Troy Bruun will play key role in campus fiscal responsibility and operations
Troy Bruun will join the University of Missouri-Kansas City as vice chancellor for finance and administration on March 31. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education and government finance, Bruun brings a proven track record of strategic financial management, operational excellence and transformational budgeting to UMKC.
Bruun most recently served as associate vice president for finance, administration and operations at Wichita State University, where he led the university’s financial strategy, budget management and capital development. He also played a crucial role in the financing of Wichita State’s Innovation Campus, which transformed a 120-acre site into a thriving research hub with more than 50 industry partners. Due in part to that project, that campus experienced a 262% increase in research expenditures from 2019 to 2024.
“Troy’s extensive experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and operational management will be invaluable as UMKC continues to strengthen its fiscal stewardship and institutional growth,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D. “His ability to lead large-scale financial operations and drive innovative budgeting solutions will help position UMKC for long-term success.”
In addition to his role at Wichita State, Bruun held leadership roles with the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County and the city of Ankeny, where he drove cost-saving initiatives, improved financial processes and led multimillion-dollar capital projects.
As vice chancellor for finance and administration at UMKC, Bruun will oversee key financial and administrative functions including budgeting, financial planning, procurement, facilities operations, campus safety and more. His leadership will be critical in ensuring that UMKC continues to operate with fiscal responsibility while advancing its academic mission and strategic initiatives.
“I am honored to join UMKC and contribute to its ongoing success," Bruun said "I look forward to collaborating with the university's leadership, faculty and staff to enhance financial strategies, operational efficiencies and the quality and timing of management information needed by all decision makers in support of UMKC's growth and excellence.”
Bruun holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Iowa State University. He is a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant, and he remains an active member of professional finance and higher education associations.
Mar 14, 2025
More than $2.5 million has been distributed to support 2,700 women in graduate programs at UMKC
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Women’s Council celebrated 54 years of supporting women in different fields with its annual Graduate Assistance Fund reception.
This year, 67 women received more than $98,000 from the Women’s Council Graduate Assistance Fund.
Established in 1967, the Women’s Council includes four committees that help execute the mission to support women who will change the world while they pursue their goals as graduate students at UMKC. Sue Agrawal, M.S., the programs committee chair of the UMKC Women’s Council, welcomed everyone and briefly shared the history of the Women’s Council and the Graduate Assistance Fund, also known as GAF. “One of the ways we unite the campus and community members to encourage and support our women graduate students is by providing financial awards to allow these promising women to complete their studies,” Agrawal said. “As we celebrate the 2025 GAF recipients, I want to thank our donors who are here tonight. Your generosity helps these women complete their graduate degrees without financial pressures or shortfalls.”
Sarah Hughes, J.D., the GAF selections chair and incoming Women’s Council board president, shared how impactful the Women’s Council’s Graduate Assistance Fund has been. “The selections committee spends countless hours each year reviewing applicants,” Hughes said. “In addition to the award recipients, we have funded more than $20,000 in immediate aid to students this academic year as well. This means we’ve distributed more than $120,000 in total to our graduate students this year.”
Students who received GAF funding have participated in extensive research projects, traveled the world for historical studies and presented their work at professional conferences. Students representing different UMKC academic units were highlighted at the reception. Elham Basunduwah, a Ph.D. student in computer science, was one of the highlighted recipients. Her research is centered on developing an artificial-intelligence-based approach to predict crowd movement in dynamic environments. “The GAF funding I received is a huge support in advancing my research and academic career,” Basunduwah said. “It will allow me to attend international conferences, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers/Computer Vision Foundation Winter Conference on Applications of Computer Vision, and Conference on Image and Vision Computing New Zealand. These opportunities are essential for me to present my work, gain valuable feedback and network with experts in my field.”
Basunduwah’s research is crucial for public safety and event management as it helps prevent overcrowding and improves emergency response strategies.“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Women’s Council and the generous donors for making this possible,” Basunduwah said. “Your support empowers students like me to pursue meaningful research and contribute to our fields in impactful ways.”Emily Meyer (B.S. ‘07, M.A. ’24) is currently the STEM education program manager at Union Station and president of the science fair directors’ institute. Meyer received two degrees at UMKC and was a GAF recipient in 2014. “I’m so grateful to celebrate with all the recipients from this year today,” Meyer said. “The funds you receive may seem like a small little thing to help push you to the end of your academic career here, but it’s going to make a lasting impact. I know I’m still riding those waves almost 10 years later.”
