Computer Science and Data Science major A.J. Botticelli ’25 is working on campus this summer on the third generation of eTherapy, a mobile application previously designed by Elizabethtown College students and faculty to provide biofeedback in occupational therapy and physical therapy sessions. The objective for improving the app this summer is to fix bugs within the app to allow a full release of the application.

Botticelli is working on this Summer Creative Arts and Research Program (SCARP) project for the second consecutive summer, which is a continuation of over 10 years of collaboration between various Etown Engineering and Occupational Therapy students and faculty.

Title of Research
eTherapy App (phase IIIa)

Student Researcher
A.J. Botticelli ’25 (Computer Science and Data Science major)

Faculty Mentor
Kurt DeGoede, Professor of Engineering & Physics Elizabethtown College KEEN Leader

What are you researching?

Botticelli: My work focuses on expanding the ETherapy beta with increased client usability and the addition of response time testing exercises to transition into a full release for the app.

Why did you choose this topic?

Botticelli: This topic has been an excellent opportunity for me to enhance my programming skills, lead a project, and engage in cross-disciplinary research with the Etown OT students I am working alongside.

What is the most interesting aspect of this research?

Botticelli: The cross-disciplinary nature of my work has given me an experience I have not had before. I have had the chance to work alongside many OT students over months to collect feedback and discuss research, a process that has now been ongoing since last summer.

How has your faculty mentor helped you?

Botticelli: My mentor has remained an ardent supporter of my work. When I hit a slump, they discuss ideas and approach with me, and when I need to alter my schedule to handle unexpected events, they are accommodating because they have faith in my work.

Hear from the faculty mentor – Kurt DeGoede

“A.J. took an initial prototype of the eTherapy App developed by Colin Elliot ’22, a 2021 SCARP student, and got it ready for use by an OT graduate research team in a pilot clinical beta test,” DeGoede said. “That test revealed several areas where we could further enhance the current product. A.J. proposed returning as a SCARP student this summer to lead the development of a new release of eTherapy. Dr. (Daniel) Panchik in OT has identified a clinic excited to use the tool with patients recovering from concussions this fall.

“A.J. handles himself as a complete professional at all times. He is diligent and productive, solves most problems before I even know they are problems, and directly interfaces with the OT grad students and faculty as a collaborator.”