KU Medical Center students present at annual research days at Kansas Capitol
Students from the schools of Health Professions, Medicine and Nursing brought their research to life for decision-makers in Topeka.
Students from across the University of Kansas Medical Center recently participated in two research days held at the State Capitol in Topeka. At these annual events, undergraduate and graduate students from Kansas institutions present their research to state legislators, the Kansas Board of Regents and university administrators, as well as to the public. One day is set aside for undergraduate students and another for graduate students.
“The research days at the Capitol are significant because they provide undergraduate and graduate students from across the state with the opportunity to discuss their research with legislators and their staff,” said Becky Christian, Ph.D., director of KU School of Nursing’s Ph.D. program. “Research evidence is translated into practice by providing the rationale for developing health policy and legislation that are essential to improving the lives of the people across the state of Kansas.”
Research days also provide students with unique opportunities to enhance their academic career, challenging them to communicate the impact of their research clearly.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to refine my presentation skills,” said Megan Turner, MSN, a Ph.D. student at KU School of Nursing. “Communicating my research to others outside of the discipline of nursing, the public and legislators made me think about my research in new ways.”
School of Health Professions, presented research on how
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease disproportionately
affects rural populations.
Undergraduate research projects
From KU School of Health Professions, respiratory care senior Sabine Jean-Philippe presented “Improving Access to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Rural Communities.”
KU School of Nursing sent six Bachelor of Science in Nursing honors students to the Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol held on Feb. 26, 2026. Students and their presentations were:
- Ryann Buster and Megan Lee with faculty research mentor Kristine Williams, Ph.D., "Public Perceptions of Elderspeak: Analysis of New York Times Article Comments"
- Darby Jester with faculty research mentor Becky Christian, Ph.D., "Comparative Case Study: Adolescents with CF Living with Complex Chronic Conditions"
- Madison Solis, Max Godfrey and Jasmeet Kaur with faculty research mentor Karen Weis, Ph.D., "Barriers to Long-Term Oxygen Therapy Requirements for Rural Pediatric Patients"
Graduate research projects
Multiple graduate students from KU Medical Center presented scholarly work at the Capitol Graduate Research Summit on March 24, 2026. Doctoral student Megan Turner, MSN, presented with faculty mentor Amanda Emerson, Ph.D., “A Scoping Review of Multiple-Patient Simulations in Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs.” Mustapha Mangdow, M.S, a doctoral student in rehabilitation science mentored by Wen Liu, Ph.D., presented "Feasibility of WalkAfresh Robotic Gait Training Device in Non-Ambulatory Chronic Stroke Patients."
Students presenting from KU School of Medicine included:
- Kennedy Morey, fourth-year KU medical student, “Beyond the Pulse: Assessing a Vascular Surgery Simulation's Impact on Medical Student Knowledge and Perceptions”
- Dakota Okwuone, from the M.D.-Ph.D. training program, “Defining the Molecular Pathways of MK2-Driven Cell Motility, Invasion and Tumor Metastasis in Head and Neck Cancer”
- Lana Heslop, Ph.D. candidate, who won best overall performance from KU Medical Center for “Ketogenic Diet Alters Neurons to Alleviate Pain”