This year, a new award, The Jan Armstrong Award in STEM studies, was announced at the reception. Armstrong is trained in microbiology, where she noticed a small number of women in her classes. She hopes this award encourages and offers opportunities to young women in the STEM fields. A named award is a $10,000 investment in the Graduate Assistance Fund endowment. Named awards are timeless gifts given in perpetuity because the fund’s principle will always remain intact.
Mar 13, 2025
Nonso Isoh’s involvement on campus has molded him into a leader
At UMKC, students write their own stories, form their own definitions of success and chart innovative career paths. With Kansas City as their classroom, they turn dreams into reality every day.
Nonso Chris Isoh
Anticipated graduation: 2025
UMKC degree program: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Asaba, Nigeria
Nonso Isoh’s involvement on campus, from being a resident assistant at UMKC Residential Life to a tutor at Academic Support and Mentoring, has molded him into a leader ready to positively implement change in his future career.
Why did you choose UMKC?
My elder brother earned his Master of Business Administration at UMKC and encouraged me to pursue my master’s degree here as well. At the same time, I’ve always wanted to study abroad and experience college life in America, just like I used to see in the movies!
Why did you choose your field of study?
I completed my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, so pursuing it for my master’s was a natural choice. I’ve loved mathematics and physics since elementary school and knew I wanted a career that combined both. Mechanical engineering brings both subjects together beautifully.
What are the benefits of the program?
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at UMKC lays down an incredible foundation for a future career. If you stay focused and put in the effort, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges of the engineering world. It also sharpens your critical thinking skills. After a while, you start seeing everything from an engineer’s perspective, always searching for solutions.
Additionally, UMKC offers great opportunities to network through career fairs, workshops and conferences, where you can meet engineers eager to mentor and guide students.
How has your college program inspired you?
It has taught me never to settle for mediocrity and to always to be willing to learn. It has also made me more confident as a person and an engineer. Tackling various projects has boosted my belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to if I do the necessary work.
Additionally, seeing students just beginning their engineering journey has made me more empathetic—I love sharing my knowledge and helping others in any way I can.
Do you have any scholarships?
I received the Dean’s International Students Award (DISA), which provides $4,000 per semester.
That support is a huge relief. To donors: Your contributions truly make a difference. You may not know the students you’re helping personally, but trust me, your generosity has a significant impact on our lives.
How are you involved at UMKC?
I work as a resident assistant at UMKC Residential Life. I think this is my favorite job on campus, not just because of the covered housing costs and meal plans, but also because of the experience. I’ve enjoyed meeting new residents who end up becoming friends, organizing both social and educational events every month with organizations on campus and engaging in training programs.
I also work as a tutor in Academic Support and Mentoring and assist students with engineering and science courses like calculus, statistics and physics. It’s fulfilling to help students understand difficult concepts.
Additionally, I work as a student manager at the Student Union, where I help organize events and maintain the space. I’m also a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which has been valuable for networking in the engineering field.
And for fun? I play soccer in UMKC’s intramural league with a team of friends!
How has UMKC prepared you for your future career?
UMKC has helped me become more confident in my abilities as a person and an engineer. I’ve learned that being book-smart is just one part of the equation— character and commitment are just as important.
My experiences in leadership roles have also taught me the value of service and patience. Nothing good comes easily and you must put in the work to achieve your goals.
Have you conducted any research?
My independent study is on tensile testing of aluminum. This project involves modeling the material behavior of aluminum using finite element analysis tools to understand stress-strain relationships, material properties and failure mechanisms.
What do you love about UMKC?
UMKC has given me so much. It has shaped me into a better person and a more confident engineer. I’ve made lifelong friends, gained valuable experiences and had countless opportunities to grow.
What is one word that best describes you?
Impact. I believe serving is a privilege, and I always strive to leave a lasting impact wherever I go. Whether in my studies, work or personal relationships. This comes from me putting my all into whatever I do.
