Health & Human Services Week
2025 Events
Research & Innovation Day
Distinguished Researcher Presentation: Dr. Alex McDaniel, DHSc, LAT, ATC, CSCS
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Discovery Hall 1072
In this talk, Dr. Alex McDaniel will explore the impact of collective, interdisciplinary collaboration on research outcomes. Drawing on his own experiences, he will highlight innovative strategies for bringing together diverse expertise, fostering a culture of shared knowledge, and leveraging technology to enhance research progression and funding acquisition. The presentation will emphasize how collaboration encourages creativity and drives forward the potential to uncover innovative discoveries.
Through case studies and examples of successful partnerships, the presenter will demonstrate the benefits of collective insight and offer practical advice for researchers looking to engage in more collaborative approaches to their work.
The talk will challenge conventional silos in research and inspire the audience to rethink how collaboration can not only improve individual research efforts but also create larger, more sustainable impacts on their fields.
About Dr. Alex McDaniel
Alex McDaniel is an associate professor and exercise science program coordinator in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences. Originally from South Florida, he began his career in athletics playing beach volleyball. He competed beach volleyball for seven years throughout Florida and California both on the Bud Light volleyball tour and the California Beach Volleyball Association tour. His passion for athletic training began during his rehabilitation process after sustaining a career ending injury during play.
McDaniel completed his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training at UNC Wilmington and a Masters of Health Science and Sports Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. He completed a Doctorate in Health Science from Nova Southeastern University in June of 2018. He has worked in the collegiate, high school, and health performance sectors as an athletic trainer and strength coach.
McDaniel was selected for this honor by the CHHS Research and Advisory Council after a highly competitive process. He will join an esteemed group of past award recipients who have set a high bar for research and scholarly excellence.
Register for the Distinguished Researcher Presentation here.
CHHS Research Poster Showcase
12:15-2 p.m.
Discovery Hall 1070
Stop by this interactive Poster Showcase to learn from and engage with CHHS faculty, students, and health care professionals about their research. This networking opportunity is hosted by the College of Health and Human Services Research & Innovation Team.
Register for the Poster Showcase here.
Intergenerational Design Challenge: Community Pitch Event
2-3:30 p.m.
Discovery Hall 1072
The Final Pitch Event marks the culmination of the 2024-2025 Intergenerational Design Challenge, where teams of Innovation Scholars and community members showcase their collaborative solutions to real-world aging-related challenges.
This event provides an exciting opportunity for Innovation Scholars to present their innovative ideas to a panel of judges, including industry experts and community leaders highlighting the practical application of the District C Design Thinking Framework. Teams will deliver compelling presentations, share their design process, and demonstrate how their solutions address critical issues affecting aging populations.
The Final Pitch Event celebrates the power of intergenerational collaboration and creative problem-solving, spotlighting the actionable solutions that can make a tangible difference in the community.
Join us to witness these inspiring presentations and see innovation in action!
Register for the IDC Community Pitch here.
Wheelchair Rugby: Adaptive Sports for All
4:15-5:45 p.m.
Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center, Court 4
Come roll, pass, and score with us—because sports should be for everyone!
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or trying something new—this adaptive sports experience is open to everyone. The event is designed to provide an accessible space where all participants can learn, play, and have fun in a supportive environment.
Hosted by the CHHS Recreation Therapy program, UNCW's Student Recreation Center, and the Competitive Sports Office, learn the fundamentals of wheelchair rugby while promoting teamwork, inclusion, and the joy of movement. Staff will be on hand to assist, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and engaged.
Goggles On: The Future of Healthcare Learning
9:30-10:45 a.m.
McNeill Hall 1051
Step into the future of health education with Goggles On: The Future of Healthcare Learning, an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience that brings anatomy and healthcare learning to life. Guided by distinguished researcher, Dr. Alexander McDaniel, participants will explore cutting-edge VR technology, including Anatomage software, to visualize the human body in stunning detail. Join us for an interactive session that showcases how VR is transforming medical education and the future of patient care!
