Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences - WMU

Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences - WMU Welcome to the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences - a quality, innovative approach for educa The Ph.D. We value your input and interest.

program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences is a research-intensive program for people holding a master’s degree in an area related to health and human services who are interested in furthering their careers as researchers, higher education faculty, and leaders of interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The program uses a cohort model, with approximately 12 students admitted biennially i

n even years through a competitive process. No more than three students are admitted from any one discipline in any cohort. The program is designed to build competence in interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and problem solving. We stress that it is interdisciplinary “by design, not default.”

The program also is tailored to develop competence in the three areas of contribution expected for university faculty—research, teaching, and service. Thus, it aims to address current and pending national shortages in doctoral level faculty across the fields of health and human services. Graduates are prepared to assume leadership positions in other venues as well. In any setting, the interdisciplinary skills of the graduates of this program prepare them uniquely to address complex problems and contribute to interdisciplinary evidence-based practice. The program uses a combination of on-campus weekend and intensive summer sessions and distance learning technologies to provide high quality doctoral education that is accessible to working professionals. Students are encouraged to develop their in-depth knowledge within chosen areas through their cognate courses and research practicum, supported by interdisciplinary mentoring by faculty across the College of Health and Human Services and beyond. Program and college faculty provide supportive mentoring in a context of rigorous standards and expectations. Please review our web pages to learn more about this exciting, innovative program, and communicate with us directly through our email addresses.

02/10/2025

Dissertation Defense Announcement
Doctoral Candidate: Robert R. Near, M.P.A. (Cohort 2018)
Title: ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMBAT EXPOSURE, WARTIME SERVICE, AND BARRIERS TO SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT IN POST 9/11 VETERANS.

Dissertation Committee – Chair, Kieran Fogarty, Ph.D.; Rob Lyerla, Ph.D., MGIS; Decker B. Hains, Ph.D., P.E., PMP, FASCE.

Date/Time: Feb 27, 2025 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Place: Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82416553986
Meeting ID: 824 1655 3986

Abstract: Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) represent a critical public health concern, particularly among post-9/11 veterans who face unique challenges stemming from combat exposure, systemic barriers, and cultural stigma. This study examines the factors influencing SUD treatment-seeking behaviors among this population, with a focus on combat exposure, perceived barriers, and demographic variables such as age, gender, income, and race/ethnicity. Using data from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a nationally representative sample of 59,069 participants was analyzed to explore these dynamics.

The findings reveal significant disparities in treatment-seeking behaviors. Combat exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of SUDs (21.5%) compared to non-combat veterans (12.8%) and the general population (9.6%), though it was not a significant predictor of treatment-seeking behavior. Instead, systemic barriers, such as financial constraints, stigma, and racial/ethnic inequities, emerged as primary determinants. For example, veterans earning over $75,000 annually were 3.42 times more likely to seek treatment compared to their lower-income counterparts. Additionally, racial and ethnic disparities persisted, with Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic veterans exhibiting lower treatment-seeking rates compared to Non-Hispanic White veterans.

This research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address financial barriers, reduce stigma, and promote culturally competent and trauma-informed care. By identifying these barriers and their impact on treatment engagement, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to enhance care access and improve outcomes for post-9/11 veterans.

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

Wishing all our alumni, students and friends of the IHS/PhD a Happy Holiday Season
12/23/2024

Wishing all our alumni, students and friends of the IHS/PhD a Happy Holiday Season

Congratulations to Dr. Kelli Pierce (Cohort 2020), who recently celebrated her graduation at WMU's Fall ceremonies this ...
12/16/2024

Congratulations to Dr. Kelli Pierce (Cohort 2020), who recently celebrated her graduation at WMU's Fall ceremonies this past Saturday. Dr. Pierce was joined by Dr. Diane Dirette and Dr. Kieran Fogarty. Her dissertation is titled A Paradigm Shift? Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives and Practices with Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches

Dr. Ruth Gould (Cohort 2018) has accepted a new position as Health Statistician in the Office of the Director at the CDC...
12/03/2024

Dr. Ruth Gould (Cohort 2018) has accepted a new position as Health Statistician in the Office of the Director at the CDC’s Public Health Infrastructure Center (Atlanta, GA). In this role, she will focus on statistical analysis and data science to support public health system performance and workforce development across the country. Dr. Gould will be working with structured and unstructured datasets to explore hypotheses, perform advanced analyses, and produce insights that inform decision-making for both internal CDC teams and external partners like state and local health departments including collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including economists, IT specialists, and public health experts—to develop data products and insights that address national strategic priorities.

