Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #248

serial: '248'
sid: '9096'
uuid: 9e55fe9b-a742-41df-a7bb-ad1148633ef9
uri: /student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal
created: '1770051881'
completed: '1770053706'
changed: '1770053706'
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current_page: ''
remote_addr: 146.201.10.13
uid: '0'
langcode: en
webform_id: research_portal
entity_type: node
entity_id: '14501'
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notes: ''
metatag: meta
data:
  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. '
  additional_research_mentor: ''
  annual_description: '5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025'
  co_presenters: ''
  first_name: Courtney
  i_will_be_printing_my_poster: '0'
  keywords: 'duck therapy, therapy ducks, ducks in therapy'
  last_name: Holt
  major: 'Public Health'
  poster_pdf: '72948'
  poster_session_number: ''
  poster_thumbnail: '72949'
  presentation_modality: 'Face to Face Poster session'
  pronouns: ''
  research_mentor: 'Dr. Melinda Jay Stephenson'
  research_mentor_s_college: 'FSU PC'
  research_mentor_s_department: English
  research_mentor_s_email: mjay@pc.fsu.edu
  student_bio: "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. "
  student_email: ch25v@fsu.edu
  student_photo: '72947'
  title: 'Waddles of Wellness: The Impact of Domestic Ducks in Therapeutic Environments'
  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'
  work: Complete
  year: '2026'