2025 15th Annual Bastyr Student and Faculty Research Symposium
Bastyr University Research Institute, Center for Student Research, and the Library
On behalf of the Bastyr University Research Institute, Center for Student Research, and the Library we invite you to attend the 15th Annual Bastyr University Student and Faculty Research Symposium – online! The Symposium features posters from faculty, student, staff, and BU researcher partnerships showcasing Bastyr's research endeavors.
More info: https://www.bastyr.edu/library
Filter displayed posters (48 keywords)
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▼ Acupuncture Back to top
Bridging Practice and Research in Acupuncture Through Pragmatic Data Analysis
Kathleen Lumiere 1, Wen Tu 2, Lisa Taylor-Swanson 3, Lisa Conboy 4, Nick Lowe 5, Brigitte Linder 6, Sandro Graca 7, Beau Anderson 8, Spod Dutton 9, David Riley 10, Koon Kim 11, Xiaoming Sheng 12
Kathleen Lumiere, Wen Tu, Lisa Taylor-Swanson, Lisa Conboy, Nick Lowe, Brigitte Linder, Sandro Graca, Beau Anderson, Spod Dutton, David Riley, Koon Kim, Xiaoming Sheng
Objective: To analyze pragmatic data from clinical registries and case reports to assess real-world outcomes and foster practitioner research.
Methods: Clinical registry data (n=221) reduced selection bias, while case report data (n=12) were more complete. Mixed methods were employed to analyze these combined data. Quantitative (N=233) analyses applied to demographics, pain (NRPS/PROMIS), and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) across treatment durations from 1 week to 12 months. Qualitative analysis included thematic review of data from 15 patients, with concurrent triangulation exploring correlations between data sets.
Results: Pain scores significantly decreased from baseline (5.14) to 1 year (2.29, p<0.05), with PROMIS outcomes improving from 30.0 to 37.3 (p<0.0001). PGIC mean at 1 year was 2.31 ("Much Improved"). Musculoskeletal conditions comprised the largest category (57%). Qualitative findings documented individualized treatment and underscored the need for standardized documentation.
Conclusion: Pragmatic data analysis captures outcomes from individualized treatments, bridging the gap between clinical practice and research. Future directions include developing and teaching standardized pragmatic data guidelines. The pragmatic approach has significant implications for advancing acupuncture research and practice with inquiry that reflects real-world conditions and outcomes.
Practical and economic challenges of implementing group auricular acupuncture treatment for chronic pain in primary care
Masa Sasagawa, Iman Majd, Daniel Cherkin
Methods: A course of eight weekly sessions of group auricular acupuncture (AA) for chronic musculoskeletal pain was implemented in a US primary care clinic and billed to insurance. The process of implementing group AA is described, including patients' and researchers’ perceptions of their experience. We also examined hypothetical scenarios for reimbursement based on relative value units (RVUs) based on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) billing/coding.
Results: Recruitment was limited by COVID-19 requirements for social distancing and administrative hurdles, such that only four patients participated, three of whom attended all eight sessions. Seven additional Medicare patients were excluded due to concerns that acupuncture would not be covered. Participants reported mostly positive experiences with both AA and the group model of care. Based on our hypothetical reimbursement scenarios, in the fee-for-service model, group sessions appear to be economically more viable when staffed by non-physician acupuncturists credentialed for insurance reimbursement. For example, for a group of six patients, each receiving acupuncture would be anticipated to generate 3.60 RVUs, whereas a physician seeing three individual patients consecutively for return office visits at CMS Evaluation and Management (E/M) level 3 could generate at least 4.11 RVUs.
Conclusions: Offering group AA services in primary care clinics might increase access to acupuncture for patients with chronic pain. Although patients appreciated quicker access to acupuncture through group visits, logistical and economic barriers remain a challenge for sustainable group-based acupuncture visits (Majd, 2025).