What’s your favorite spot to eat in Kansas City?
I am Nigerian so I would have to go with a Nigerian cuisine spot and say Fannie’s, but I also love Joe’s BBQ and Cinzetti’s.
What is some of the most fun you’ve had at UMKC?
I’ve had some of the best memories at UMKC. I was involved in the last UMKC commercial, which was filmed at Union Station. We got to ride the KC streetcar, and it was a new experience acting in a commercial shoot.
I’ve also loved sharing my culture on campus. I got to take part in Culture Fest last year, where I did a fashion walk in Nigerian attire. I got to also perform a traditional Nigerian performance that represented my culture last year during the annual fake African wedding held by the African Students’ Association. I felt so proud to represent my country!
Mar 11, 2025
UMKC offers degree pathways to nine of the 10 best jobs in 2025
Selecting the right degree is essential for landing a top career, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers programs that align with many of the best jobs of 2025. With programs spanning healthcare, technology, business and data science, UMKC’s wide range of academic offerings help students turn their ambitions into successful careers.
Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks the top jobs based on salary potential, opportunities for growth, work-life balance and job security. UMKC provides degree pathways for nine of the top 10 careers on this prestigious list, equipping students with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in high-demand fields.
Nurse PractitionerMedian Salary: $126,260Projected Jobs: 135,500Unemployment Rate: 0.6%Education Needed: Master’sUMKC Degree: Post-MSN Nurse Practitioner Certificate, School of Nursing and Health Studies
The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, including post-MSN Nurse Practitioner Certificates. The School of Nursing and Health Studies consistently receives national recognition, including the DNP program ranked in the top 5% across the country, the BSN ranked in the top 15%, and the online graduate program ranked No. 33 in the nation.
Information Technology ManagerMedian Salary: $169,510Projected Jobs: 106,900Unemployment Rate: 1.4%Education Needed: Bachelor’sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Information Technology, School of Science and Engineering
IT managers help companies meet their technology needs, overseeing the installation and maintenance of computer information systems. These skills can be gained with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the School of Science and Engineering. Additionally, students can further develop their management skills by pursuing an MBA from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management.
Physician AssistantMedian Salary: $130,020Projected Jobs: 43,700Unemployment Rate: 1.6%Education Needed: Master’sUMKC Degree: Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant, School of Medicine
Physician assistants apply their medical expertise to examine, diagnose and treat patients, collaborating with other health care professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care. The Physician Assistant program at UMKC prepares students to practice medicine in as little as 29 months. Offered through the UMKC School of Medicine, the program fosters interdisciplinary learning, allowing future physicians and physician assistants to train together.
Financial ManagerMedian Salary: $156,100Projected Jobs: 138,300Unemployment Rate: 1.4%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Financial managers play a key role in guiding organizations' financial health, overseeing budgeting, investment strategies and long-term financial planning. At UMKC, students can develop these critical skills through the Bachelor of Business Administration with a Finance Emphasis. Students seeking graduate opportunities may also pursue the BBA-MSF Business Administration-Finance accelerated program to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in corporate finance, investment banking and financial consulting.
Software DeveloperMedian Salary: $132,270Projected Jobs: 303,700Unemployment Rate: 2.4%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Computer Science, School of Science and Engineering
Software developers design, test and optimize applications and systems that drive today’s technology-driven world. UMKC’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, offered through the School of Science and Engineering, prepares students with expertise in programming, software engineering and problem-solving. Students interested in accelerating their education can opt for the BS-MS in Computer Science, an integrated program that allows them to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a streamlined pathway.
Information Security AnalystMedian Salary: $120,360Projected Jobs: 59,100Unemployment Rate: 0.5%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Emphasis, School of Science and Engineering
As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, UMKC’s Bachelor of Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Emphasis degree offerings provide the skills needed to excel as an Information Security Analyst. These programs equip students with expertise in network security, encryption and risk assessment, preparing them to protect organizations from cyber threats.
Medical and Health Services ManagerMedian Salary: $110,680Projected Jobs: 160,600Unemployment Rate: 1.5%Education Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration: Health Administration Emphasis, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
UMKC’s Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Administration Emphasis and Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership equip students with the skills needed to excel as medical and health services managers. With coursework in healthcare management, policy and leadership, students develop the analytical, problem-solving and technical expertise essential for overseeing healthcare facilities.
