Profile for Naghmeh Gheidi

Naghmeh Gheidi and Brandon Mccauley, both Health Professions, presented "Lymphedema Care in the United States: Treatment Approaches and Provider Understanding of the Lymphedema Treatment Act" at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference on April 23 in Anaheim, CA.

This important work was completed through a collaborative effort with ALFP and the Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary research and partnership in advancing healthcare knowledge and practice. We are proud to see our faculty representing the Occupational Therapy Program at a national conference and contributing to conversations surrounding lymphedema care, provider education and healthcare policy awareness. Opportunities like this strengthen the visibility of our program, promote scholarly collaboration, and support the continued growth of evidence-based occupational therapy practice. Faculty engagement in national research dissemination also enriches student learning by bringing current clinical perspectives, research experiences, and professional networking opportunities back into the classroom and program environment. These experiences help foster a culture of scholarship, collaboration, and leadership within occupational therapy education. Congratulations to everyone involved on this outstanding accomplishment and meaningful contribution to the profession. 

Submitted on: May 5

Polly Berra, Natalie Brauer, Naghmeh Gheidi, Molly Loy, Amanda Martin, Brandon Mccauley, Emma Mickelson, Julia Seidel and Madison Wrobleski, all Health Professions, presented "Occupational Therapy for Chronic Pain: Practitioner Insights on Barriers, Gaps, and Future Directions" at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference on April 23 in Anaheim, CA.

This experience provided an outstanding opportunity for students to share their research on a national platform, engage with clinicians and researchers from across the country, and build valuable professional connections within the occupational therapy community. The positive feedback and strong interest from practitioners highlighted the importance and relevance of this work to current clinical practice. We are proud of our students for their professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm throughout the research and presentation process. We also extend our appreciation to the faculty mentors and the OT program for fostering a supportive environment that encourages scholarship, collaboration, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities. Congratulations to everyone involved in this meaningful accomplishment and representation of our program at the national level! 

Submitted on: May 5

Naghmeh Gheidi, Health Professions, received a Mayo UWL Seed Grant from Mayo Clinic Systems and UW-La Crosse. Gheidi will be working with Mayo's Dr. Prashant Natteru to explore the impact of cueing on sit to stand mechanics and brain activity with Parkinson's Disease.

Submitted on: Mar. 24, 2025

Bryce Ertman, C.N. Vannatta and Lucas Voie, all Physical Therapy; Melissa Klaeser, Physical Therapy; and Naghmeh Gheidi, Thomas Kernozek and Drew Rutherford, all Health Professions; co-authored the article "Alterations in Achilles tendon stress and strain across a range of running velocities" in Journal of Sports Sciences and was accepted for publication by Taylor and Francis . Data published from a graduate project with recent graduates Bryce Ertman, Melissa Klaeser, and Lucas Voie. Collaborators included Drew Rutherford and Naghmeh Gheidi (UWL) as well as C. Nathan Vannatta from Gundersen Health System. Vannatta is supported by the Gundersen Medical Foundation.

Submitted on: June 19, 2023

Lee Baines and Markus Mika, both Biology; Linda Dickmeyer, Communication Studies; Darci Thoune, English; Naghmeh Gheidi, Exercise & Sport Science; Daniel Bretl, Microbiology; Kamilo Lara, Military Science, ROTC; Seth King, Physics; Brian Kumm-Schaley, Recreation Management & Therapeutic Recreation; and Jane Brannan, Veteran Services; received a UWL Challenge Coin at the Stole & Recognition Ceremony on Friday, May 6 in La Crosse, WI. Students presented a challenge coin to the staff or faculty member of their choosing in recognition of the impact the staff/faculty had on their academic career. Challenge Coins are an enduring military tradition. Military Commanders often give a coin to service members as a mark of camaraderie or to recognize hard work and excellence. They are intended to instill unit pride, improve esprit-de-corps, and serve as a reward for a job well done. A challenge coin signifies the person went above and beyond in their duties.

Submitted on: May 6, 2022