Publications and Presentations
Scholarly Agenda
Dr. Hernandez is dedicated to optimizing student engagement in physical therapy education through the use of technology and adult learning principles. Her current research focuses on the pedagogical foundations of ungrading, aiming to cultivate Master Adaptive Learners in physical therapy education. Additionally, her scholarly activities extend to clinical practice and education in pediatric physical therapy.
Within the last Five Years
PEER REVIEWED & NON-PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS:
Hernandez, M., Judd, D. Beyond Grades: Rethinking Assessment Practices in Professional Physical Therapist Education. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. Published online June 25, 2025. doi:10.1097/JTE.0000000000000425.
Hernandez, M. An Exploratory Case Study on the Use of Ungrading to Develop Master Adaptive Learners in Professional Physical Therapist Education. [Doctoral dissertation]. University of Colorado Denver; 2025.
Rundell, S., Wentzell, E., Wynarczuk, Ki., Catalino, T., Hernandez, M., Young, A., Rapport, MJ. No More Excuses: Strategies for Inclusive Pediatric Physical Therapy Education. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2024;00:1-8.
Hernandez MTB, Rapport MJ. Commentary on “Student Self-Efficacy in Pediatrics: Evaluation and Modification of the Pediatric Communication and Handling Self-Efficacy Scale”. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2022;34(3):390. doi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000921
Hinrichs LA, Judd DL, Hernandez M, Rapport MJ. Peer Review of Teaching to Promote a Culture of Excellence: A Scoping Review. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2022;36(4):293-302. doi:10.1097/jte.0000000000000242
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS:
Hernandez, M. Beyond Grades: Cultivating Master Adaptive Learners through Ungrading [research presentation]. Teaching for Learning (T4L) Conference, Denver, CO: 2026
Wentzell, E., Rundell, S., Hernandez, M., Lent, K. Inclusivity in Motion: Pediatric PT Case Design [2-hour training workshop]. APTA Pediatric Annual Conference, Colorado Springs, CO: 2025
Hernandez, M. Using Ungrading to Develop Master Adaptive Learners in a Human Growth & Development DPT Course: An Exploratory Case-Study [poster presentation]. APTA Pediatric Annual Conference, Colorado Springs, CO: 2025
Hernandez, M. Using Ungrading to Develop Master Adaptive Learner Behaviors in DPT Education: An Exploratory Case-Study [poster presentation]. Educational Leadership Conference, Kansas City, KS: 2025
Hernandez, M. Using Ungrading to Develop Master Adaptive Learner Behaviors in DPT Education: An Exploratory Case-Study [poster presentation]. APTA CO Fall Conference, Golden, CO: 2025
Wentzell, E., Rundell, S., Wynarczuk, Ki., Hernandez, M., Lent, K., Young, A., Catalino, T., Rapport, MJ. What Can I Do? Strategies for Inclusive Physical Therapy Education [poster abstract presentation]. APTA Pediatric Annual Conference, Providence, RI: 2024
Rundell, S., Wentzell, E., Hernandez, M., Lent, K., Young, A., Wynarczuk, Ki., Catalino, T., Rapport, MJ. No More Excuses: Strategies for Inclusive Physical Therapy Education. APTA Educational Leadership Conference, Oakland, CA: 2024
Hernandez, M, Struessel, T. (UN)grading: Rethinking Assessment Practices in PT Education to Create Master Adaptive Learners. Education Leadership Conference, Philadelphia, PA: 2023
Hernandez, M, Struessel, T, Richardson, V. The (Un)grading approach in a Capstone course: Is the Master Adaptive Learner in our sights? [platform presentation] Education Leadership Conference, Philadelphia, PA: 2023
Bilyeu, C, Fu, W, Osborne, R, Hernandez, M. Unveiling the Master Adaptive Learner Model: Consideration of Learner, Environment, and Faculty as Coach. Education Leadership Conference, Philadelphia, PA: 2023
Hinrichs L, Judd D, Hernandez M, Rapport MJ. Peer Review of Teaching to Promote a Culture of Excellence: A Scoping Review. [platform presentation] Education Leadership Conference. Atlanta, GA: 2021
NON-PEER REVIEWED/INVITED PRESENTATIONS:
Argenti, M. Hernandez, M. Sensory and Motor Interventions for Children with Autism [Invited presenter] CLCS 6663: Evidence-Based Interventions for Youth with Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO: 2026
Argenti, M., Hernandez, M. Early Intervention Home Services and ENRICH Overview [Invited presented] CLSC 6653: Key Concepts in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO: 2025
Hernandez, M. An Exploratory Case Study on the Use of Ungrading to Develop Master Adaptive Learners in Professional Physical Therapist Education. [virtual presentation] University of Colorado PT Program Educational Scholarship Group. Aurora, CO: 2025
Argenti, M. Hernandez, M. Sensory and Motor Interventions for Children with Autism [Invited presenter] CLCS 6663: Evidence-Based Interventions for Youth with Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO: 2025
Argenti, M. Hernandez, M. Sensory and Motor Interventions for Children with Autism [Invited presenter] CLCS 6663: Evidence-Based Interventions for Youth with Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 2024
Hernandez, M, Struessel, T. Use of Ungrading in Capstone 2022. [virtual presentation] University of Colorado PT Program Educational Scholarship Group. Aurora, CO: 2023
Hernandez, M. Applying the Principles of Ungrading into Practice. [virtual presentation] Univeristy of Colorado PT Program Educational Scholarship Group. Aurora, CO: 2023
Hernandez, M. (Un)grading & Radical/Alternative Assessment. [virtual presentation] University of Colorado PT Program Educational Scholarship Group. Aurora, CO: 2021
Hinrichs, L, Hernandez, M. Community of Inquiry (CoI). [virtual presentation] University of Colorado PT Program Educational Scholarship Group. Aurora, CO: 2021.