Data ScientistMedian Salary: $108,020Projected Jobs: 73,100Unemployment Rate: N/AEducation Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: BS-MS in Data Science, School of Science and Engineering | MBA in Business Analytics, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Data scientists analyze complex data using statistics, programming and machine learning to uncover insights. At UMKC, students can prepare for this in-demand career through the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics or fast-track their education with the BS-MS in Data Science, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. Students could also pursue a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Graduates are prepared for roles in data analytics, artificial intelligence and business intelligence.
ActuaryMedian Salary: $120,000Projected Jobs: 6,600Unemployment Rate: N/AEducation Needed: Bachelor'sUMKC Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Science in Mathematics and Statistics + Actuarial Science Minor, School of Science and Engineering.
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess and manage risk, making them essential in industries like insurance, finance and beyond. At UMKC, students can build a strong foundation for this career through the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics or accelerate their education with the dual-degree program in Mathematics and Statistics (BS) and Statistics (MS). Additionally, the Actuarial Science minor provides specialized coursework to help students prepare for actuarial exams and develop the analytical skills needed for success in this high-demand field.
Mar 11, 2025
Satellite campus would help address rural health-provider shortage
Missouri has a shortage of dentists, especially in the northwest region of the state where most counties have less than one provider for every 2,100 residents. The University of Missouri-Kansas City has a plan to change that.
At his annual State of the University address today, Chancellor Mauli Agrawal announced an expansion plan for the UMKC School of Dentistry to create a satellite program at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, using a model similar to other satellite healthcare programs run by UMKC. The UMKC School of Medicine created a rural physician program in partnership with Mosaic Life Care, also in St. Joseph, to address physician shortages, and the UMKC School of Pharmacy has campuses at University of Missouri in Columbia and Missouri State University in Springfield to address pharmacist shortages in Missouri.
“UMKC has a longstanding and successful infrastructure in place for educating and training providers to address rural healthcare gaps,” Agrawal said.
The proposed UMKC School of Dentistry satellite program expansion would positively impact the dentist and dental hygiene practitioner shortages in rural Missouri communities, while also delivering high-quality oral healthcare to underserved rural communities through its training clinic.
Currently, the UMKC School of Dentistry is Missouri’s only public dental school and provides 63% of the state’s dentists.
The Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DDS, is a four-year graduate program that currently admits about 109 students each year in Kansas City. The new satellite program in St. Joseph, if approved, would admit 10 students for a total of 40 students when the program is at capacity.
This rural health-focused expansion will increase the number of dentists graduating from UMKC’s program by about 10% annually. The first two years of instruction would be at the Kansas City campus and clinical training in the third and fourth years would be at the St. Joseph satellite, all following the curriculum of the existing Kansas City program.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a four-year program with students applying after completing about two years of undergraduate coursework. Each year, the St. Joseph satellite program would admit five students, for a total of 10 students when the program is at capacity. This rural health-focused expansion would increase the number of dental hygienists graduating from UMKC by 15% annually. Once in the program, students would complete two years of major-specific dental hygiene coursework: one year in Kansas City and one year in St. Joseph.
UMKC will be partnering with state, federal and philanthropic leaders to raise an estimated $12 million in one-time renovation and equipment startup costs to start the program on the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph. A start date for the program will be set when necessary approvals and funding are acquired, but UMKC anticipates a proposed start date in fiscal year 2027.
The proposed programs were introduced to the University of Missouri Board of Curators in February and will be further discussed at the next meeting in April.
Mar 10, 2025
Chancellor announces School of Dentistry expansion plans
University of Missouri-Kansas City Chancellor Mauli Agrawal delivered his annual State of the University address, celebrating significant achievements and urging Kansas City’s only Carnegie Research 1 university to reach even higher in the coming year.
Agrawal acknowledged that the road ahead will bring uncertainties but he counseled the campus to stay focused on transformative plans to expand its excellence and community impact in research, rural healthcare and student success and retention. “We are living in extraordinary times -- times of both tremendous achievement but also tremendous challenge,” Agrawal said. “We must continue to make bold choices and be prepared to find innovative ways to achieve our vision. In a world that brings change every day, we must stay focused on our vision to be Kansas City’s world-class university. But I know you are up to it – it’s in our DNA.”
