Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #248

Primary Student Contact First Name: Courtney
Primary Student Contact Last Name: Holt
Pronouns: {Empty}
Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email: ch25v@fsu.edu
Photo of all individuals presenting this work: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/9096/Martyandme.jpg
Major(s) of all individuals presenting this work: Public Health
Bio of all individuals presenting this work:
After experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during my service in the U.S. Air Force, I found myself in the comfort of raising chickens and ducks. I noticed that I would find relief from anxiety or migraines when I would spend time outdoors tending to them. This led me to my research, wondering if there had been any previous work that suggests there is correlation between decreased symptoms in TBI patients and domestic ducks. Thankfully, there had been exactly one study regarding the subject. Currently, I have 18 ducks and they bring so much joy to my family – my husband and two children. I've become very passionate with my hobby in duck husbandry as they have given me so much joy and peace. The power of a quack should never be underestimated. 

Poster Title: Waddles of Wellness: The Impact of Domestic Ducks in Therapeutic Environments
Abstract:
omestic ducks represent a promising, underexplored modality within animal-assisted and green care therapies for individuals with mental health conditions and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Drawing on narrative review data, a clinical duck-based intervention, qualitative interviews, and lived experience, this review argues that structured interaction with domesticated ducks can reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and foster self-efficacy in ways that complement conventional care.These findings are triangulated with case narratives of community duck owners and the author’s own longitudinal experience of symptom relief from migraines, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) through daily husbandry, outdoor engagement, and human–duck bonding. 

Research Mentor Name: Dr. Melinda Jay Stephenson
Research Mentor's College (or High School): FSU PC
Research Mentor's Department (or Subject): English
Research Mentor's Email: mjay@pc.fsu.edu
Additional Research Mentor(s): {Empty}
Co-presenter(s): {Empty}
Keywords: duck therapy, therapy ducks, ducks in therapy
Poster Session/Number: {Empty}
Work: Complete
Presentation Modality: Face to Face Poster session
Poster PDF: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/9096/Waddles%20of%20Wellness.pdf
Poster Thumbnail: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/9096/Screenshot%202026-02-02%20at%2011.14.13%E2%80%AFAM.png
I will be printing my poster: No
Year: 2026
Annual description: 5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Update URL: https://pc.fsu.edu/student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?element_parents=elements/student_photo&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=2TY48mry-8QLOetMbIli4Z9pC8cfQbU_aq6y6MPijog
{Empty}