Author: Emma Harper | Major: Nursing | Semester: Fall 2025

Emma Harper a Senior at the UofA learning to gain knowledge and experience with pediatrics diagnosed with ASD

I am Emma Harper, a senior at the University of Arkansas pursing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am partnered with Emma Bourgeoius to complete my research for my Honors Thesis. My mentor is Dr. Michele Kilmer, who is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who has dedicated her time at the University to improving the lives of children and families with an ASD diagnosis using her therapy canine, Gryffin.

I chose my thesis topic because of my passion of pediatrics and animals and happened to meet Dr. Kilmer at Nursing Science Day back in 2024. I have learned so much throughout this process and mostly about the beneficial impact of AAT on children diagnosed with ASD with varying symptomology. Throughout this research, I have overcome challenges such as learning how to code human behavior by spending lots of time with my mentor to fully understand. My mentor has been tremendously available and willing throughout this whole process and has taught me so much about ASD and the AAT process. Next up, graduation and my hope to become a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit nurse!