Digital Commons Network^™

There's Fresh Water In Afghanistan, Marieann C. Raguso

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

"This piece outlines the reality of war and my experience as I saw it. Lives are always at risk of ending in the blink of an eye. The problem is not enough people are opening their eyes to see the world around them. We are trained to be brutal and dehumanize our enemies in the military, but what happens when the enemy is just like us?"

In A Nutshell, Marieann C. Raguso

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

"As a woman veteran who was exposed to combat, death, violence, sexual assault, and other traumas during my time in service and after service with the VA, I felt I had something to say but had no idea where to begin. Upon attending college, I began to take poetry courses and fell in love with the art form. Not only that, but poetry allows me to be resilient against these traumatic, sometimes intrusive stressors and functions as a positive coping mechanism. So when I write, I write with my emotional intensity and always in my distinct voice."

Burn & Ashes, Maya S. Leshaw

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

"Many of my paintings are me challenging myself with different mediums. Much like my other paintings, this piece focused on trying something I hadn't seen before. In many ways, the process was both trial and error. This painting, 'Burn & Ashes,' was an experiment. It focused on breaking the boundaries of fire and paper."

Man With No Face, Maya S. Lehsaw

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

"Like many of my portraits, this painting combines abstract and detailed elements. As you look through this piece, I've included many characters. If you look deep enough, you can see them all. This piece, like many, focuses on the hidden messages in life that are not always seen at first glance. So much of my art allows for interpretation and for every viewer to determine what they think the meaning is."

Self Portrait, Maya S. Leshaw

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

"This piece was my final project for Painting I. Francis Bacon's work heavily inspired this piece. His work often reflected on human emotions and feelings and how humans endure such agony. My painting was much like his self-portraits; I wanted to paint the many feelings I always had. Whether it's the black ( the lows), the blues (the calm moments of serenity), the red (love or pain), or the yellow (the vast moments of happiness)s an experiment. It focused on breaking the boundaries of fire and paper."

Purple Heart, Marieann C. Raguso

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

"As a combat veteran, I received a purple heart after my MRAP, armored truck, was blown up by an improvised explosive device (IED). It made me reflect on those who have come before me, and I wondered, how many women have a Purple Heart? The answer was less than 100 women have a Purple Heart, according to the Military Order of the Purple Heart in 2017. Having a Purple Heart is still a cauldron of mixed feelings for me, and I felt the urge to write about it."

The Experiences Of Black Women Senior Student Affairs Officers: A Multiple-Case Study, Tamekka L. Cornelius, Donald Mitchell Jr.

The Qualitative Report

Within this multiple-case study, we explored the experiences of Black women in senior student affairs officer (SSAO) positions at four-year historically white institutions (HWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. We used Black feminist thought and representational bureaucracy to theoretically frame the study. Participants included SSAOs representing three HWIs and two HBCUs. Four central themes—often expressed within experiences of marginalization—emerged across the cases: 1) I Have a Right to Be Here; 2) Creating Networks; 3) No Straight Line to the Top; and 4) I’m Thinking about the Black Girls Coming Behind Me. We conclude the …

Exploring Challenges Of Undocumented Students In Their Pursuit Of Post-Secondary Education, Yveline Gaspard Dulis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the mindsets and challenges faced by undocumented Latino students who are pursuing a post-secondary education. The study sought to explain the challenges of the DREAM Act and DACA and its challenges for approval in Congress. This study also sought to examine how undocumented students pursue a college education without financial assistance. Understanding immigration laws helped shape Americans’ perception of undocumented Latino students’ status, struggles, and financial hardships. Three leading factors that contribute to undocumented students’ persistence were analyzed in this study: financial assistance, academic issues, and legal issues. This study was conducted …

Novice Teacher Experiences Of Online Reading Instruction During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Deyanira M. Echevarria Candales

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation documented novice teacher experiences providing online reading instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the researcher captured educators’ first-hand accounts of their experiences shifting to fully online reading instruction, adapting instructional materials that were designed for in-person instruction for online learning, confronting challenges and successes during this period of uncertainty, and transitioning back to in-person instruction amidst the then ongoing pandemic.