Scientific Validation of Acupuncture for Autonomic Nervous System Regulation in Neck Pain and Headache
Principal Investigator: Jungmin Ahn, PhD, AEMP, LAc, MS; Ashley Traughber, MPH, LMT, CPT, ND & LAc Candidate; Kathleen Lumiere, Bastyr Faculty, AEAM Research Bastyr University Simon Song, Research auditor Maxine Filder, Medical writer Hyunwoo Moon, Researcher, Korean Medical Society of Acupotomology Nicholas Downey, Clinical data coordinator Chan Han, Data Analyst
Student: Ashley Traughber, MPH, LMT, CPT, ND & LAc Candidate Principal Investigator: Jungmin Ahn, PhD, AEMP, LAc, MS Other Contributors: Kathleen Lumiere, Bastyr Faculty, AEAM Research Bastyr University Simon Song, Research auditor Maxine Filder, Medical writer Hyunwoo Moon, Researcher, Korean Medical Society of Acupotomology Nicholas Downey, Clinical data coordinator Chan Han, Data Analyst
Objective: This study aims to scientifically validate the immediate regulatory effects of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in patients presenting with neck pain and headache. The research focuses on objective changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and other physiological markers of ANS activity to evaluate acupuncture’s mechanism of action and clinical efficacy.
Methods: A retrospective case series involving 50 participants was conducted using the SA-3000P medical device to measure pre- and post-treatment metrics. Acupuncture was applied using a modern, anatomically-informed technique called Regenerative Soft Tissue and Neurological (RSN) acupuncture. Key variables analyzed included heart rate, standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF). Additional metrics included stress resilience (SR) and electro-cardiac stability (ECS). Statistical methods included paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Cohen’s d for effect size calculation.
Results: Significant improvements were observed post-treatment in heart rate (-7.1%, p<0.001), SDNN (+27.7%, p=0.0008), RMSSD (+46.6%, p=0.0059), LF/HF ratio (-21.6%, p=0.0494), SR (+13.6%, p<0.001), and ECS (+17.1%, p<0.001). Strong correlations were noted between SDNN and RMSSD (r=0.90), and between SDNN and SR (r=0.85), suggesting coherent ANS modulation. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: The findings confirm that acupuncture is an effective intervention for immediate autonomic regulation. By enhancing parasympathetic activity and improving HRV metrics, acupuncture supports the clinical management of conditions associated with ANS imbalance. These results suggest the integration of acupuncture into broader healthcare settings may offer measurable benefits, warranting further longitudinal studies.
Funding/Ethical Considerations: No external funding was reported for this study. This study received IRB approval (25-0003) from Bastyr University. Data were collected retrospectively using de-identified patient records, ensuring participant confidentiality and data security. Licensed acupuncturists administered treatments following standard clinical protocols. No adverse events were reported during data collection.
▼ Herbal Sciences Back to top
Assessment of Neurological Effects of Centella asiatica using Quantitative Electroencephalography
Hattie Patterson
Effects of Falcarindiol and Oplopanax horridus Extracts on Human Breast Cancer Cells
Bibiana Ancheta, Joel Yates
Bibiana Ancheta and Joel Yates This study investigates the extraction efficiency of falcarindiol from Devil’s Club using a series of incremental ethanol extractions and evaluates the potential effects of the optimal extract on MCF7 breast cancer cell proliferation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of extracts prepared with ethanol concentrations ranging from 10% to 100% revealed that falcarindiol content peaked in the 80–90% ethanol range, with a marginal decline observed at 100% ethanol. Based on these findings, an 80% ethanol extract was selected as optimal for further biological assessment.
Application of the crude extract of Oplopanax horridus at 80% ethanol was analyzed for interactions of breast cancer cell growth rates. Initial findings provided data that reflected an increased proliferation of breast cancer cells in direct relation to the increased concentration of the crude extract. Whether this was due to systematic or human error that altered the data results, further replication of this experiment is needed for conclusive evidence of this implication.
Future research would include application of Oplopanax horridus crude extract on human killer-T immune cells to examine interactions and explore the potential activation of the overall immune system. Also, repeatability of the previous research experiment on MCF7 human breast cancer cells to see if data is replicated or identify possible sources of error, whether human or systematic.
Lymphagogues For All
Alexandra Madsen, Trisha Hodges, Mack Coker
▼ Naturopathic Medicine Back to top
Biofeedback Therapy in the Management of Anxiety and Depression in an Elderly Woman- A Case Study
Sara Anis and Maya Roth, ND
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback and Naturopathic Interventions for Symptom Relief in Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Case Report
Chloe Miller, ND Candidate; Maya Roth, ND
Methods: A 34-year-old female presented with daily migraines, fatigue, memory dysfunction, and autonomic dysregulation following a motor vehicle accident that exacerbated her history of five prior concussions. A seven-session HRV biofeedback protocol was implemented using Physiodata and emWave software to improve HRV coherence through paced breathing, guided imagery, and emotional desensitization. Nutritional interventions included Vitamin D (10,000 IU/day), Vitamin B12 (5,000 mcg/day), and Omega-3 fatty acids (4.5 g/day). Pre- and post-treatment assessments included the PHQ-9, GAD-7, Nijmegen Questionnaire, and HRV coherence tracking.
