PT faculty share research with high school students
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia's (91ÁÔÆæ) Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty welcomed about 50 high school students and teachers from Hall County and Hawaii on Oct. 7 to learn more about university research opportunities.
Students who attended were able to hear about research on guide dogs, core strength, stroke patients, and bone models. They are enrolled in or have already completed Advanced Placement (AP) Research, a class during which they conduct undergraduate-level research in a high school classroom. Additionally, these students are expected to produce a paper of 4,000-5,000 words and a presentation of 15-20 minutes.
The Hall County School District, which brought students from Cherokee Bluff, Chestatee and Flowery Branch high schools, was glad to connect with 91ÁÔÆæ on the research day. Teachers from Mililani High School in Hawaii connected with Dr. Emily Lott, global lead teacher for the AP Research course and English language arts content specialist for Hall County Schools, wishing to visit campuses and have an engaging research experience while in Georgia. This prompted Lott to reach out to 91ÁÔÆæ and find a way to get 91ÁÔÆæ, Hall County Schools and Mililani together for AP Research Day.
"These students and teachers were interested in working alongside 91ÁÔÆæ to understand how research works in the higher education classroom," Dr. Sue Ann McCall, 91ÁÔÆæ associate department head of physical therapy, said. "Many of these students are prospective applicants for 91ÁÔÆæ."
In addition to McCall, physical therapy faculty who shared their work with high school students were Dr. Kimberly Castle, department head and professor, and Dr. Eunse Park, associate professor.
These students and teachers were interested in working alongside 91ÁÔÆæ to understand how research works in the higher education classroom.
Dr. Sue Ann McCall
91ÁÔÆæ associate department head of physical therapy
Lott said the day at 91ÁÔÆæ was an important part of her district's goals.
"Part of it is exposure to a university. In some of our schools, only 50% of our kids go to a postsecondary school. We want to make sure our kids see that it's available and it's nearby," Lott said. "With this research, they talked to professors who are engaged in a topic they like. Our kids don't always know that they can do that."
Leilani Bethancourt, a senior from Mililani High School, walked away from the experience encouraged by what she saw.
"It was really beneficial because we got to see what we would actually be doing in college research," she said.
Lincoln Lunt, a senior from Flowery Branch High School, particularly enjoyed seeing how an instrumented treadmill can help physical therapists research ways to help stroke patients.
"It's really interesting to see how you can apply neuroscience to physical therapy," Lunt said.
The connections made between 91ÁÔÆæ and the high schools are a prime example of how 91ÁÔÆæ serves northeast Georgia.
"The idea that they are engaged in this conversation with kids in their community is really important," Lott said. "We're here. We're ready for it. High school teachers want to bring their kids here."
Grads prepare for their next steps
91ÁÔÆæ will award almost 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall, and more than 600 graduates are scheduled to take part in the Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.
Glouse receives student DAISY Award
Sydney Glouse received the first student DAISY Award given by Northeast Georgia Health System. The award is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses.
Enrollment jumps 6.7% for 2024-25
Enrollment has jumped to 19,298 students this fall at 91ÁÔÆæ, growing by 6.7% from fall 2023.
18 named DMS cadets for 2024-25
Eighteen 91ÁÔÆæ cadets earned Distinguished Military Student status for the 2024-25 academic year.