Congrats Ruth!!!!

11/26/2024
Jaimie Farrington, M.A., CCC-SLP, CBIS (IHS/PhD - Cohort 2024), had the privilege of speaking to an audience of 1,200 pa...
11/22/2024

Jaimie Farrington, M.A., CCC-SLP, CBIS (IHS/PhD - Cohort 2024), had the privilege of speaking to an audience of 1,200 patients, caregivers, and sponsors/donors at 2024 Mary Free Bed’s Thrive Gala. This year, the Stroke Rehabilitation program, where Jaimie works, was chosen to receive the event’s contributions. During the gala, a video featuring one of Jaimie’s former patients was shown, and she shared the story of that patient’s recovery. Jaimie also made a heartfelt appeal for additional donations to support the program's ongoing work. Nice work Jaimie representing the 2024 cohort!!!

Video Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mary-free-bed-rehabilitation-hospital_thrivegala-strokeawareness-askformary-activity-7265113914189737985-FdQv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

IHS/PhD students presented components of their Research Practicum (735) at the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association...
10/21/2024

IHS/PhD students presented components of their Research Practicum (735) at the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association Fall Conference October 18-20, 2024 at the Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, MI. These peer-reviewed conference presentations included; Aditi Tuell, MS, OTR/L, CHT, CLT., “Characteristics of Central Sensitization and the Relationship to Demographics and Pain Indicators for Veterans with Chronic Pain”; Stephanie Althoff, M.S., OTR/L., “The Physical and Psychosocial Effects of Tattooing for People with Burn Injuries: A Qualitative Exploration”; and Jodi Haugen, MS, OTR/L., “Use of Hippotherpy in OT: Application, Billing and Payment Services”.

It should be further noted that IHS-PhD Alumnae Dr. Nancy Hock, Dr. Cara Masselink, Dr. Sarah Renner and Dr. Michelle Suarez also presented at the conference...congrats to ALL !!!!

Dr. Diane Dirette, a professor in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences PhD Program at Western Michigan University, rece...
10/01/2024

Dr. Diane Dirette, a professor in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences PhD Program at Western Michigan University, recently released her edited textbook, Human Occupation: Contemporary Concepts and Lifespan Perspectives, on September 17, 2024. This comprehensive resource offers students and practitioners in occupational therapy and occupational science an in-depth exploration of key concepts in human occupation. The textbook, international in scope, features chapters that include learning objectives, key terms, summary points, review questions, and additional online resources. It serves as an essential guide for beginners in occupational therapy, clinicians seeking a practical reference, and occupational scientists needing insights into current occupation-related concepts.

This comprehensive textbook provides occupational therapy and science students and practitioners with a complete overview of the key human occupation concepts, as well as a range of perspectives through which occupational therapy and occupational science can be viewed and understood. Comprising 40 c...

09/20/2024

Dissertation Defense Announcement

Doctoral Candidate: Cameron Hays, MPH (Cohort 2020)
Title: Public Health Implications of State-Level Public Health Organizational and System Structures.
Dissertation Committee- Chair, Rob Lyerla PhD MGIS; Jessica Cataldo, PhD; Kieran Fogarty, PhD.
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84041655637
Time Oct 3, 2024. 10:00 am

Abstract: The Institute of Medicine and National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine have expressed concern about the lack of standardization among state-level public health systems (IOM, 1988; NASEM, 2023), suggesting that the wide variability in the make-up of health systems is problematic and leads to poorer outcomes. However, little research has studied this question of types of health systems structures and whether structural elements affect population health outcomes.