Eating to Nourish Mind, Body, and Soul
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
McNeill Hall 1051
We are often given advice about eating for weight loss or weight management, but what about eating in a way that promotes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being? Dr. Kit Huelskamp, associate professor of healthful living and fitness education and Campus Dietitian Chelsea Stant host an interactive food experience and guided tasting opportunity that explores how diet culture might be killing us!
Register here for Eating to Nourish the Mind, Body and Soul
Enhancing Team Problem-Solving with Collaborative AI: A District C Approach with Dr. Lance Cummings
12:30-1:45 p.m.
McNeill Hall 1051
Join District C Fellow Lance Cummings for an interactive workshop exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance collaborative problem-solving and design thinking. Drawing from District C's proven Teamship methodology, participants will learn how to strategically integrate AI tools to augment their problem-solving capabilities while maintaining the core mindsets of questioning, collaboration, and human-centered design.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to integrate AI tools with design thinking processes to enhance collaborative problem-solving capabilities while maintaining human-centered approaches. Learning Outcomes By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to integrate AI tools with District C's core tools (Take 5, Solo Flight, and Design Process) to enhance their problem-solving capabilities. Participants will demonstrate how to use AI as a collaborative tool while maintaining the human-centered aspects of questioning and teamwork. Through hands-on practice, participants will create frameworks for when and how to strategically deploy AI tools within each phase of the design thinking process. Participants will evaluate the effectiveness of AI integration by completing a sample challenge using both District C tools and AI assistance.
Lance Cummings is a professor of English in the Professional Writing program at UNC Wilmington. Dr. Cummings explores content and information development in technologically and culturally diverse contexts both in his research and teaching. His most recent work looks at how to leverage structured content with rhetorical strategies to improve the performance of generative AI technologies and shares his explorations in his newsletter, Cyborgs Writing.
Register here for Enhancing Team Problem-Solving with Collaborative AI
Building Community-Academic Partnerships: An Introduction to Community-Based Collaborative Research
2-3:15 pm.
McNeill Hall 1051
Discover the foundations of community-engaged scholarship, also described as Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) in this interactive session designed for community, faculty, staff, and students of all knowledge levels. The session will start with an overview of CBPR, including benefits, challenges, and methodological approaches. Following the CBPR overview, participants will assess research and community partnership needs through an interactive activity. This session aims to increase knowledge of community-engaged scholarship, spark discussion, foster connections, and inspire future collaboration.
After this session, participants will be able to:
- Define Community Engaged Scholarship/Community-Based Participatory Research and distinguish it from traditional research methods.
- Identify benefits of challenges of Community Engaged Scholarship for academic and community partners.
- Explore and assess research and community partnership needs to identify opportunities for collaboration and future engagement.
Facilitators:
- Deborah (Deby) Tyndall, PhD, RN, CNE Associate Professor, School of Nursing
- M. Leah Mayo, MPH, MCHES Assistant Dean Community Engagement & Health Equity
- Leah Gillikin, BSN, RN, CHPN DNP-FNP Student
Register for An Introduction to CBPR here
NetworkPrep
3:30-4:45 p.m.
McNeill Hall 1051
At this MentorCHHS event, you'll sharpen your networking skills, build confidence, and prepare to make the most of SpeedConnect on Thursday, March 20. This prep session is designed to help you leave a lasting impression and connect with ease.
You’ll also have the chance to hear from a former MentorCHHS mentor and mentee about their experience with networking and the power of connection. Learn firsthand how these relationships have shaped their professional paths and why building these skills is key to your own success.
Facilitated by CHHS' Tiffany Erichsen, MSW, MPA, NBC-HWC, and Julia Peck, MSW, M.S. Instructional Technology, along with UNCW Career Center's Ricky Patterson, Healthcare Technology Professional, Craig Stoeckle, and CHHS Alumna, Morgan Edwards.
Be sure to register for both NetworkPrep and SpeedConnect events and take the next step in your professional journey!
Register for NetworkPrep here.
Novant Health Presents: The Intersection of AI & Health
6-7:30 p.m.