1. Fueling Research Progress Following Prestigious Carnegie R1 Designation
UMKC announced new research investments to build on its major Carnegie Research 1 status, also known as R1, an honor achieved by only 6% of four-year universities in the nation. This transformative milestone positions UMKC alongside the nation’s most elite research universities.
“R1 signals our constant commitment to innovation, discovery and impact,” Agrawal said. “Across all disciplines, our faculty and research partners are pushing the boundaries of knowledge. They are shaping the future of technology, healthcare and the humanities while solving complex challenges that affect lives in Kansas City and – I’m not exaggerating here – around the world.”A rebranded division of Research and Innovation will find new ways to recognize faculty excellence in innovation and grantsmanship as well as investments in the research enterprise. As funds are available, UMKC plans to: • Launch C-IGNITE: a Collaboratory for Integrating Growth, Innovation and Research Excellence. C-IGNITE will connect faculty with industry and community partners and provide dedicated support for large grant proposals and strategic funding. • Start a new BUILD fund: An initial $1 million investment will advance research capabilities through facility upgrades, acquisition of advanced equipment for core facilities and innovation labs. • Add three new positions in research administration to improve grants services and support.“Achieving R1 does not mean it’s time to rest on our laurels,” Agrawal said. “This accomplishment is more than an external validation of our current excellence – it is a call to action.”
2. Expanding School of Dentistry to St. Joseph to Fill Critical Rural Healthcare Needs
Missouri, particularly its northwest region, faces a severe shortage of dentists, with some counties having less than one provider for every 2,100 residents. UMKC has proposed an expanded dental program in St. Joseph to address the shortage. UMKC is seeking $12 million in funding from state, federal and philanthropic sources to launch the program in space on Missouri Western State University’s campus, aiming for a start date in fiscal year 2027, pending necessary approvals.“UMKC has a longstanding and successful infrastructure in place for educating and training providers to address rural healthcare gaps,” Agrawal said.The new campus would add 10 dental students per year, 40 total when fully operational, increasing UMKC dental graduate output by 10%. The dental hygiene program would add five students per year, increasing UMKC dental hygiene graduates by 15%.Dental students would spend their first two years in Kansas City and complete clinical training in St. Joseph. Dental hygiene students would also split their studies between Kansas City and St. Joseph.
3. Elevating Academic and Support Services for Current Students
UMKC is dramatically expanding its academic success and support services for students. Over the summer, the Victor Wilson Learning Collaborative will open on the fourth floor of Miller Nichols Library. This project creates new spaces for key academic support programs, including Bloch Scholars, First Gen Roo, KC Scholars, Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring, Peer Academic Leadership programs and the Writing Studio.
In May 2025, renovations being to Atterbury Student Success Center, which houses a variety of services aimed at prospective and current students.The renovated space will be home to Admissions, Advising, the Center for Transfer Students and Adult Learners, Roo Advising, Career Services, Professional Career Escalators, University College and International Student Affairs. It will also include an inviting Welcome Center with a two-story atrium to host prospective students and their families. UMKC’s robust Career Services programming will expand to add a Professional Wardrobe Studio, giving students a place to browse and try on professional clothing options as well as take headshots for interviews.UMKC Central, a one-stop shop for students, and the Financial Wellness Center, are both moving from their current location at the Administrative Center to the newly renovated space as well.
4. Grand Opening of Roo Plaza Community Gathering Space in April
Roo Plaza, an enclosed pedestrian plaza on 51st Street between Cherry Street and Rockhill Road, is opening in April in the heart of the UMKC Volker Campus. After spring break, the campus will host a street-party celebration for the grand opening.The space, now closed to cars, will be transformed with art, furnishings, planters and string lights.Agrawal said the new space will benefit everyone in the campus and community as a place to meet and hang out between classes and events. “We have so much in the works right now,” Agrawal said. “Each project ties to specific needs for our students, faculty and the broader Kansas City community.”