This study attempted to codify the structural elements (theoretical constructs) that make up these systems using management theory using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. Concepts from industrial and organizational science were qualitatively extracted from materials that describe all 50 state-level public health systems. Those constructs variables were then analyzed using a Categorical Principal Component Analysis (CATPCA) to detect underlying structural elements. Three key structural elements of state public health systems emerged: system size, state focus, and practice scope and autonomy. Multiple linear regression analyses were then conducted to determine if those elements were associated with performance on behavioral, physical, and holistic population health outcome indicators. Despite the wide range of outcome indicators, the analyses found no evidence that the three elements were associated with differences in population health performance.

The results from this study affirm the varied and complex nature of public health systems. The results indicate industrial andorganizational principles can and should be applied to public health systems but provide evidence that there is no "one size fits all" approach. Instead, public health leaders should strategize and operate in response to local contexts and threats. Future research is needed to inform public health organization and system development to ensure that public health systems operate effectively and achieve long-term impacts.

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Susanna Joy (Cohort 2022) was honored with this year’s Janet I. Pisaneschi Prize for her paper titled "Hearing What Moth...
09/18/2024

Susanna Joy (Cohort 2022) was honored with this year’s Janet I. Pisaneschi Prize for her paper titled "Hearing What Mothers Want to Say: Thematic Content Analysis of Qualitative Data from Michigan PRAMS, 2016-2021," which was recognized as the best scientific presentation at the 2024 Interdisciplinary Doctoral Research Conference (IHS-PhD Research Day). As a senior project coordinator for the federally funded National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention, Susanna leads technical assistance for over 150 fetal and infant mortality review (FIMR) teams across 26 states, U.S. territories, and freely associated states. In this role, she provides training, resources, and support to help FIMR teams identify causes of fetal and infant mortality, address health disparities, and improve care systems for pregnant women and infants. Susanna extends her heartfelt thanks to Dr. Pisaneschi, her family, the 2022 IHS PhD cohort, program faculty, and her advisor, Dr. Kieran Fogarty.

The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences PhD., Program is announcing the new Nickola Wolf Nelson IHS-PhD Scholarship Award....
09/13/2024

The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences PhD., Program is announcing the new Nickola Wolf Nelson IHS-PhD Scholarship Award. The Nickola Wolf Nelson IHS-PhD Scholarship will be awarded annually to doctoral students engaged in dissertation research while enrolled in the IHS-PhD Program. The awards (up to $1,500) will defray educational expenses, including tuition and fees, materials, and travel related directly to the completion of the dissertation. For further information: https://wmich.edu/healthsciences/nelson
Donations to the fund: https://wmich.edu/healthsciences/giving

About Nickola Wolf Nelson
Nickola Wolf Nelson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, is Professor Emerita in the Department of Language, Speech, and Hearing Sciences at Western Michigan University, where she previously also served as Director of the Ph.D. program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Health and Human Services. Nelson is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL) who continues to conduct research and provide consultation on language/literacy development and disorders among school-age students, emphasizing an interprofessional perspective on assessment and intervention. Nelson has been awarded Fellowship in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities, the Kleffner Clinical Career Award, and the Honors of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Nicki now lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband, Steve Nave.

One of her favorite pastimes in "retirement" is tracking the accomplishments of alums of the IHS-PhD Program.

09/04/2024

Congrats goes to alumni Dr. William Suits (Cohort 2020) for publishing a paper from his dissertation with his committee. Dr. Suits is a faculty member in Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Michigan-Flint

William H. Suits, Stacie J. Fruth, Paul N. Whitehead and Kieran J. Fogarty (2024). The Association of Hip Strength and Range of Motion with Hip and Groin Pain in Collegiate Ice Hockey Players. (2024). Research Directs in Health Sciences, 4(1).

Dr. Ed Roth (IHS-PhD Alumni - 2012) is leading the way in developing cutting edge interdisciplinary approaches to neuros...
08/20/2024

Dr. Ed Roth (IHS-PhD Alumni - 2012) is leading the way in developing cutting edge interdisciplinary approaches to neuroscience and music therapy research. Congratulations goes to Dr. Roth and his continuing success !!!