Warwick Ballroom
This dynamic keynote panel brings together leading experts to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how AI is reshaping patient care, advancing health technologies, and influencing policies that define the future of health and wellness.
Moderated by Meghan Huffman, Vice President of Digital Health for Novant Health, this panel features:
- Karen Hegarty, Vice President of Cognitive Computing and Head of Innovation and AI
- David Tyson, Senior Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs
- Noellee Clarke, MD, Associate Chief Health Informatics Officer – Digital Health
- Aram Alexanian, MD, Clinical Physician Executive for Wellness Informatics
Together, these esteemed panelists will delve into cutting-edge topics, from AI-driven diagnostics and personalized medicine to ethical considerations and policy advancements. This session promises to inspire and educate attendees on the critical role AI plays in advancing the health of our communities.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders at the forefront of digital health innovation!
Yoga on the Lawn with UNCW Yoga Studies Minor Students
2 sessions!
9-9:50 a.m.
10-10:50 a.m.
Health Sciences Quad
Start your day with a peaceful and rejuvenating yoga session led by CHHS Yoga Studies students. Set in a serene outdoor space, this session invites you to stretch, breathe, and find balance while connecting with nature and your community. Whether you're an experienced yogi or new to the practice, this class offers a welcoming environment to refresh your body and mind.
Two sessions available—both offering the same experience. Choose the time that works best for you and join us for a moment of tranquility and renewal.
Community Resiliency Model Training
11-11:50 a.m.
McNeill Hall 1051
The Community Resiliency Model® (CRM) introduces participants to six practical wellness skills designed to promote balance in the body, mind, and spirit. This transformative, skills-based workshop empowers individuals of all abilities to understand and regulate their nervous systems, offering a pathway to resilience and well-being.
CRM is rooted in the belief that trauma-informed and resiliency-focused individuals and communities can thrive by fostering a shared understanding of the effects of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system. Participants will learn to:
- Recognize and track the natural responses of their own nervous systems.
- Apply simple, effective strategies to restore and enhance resilience.
- Share these skills with family, friends, and their broader communities.
This workshop is especially beneficial for front-line workers, educators, and those in marginalized or trauma-affected communities, providing a practical toolkit to respond to crisis situations and build supportive, resilient networks.
Join us in creating communities that embody resilience, empathy, and healing through the power of these evidence-based practices!
Register here for CRM Training
Wellness Walk hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence
12-12:50 p.m.
Chancellor’s Walk
Meet up with fellow walkers at 11:40 a.m. at the Veterans Hall Breezeway or at 12 p.m. in front of Randall Library
Did you know that walking outdoors can boost your mood and reduce stress levels? Whether you're craving fresh air or need to stretch your legs, discover the power of nature with a walk around UNCW's beautiful campus. Prefer a solo stroll? Enjoy a leisurely walk down Chancellor's Walk at your own pace. Your mental and physical health will thank you!
Register for the Wellness Walk here.
Resilient Playmaking with Dr. Anka Roberto, Associate Professor, School of Nursing
1-1:50 p.m.
Health Sciences Quad (Rain location: McNeill Hall 1051)
Engage with colleagues, students, staff, and community members in trauma and resilient playmaking sessions. By using the power of play, we connect with our younger selves, allowing us to explore our resilient natures more. This session will provide grounding, somatic-based skills to build positive cognitions and an optimistic approach to life. At the end of the session, learners will:
- Explore the power of play
- Apply playmaking strategies to professional and academic settings.
Anka Roberto, DNP, MPH, APRN, PMHNP-BC leads the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration of the BSN-DNP program and the Well-being and Resilience Collaborative (WRC) as an Associate Professor of Nursing. She is an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) certified clinician, maintaining her clinical practice as a PMHNP where she utilizes EMDR as her primary treatment modality. She continues to publish authored book chapters and manuscripts on trauma and resilience during her tenure. She engages in interdisciplinary teaching and research across UNCW's campus, and is a scholar in the area of trauma and resilience. She is a steering committee member of the New Hanover County Resiliency Taskforce and has engaged in local community projects around well-being and resilience utilizing a trauma informed approach. In particular, she was part of a playmaker program implementation in 2018-2020, and a music making collective in 2023-2024 that utilized resilience efforts with inner city youth.
