After spending more than a year working on their capstone projects, Doctor of Physical Therapy students showcased their hard work last week in Shouse. With topics that ranged from interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder to the impact of dementia simulation to pelvic health access and equity, the DPT students interacted with faculty and several students in the Rehabilitation Sciences PhD program who provided feedback. 

“Capstone projects provide students with the experience of contributing in a meaningful way to their profession, whether it be a research, education, or service-related project,” explained Professor Prue Plummer, PhD, PT, BPhysio(Hons), who coordinates the capstone projects. “Part of their capstone year is during one of the clinical rotations, and they learn first-hand what it is like to have to balance a scholarly professional project with their clinical and academic responsibilities. The presentation day is a wonderful way to showcase their contributions to each other and the faculty, and coach them in conference-style dissemination.”

Yasaman Zarbarfia, DPT ’20, experienced completing a capstone project both as a student and as an advisor for a group that develop a social media campaign to advance knowledge about pelvic physical therapy this year.

“I’m deeply grateful for the research experience I had as a student at the IHP,” said Zarbarfia, a physical therapist at Mass General Hospital. “Being part of a collaborative research group, prioritizing literature resources, and engaging in data analysis not only enriched my education but also laid a strong foundation for my clinical work. Our capstone project was instrumental in preparing me for interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful discussions within the healthcare teams at MGH. Now, as a faculty advisor, I’ve had the opportunity to stay connected to research through both academic and clinical lenses. This dual engagement continues to shape my practice and fuels my passion for evidence-based care and lifelong learning.”