Spring 2025 Wrap Up

That’s a wrap on the Spring 2025 semester! We have an amazing staff here at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP). We would like to highlight some members of our staff and their recent accomplishments for Utah State University’s Spring 2025 semester.  

Graduates 

Let’s start off with our graduates:  

Hannah Nelson is working as the Social Media Outreach Support for a few programs here at IDRPP, The Utah Assistive Technology Program and Utah Pyramid Model. Hannah graduated with a bachelor's degree in December 2024, Majoring in Journalism & Communication and Minoring in Marketing Design and French. 

Laura Lema is a Program Coordinator for the Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education program. Laura will graduate this summer with a master's in special education. Way to go Laura! 

Dan O’Crowley is an Assistive Technology Coordinator at the Utah Assistive Technology Program. Dan will graduate this semester with a master's in mechanical engineering. Great work Dan! 

Brandon Griffin is a Lab Assistant at the Utah Assistive Technology Program. This semester, Brandon Griffin will graduate with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Way to go Brandon! 

Alyssa Jensen is a Communication Specialist for the Up to 3 Program here at the IDRPP. Alyssa will be receiving a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology this semester! Well done Alyssa! 

Abby Julian is a Research Assistant here at the Institute. Abby will be graduating with a bachelor's degree in human development and Family Studies. Way to go Abby! 

Shaima Yacoub is a BDI Evaluator for the Up to 3 programs. Shaima will receive a bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders. Congratulations Shaima! 

Rylee Flavin is an intern here at IDRPP. Rylee has helped with aspects of Service Coordination and Developmental Specialist Strategies. Rylee has also helped with the Benefits of Play class. Rylee will receive a bachelor's degree in the field of Social Work. Great job Rylee! 

Retirees 

We have a few members of our IDRPP staff that will be retiring soon. We are sad to see them go, but so grateful for everything they have done for the Insitute and the University! 

Richard Jewkes has been working at Utah State University for about 36 years. Richard is currently the Director of the Administration Division here at IDRPP.  

Joy Gines is a Business Assistant here at IDRPP. Joy has been responsible for employee salaries and wages, deposits, reconciling travel, and more! She has been working at IDRPP for 21 years. 

Audrey Graham is an Early Intervention Specialist at Southeast Early Intervention. Audrey has worked at Utah State University for 10 years. 

Awards 

In addition to graduating, Abby Julian has also received awards. Abby received the Scholar of the Year Award for the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Undergraduate Conference Travel Award and Emerging Leader Volunteer Scholarship to present the 'CHCs among People in the Mountain West' and 'Mental health, Healthcare Access, and Health Behaviors among PWD' projects at the AUCD Conference in DC (Nov 2024). 

Willa Freeman and Danny Cottle received the "Undergraduate Oral" award for the Social Science and Education category for their presentation at the Spring 2025 Student Research Symposium: "Motivations for Engaging in ACT Guide: An Online Digital Mental Health Intervention." 

Great work everyone! We look forward to all the good things we will do in the coming year!