Dr. Roberto holds two board positions; one with Music Heals Minds utilizing Music to heal mental health symptoms, and the second with Peaceful Pastures, engaging with Equine therapy to assist individuals and families with optimal healing. With over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse working with children with special needs, and over a decade as a PMHNP working with individuals across the lifespan, her scholarship, clinical practice, and teaching all inform one another as she dedicates her passion in helping those restore their own resilience amidst adverse life experiences.
Register here for Resilient Playmaking
Community-Centered Care: A Health Equity Simulation Experience
2-3:50 p.m.
3rd Floor Veterans Hall Problem Based Learning Center
Deepen your understanding and empathy around health equity with CHHS students, faculty, staff, and community partners to explore the complexities of health disparities and the critical role of interprofessional collaboration. Through realistic scenarios and role-playing exercises, you’ll gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by underserved populations and develop strategies to promote equitable health and human service practices.
Register for the Health Equity Simulation here.
Narcan Training
4-4:50 p.m.
McNeill Hall 1051
Are you equipped with the knowledge to respond to an opioid overdose? This vital Narcan training session facilitated by CHHS alumnae Teresa DuBose and Grace Tew of Coastal Horizons will cover:
- How to recognize the signs of an overdose
- Step-by-step guidance on administering Narcan
- Good Samaritan Law and legal protections
- Key harm reduction principles and addiction treatment options
Participants will receive a certificate of completion recognizing training in Narcan administration. Be prepared. Be informed. Help save a life.
Register for Narcan Training here.
Unseen/Unheard: Voices Revealed – A Student-Led Exhibit and Discussion Brief
5:30-7 p.m.
Veterans Hall South Lobby (Wing closest to Rec Center)
This impactful art exhibit highlights diverse voices and perspectives on cultural representation in response to recent anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Through powerful artwork and a student-led panel discussion, explore how these policies affect the UNCW community in unseen and unheard ways. The exhibit, featuring submissions from students, staff, and faculty serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and community engagement—an invitation to amplify marginalized voices, spark conversation, and inspire collective change.
Recognize and reflect on the tangible and intangible impacts of anti-DEI policies, gaining deeper insight into how these issues shape campus culture and individual experiences. Engage with diverse artistic expressions and learn to discuss challenging topics in a constructive and empathetic manner, expanding their capacity for understanding and respectful communication.
Identify meaningful steps to advocate for equity and inclusion both within UNCW and beyond, harnessing art and conversation as tools for positive change.
Make it Macro: Ethical Implications of Policies for Mandatory Reporting of Abuse and Neglect Across Different Sectors
9 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Teaching Lab 1053
Social workers will earn free continuing education credits for licensure renewal.
Did you know you are a mandated reporter? In N.C., anyone over the age of 18 is required by law to report suspected abuse and neglect to help keep our children safe. UNCW students, faculty and staff, and community partners to learn about mandatory reporting policies and procedures and how reporting is done within and across sectors.
A panel of experts from community mental health, the educational system, and judicial system will share their experiences and knowledge of the challenges and best practices in reporting abuse and neglect across sectors. The session will conclude with an exploration of cultural considerations in the context of mandatory reporting.
Schedule:
- 9-9:15 a.m. - Make It Macro! Student Presentation on Macro SW
- 9:30-10:45 a.m. - Panel of Experts discuss N.C. Mandatory Reporting Policies
- 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - Cultural Considerations in Mandatory Reporting
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the ethical implications of mandatory reporting and the impact on keeping kids in NC safe!
Register for Make it Macro here
Begin the Conversation: A Community Education Initiative
9:30-10:45 a.m.
McNeill Hall 1051A
Begin the Conversation, a community education initiative, created by Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, includes advance care planning materials and healthcare resources devoted to encouraging people to have critical discussions. This session will focus on equipping attendees to control their future health care by facing the elephant in the room now! We will discuss conversation strategies, as well as the implementation of appropriate documents, including the Living Will and the Healthcare Power of Attorney. Facilitated by Jason Clamme, MPA.
