Written by: Jessica Bloomer

The Annual Students Research Findings Symposium was held on January 13, 2026 in the Kettering Lab Complex. There were seven presentations consisting of three workshop group project, two students presenting results from their Target Research Training Program (TRT) research, and three students presenting their Pilot Research Project (PRP) plans. ERC faculty, students, and external advisory board members were present online and in-person to evaluate the presentations, give constructive feedback by asking questions, and provide an audience for students to practice presenting their work.

Workshop students presented on:

• Ergonomic Home Health Simulation for Sit to Stand Posture in Various Restroom Configurations: Tigist Zewde, Chien-Yu Hsu, and Slater Payne
• Physiological Impacts of Heat Stress and Air Quality on Landscapers: Kofi Osei-Acheampong and Grace Adkins
• Review of Reported Workplace Violence Incidents in an Ohio Hospital System: Shawn Howe, Benjamin Goulart, and Lisa French

TRT students presented on:

• Assessment of Fall Risk Factors for Patients in Long-term Care Facilities and Home Healthcare Settings: Amour Dondi
• Application of Novel EPIC Device for Measuring of Simulated Fit Factor in PAPR Systems Under Critical Conditions: Michael Yermakov

PRP students presented on:

• Development of Metal-Composite 3D Graphene Sheets for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding in Occupational and Personal Environments: Ayush Raut
• Between Care and Crisis: The Impact of Lived Experience on Mental Health and Suicide Risk Among Veterinarians: Afton Erbe
• Establishing a Risk Map Regarding Chemical Exposure for 3D Printing: Slater Payne

After the presentations concluded the group adjourned to the atrium for a reception and to further discuss research projects within the ERC.

This symposium highlights the work of workshop, TRT, and PRP students and provides an opportunity to practice presentation skills and gain valuable feedback from audience members on their current projects.

View the recorded presentations here.