HPU Research and Innovation: May 2026

Eleven students and faculty from High Point University’s Teresa B. Caine School of Nursing spent a week in May on a service-learning trip to assist patients in Belize. Pictured from left on front row were nursing students Camdyn Morton, Ivy Knight, Makayla Ferrell, Lilliana Devito and Peyton Bates. On back row from left were Claire Sparks, Erikah Freeman, Pyper Wedhoff, Annabelle Stump, Bailey Hatchett and Olivia Dwyer.

HIGH POINT, N.C., May 28, 2026 – High Point University students, faculty and staff frequently conduct, publish and share research and creative works in a variety of ways. Below is a recap of recent research and innovative initiatives.

Nursing Students Serve Patients with Limited Healthcare Access in Belize

Eleven students from HPU’s Teresa B. Caine School of Nursing spent a week earlier this month on a service-learning trip to assist patients in Belize. Organized in partnership with International Service Learning (ISL), the trip provided nursing students with an opportunity to learn about global health issues while serving communities with limited access to healthcare.

The service-learning experience from May 4-10 combined nursing education, cultural immersion and community engagement, said Dr. Alexis Best-Rhodes, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing. Upon arrival at Dream Valley Jungle Belize, students and faculty were introduced to Belizean history, culture, healthcare practices and ISL policies to prepare them for meaningful interactions within the communities they would serve. Throughout the week, students participated in medical orientations led by local healthcare professionals and engaged in community outreach experiences in areas such as Valley of Peace and Harmonyville.

“During home visits, our team assessed living conditions, identified healthcare needs and gained a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health affecting Belizean families,” Best-Rhodes said. “These visits highlighted the importance of compassion, cultural humility and community-centered nursing care. One of the most impactful aspects of the trip was participating in community clinics alongside local physicians and pharmacists.”

Students assisted with patient care, health education and clinic operations while learning about the Belizean healthcare system firsthand. Best-Rhodes said these clinical experiences reinforced the importance of teamwork, adaptability and evidence-based nursing care in underserved settings. Conversations with Belizean nurses and healthcare providers also offered valuable insight into nursing practice and healthcare challenges in another country.

The trip was one of the most eye-opening and meaningful experiences of her journey to becoming a nurse, student Erikah Freeman said.

“Working alongside healthcare professionals during home visits, assessments, vitals and patient care showed me the reality that many underserved communities face when access to healthcare is limited,” said Freeman, who is from Concord, North Carolina. “Despite the challenges, I witnessed strength, gratitude and resilience in every community we served. This experience reminded me that nursing is so much more than a career; it is compassion, advocacy, service and human connection. It has inspired me even more to continue serving underserved populations and to become the kind of nurse who leads with empathy, heart and purpose every single day.”

In addition to healthcare services, the trip allowed students to experience the culture and beauty of Belize. Activities included exploring the archaeological site of Xunantunich and spending time on the island of Caye Caulker. The final days included snorkeling along the Belize Barrier Reef, where students experienced the natural beauty and marine life.

“Overall, this trip provided an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth,” Best-Rhodes said. “Students strengthened their clinical and communication skills, gained a broader perspective on global healthcare disparities and developed a deeper appreciation for culturally competent nursing care. The experience fostered teamwork, reflection and a commitment to serving diverse populations across the lifespan. Our time in Belize was both educational and transformative, leaving lasting memories and valuable lessons that will continue to shape our future nursing practice.”

Physical Therapy Students Provide Care for Patients in Belize

Eleven HPU physical therapy students and two faculty traveled to Belize in conjunction with Therapy Abroad to provide pro bono care to underserved people for a fourth consecutive year.

Dr. Becca Medendorp, assistant professor and director of clinical education, and Dr. Angela Ebert, assistant professor, accompanied the group of first- and second-year physical therapy students on the service-learning trip from April 26 to May 2. They set up a free clinic for two days in Belmopan and at the University of Belize, where they treated primarily orthopedic and neurologic adult patients. They also set up a free clinic for two days in San Ignacio, where they saw a mix of pediatric, adult orthopedic and adult neurologic patients.

“We treated 83 patients over the course of four days,” Medendorp said. “The students made a huge impact providing care and exercises for the patients to do. There were patients who left just in one session with more confidence and immediate pain relief. It was amazing seeing the impact of all their hard work and care. It ignites their passion for their future careers and provides much needed care to those who do not have access to physical therapy services.”

Each student gained both clinical skills and a better understanding of people of other cultures, Ebert said.