The University of Houston welcomes Ed Roth as director of its music therapy program. The new, four-year program, a collaboration between the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and the Texas Medical Center, will give graduates a foundation in m...

07/31/2024

Congratulations to three students from the IHS-PhD 2022 cohort who will be presenting their research practicum studies at the State of Michigan Occupational Therapy (MiOTA) conference this October in Boyne Mountain.

Aditi Tuell, MS, OTR/L, CHT, CLT: "Characteristics of Central Sensitization and the Relationship to Demographics and Pain Indicators for Veterans with Chronic Pain"

Jodi Haugen, MS, OTR/L: "Use of Hippotherapy in Occupational Therapy: Application, Billing, and Payment Practices"

Stephanie Althoff, MS, OTR/L: “The Physical and Psychosocial Effects of Tattooing for People with Burn Injuries - A Qualitative Exploration”

Congratulations to Dr. Trish Geels (Cohort 2020) who's just published the 2nd of her dissertation papers with still more...
07/30/2024

Congratulations to Dr. Trish Geels (Cohort 2020) who's just published the 2nd of her dissertation papers with still more on the way!!!

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of cognitive-communication deficits in adult cancer survivors who reported experiencing cance...

07/29/2024

Dissertation Defense - Kelli Pierce, M.A., CCC-SLP
Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Ph.D., Program

Dissertation Title: A Paradigm Shift? Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perspectives and Practices with Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches.

Dissertation Committee Chairperson: Dr. Diane Dirette; Committee Members: Dr. Mary Lagerwey & Dr. D’Jaris Coles-White

Time: Aug 9, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88043143995
Meeting ID: 880 4314 3995

Abstract: Autistic individuals report difficulties in communication and subsequently utilize services from speech-language pathologists (SLPs), though have reported concerns with traditional, deficit-based interventions focused on pathologizing differences and normalizing autistic traits and characteristics based on neurotypical skills and behaviors. Autistic individuals have expressed their preferences for neurodiversity-affirming approaches, and these approaches align with the provision of evidence-based practice mandated in the SLP scope of practice and code of ethics, including the use of person-centered and culturally responsive practices. Researchers have outlined ways in which neurodiversity-affirming practices can be implemented by SLPs in various practice settings; however, there is no current research to date regarding whether this knowledge has translated into clinical practice.
The primary aim of this study is to identify SLPs’ reported alignment with neurodiversity-affirming approaches when working with autistic individuals. Additionally, this study aims to identify factors that influence the goals and targets SLPs focus on when implementing these approaches, as well as identify any associations between practice setting, education and training in autism and neurodiversity, and alignment with neurodiversity-affirming approaches in clinical practice with autistic individuals. This study utilized a convergent mixed methodology design, with 49 SLPs completing the quantitative surveys and 36 SLPs offering insights and perspectives via responses to open-ended questions. The data were analyzed to determine reported alignment with neurodiversity-affirming approaches to clinical practice with autistic individuals, as well as identify any associations between practice setting and education and training in autism and neurodiversity and reported alignment with neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify how SLPs currently define neurodiversity-affirming approaches in clinical practice, factors that influence implementation of these approaches, as well as to explore how quantitative results converge with participants’ experiences. Results from all data were integrated to provide an understanding of the translation of neurodiversity-affirming approaches into clinical practice.
The results of the convergent mixed methods used in this dissertation provide insights into SLPs’ reported alignment with neurodiversity-affirming approaches in clinical practice as well as factors that influence the application of these practices, and associations between practice setting or education and alignment with neurodiversity-affirming approaches. SLP participants reported alignment with neurodiversity-affirming approaches, with 53% reporting a neurodiversity-affirming approach to clinical practice and 47% reporting a mixed approach, combining both neurodiversity-affirming approaches and traditional approaches. While no associations were found between practice setting or education and neurodiversity-affirming alignment, qualitative analysis revealed that SLPs experienced their traditional education and training as a barrier to implementing neurodiversity-affirming practices. SLPs defined neurodiversity-affirming practices with many of the same key components that are found in the literature base, and the factors they reported as influencing the implementation of these approaches in practice were also consistent with recommendations found in published articles. Integration of quantitative analyses with qualitative perspectives provided a deeper understanding of SLPs’ perspectives and experiences surrounding neurodiversity-affirming approaches in clinical practice. The results from this study have the potential to influence translational research on neurodiversity-affirming approaches and guide education and training programs on autism and neurodiversity for SLPs.