5. Celebrating UMKC Excellence in the Community
Agrawal said the dedication and heart of UMKC faculty and staff members bring the university’s mission and vision to life. At UMKC, Roo Spirit is embodied by the extraordinary people behind the scenes, faculty, staff and students who go above and beyond every day to make an impact.“Their contributions extend far beyond our campus,” Agrawal said. “From lending their time and talents to support vulnerable families to rallying coworkers to serve the greater Kansas City community, UMKC staff reflect what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Their spirit of giving reminds us that our university’s strength lies not just in what we achieve, but in how we come together to uplift others.”Agrawal said that the coming year may bring uncertainty and challenges, which makes connections to the community and finding philanthropic support more important than ever. He applauded the success of UMKC Giving Day, a 24-hour campaign that raised a record-breaking amount this year: more than $1.2 million.“As we look ahead, let’s take pride in all we have accomplished and keep our sights on building a future where UMKC leads in research, innovation and community impact,” Agrawal said. “Together, we can – and will – shape what’s next.”
Mar 10, 2025
Brandon Allen found opportunity and community in the creative writing program
Brandon Allen is a living example that your dream career can start at any time. Going back to get his bachelor's degree at age 40, Allen decided to further invest in his future with the myriad opportunities available at UMKC and in the Kansas City community.
Brandon Allen Anticipated graduation year: May 2026 UMKC degree program: MFA Hometown: Springfield, Missouri
While a younger Brandon Allen chose a different career path than writing, it was not too far off from what he loved to do.
“I've always written since I was eight years old,” Allen said. “I took a detour for several years as a graphic designer to be an animator. I even moved to Los Angeles for six months to try to do the movie thing. Found out it’s not for me, but I realized everything that I did revolved around story, and so I thought it's a lot easier and quicker to write a story than to make it a short film. I then decided I’d rather put my effort into writing.”
Hopping from job to job throughout Missouri and Oklahoma, even getting married along the way, Allen found the path to his dream career at UMKC and within the Kansas City community.
“It's been a good place to learn a lot more about the history of literature and to workshop and improve my craft, which were two of my biggest goals for a master's-level program,” Allen said. “I'd say a huge second benefit is the literary community here. It's easy to meet people who are serious about writing in the program. We have monthly hangouts where we just talk about books that we're reading, movies that we're watching, stuff like that. That's been so helpful, since we’re all actually writing. I think you need that professional and social support, at least that's kind of the way that I pitch it. You'll be around other people, even though a lot of what you do as a writer is in isolation.”
Allen has already found success in his field despite only being in the second year of his program.
“I have several short stories out to national literary journals right now,” he said. “I've been getting some tiered rejection, which is a good thing. They’ll say, ‘We can't use this, but we'd like to see more of your work.’ I'm working on a novel right now, too, and I've drafted another.”
And what gives students in the creative writing program at UMKC that edge? Allen says it’s the people.
“The faculty are all published authors, so I feel like their feedback on my work goes a long way,” he said. “If they are impressed with it, that means it's a little bit closer to being ready to send out. I've been part of writers’ groups for years, but not many people have been seriously published. Having that level of experience here is huge.”
In addition to teaching free-to-the-community writing courses at the Kansas City Public Library as a part of Writers for Readers, Allen had another opportunity to partake in a paid internship creating content for Clio, a website and app created by history professor David Trowbridge that sends vetted historical information to your phone, just by walking around.
“I've always been a history buff and enjoyed that,” he said.
Allen got to create entries for walking trails about Walt Disney’s time in Kansas City, the history of locally brewed beer and audio guides for the art in the new airport terminal.
“I think history gives you a better blueprint for the future,” Allen said. “There's been hundreds and hundreds of years that have happened here in KC, and I want to do right by it, understand it.”
In these tumultuous times, Allen gets a lot of hope from his work, the work of his colleagues and the work of his students.
“I think at the end of the day, it's mostly about empathy,” he said. “I don't mean sympathy. You don't have to understand or justify what people are doing. Stories, even stories that are tragic, allow you to live another person's experience and then you understand why they're doing what they're doing. You may not agree with it, but it just helps you connect in that way. I think we could use a lot more of that these days.”
Mar 07, 2025
$1.9 Million Grant Funds Research to Study the Effects of Sound in the Operating Room
In University Health operating rooms, sound is under the microscope, thanks to two UMKC professors and their research team. This project, backed by a $1.9 million, five-year research grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, seeks to improve patient outcomes from surgery, all by changing the sound environment in the operating room.