The following research questions were posed: 1. How do novice elementary reading teachers, in a large public school district in South Florida, describe their experiences teaching reading online during a global pandemic? 2. How do novice elementary …

Letter From The Editors In Chief

JADARA

None

Examining Motivators That Influenced African American And Latinx Students To Degree Completion Of A Doctoral Program, Travis L. Stokes

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide an investigation of the motivators that influence African American and Latinx students to complete a doctoral program. There are numerous studies that show data on low enrollment and retention of this population. Further, there is ample evidence of attrition, but there is a need to hear their voices share the experiences of successful doctoral graduates from this population.

The researcher posited systemic racism in education caused low enrollment and graduation rates among African American and Latinx students. Then, an interview protocol was developed to elicit responses regarding what caused the persistence to complete …

A Generic Qualitative Study Of Primary Grade Reading Teachers' Challenges And Personal Teaching Solutions, Jennifer Lynn Nunes

Theses and Dissertations

Not all children enter school with the same skill set. Teachers of young children know this. Despite this, schools prescribe curriculum and pacing guides as well as assessments that may fit only a subset of students’ instructional levels. Teachers are left to determine the best way to meet the student and mandated requirements. Teachers from two elementary schools from a neighborhood area were interviewed about their perspectives and how they manage instructional expectations to help students learn grade level expectations.

The following research questions were addressed.1. How and why do teachers report adapting literacy instruction for students who are deficient …

Misunderstood: A Phenomenological Study On Intersectionality And The Lived Experiences Of Black Millennial Student Affairs Professionals At Pwis, Emily P. Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to further understand the lived experiences of Black millennial student affairs professionals navigating and advancing through a predominately white institution in the southern United States. This phenomenological study, framed by critical race theory and intersectionality, sought to ultimately use these lived experiences to advocate for change. A review of the literature highlighted the needs, values, and experiences of Black Millennials based on both identities, the experiences of working in student affairs/higher education with these experiences, and the need for intentional diversity efforts by higher educational institutions.

The researcher interviewed nine participants to learn more about …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of African American Women In Undergraduate Stem Degree Programs, Vernon H. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide a better understanding of the lived experiences of African American women in STEM undergraduate degree programs at a 4-year degree granting institution in the southernmost part of central Virginia. The central problem is that there is disparity between the number of African American women with STEM degrees and that of other races in the STEM job market. The existing literature has gaps in the research of African American women’s perception of undergraduate STEM programs. Further, the researcher posits there is a lack of consideration for diversity that is detrimental to the United States; …

All Rise: The Prospects And Challenges Of Lower Federal Judicial Biography, Charles L. Zelden

CAHSS Faculty Books and Book Chapters

Charles Zelden’s essay, “All Rise: The Prospects and Challenges of Lower Federal Judicial Biography,” picks up where Kobrick concluded. Zelden laments the paucity of biographies of lower-federal-court judges, while nonetheless 12. See Funk, infra ch. 2. 13. See Hall, infra ch. 3. 14. See Grisinger, infra ch. 4. 15. See Kobrick, infra ch. 5. 5 Approaches to Federal Judicial History Federal Judicial Center appreciating the challenges that routinely face these biographers. Historically speaking, Zelden writes, lower federal judges “are generally not well known, the importance of their work is not self-evident, their papers are often scattered or fragmentary or thin, …

2020-2021 Graduate Program Catalog, Nova Southeastern University

Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Resilience In Female Sex Trafficking Victims, Petra Torri

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study is aimed at exploring the resilience of human trafficking victims. More specifically, this research study focuses on the experience of female sex trafficking victims through the lese of practitioners who work with them. By understanding the causes that make females vulnerable to be recruited by traffickers, the way they get exploited, as well as how they are able to leave the trafficking situation, this dissertation provides an understanding about the factors that promote healing and resiliency from the trafficking experience. Feminist theory was used to illuminate existing literature on the subject, and data analysis was conducted using …

Status Of Women’S Leadership In The Instructional Technology Field, 2014-2018, Kerrian A. Gordon

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the leadership status of women in the instructional technology field during the period 2014-2018. Five areas of leadership were examined (a) faculty rank in instructional technology programs, (b) positions on editorial boards of leading instructional technology journals, (c) publications in leading instructional technology journals, (d) presentations at leading conferences in the instructional technology field, and (e) leadership of four leading professional organizations in the field.

