OT student to present at national conference
Caceti Dobrowolski, a graduate student in the occupational therapy program, has been selected to present her research poster at the American Occupational Therapy Association national conference on April 5. The prestigious opportunity will showcase research conducted for her Lee Honors College thesis on the topic of college students’ mental health. In conjunction with the invitation to present at the AOTA national conference, Dobrowolski has also been awarded a grant on behalf of the Barbara J. Hemphill Endowment for Student Professional Development.
Dobrowolski conducted a scoping review of internet-based interventions (IBI) efficacy for college students. She hopes, based on her research, to spark interest in IBI integration for WMU students. This could serve as a viable service in conjunction with other counseling services.
“I chose the topic of college student mental health in response to the growing reports of college students worldwide struggling with heightened levels of anxiety and depression,” says Dobrowolski. “I wanted to write about something that I hoped the student body at Western could relate to and benefit from.”
During her time conducting research, Dobrowolski consulted with Dr. Ann Chapleau, associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy. Chapleau served as her thesis chair beginning last February. Chapleau will present alongside Dobrowolski at the AOTA national conference.
Dobrowolski, originally from Decatur, Michigan, is excited to present at the conference. She looks forward to the opportunity to network with other occupational therapists and learn about the most current research in the field.
“It is an honor to present at conference as a graduate student and I am grateful to Western for enabling students to pursue this opportunity with the Barbara J. Hemphill Endowment,” she said. “It is validating and encouraging to have my research accepted as I hope to contribute to the growing body of occupational therapy literature in my future career.”
The Barbara J. Hemphill Endowment for Student Professional Development and the Barbara Jo Hemphill Endowed Student Book Fund were established in 2006. The endowments support students who attend conferences, encourage research in mental health, and assist with educational expenses.
More information on the Barbara J. Hemphill is available on our website.