PNWU’s Second Annual DPT Research Symposium Highlights the Power of Community-Driven Science
On Monday, October 20, from 5–6:30 PM, the Student Center at Delta Dental Equity Hall transformed into a hub of inquiry, innovation, and advocacy as PNWU’s School of Physical Therapy hosted its Second Annual Research Symposium.
Open to students, faculty, and staff—and complete with light refreshments—the event celebrated the hard work and growing expertise of our Doctor of PT students, who are not only studying science, but building solutions for real-world problems.
Among the featured student researchers were Jessica Evans (SPT III) and Jose Nato Palma (SPT III), whose project explored access to injury prevention and sports medicine resources among youth athletes in rural and medically underserved communities.
For them, the project wasn’t just academic—it was personal.
“This project felt like an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful,” said Student Doctor Evans, who credits her passion for youth athletics—and her awareness of healthcare gaps she’s encountered in Yakima—with propelling her into her project.
“I’ve always been passionate about working with youth athletes, especially in communities that may not have equal access to healthcare resources,” she said. “Living and studying in Yakima, I’ve seen firsthand how being in a medically underserved area can limit access to care. This project felt like an opportunity to identify those gaps and figure out how future physical therapists like us can help bridge them.”
Her classmate and co-investigator, Jose Nato Palma, echoed that sentiment.
“As an athlete in high school, I was never exposed to injury prevention or given proper care when I got injured,” Student Dr. Palma shared. “I thought this project would help address the barriers students like me face in school just to stay healthy and play.”
Through their research, both students encountered the hard truth of rural healthcare delivery.
“I’ve learned—or really confirmed—that healthcare access is complex,” explained Student Dr. Evans.
“Socioeconomic status, school staffing, transportation… it all affects whether student-athletes get the care they need.”
Student Dr. Palma didn’t mince words in his assessment.
“Healthcare sucks sometimes,” he said candidly.
“There are so many barriers students face in rural and underserved areas. This project made me want to become a rural PT who works to fix that—through early intervention, collaboration, and education.”
Together, Student Drs. Evans and Nato Palma see their work—and the symposium itself—as a call to action.
“This research gives schools, providers, and policymakers information they can actually act on,” Student Dr. Evans said. “It’s a starting point for real change.”
“Even if someone walks away with just one insight that helps them either navigate or improve the healthcare system—we’ve done our job,” Student Dr. Nato Palma added.
Explore photo highlights from PNWU’s Second Annual DPT Research Symposium.