Results: The patient showed a marked increase in HRV coherence, with high coherence rising from 1% to 43%. PHQ-9 improved from 4 to 3, GAD-7 from 7 to 5, and Nijmegen from 18 to 10. Clinically, she reported reduced migraine frequency (from daily to once or twice weekly), improved energy, and greater cognitive clarity. These improvements were sustained through consistent at-home practice of breathing techniques and lifestyle modifications.
Conclusion: This case suggests that HRV biofeedback, when combined with targeted naturopathic therapies, may effectively improve autonomic regulation and reduce symptom burden in PCS. While promising, further investigation with larger cohorts and objective HRV measures is warranted.
Funding: None.
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Prospective Outcomes Trial in Patients Undergoing Care with Naturopathic Providers (POT PNP)
Chih-Yun Hsuing, ND, Natiya Guin, ND, Brandy McGill, ND, Jeanette Dok, ND, Ellen Prairie, ND, Ksenia Zvereva, ND, Pedro Alcazar-Perea, Shayon Aram, Katy Bachman, Monica Binford, Patricia Cavallini, Stephanie Daboub, Julia Dannenbaum, Kimberly Dickenson, Aaron Donny-Clark, Leslie Fiedler, Ann Hackney, Andrea Haynes, Amber Heller, Makenna Herrero, Jessica Jarrett, Fjorda Jusufi, Amie Kim, Juliana Langdon, Judith Lantigua, Taya Lindsay, David Lee, Rebecca Malits, Mckenzi Mazur, Brenna McGrath, Chloe Miller, Sarah Nelson, Lauren Picone, Nidhi Sheth, Stevie Simpson-Burk, Kayla Szampruch, Rebecca Tobolski, Kate Tanaka, Anne Wells, Christie Wylde, Erin Sweet, ND, MPH, FABNO
METHODS Patients ≥18 years of age presenting to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health (BCNH) for care who meet the following inclusion criteria are eligible to participate; speak English well enough to understand the consent form and able to read and understand the questionnaires. Patients will be consented and PROMIS Global Health-10 (PGH-10), Global Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) will be administered at each visit. Questionnaires, ICD-10 codes, CPT codes and recommended treatments will be abstracted from the participants chart at the time of each visit and entered into the Research and Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database.
RESULTS Results are currently ongoing for our participants enrolled in the study. A total of 58 (a 56% increase over 2023-2024) participants have been enrolled. A total of 123 (a 58% increase over 2023-2024) visits have been completed.
CONCLUSION The purpose of the research shifts is to provide students with a real-world clinical research experience prior to graduation. This is intended to provide medical students with invaluable opportunities to develop essential skills, gain practical exposure to patient care, and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge, ultimately preparing them for successful careers as evidence-based practitioners. Collecting this data will help to inform physicians and patients what conditions naturopathic physicians commonly treat, with what therapies, frequency of use, the cost of such treatments, and how these treatments are associated with QoL. This research is disseminated annually at various conferences, which addresses the need to conduct naturopathic clinical outcomes research and the goal of providing students with a research experience during their education and training. In addition to the current shift offered at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health (BCNH), this project was expanded to include a second research-focused teaching shift at Bastyr University San Diego (BUSD) in Fall 2023.
ACKNOWLEGEMENT Funding for these studies has been provided by Bastyr University Research Institute. Contact: Erin Sweet esweet@bastyr.edu
▼ Nutrition Back to top
Impactful Care Cycles in the Nutrition Care Process Framework: Insights from the AUGmeNt Study on Patients with CKD Grade 5 Treated by Dialysis
Ginger Hultin DCN RDN CSO, Casey R. Colin, DCN, RDN, LDN, FAND, Hanadi Hamadi, PhD, Constantina Papoutsakis, PhD, RD
Methods: A secondary analysis of AUGmeNt registry data evaluated RDN implementation of renal nutrition guidelines, NCP terminology (NCPT) use, documentation quality, and outcomes, including diagnosis resolution and serum indicators. Thirty-seven RDNs documented 1,347 nutrition care encounters for 676 patients with ESRD on HD across 22 states.
