Hands-On Research, Real-World Impact: Exploring new options for dementia care

Ava Gardner didn’t expect her undergraduate experience to focus on improving the lives of older adults living with dementia, but that is exactly where her research participation has led her.

Working alongside clinical research coordinator Jason Hoang in the College of Nursing’s Brain Digital Technology Lab, Gardner and Hoang are exploring ways to reduce pain and improve well-being for individuals who often face limited and sometimes burdensome treatment options. Together, they are part of a research team focused on supporting people living with both dementia and chronic knee pain, many of whom experience limited mobility, social isolation, and greater reliance on caregivers for daily needs.

As a Bachelor of Science student in the Department of Neuroscience, Gardner is gaining hands-on research experience beyond what most undergraduates encounter. Paired with Hoang’s clinical research experience, the collaboration reflects a complementary partnership grounded in both learning and application.

Gardner and Hoang co-developed and presented their project, Neuromodulation Meets Movement: Evaluating Combined tDCS and Chair Yoga for Pain and Wellbeing in Dementia, under the direction of Principal Investigator Juyoung Park, PhD, MSW. The project examines ongoing research on whether this non-drug approach, pairing a low-intensity form of brain stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), with gentle, seated movement through chair yoga, can improve pain, mood, and cognitive well-being. The approach emphasizes accessibility, with remotely delivered sessions designed for individuals who may face mobility, transportation, or caregiver barriers. 

The six-week study included in-person assessments of pain, mobility, sleep, and cognition, along with 14 remotely supervised home sessions that combined tDCS and chair yoga. Gardner and Hoang worked directly with participants throughout the study and, under faculty guidance, contributed to data analysis to evaluate whether this combined approach may offer a more practical option for managing chronic pain in patients with dementia.

People with dementia are often excluded from traditional interventions, making accessibility especially important. This helps ensure that individuals who might otherwise be left without consistent, supportive care receive it.

For both Gardner and Hoang, the experience has been eye-opening and professionally formative.

“This experience was significant for me because it showed me how meaningful nursing research can be in improving care for individuals living with dementia and chronic pain,” Gardner said. “It also strengthened my ability to communicate research clearly and with impact.”

Hoang said his work on the project deepened his interest in and understanding of how research can translate into real-world care. “Presenting at the showcase gave me valuable exposure to the entire research process and helped me better understand how to communicate scientific ideas to a broader audience,” he said. “It has provided me with a strong foundation for future opportunities in healthcare research.”

Their work, developed with support from faculty mentors Juyoung Park, PhD program director; Chiyoung Lee, PhD, RN; and Brian Ahn, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, FAAN, was recently recognized at the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) Student Showcase. Gardner and Hoang presented their project poster at the March 2026 event at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where they placed second in the Health, Environment, and Sustainable Futures category.

“What stands out here isn’t just the project; it’s who is leading it,” said Brian Ahn, dean of the College of Nursing. “Seeing an undergraduate student work side-by-side with a clinical research coordinator to design, present, and be recognized for this work speaks to the learning environment we’re building. This is how future scientists begin shaping the research they’ll deliver one day.” 

“This project marks an important step in exploring how neuromodulation and movement-based interventions can work together to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations,” said Park. “Ava and Jason were deeply engaged in the work, supporting participants and contributing to the analysis, underscoring the research’s quality and the strength of their collaboration. Their recognition is well earned.”

For Gardner and Hoang, the project is more than a single presentation or moment of recognition. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing care through practical, accessible solutions. This approach will inform their future careers and help shape how dementia care is delivered, where even small improvements can ease daily challenges for patients and their caregivers.