McMaster School Past Projects
International Projects
In 2021–2022, McMaster Fellow Dr. Nady El-Zayaty and Associate Fellows Steven Engel and Nicole Hoffman led McMaster Scholars in a series of projects across Belize to strengthen health, education, and community resources. Logan Gray partnered with UNICEF on domestic and gender-based violence training; Michael Joseph supported teacher development through Universal Design for Learning; Dylan King conducted a Non-Invasive Poverty Index to aid a community-based bank; Alivia Kruczkowski created events to celebrate developmental diversity; Sophia Moller introduced interventions for preschool fine motor, phonological, and nutritional development; Olivia Rayk researched water contaminants and oxygen levels; Jaylen Redd used athletics to reduce youth aggression and gang affiliation; Autumn Saddler tested water quality with local conservation groups; and Kelsie Shafer designed a one-day agricultural learning camp. Together, these efforts built on Dr. El-Zayaty’s ongoing research into visual acuity screenings for children, ensuring local organizations like the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired could best serve those in need.
In 2020–2021, McMaster Fellows Dr. Nady El-Zayaty and Mary Ann Studer, with Associate Fellow Mia Mathews, led students in impactful projects across Belize. Hayden Clingaman advanced bookkeeping and bylaw development for San Carlos farmers’ Village-Community-Bank; Dylan King developed a Non-Invasive Poverty Index to assess economic standing; Alivia Kruczkowski studied contaminants in the New River and Lagoon; Sophia Moller created inclusive preschool lesson plans; Abbe Rank provided education on nutrition, hydration, yoga, and breast health; Autumn Saddler tested subsurface water for pollutants; Kelsie Shafer modeled Universal Design for Learning through an agriculture camp; and Lucas Thomeier trained teachers and rangers in CPR, first aid, and concussion awareness. These projects built on Dr. El-Zayaty’s work with visual acuity screenings, providing data to the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired to support children in need of eye care.
In 2019–2020, McMaster Fellow Mary Ann Studer advanced projects on children’s vision screenings and water quality in the New River system, while Associate Fellow Rena Rager led breast cancer awareness training. McMaster Scholars included Hayden Clingaman (financial literacy for San Carlos farmers), Corey Davis (improving learning outcomes for students with disabilities), Malia Ferry (preschool lessons and English integration), Jordan Furko (water quality research), Madeleine McMaster (gender-based violence education), Sophia Moller (Universal Design for Learning in schools), Blake Newman (community impact documentation), Johnathan Powell (drinking water testing and purification), Kelsie Shafer (UDL-focused language arts/history camp), and Lucas Thomeier (emergency medical training). Together, the team addressed education, health, environment, and community development in northern Belize.
In 2016–2017, McMaster Fellows Jo Ann Burkhardt and Fred Coulter led efforts in Cambodia focused on disability law, cultural stigma surrounding children with disabilities, and measuring the long-term impact of McMaster training programs. McMaster Scholars contributed projects across health, education, and community empowerment: Dalton Bettis raised awareness of PTSD among professionals; Xavier Blyden provided CPR/first aid training and education on non-communicable diseases; Jessica Crigger created diabetes training materials translated into Khmer; Taylor Haydinger addressed stigma against the LGBT+ community; Ely King developed an ethical business decision-making manual; Arlen Stoller tested water quality and created safe water maps; Conner Varner designed a training program on basic statistics for NGOs, businesses, and universities; Brooke Waidelich trained partners on motivational theory to encourage career and education growth; and Rachel Wehrman educated partners on water testing, treatment, and prevention of recontamination. Together, these projects advanced health, inclusion, and educational development across Cambodian communities.
In 2015–2016, McMaster Fellows JoAnn Burkhardt and Fred Coulter led initiatives in Cambodia focused on strengthening disability services and evaluating the impact of McMaster training programs. Burkhardt’s work advanced understanding of disability law, community partner training needs, and service delivery for individuals with intellectual disabilities, while Coulter expanded methods to formally measure the outcomes of past professional development sessions across Cambodia. McMaster Scholars contributed diverse projects: Jordan Blank developed training on basic and cross-cultural communication; Nathan Height analyzed the application of leadership techniques among Cambodian business and NGO leaders; Elizabeth Pienoski provided training and translated resources to address sexual harassment and rape prevention; George Roth delivered sessions on micro- and macroeconomic principles and the ASEAN agreement tailored to local partners; and Arlen Stoller improved community access to safe water through testing and education. Together, these projects advanced capacity-building, safety, leadership, and health for Cambodian communities.
At Defiance College, we recognize that occupational therapy is a vital field that transforms the lives of individuals facing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. Our Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration is carefully crafted to equip you with the knowledge, skills, prerequisites and experiences needed to gain admission to competitive Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduate programs.
If you’re passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their daily living goals and regain independence, explore our Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare and embark on a fulfilling journey towards a rewarding career in occupational therapy!
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others through occupational therapy? Start your journey today!
Welcome to the Pre-Physical Therapy concentration, an integral part of our Exercise Science program at Defiance College. If you’re passionate about helping individuals regain their mobility, improve their physical function, and lead healthier lives, our specialized concentration is your gateway to a fulfilling career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
At Defiance College, we understand the pivotal role physical therapists play in the healthcare industry, and we are committed to preparing you for success in highly competitive Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate programs. Our Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration provides you with the essential knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to excel in this rewarding field.
If you’re passionate about promoting mobility, relieving pain, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all ages, explore our Pre-Physical Therapy concentration. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare and embark on a fulfilling journey towards a rewarding career in physical therapy!
Are you ready to make a positive impact on the lives of others through physical therapy? Start your journey today!
