The West Coast University-Texas MPA program recently hosted its third annual Capstone Symposium, celebrating the achievements of students completing their clinical-year research projects. The event highlighted the program’s growing partnerships with local healthcare organizations and showcased the next generation of compassionate, evidence-driven providers.
Bridging Research and Real-World Impact
What began as a student-led research showcase three years ago has now evolved into a statewide collaboration. For the first time, each student project was supported by local community partners, known as Capstone Sites, allowing students to address real healthcare needs across Texas.
“This year was the first year the projects were focused on and supported by local partners,” said Assistant Professor Jerrod T., who has led the Capstone Symposium since its inception in 2023. “Students worked through a needs assessment and helped their sites answer specific questions or collect data on topics that were of dual interest to both the students and the site.”
Assistant Professor Katie D. emphasized how this shift deepened student learning and community engagement. “Today, we intentionally collaborate with our clinical partners to develop projects that foster meaningful partnerships and address real needs within our communities,” she said.
Growth, Confidence, and Professionalism
This year’s symposium featured 46 students, divided into small groups, each presenting their findings to faculty, peers, and local site representatives. The projects represented a diverse range of research areas, from diabetes education in minority populations to emerging studies in venom-based treatments.
“The energy in the room was electric,” Katie said. “The faculty were beaming with pride, and students carried themselves with confidence and professionalism.”
Jerrod echoed the sentiment, noting how much the symposium has grown since its early days. “After the first year, we started collecting data and faculty feedback to improve each event,” he said. “This year, we had more campus staff, faculty, and students attend, and we even added a Zoom component so family, friends, and site supervisors could join in virtually.”
Research That Reaches Beyond the Classroom
Each capstone project reflects the MPA program’s mission of hands-on, community-centered learning. Students developed their research questions, obtained IRB approval, and collected and analyzed data; all while working alongside clinical partners throughout Texas.
“These projects provide valuable data and insights that help clinical sites identify gaps in care, implement quality improvements, and strengthen partnerships between the program and local healthcare systems,” Katie explained.
One highlight came from a student who presented research on a childhood disease they personally live with – connecting personal experience with professional passion.
For Jerrod, that connection between research and compassion is what the event is all about. “We need more strong clinicians comfortable doing hands-on research,” he said. “My hope is that through this project, some of these students will continue research in their future practice.”
Looking Ahead
As the Class of 2025 puts the finishing touches on their capstone papers, they’re also preparing to enter the workforce. Jerrod and Katie both hope the event inspired the Class of 2026, who volunteered during the symposium, to carry forward the same spirit of inquiry and service.
“The symposium is the pinnacle event where we get to highlight the hands-on experiences the students have had with our community partners,” Jerrod said. “Our students are the hands and feet of healthcare in the community and surrounding areas. If I can help be part of that through the Capstone project, I’m all for it.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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