On October 9, 2023 MS in Health Technology students participated the MS-HT Speaker Series: Career Speed Dating virtual event with industry professionals. During this event, students connected with advisory board members and industry partners. These professionals shared their individual experiences and expertise in the area of Human Factors. They then answered student questions about starting professional careers in the field. The professionals also offered suggestions to students about how to make and strengthen connections in the field. The “speed dating” aspect for this event allowed students to have individual conversations with two different professionals before the event concluded. In additional to all students in the MS in Health Tech program, participating professionals included Paul Cassidy, Medtronic; Erice Boyle, AARP; Julian Cheng, Gen 1 Capital; Christopher Khoury, AMA; John Vozenilek, Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center, OSF; Taylor Craig, Carle Foundation Hospital; and Richard Sit, ICU Medical. The next MS-HT Speaker Series will be held in spring 2024.
On August 3, 2023 the MS in Health Technology Class of 2023 Capstone Presentations & Celebration event was held at the iHotel and Conference Center in Champaign, IL. The MS in Health Technology advisory board, program supporters, department heads, program directors, incoming students, College of Applied Health Sciences and Grainger College of Engineering faculty and staff were all among those in attendance at this celebration.
The third MS in Health Technolgy cohort gathered to present their capstone project posters and celebrate their graduation. The event kicked off with a short welcome from program director, Dr. Wendy A. Rogers, followed by a luncheon. A poster session followed where all graduating students presented their poster on the final outcomes of their individual Capstone Project. In celebrating the August 2023 graduation of the MS in Health Technology class, each student was presented with a graduation gift.
To conclude the event, the Vitoux Capstone Excellence Award was presented to two deserving students for their overall work on the capstone project. The Vitoux Capstone Excellence Award was created after Michael Vitoux visited the McKechnie Family LIFE Home in 2020. He was inspired by the work each student was putting into their capstone projects and wanted to recognize this hard work. Faith Washington received the 2023 Vitoux Excellence Award for her Capstone Project, Centering the Patient User Experience for a Digital Health Resource and Carson Smith was selected as the 2023 Honorable Mention for his Capstone Project, Care Partner Medication Education, Decision Support, Reminding and Monitoring (CaP-MedsRem) System. Mr. Vitoux presented both students with their awards.
The following is a list of each student’s capstone project and capstone project partner.
Rashaad Ali Development of a wearable-based intelligent app for personalized at-home exercise training in adults with Multiple Sclerosis Capstone Project Partner: Manuel Hernandez
Mohamed Almedfa Centering the patient user experience Capstone Project Partner: Maria Bahena, Christian Guerrero, & Maureen Rogers
Ben Hardin SmartPhone apps for Tinnitus and hearing loss Capstone Project Partner: Fatima Husain
Bryan Himmel User interface design for a soft and dexterous service robot to support healthcare of older adults at home Capstone Project Partner: Girish Krishnan
Ella Marzolf Building healthier communities through park equity modeling Capstone Project Partners: Mariela Fernandez & Emily Tucker
Joe Monahan Development and validation of a fall detection device for older adults who use wheelchairs or scooters Capstone Project Partner: Laura Rice
Carson Smith Conducting needs assessment for Care Partner Medication Education, Decision Support, Reminding, and Monitoring (CaP-MEDSReM) system Capstone Project Partner: Raksha Mudar
Faith Washington Centering the patient user experience Capstone Project Partners: Maria Bahena, Christian Guerrero, & Maureen Rogers
Faith Washington; Winner of Vitoux Capstone Excellence Award Bryan Himmel and Carson Smith; recipients of the James K. and Karen S. McKecknie Fellowship in Applied Health Sciences with Dr. and Mrs. McKecknie on either side of them
The James K. and Karen S. McKechnie Fellowship in Applied Health Sciences is a prestigious award that provides a $10,000 annual fellowship to support recipients.
The current recipient of the fellowship, Michael Varzino, believes this about the fellowship. “The McKechnie Fellowship means so much to me. This support during my pursuit of my Masters in Health Technology has freed me to work a job that excites me, think innovatively, and focus deeply on my education. Most importantly, this opportunity has enabled me to connect with like-minded individuals, and for that I am truly grateful.”
Michael had the unique opportunity to spend an evening with Dr. and Mrs. McKecknie over dinner where they, along with the program’s Director, Dr. Wendy A. Rogers, recognized his unique talents and admirable work.
Assistant Director of the Health Technology Education Program, Dr. Katelyn Talbott, had this to say about Michael. “Michael is a great asset to the Health Technology program. He has demonstrated a deep interest in health technology and is eager to learn all he can as he prepares to enter the health tech field! He recognizes the impact that health technology advances are capable of for every individual!”