“The students got firsthand experience providing PT services to adults and children with a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions,” Ebert said. “Many of these patients do not receive any other services besides those provided by companies such as Therapy Abroad. The students evaluated the patients and provided some type of intervention and education to the patient and often the families.”

Throughout the trip, the students applied the knowledge and skills they have developed while working with patients who have significant needs and limited access to physical therapy services, said Kloe Martin, a student physical therapist from Dracut, Massachusetts.

“Experiencing different cultures, languages and healthcare systems broadened my perspective both personally and professionally,” Martin said. “This experience was incredibly impactful and further strengthened my passion for physical therapy. Seeing the meaningful difference that we could make in people’s lives reminded me why I chose this profession and reinforced the importance of compassionate patient-centered care.”

Working with Therapy Abroad required students in HPU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to think outside the box on ways to make treatment plans with limited equipment and evaluate patients despite brief backgrounds of patients’ medical history and lifestyles, Martin said. The experience also demonstrated how fortunate Americans and HPU students are to have resources and equipment available. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and for the lessons and experiences that I will carry with me throughout my career,” Martin said.

Physical Therapy Students, Faculty Assist Field Day

Second-year PT students recently learned about age-appropriate play and typical movement while leading Field Day activities for children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade at Faith Christian Academy in Burlington, North Carolina.

DPT students and faculty from the pediatrics instructor team interacted with children on May 15 at field day stations, which included water balloon races, obstacle courses, over-under tosses and team-building pretzel activities. Instructors who participated in the field day were Dr. Renee Hamel, director of students, and teaching assistants Dr. Kendra Bernhard and Dr. Jennifer “Dawn” Fesmire.

“Experiential learning days like this bring physical therapy curriculum to life,” said Hamel, an associate professor and certified specialist in brain injury and neurodevelopmental treatment. “It is exciting to see my students move beyond the classroom to engage with children in authentic, joyful ways, strengthening their clinical reasoning while deepening their understanding of how movement, play and environment shape development. Our students weren’t just practicing skills, they were discovering how powerful it is to meet children where they are, encouraging participation and supporting their growth through creativity, connection and meaningful, active play.”

Partnering with a local school community allows HPU students to see firsthand the impact of pediatric physical therapy in real-world settings, Hamel said. These experiences foster active learning, collaboration and meaningful connection as DPT students develop clinical skills and confidence they need to support children’s participation, health and overall well-being.

“I learned that play and learning are two sides of the same coin for kids,” said Emma Patton, a physical therapy student from Wyckoff, New Jersey. “Just as a lecture sets the stage for our learning as adults, play sets the stage for children to learn, develop and grow. Field day showed me that the activities that are motivating, fun and relevant to the participant will produce the highest level of engagement, and I will take that lesson into every age group I work with as a future physical therapist.”

Elisabeth Daniels, a physical therapy student from Hampton Bays, New York, said she learned play is an occupation for children and influences their growth, development, learning and interaction with their peers.

“Participating in field day helped to show that, as a future physical therapist, it is important to tailor and individualize the activity to the person in front of you to help them succeed in a way that is specific to them,” Daniels said.

“One thing I learned is how important play, creativity and healthy competition are for people of all ages,” said Kloe Martin, a physical therapy student from Dracut, Massachusetts. “Field day showed me that when activities are fun, engaging and meaningful to the participant, people are more motivated to participate and push themselves. I saw firsthand how excitement and enjoyment can create a positive environment for growth, confidence and connection. As a future physical therapist, I hope to bring that same sense of playfulness, creativity and competitiveness into my work to help patients stay motivated and engaged throughout their rehabilitation journey.”

“My biggest takeaway from field day is that play is an activity of daily living for kids of all ages but can be highly variable within and between age groups,” said Quinn Hopkins, a physical therapy student from Durham, North Carolina. “This experience helped me identify age group developmental norms that I will utilize in practice to identify movement patterns that may fall outside of what is expected.”

Optometry Deans Meet with Lawmakers

Dr. Catherine Heyman, founding dean of the HPU School of Optometry, and Dr. Annette Bade, associate dean of clinics, met with North Carolina lawmakers on May 19, which was Optometry Legislative Day for the North Carolina Optometric Society. The deans discussed the School of Optometry’s continued development and shared that HPU’s clinic will be opening this summer when they met with Rep. Amanda Cook, Sen. Michael Garrett and local optometrists.

“The conversations provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the impact the program and clinic will have on access to eye and vision care in North Carolina, as well as the important role the school will play in educating and training future optometrists for the state and region,” Heyman said. “We appreciate the time Representative Cook and Senator Garrett took to meet with us and learn more about the exciting progress taking place at HPU.”