Results: Among these encounters, excessive phosphorus intake was the most frequently documented nutrition problem (N=421; 21%), with food and nutrition-related knowledge deficit as the most common etiology term (N=61; 58%) and knowledge as the most frequent etiology category matrix category (N=43, 41%). Education on nutrition's influence on health (N=28; 27%) was the most common intervention and serum phosphorus measurement (N=42; 41%) was the most common nutrition monitor, used for evaluation. Improvement or resolution was documented for 70% (N=104) of patients with excessive phosphorus intake. Successful care cycles commonly included education on how phosphorus influences patient health and strategies on how to manage intake, demonstrating improved phosphorus levels at reassessment.
Conclusion and Research Implications: These findings highlight the impactful role of RDNs in managing excessive phosphorus intake through structured NCP cycles. Further emphasis on improving NCP documentation and best practices can enhance patient outcomes and reinforce the value of RDNs in the ESRD population.
Integrating Nutrition & the Gut-Skin Axis into Dermatology: A Holistic Approach to Skin Health & Rejuvenation
Noor Javidi
▼ Psychology Back to top
The Impact of Personality on Groups in Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE) Environments: A Literature Review
Kelly Shepherd and Naomi Lester, Ph.D.
Methods: Database searches in PsycInfo, PubMed, PsycARTICLES, and ProQuest initially identified 20 studies that appeared to meet search criteria. Of these, many were excluded due to factors such as lack of outcome measures and research environments not fitting inclusion criteria, with 6 studies meeting full inclusion criteria for critical review.
Results: Results showed that personality traits, including agreeableness, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness, as well as individual differences in levels of flexibility and self-discipline, do appear to impact team cohesion/function in ICE environments. Results also suggest that the variability of trait levels and trait mixes within teams may impact team cohesion and outcomes.
Conclusions: Further research, particularly studies focused on the adaptive and maladaptive aspects of extroversion, mixed levels of agreeableness and openness within teams, and the adaptive components within conscientiousness, could be helpful for boosting understanding and assisting with development of crew training methods to help foster success in high-risk ICE work environments, such as missions to Mars and other planets.
Funding: n/a
▼ Public Health Back to top
Impact Of Digital Health Literacy (DHL) On Mental Wellbeing Of University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic- A Secondary Data Analysis.
Sana Samreen, Dr. Cristina Ciupitu-Plath
Student: Sana Samreen
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Cristina Ciupitu-Plath
Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated mental health challenges among students. Simultaneously, students became increasingly reliant on digital platforms to seek health-related information. This study examines the relationship between Digital Health Literacy DHL and the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on how demographic factors moderate this relationship.
Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of survey responses from 106 university students enrolled at two minority-serving institutions in Washington State. The survey utilized validated instruments to measure DHL and mental health outcomes like anxiety and depression. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using Jamovi software. Inferential analysis included Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression models.
Results: Neither total DHL scores nor specific subdomains showed significant associations with mental health outcomes. Additionally, no significant moderation effects were found for demographic characteristics. However, demographic factors were strong predictors of mental health, with students identifying as LGBTQ+, middle to low SES, and those with disabilities having significantly higher scores of anxiety and depression.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that while DHL remains an important competency for navigating online health information, it may not directly improve or protect mental health in contexts where structural inequities and psychosocial stressors play a stronger role. Based on our findings, we recommend that institutions expand culturally competent mental health services for historically marginalized students, with efforts extending beyond individual-level interventions. Universities should also incorporate DHL training into academic curricula to enhance students’ ability to evaluate and use digital information responsibly. Additionally, future research is needed to explore causal relationships through longitudinal studies, and how student parents experienced the pandemic, and what supported their sense of resilience.
We Heal Us: An Integrative Wellness Care Model for QTBIPOC Communities
Mariah Emerson
Methods: Methodology included a comprehensive literature review of community-led health models historically implemented by groups such as the Black Panther Party and the Young Lords Party. Additionally, primary-source interviews from community leaders experienced in building and delivering models of care informed the model’s design, ensuring relevance, adaptability and grounded praxis.
Results: The research uplifts health sovereignty and radical accessibility as critical means of positioning care as a collective responsibility rather than an individual burden. Engaging the constituency of those accessing care from design into implementation of a care space ensures trust, interdependence and sustainability of the space at large.
Conclusion: Implications of this project suggest that scalable, community-led wellness frameworks—when embedded in cultural relevance and political analysis—can effectively disrupt health inequities. It offers a replicable foundation for integrating intergenerational, traditional and contemporary healing modalities which are relevant to be employed in public health settings, clinical environments and community organizations.