Local Projects
In 2021–2022, McMaster Fellow Dr. Nady El-Zayaty and Associate Fellows Steven Engel and Nicole Hoffman led McMaster Scholars in a series of projects across Belize to strengthen health, education, and community resources. Logan Gray partnered with UNICEF on domestic and gender-based violence training; Michael Joseph supported teacher development through Universal Design for Learning; Dylan King conducted a Non-Invasive Poverty Index to aid a community-based bank; Alivia Kruczkowski created events to celebrate developmental diversity; Sophia Moller introduced interventions for preschool fine motor, phonological, and nutritional development; Olivia Rayk researched water contaminants and oxygen levels; Jaylen Redd used athletics to reduce youth aggression and gang affiliation; Autumn Saddler tested water quality with local conservation groups; and Kelsie Shafer designed a one-day agricultural learning camp. Together, these efforts built on Dr. El-Zayaty’s ongoing research into visual acuity screenings for children, ensuring local organizations like the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired could best serve those in need.
In 2020–2021, McMaster Fellows Dr. Nady El-Zayaty and Mary Ann Studer, with Associate Fellow Mia Mathews, led students in impactful projects across Belize. Hayden Clingaman advanced bookkeeping and bylaw development for San Carlos farmers’ Village-Community-Bank; Dylan King developed a Non-Invasive Poverty Index to assess economic standing; Alivia Kruczkowski studied contaminants in the New River and Lagoon; Sophia Moller created inclusive preschool lesson plans; Abbe Rank provided education on nutrition, hydration, yoga, and breast health; Autumn Saddler tested subsurface water for pollutants; Kelsie Shafer modeled Universal Design for Learning through an agriculture camp; and Lucas Thomeier trained teachers and rangers in CPR, first aid, and concussion awareness. These projects built on Dr. El-Zayaty’s work with visual acuity screenings, providing data to the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired to support children in need of eye care.
In 2019–2020, McMaster Fellow Mary Ann Studer advanced projects on children’s vision screenings and water quality in the New River system, while Associate Fellow Rena Rager led breast cancer awareness training. McMaster Scholars included Hayden Clingaman (financial literacy for San Carlos farmers), Corey Davis (improving learning outcomes for students with disabilities), Malia Ferry (preschool lessons and English integration), Jordan Furko (water quality research), Madeleine McMaster (gender-based violence education), Sophia Moller (Universal Design for Learning in schools), Blake Newman (community impact documentation), Johnathan Powell (drinking water testing and purification), Kelsie Shafer (UDL-focused language arts/history camp), and Lucas Thomeier (emergency medical training). Together, the team addressed education, health, environment, and community development in northern Belize.
In 2016–2017, McMaster Fellows Jo Ann Burkhardt and Fred Coulter led efforts in Cambodia focused on disability law, cultural stigma surrounding children with disabilities, and measuring the long-term impact of McMaster training programs. McMaster Scholars contributed projects across health, education, and community empowerment: Dalton Bettis raised awareness of PTSD among professionals; Xavier Blyden provided CPR/first aid training and education on non-communicable diseases; Jessica Crigger created diabetes training materials translated into Khmer; Taylor Haydinger addressed stigma against the LGBT+ community; Ely King developed an ethical business decision-making manual; Arlen Stoller tested water quality and created safe water maps; Conner Varner designed a training program on basic statistics for NGOs, businesses, and universities; Brooke Waidelich trained partners on motivational theory to encourage career and education growth; and Rachel Wehrman educated partners on water testing, treatment, and prevention of recontamination. Together, these projects advanced health, inclusion, and educational development across Cambodian communities.
In 2015–2016, McMaster Fellows JoAnn Burkhardt and Fred Coulter led initiatives in Cambodia focused on strengthening disability services and evaluating the impact of McMaster training programs. Burkhardt’s work advanced understanding of disability law, community partner training needs, and service delivery for individuals with intellectual disabilities, while Coulter expanded methods to formally measure the outcomes of past professional development sessions across Cambodia. McMaster Scholars contributed diverse projects: Jordan Blank developed training on basic and cross-cultural communication; Nathan Height analyzed the application of leadership techniques among Cambodian business and NGO leaders; Elizabeth Pienoski provided training and translated resources to address sexual harassment and rape prevention; George Roth delivered sessions on micro- and macroeconomic principles and the ASEAN agreement tailored to local partners; and Arlen Stoller improved community access to safe water through testing and education. Together, these projects advanced capacity-building, safety, leadership, and health for Cambodian communities.
At Defiance College, we recognize that occupational therapy is a vital field that transforms the lives of individuals facing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. Our Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration is carefully crafted to equip you with the knowledge, skills, prerequisites and experiences needed to gain admission to competitive Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduate programs.
If you’re passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their daily living goals and regain independence, explore our Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare and embark on a fulfilling journey towards a rewarding career in occupational therapy!
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others through occupational therapy? Start your journey today!
Welcome to the Pre-Physical Therapy concentration, an integral part of our Exercise Science program at Defiance College. If you’re passionate about helping individuals regain their mobility, improve their physical function, and lead healthier lives, our specialized concentration is your gateway to a fulfilling career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
At Defiance College, we understand the pivotal role physical therapists play in the healthcare industry, and we are committed to preparing you for success in highly competitive Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate programs. Our Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration provides you with the essential knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to excel in this rewarding field.
If you’re passionate about promoting mobility, relieving pain, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all ages, explore our Pre-Physical Therapy concentration. Join us in shaping the future of healthcare and embark on a fulfilling journey towards a rewarding career in physical therapy!
Are you ready to make a positive impact on the lives of others through physical therapy? Start your journey today!