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

07/15/2024

2024 Interdisciplinary Doctoral Research (IDR) Conference
Date: July 26, 2024
Location: CHHS Building 1010
Time: Jul 26, 2024 08:30 AM – Noon, Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87313577290
Meeting ID: 873 1357 7290

2024 IDR Conference Judges
Heather Isaacson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (Alumni 2024) – Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI.

Mariesa Rang, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (Alumni 2020) – Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI.

Amy Perricone, PhD, LMSW, LCSW, (Alumni 2018), Trio Wellspace, Holland, MI.

Samantha McDaniel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, (Alumni 2018). - 2020 Pisaneschi Prize Winner, Georgia Southern University, Savannah, GA.

Dana Prince, Ph.D., LNHA (Alumni 2016) – Executive Director, St. Ann's Home. Grand Rapids, MI.

David Wingard, Ph.D., MSW (Alumni 2008) - Director Michigan Health Analytic. North Muskegon, MI.

Sarah Renner, PhD, MS, OTRL, RYT (Alumni 2018) - Concordia University. Ann Arbor, MI.

Patricia Geels, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (Alumni 2020) - Indiana University South Bend. Elkhart, IN.

Shelly Johnson, Ph.D., MBA, MPH (Alumni 2016) – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Champaign, IL.

Mary D. Lagerwey, PhD, RN. - Professor Emerita, WMU Bronson School of Nursing, Kalamazoo, MI.

2024 IDR Oral Presentations
Nursing Student's Attitudes toward Death and Dying, Glen A. Brookhouse, MSW. Hopkins MI.

Characteristics of central sensitization and the relationship to demographics and pain indicators for veterans with chronic pain.

Aditi Tuell MS, OTR/L, CHT, CLT. Kalamazoo, MI.
Implications of varying definitions: Who is a refugee? Rutendo C. Goto, MHA, MHI. Lansing, MI.

Nursing Perceptions and Attitudes in Climate Change and Sustainability. Dawn M. Smith, MSN, RN, AHN-BC. Kalamazoo, MI.

Retrospective Evaluation of Prehabilitation in Breast Cancer Care. Erin Barrus, MS OTR/L, BFA. Grand Rapids, MI.

Access to Prenatal Care: Assessment of the Adequacy of Different Evaluation Indices using Maternal and Fetal outcomes. Oluwasomidoyin Bello, MD, MPH. Ibadan, Nigeria.

Examining the validity of the Children’s Trauma Assessment Center Screening Checklist Ages 6-18. Bryan Warner, LMSW. Traverse City, MI.

The Physical and Psychosocial Effects of Tattooing for People with Burn Injuries. Stephanie Althoff, M.S., OTR/L. Kalamazoo, MI.

The Use of the ECR-RS to Measure the Avoidance and Anxiety Levels in Parent-Child Attachment. Anyssa Grendel, LMSW. Grand Rapids, MI.

Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy Services Incorporating Equine Movement: Payment Practices and Perceived Barriers to Billing Insurance. Jodi Haugen, MS, OTR/L. Kalamazoo, MI.

Characteristics and Socio-Economic Impacts of Unbanked and Underbanked Households: A Chi-Square Analysis of FDIC Survey Data. Christopher B. Smith, LMSW, MPA. Grand Rapids, MI.

Hearing What Mothers Want to Say: Thematic Content Analysis of Qualitative Data from Michigan PRAMS, 2016-2021. Susanna Joy, MA. Dimondale, MI.

The Relationship between Descriptive Variables and the Improvement of Balance and Gait in the Stroke Population receiving Outpatient Physical Therapy. Heather M. Staal, MSPT, PT. Grand Rapids, MI.

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

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