About Jason Clamme
After spending his childhood on a farm in Indiana, Jason majored in Economics and minored in Political Science and Philosophy at Purdue University. Jason earned his Secondary Education certification from Ball State University. After teaching at Burgaw Middle School in Pender County, Jason took his first position at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare as the Volunteer Program Manager, supervising more than 500 hospice volunteers. Two years later, he became the Director of Community Engagement and now oversees the agency’s involvement in the community— including more than 100 annual speaking engagements, community education, health fairs, Chambers of Commerce events, and community collaborations and partnerships. Jason is passionate about educating people concerning the special kind of caring that is provided by LCFL as well as other end of life issues, including Begin the Conversation, the agency’s public awareness initiative to encourage people to practice advance care planning.
Register for Begin the Conversation here
Calming Canvas
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
3rd Floor Veterans Hall Problem Based Learning Labs
Find peace and relaxation through acrylic painting on canvas with this casual guided therapeutic arts experience. No special skills or prior experience are needed—just bring yourself and let the soothing strokes of the paintbrush guide you into a state of calmness and self-expression. This activity fosters mindfulness, creativity, and personal well-being in a supportive and judgment-free environment.
Participants will:
- Practice mindfulness techniques through the rhythmic and meditative act of painting.
- Develop a sense of calm and relaxation by focusing on the creative process rather than the outcome.
- Gain confidence in their ability to express themselves artistically, regardless of skill level.
- Explore the therapeutic benefits of engaging in a creative activity as a tool for stress relief and emotional well-being.
Register here for Calming Canvas
CHHS Case Study Competition: Pitch Event
12:30-3:30 p.m. Case Study Student Preparations3:30-5 p.m. Live Pitch Event
McNeill 1051
The CHHS Case Study Competition aims to train the next generation of leaders through a unique interprofessional experience tackling a real-world challenge, to be revealed to the students during the event.
After a rigorous nomination process, selected students will be placed on interprofessional teams, made up of three to four students from across disciplines in the College of Health and Human Services, applying their specific knowledge to tackle complex community issues, developing plans to address this challenge, and presenting them in a competition, where one winning team will rise to the top.
Successful teams will learn to leverage the unique skills and knowledge of each team member, and the disciplines represented. A panel of judges will evaluate each team's presentation based on demonstrated understanding of the issue, creative and innovative thinking, utilization of interdisciplinary methodologies, team rapport, and presentation quality.
Each member of the winning team will receive an up to $250 scholarship.
Note: The Case Study is closed for student preparation. We welcome you to join the CHHS Case Study Competition: Pitch Event, where students present their ideas to the panel of judges.
Register for the Case Study Competition here
SpeedConnect
3:30-4:45 p.m.
3rd Floor Veterans Hall Problem Based Learning Center
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development journey? Don’t miss out on SpeedConnect: A MentorCHHS Event—a structured networking event for students like YOU who are eager to connect with organizations in the health and human services fields! Small student groups will rotate through tables, giving you the chance to meet with representatives from a variety of organizations and learn about their opportunities, missions, and career paths.
Why attend?
- Meet with a variety of health and human service organizations
- Expand your network
- Discover potential career paths
Light refreshments will be served. Prepare for this event by attending NetworkPrep on Tuesday, March 18.
Day of Service
Through partnerships with local organizations, CHHS Day of Service provides students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to give back while applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
Join us in volunteering with CHHS community partners on Friday, March 21! Volunteering helps develop leadership skills, makes a positive impact, and enhances academic experiences by applying classroom knowledge to real-world problems.
Unable to volunteer on March 21 during HHSW Day of Service?
No problem! Check out these additional opportuniteis in the community and register through Give Pulse below.
Volunteer with WarmNC
Saturday, March 22
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Register here to volunteer with WarmNC
Volunteer with Rise Up Farm
Friday, March 28th
9-11 a.m.
Contact Community Engagement
Leah Mayo, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Health Equity
engagechhs@uncw.edu