Identifying the Problem
The grant is the result of a collaboration between School of Medicine Associate Dean of Women’s Health and professor Gary Sutkin, M.D., and Conservatory professor Paul Rudy, DMA.
The main goal?
“Make it easier for people to work in the operating room,” Sutkin said.
The main challenge? Noise.
“You really have to be very careful about how you communicate in the operating room,” Sutkin said. “One of the causes of miscommunication is just that the operating room is super loud. I mean it literally. There are loud machines that are at the noise level of dishwashers, garbage disposals or power mowers. We have to talk over those machines and there may be three or four conversations going on at the same time.”
All this noise contributes to the sound environment, which is where Rudy’s expertise lies. He’s been studying sound for more than 20 years.
“We live in a really noisy world, and I want everyone to be aware of the sound environment and how they contribute to it,” Rudy said. “Sound is a cognitive drain because our brains are always processing it, even while we’re asleep.”
Rudy likes to compare a surgical team to an orchestra performance. Both settings require discipline and focus, but within different areas. It’s second nature for musicians to operate in ways that don’t add any extra noise to their environments. That level of awareness is what makes Rudy instrumental to this research project.
“Until Gary brought me into this project, I’d never imagined using my sound research and composer skills in this kind of way,” Rudy said. “It’s a unique experience for me, and it’s really pushed me to think differently and get curious about things that I may not have before.”
One of the first steps to improving communication in the operating room is changing that sound environment. Noisy machines may stand between a surgeon and the nurse or anesthesiologist, making it harder to hear each other. Line of sight, or lack thereof, can also hinder communication.
“We can’t see each other between all the machines,” Sutkin said. “If you do have a line of sight, you can look at each other and acknowledge each other even though you’re wearing a mask. You can’t lip read, but you can still tell by body language if someone’s listening.”
Sutkin, Rudy and their team have identified these challenges by observing and measuring dozens of surgeries and documenting each time there is a communication breakdown.
“We need to collect all those miscommunication events so we can better understand why they happen,” Sutkin said. “Miscommunication is very much like speeding when you drive. It happens all the time, and patients do just fine. We speed all the time, and we don’t get into accidents. And yet, we know from large-scale studies that speeding is the number one cause of driving accidents. Similarly, miscommunication is fine for the patient until it isn't, until there’s a crash.”
By recording all these observations, they can better understand what happens when there’s a ‘crash’ or when a patient has a poor outcome because of a miscommunication.
“Many of the sounds in the operating room are necessary, such as machines beeping and conversations between the surgical team,” Rudy said. “So, I observe these surgeries through the lens of minimizing unnecessary sounds. Something such as crumpling up a piece of plastic and throwing it in the trash at the wrong time can interrupt an important conversation and prevent anything else from being heard.”
Creating Solutions
With five years of funding secured, this team has the breadth to experiment with dozens of different ideas on how to “solve” these miscommunications.
“We have about 30 possible solutions,” one student said.
Some of these solutions are as simple as turning off extraneous machines or creating new check-in protocols amongst a surgical team. In the long-term, Rudy envisions new standards for the manufacture of hospital equipment that both eliminate noise and create a more harmonious atmosphere through an improved sound environment.
While the work is centered around trying these solutions at University Health right now, there are plans to implement the most promising ones in Children’s Mercy’s operating rooms to compare the results.
“If it works at two hospitals, then we’ve got the basis for successful intervention styles.” Sutkin said.
Scaling a project like this for operating rooms across the country requires flexibility. Not all operating rooms are the same size, run the same equipment or have personnel with the same needs and preferences.
“We could show them what worked for us sure, but they must consider things that will work specifically for their institution,” Sutkin said. “Take what works and leave what doesn’t.”
This research has the potential to revolutionize the way operating rooms are run, and is yet another display of the strong collaboration between the UMKC School of Medicine and University Health.
“This is all about patient safety at University Health, and we couldn’t do it without all the incredible people there,” Sutkin said. “I’m hoping that we will reward their enthusiasm and investment with improving patient safety.”
Mar 06, 2025