Popescu’s internship at Overlook Medical Center, a hospital located in Summit, New Jersey, ignited a passion for working with residential patients.

Laura Hunt Trull wins Research and Scholarship award

Social work professor Laura Hunt Trull believes that receiving the Research and Scholarship Outstanding Faculty Award is an endorsement of the values she holds dearest.

Internships in Australia result in life-changing experiences

The JMU Internship in Australia is designed to provide students in kinesiology, sports and recreation management and hospitality management a global internship experience.

Nursing professor becomes an AAN Fellow

Melody Eaton, a professor in the School of Nursing, recently received the designation of a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN).

#CHBSChats with Blake Rogers

#CHBSChats with Blake Rogers (Physician Assistant) - Our series of informal chats with students

JMU nurses win 40 under 40 awards

JMU professor Joe Tacy and RN-to-BSN graduate Ava Speciale, received the Virginia Nurses Foundation’s (VNF) 40 under 40 award for their outstanding leadership, professional practice and community impact.

Department of Health Professions welcomes new academic unit head

Recent rapid growth in CHBS’s health programs lead to the creation of a new academic unit in 2018. A search successfully identified Kirk Armstrong as the head of the new Department of Health Professions.

JMU alumna assists with groundbreaking human behavior database

For JMU alumna Olivia Jewell (’16), one statement from professor Melanie Shoup-Knox in her first biopsychology class caught her attention and lead her on a path toward a successful career.

HSA internships lead to full-time jobs

For two health services administration (HSA) alumni, Christopher Nichols (‘18) and Alexa Karkhanis (‘18), their internship experiences resulted in full-time jobs.

#CHBSChats with Andrea Pope

#CHBSChats with Andrea Pope (Assessment & Measurement - Graduate Psychology) - Our series of informal chats with students

Jessica Irons receives Ford Award

Jessica Irons, the 2018 recipient of the Ford Faculty Endowment award, is the first psychology professor to receive this award

Assessment and Measurement Students and Faculty Attend Annual Conference of the Northeast Educational Research Association (NERA)

Students and faculty members from the Assessment and Measurement PhD program and the Quantitative Psychology Master’s program attended the annual meeting of the Northeast Educational Research Association in Trumbull, MA

Exercise Science student interns in Texas

Brady Hepner, an exercise science major, plans to attend graduate school for physical therapy (PT) but chose instead to accept an internship at the University of Texas at San Antonio in strength and conditioning.

Gaining hands-on experience in the assessment and measurement field

Thai Ong, a third-year student in JMU’s Assessment and Measurement (A&M) Ph.D. program, found two highly immersive and rewarding internships that strengthened his professional skills and competencies.

#CHBSChats with Shanelle Bailey

#CHBSChats with Shanelle Bailey (Psychology) - Our series of informal chats with students

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.