2025 Spring Research Conference
Join us on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
The School of Health Sciences will host its annual 2025 Spring Research Conference at the Stephens College campus in Columbia, Missouri.
The 2025 Spring Research Conference at Stephens College, themed “Innovation in Science, Health, and Wellness,” is a holistic and inclusive platform that reflects the diverse range of programs within the School of Health Science. The conference will feature student presentations from a variety of fields, including Biology, Health Science and Integrative Human Biology, Chemistry, Equestrian Studies, Nursing, Psychology, Women in STEM, Counseling, and Physician Assistant Studies. This student-focused event highlights cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approaches that are shaping the future of science, healthcare, and wellness. With presentations from students and two keynote speakers, the conference aims to foster collaboration and celebrate advancements that enhance individual and community well-being.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Ashley J. Blount
Dr. Ashley J. Blount is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling at the University of Nebraska Omaha. She researches Women’s Health, Athletes and Athletic Family Systems, and Counselor Education & Supervision. Dr. Blount has been recognized for her work in the field of Counseling from the American Counseling Association (ACA) as the recipient of the Trailblazer Award and the Best Practices in Research Award. Dr. Blount leads research teams across counseling and medical realms throughout Nebraska and is currently working on a number of novel investigations such as the effects of therapy on microbiome, the relationship between reproductive trauma and wellness, and the unique factors influencing athletic family systems with a focus on the maternal mental load.
Kara Schneider
Kara Schneider is an instructor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary care, women’s health, and student-athletes. She is also a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) in private practice. She primarily works with adult populations who present with issues related to trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
Emily Pivovarnik
Emily Pivovarnik, MM, LMPT, MT-BC, NICU-MT is a board-certified music therapist with over 5 years of clinical experience supporting pediatric patients, which particular emphasis on preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She is an alumna of Montclair State University and The Florida State University and is a research fellow of the National Institute of Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy. She is currently a PhD student in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Medicine at The Ohio State University. Her research focus is neurodevelopment and music therapy interventions to improve outcomes for premature and high-risk infants.
Dr. Dan Kissinger
Dr. Dan Kissinger serves as associate professor and director of counseling for the Stephens College Counseling program. Prior to Stephens College, he held tenured faculty positions at the University of Arkansas and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he also served as chair of the Counseling department. A licensed professional counselor and board approved supervisor in Missouri, his clinical experiences include working with adult and adolescent populations in community mental health, college counseling center, and private practice settings. His research interests include wellness, clinical supervision, and student-athlete wellbeing. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, M.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance from Clemson University, and Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina.
Human Subjects Review Board Information
If you are completing a research study that requires approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Committee, please click the link: Human Subjects Research/Institutional Review Board (IRB) – Stephens College to visit the Human Subjects Research webpage. Scroll to the bottom of the page to submit your IRB application. If you have any questions about the IRB process, email Dr. Haskins at mhaskins@stephens.edu.
Abstract submission guidelines
Thank you for your interest in presenting at the Spring Research Conference Hosted by the School of Health Sciences. Please carefully follow the instructions below to ensure your abstract is properly submitted.
- Submission Deadline: April 1, 2025
- Abstract Length: Maximum 150 words
How to Submit your abstract
- Complete the Abstract Submission Form
Abstract Submission Link: https://stephens.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_diJapWt1NQnwmuG
- Ensure all required fields are filled out, including:
- Presenter Name
- Major
- Title of Abstract
- Abstract (max 150 words)
- Review your submission for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the form no later than April 1, 2025.
Poster Submission Guidelines
Students submitting a poster must also follow these guidelines:
- Submission Deadline for Posters: April 10, 2025
- Submission Method: Email your final poster to Allison Miller at allmiller@stephens.edu
- Poster Dimensions: Email Allison Miller for poster dimensions at allmiller@stephens.edu.
- Content Considerations: Ensure your poster clearly presents your research question, methodology, key results, and conclusions in an engaging and visually accessible format.