Butler University

The shift toward virtual interviews in physician assistant/associate (PA) admissions accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet little is known about applicants' modality preferences. This study aimed to determine whether personal characteristics were associated with applicants' choice of interview format and to assess whether interview type was associated with admission outcomes and first-semester academic performance. This multicenter retrospective study included 405 interviewees to 3 private PA programs during the 2023 to 2024 admission cycle. Applicants chose either in-person or virtual interviews. Data were extracted from Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants and institutional records and included demographics, academic metrics, and interview outcomes. Bivariable analyses and logistic regression were used to explore associations between interview type, admission status, matriculation, and grade point average (GPA). Of 405 interviewees, 270 chose in-person and 135 virtually. Those who chose virtual interviews were older, more likely to be male, lived farther from campus, had more patient care experience, and were more likely to identify as underrepresented in medicine (URiM). Among matriculants, those who interviewed virtually were more likely to report economic and environmental disadvantage. The proportion of interviewees offered admission and the proportion that matriculated were higher for those who chose in-person interviews than for those who chose to interview virtually. Interview type was not associated with first-semester GPA. Logistic regression identified URiM status and geographic distance as significant predictors of virtual interview choice. Offering virtual interviews may promote greater access and diversity without compromising academic outcomes. Applicants with URiM backgrounds or greater geographic/economic constraints were more likely to choose virtual formats. These findings support continued offering of virtual interviews as a strategy to reduce barriers in PA admissions.

Post-baccalaureate (post-bac) programs can be instrumental in strengthening science training and expanding STEM career opportunities for junior trainees. Many of these sponsored programs are designed to increase research exposure for underrepresented minorities, including African American, Hispanic, Native American, and first-generation college students, among others. Recruiting trainees to post-bac programs can be challenging for reasons including a lack of awareness about available programs. To address this gap, an Open House event was created with the goal of raising awareness and generating interest among potential students for future post-bac programs. Students were recruited from partnering Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to attend a 2-day event at a Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI) and a Research-Intensive (R1) institution. During the visit, students toured both campuses, learned about various post-bac programs and research opportunities, and interacted with faculty, current graduate students, and a former post-bac scholar. Transportation, lodging, and meals were provided. Participants completed voluntary pre- and post-surveys. Results indicated that attendees, the majority of whom were underrepresented minorities in STEM, left with a stronger understanding of post-bac programs and how these experiences could support their future careers in STEM and that students' attendance at the event made it more likely they would apply to available post-bac programs. Mentor and MSI faculty survey responses highlighted their strong support for participating in future recruitment events. These findings demonstrate that in-person Open House events, built on collaborative partnerships across institutions, are an effective strategy for increasing awareness and encouraging participation in post-bac training programs-particularly among underrepresented student populations.

Abstract A chemical strategy depositing functional nanoemulsions onto Fe(III)‐tannic acid (TA) priming layers enables the fabrication of polyphenolic composite nanocoatings. Optimization of the composition yields stable nanoemulsions (~200 nm) utilizing a 1:1 trans ‐cinnamaldehyde/olive oil core and a lactoferrin shell. These nanoemulsions demonstrate superior colloidal stability, specifically maintaining dispersion stability for 7 days at room temperature, resisting heat up to 60°C, and withstanding centrifugal shear forces. Notably, a 3‐day incubation triggers interfacial conjugation between trans‐cinnamaldehyde and lactoferrin. On Fe(III)‐TA‐primed surfaces, these nanoemulsions promote the uniform growth of multinary composite nanofilms. This methodology offers a versatile, biocompatible approach to developing tailored composite nanocoatings, establishing a robust platform for engineering functional interfaces in food and biomedical applications.

This study examines the relationships among financial literacy, digital financial literacy, technological literacy, and trust in artificial intelligence (AI) as predictors of consumer trust in fintech applications involving robo-advisors or chatbots. A sample of 117 college students responded to an online survey with scales designed to measure these constructs. Results confirmed that the three literacy measures were significantly correlated, reflecting their overlapping knowledge and cognitive perspective. However, trust in AI showed no significant correlation with any literacy measure, and regression analysis revealed that trust in AI was the sole statistically significant predictor of trust in consumer fintech. These findings suggest that fintech adoption is driven largely by trust rather than financial or technological competence, creating potential vulnerabilities when consumers lack the literacy to evaluate AI-generated financial advice. The results highlight the need for financial education programs to integrate fintech alongside traditional literacy topics and suggest a possible role for regulatory reform to support users of fintech.