Ballard Labs

"As the new labs were starting, my sister was diagnosed with a chronic illness and was experiencing some major hurdles in her care. When we were asked to identify a "one" for the lab, her experiences became a springboard to a year of research, design, and implementation in the creation of a lab that has focused on Patient-Provider Communication Among Young Adults with Chronic Illnesses. We spent a summer researching the problem, starting with her experience and then immersing ourselves in the thousands of research papers surrounding this issue, and then organized much of this gained understanding through mapping. Based on those insights, we moved into intervention design and worked on three projects: a policy, program, and product. Our mission is to alleviate suffering among young adults with chronic illnesses by empowering them to be active participants in their care and also promote education for providers to support them in their participation. Now we are working on implementing our interventions and evaluating success and failures to better understand next steps and perceived impact."

- Hallie Moldenhauer, Healthcare Lab Lead

Insights

This student-created slide deck captures:

• the initial individual situation map (ISAM), 
• an iceberg map**, 
• an ecosystem map,
• a stakeholder map and power matrix**,
• a triangulation of the issue (demographic, geography, issue)
• feedback loops**, and
• initial proposed interventions

** These types of maps are based off the models included in the Skoll Center - Map the System. Our thanks to Bailey Whitaker and the Utah Valley University's Center for Social Impact for their help in training.

This presentation was created and formally presented in Summer 2025.

Access the PDF here

This student-created slide deck captures:

• a summary of the labs inception story, mission, and purpose
• the personal experience of "the one" effected by this issue
• a description of ongoing interventions, namely the product, program, and policy developed by the lab

This presentation was created and formally presented in Winter 2026.

Access the PDF here

This student-created Compilation Report captures:

• The comprehensive research and implementation process of the Patient–Provider Communication Among Young Adults with Chronic Illnesses in Utah Lab 
• a summary of the lab’s mission, vision, and systems-thinking framework
• final versions of all systems maps developed throughout research, including ISAM, Triangulated Issue, Iceberg, Stakeholder and Power Matrix, Feedback Loops, and Ecosystem Map
• research conclusions identifying patient empowerment as the core leverage point within patient-provider communication gaps 
• development and iteration of proposed policy, program, and product interventions
• implementation and evaluation of the ACCME communication policy proposal, Care Navigator Program, and CareCompass mobile application 
• evolution of interventions through reimplementation and feedback cycles
• and final conclusions, recommendations, and handoff/continuation plans for future development.

This Compilation Report was completed Spring 2026.

Access the PDF here

Product: Care Navigator App

The Healthcare Lab Product is an app called CareCompass. CareCompass is designed to help young adults with chronic illnesses feel more confident managing their health, from preparing for appointments to tracking symptoms, understanding medical terms, and keeping their health journey organized in one place.

Program: Care Navigator Program

The Care Navigator Program was designed to help young adults with chronic illnesses better navigate the healthcare system and understand the tools that are available to them. It consists of weekly discussions with a one-on-one peer mentor going over topics such as utilizing AI, asking effective questions, and tracking your care.

Policy: Improved Physician Communication

The policy proposes is that approximately 10% of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits required for Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) accreditation be dedicated to evidence-based communication training as a recommended best practice guideline. The goal is to equip physicians with essential interpersonal skills—such as active listening, empathy, and shared decision-making—that are proven to enhance clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Research shows that while only 57% of physicians have participated in communication training, 88% express willingness to do so, highlighting strong provider support for this initiative.

Lab Members

Hallie Moldenhauer
Lab Co-lead
Economics Major

Priscilla Ashley Silva
Lab Co-Lead
Pre-Business

"I have a friend who has struggled with pornography use for years and has tried many of the modern tools to quit, but with minimal or short-lasting effect. It has affected his relationships and his self-view, and is something he wants to put behind him. Everyone knows someone who struggles or has struggled with pornography. This is a growing issue in our world, and we feel there is a real need to address it. Because it is a sensitive issue, it is hard to open up to others and seek help for this negative habit. To help those who desire to stop using pornography but are hesitant about the current options, we have set out to design a path of learning and connection to help them achieve their goal."

- Nathan Hillman, Lab Lead

Insights

This student-created slide deck captures:

• the initial individual situation map (ISAM), 
• an iceberg map**, 
• an ecosystem map,
• a stakeholder map and power matrix**,
• a triangulation of the issue (demographic, geography, issue)
• feedback loops**, and
• initial proposed interventions

** These types of maps are based off the models included in the Skoll Center - Map the System. Our thanks to Bailey Whitaker and the Utah Valley University's Center for Social Impact for their help in training.

This presentation was created and formally presented in Summer 2025.

