Featured MSU Engaged Scholars
- Gary Willyerd, D.O., FACOEP, FAODME
- Associate Dean, Detroit Medical Center
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
Peru, Public Health, and Purpose: Global Outreach Program Offers Valuable Experiences for Future Osteopathic Physicians
Gary Willyerd knows that diverse experiences lead to more skilled and adept physicians. He leads the Global Outreach Program for the College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), recruiting students, physicians, and community partners who provide basic healthcare and education to people in Peru, Guatemala, Cuba, and other places in need.
The program is part of a comprehensive educational experience offered by MSUCOM. Willyerd leads the Detroit campus, and is responsible for educating future osteopathic physicians who will accept responsibility for bringing health and wellness to others.
Osteopathic physicians are trained to look at the whole person and apply a holistic approach to patient care. That includes learning about the patient's lifestyle and community ...
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- Connie Sung, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor
- Marisa Fisher, Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor
- Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education
- College of Education
Preparing Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for the Workforce
For many young people, transitioning from youth to adulthood is stressful. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the anxiety and obstacles experienced during that time can be overwhelming. Connie Sung and Marisa Fisher, researchers with MSU's Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education, co-direct Spartan Project SEARCH, a program that helps transition-aged youth with IDD overcome some of those obstacles.
Project SEARCH is an international program that works in collaboration with local and intermediate school districts and vocational rehabilitation agencies. It works at the state level to place individuals with IDD into internships at various host businesses during their final year of high school (between ages 18-26). MSU is the first large public university to be a host site for Project SEARCH...
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- Delanie P. Pope, J.D.
- Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
- College of Social Science
MSU Clinic Teaches Students to Shepherd Children through the Courts
As Assistant Friend of the Court for Ingham County, Robert Hotchkiss sees firsthand how frustrating it can be for parents—especially low-income parents who can't afford an attorney—to navigate through the legal system. When custody concerns come before the court, the Friend of the Court helps the court determine what decisions are in the best interest of the children involved. There are, however, limits to what the office can do.
"The Friend of the Court cannot provide legal advice to our clients," Hotchkiss explained. "The MSU Chance at Childhood Law and Social Work Clinic helps our office directly. Their Self-Help Clinic and supervised parenting time program provide necessary services to our clients in the areas of legal guidance and supervising parenting time."
Delanie Pope is the staff attorney for the MSU Chance at Childhood Law and Social Work Clinic in East Lansing. In 2017, she was named "Woman of the Year" by the Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Joe Kozakiewicz is the program director, and Kim Battjes is the program coordinator...
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