Access the PDF here

This student-created slide deck captures:

• a summary of the labs inception story, mission, and purpose
• the personal experience of "the one" effected by this issue
• a description of ongoing interventions, namely the product, program, and policy developed by the lab

This presentation was created and formally presented in Winter 2026.

Access the PDF here

Product: Unbound App

The Pornography Recovery Labs product is an online tool that allows users to anonymously join and connect with others who are also struggling with pornography use. It will offer tools like daily journal prompts, accountability partner matching, and help setting goals and plans. Though many of these tools are already available elsewhere, the main focus is the act of connecting with others and accessing the healing it can bring.

Program: Connection Program

The program, similar to their product, is focused on connection. This connection is instead brought on by in-person lesson meetings where participants review past material, learn new material, and talk with one another about current issues. The Lab designed a Program Guidebook that can be used by facilitators to start and conduct weekly meetings.

Policy: Updated Sexual Education Curriculum

Although ever flexible in its movement towards application, the content of the policy the Lab is pushing for is to address the issue of pornography with younger and more vulnerable populations. In Utah, every school has a sexual education curriculum that is mandated by the state legislature and the state school board. However, this curriculum is minimal and does not include content on pornography or media literacy. This lab proposes a change in curriculum to teach young students the benefits of media literacy and navigating pornography to stop the issue before it starts.

Lab Members

Nathan Hillman
Lab Lead
Exercise Science - Pre-Med

Sean Moss
Lab Assistant
Business Management Major

Tatiana Herrera
Lab Lead
Business Management Major

"The Refugee Integration Lab focuses on supporting refugee families as they navigate life in a new community, with the overall goal of promoting both essential and meaningful cultural integration. The lab began by connecting with a Syrian family who arrived in Utah County at the end of 2024. By taking the time to understand their lived experiences, through building relationships and listening to their needs, our team was able to determine the challenges the family faces. From these interactions, it became clear that the most pressing barriers to integration included limited financial literacy, transportation, and access to community resources. In response, we designed 3 interventions to address these needs."

- Eowyn Collins, Lab Lead

Insights

This student-created slide deck captures:

• the initial individual situation assessment map (ISAM), 
• a triangulation of the issue (demographic, geography, issue),
• an iceberg map**, 
• a stakeholder map and power matrix**,
• feedback loop**, 
• an ecosystem map, and
• initial proposed interventions

** These types of maps are based off the models included in the Skoll Center - Map the System. Our thanks to Bailey Whitaker and the Utah Valley University's Center for Social Impact for their help in training.

This presentation was created and formally presented in Summer 2025.

Access the PDF here

This student-created slide deck captures:

• a summary of the labs inception story, mission, and purpose
• the personal experience of "the one" effected by this issue
• a description of ongoing interventions, namely the product, program, and policy developed by the lab

This presentation was created and formally presented in Winter 2026.

Access the PDF here

This student-created Compilation Report captures:

• the full research and implementation process of the Refugee Community Integration Lab,
• a summary of the project’s mission, methodology, and systems-thinking framework,
• the final versions of all systems maps developed throughout research, including ISAM, Iceberg, Players of Power, Feedback Loops, and Ecosystem Map,
• research conclusions and triangulation of the core refugee integration problem,
• the development and iteration of proposed policy, program, and product interventions,
• the implementation and evaluation of the Interim Transportation Program,
• the design, translation, and testing of the Financial Literacy Workbook, and
• final conclusions, recommendations, and handoff plans for continued implementation.

This Compilation Report was completed Spring 2026.

Access the PDF here

Product: Financial Workbook

To address gaps in financial literacy, the Refugee Lab designed a physical financial workbook tailored to the needs of refugee families. The workbook is organized into five sections—banking, taxes, expenses, budgeting, and planning for the future. It introduces users to the U.S. financial system in an accessible and practical way. Each section includes hands-on activities that reinforce understanding and encourage users to apply the skills they are learning in real-life contexts.

In addition, the Refugee Lab developed a companion website to expand access and reach a broader audience. The website can be accessed here.

Program: UTA Bus Orientation

To address transportation access, the lab designed a program to help refugee families navigate the local bus system. The program provides bus passes during the first few weeks after arrival, reducing immediate transportation barriers. Participants are paired with a mentor who supports learning through hands-on guidance. This mentor helps families get oriented by riding routes with them and teaching how to plan trips, read schedules, and navigate key destinations independently.

Policy: Inclusion and Safety Initiative

The lab's policy work was guided by Welcoming America’s standards for community integration. The lab identified gaps in Provo’s current policies related to supporting newcomers. This became the foundation for their policy. Through meetings with local policymakers, they learned that the city did not feel ready to implement a comprehensive community integration policy at this time.

Lab Members

Eowyn Collins
Lab Lead
Sociology Major

Manon Dampt
Lab Assistant
Anthropology Major