The study utilized a quantitative content analysis research method. A code sheet was developed for the five areas of leadership. Research Question 1: What was the leadership …

Doctor-Patient Communication: The Experiences Of Black Caribbean Women Patients With Diabetes, Rosanne Paul-Bruno

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to examine the verbal and non-verbal communication experiences of Black Caribbean diabetic women patients with their doctors, in order to provide a better understanding of the essential aspects of doctor- patient communication and their experiences as they managed their condition. Black Caribbean women have been disproportionately impacted by medical conditions such as diabetes. It has been a documented fact that minorities experience disparities in the health care system at different levels and doctor-patient communication is no exception. Poor doctor-patient communication has been known to hinder patients’ health outcomes, and therefore warrants such studies to increase …

A Model For Developing Interdisciplinary Research Theoretical Frameworks, A. S. Cohenmiller, Elizabeth Pate

The Qualitative Report

Embedded in interdisciplinary research, just as in disciplinary research, are statements of purpose, theoretical frameworks, research questions, reviews of literature, methodology, findings, recommendations, and more However, one of the least understood aspects of interdisciplinary research is the interdisciplinary research (IDR) theoretical framework. This article is intended to serve as a platform for dialogue within and across disciplines about interdisciplinary research and interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks. In addition, it provides a model for developing an IDR theoretical framework through an illustrative example of how an IDR theoretical framework was created and used within a dissertation study. We conclude the article noting critical …

Respect And The Role It Plays In Explaining The Disproportionate Number Of African-Americans Incarcerated, Tina B. Craddock

Theses and Dissertations

This was a quantitative research study that examined the roles respect and self-esteem play within the African American population. There is no disagreement among social scientists that there is a disproportionate number of African Americans incarcerated. This study attempts to offer one possible explanation. This was a quasi-replication of a study conducted nearly two decades ago using African American adolescent males between the ages of 14 to 18. This research study identified a sample population consisting of African American males and females between the ages of 18 and 50. A cross-sectional analysis was utilized using convenience sampling. The research instruments …

Religion In Incarcerated, Jewish, Female Inmates, Marcia Janine Kesner

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the role religious belief and practice played amongst Jewish, female inmates during their incarceration. A group of ten correctional chaplains who work with Jewish, female, inmates and a comparison group of ten chaplains who work with Protestant, female inmates were interviewed. The study determined the reasons for and benefits of religious observance among these inmates and included assisting in dealing with fear, providing a sense of peace, and deceitful motives for personal gains. Religious practice also assisted inmate populations in healing from trauma, improving self-respect and self-esteem, building support systems, and additionally for Jewish, female inmates constructing …

Full Issue

Digressions: Literary & Art Journal

It’s easy for us to become trapped in our own minds. As we find ourselves surrounded by challenges, we may sometimes forget that we are not alone in feeling pain. It is through this pain that we grow and it is through dissecting these events that we learn from our struggles.

In this 16th volume of Digressions, you will find a juxtaposition of pain and happiness. In these pages is a collection of personal experiences, and each piece of expression is as unique as its creator. While every contributor’s story is different, their words, photography and artwork reflect what we …

Evaluation Of An Adaptive Reading Program At A Title I Public Elementary School, Monica M. Gordon

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to evaluate the I-station adaptive reading program and determine its impact on reading proficiency of third-grade students. The school of study was a Title I school with proficiency rates for third-grade students of about 40% annually. The district recommendation for student usage mirrored the recommended minutes per week established by Imagination Station, the I-station parent company.

The program evaluation utilized the context-input-process-product model components, measuring process and product. There were two research questions underpinning the study: 1. Process: Is the I-station program being used with fidelity at the school of study to achieve program intended …

Residential Proximity To Electronic Dance Music Nightclubs And Associations With Substance Use, Sexual Behaviors, And Related Problems, Mance E. Buttram, Maria E. Pagano, Steven P. Kurtz

CAHSS Faculty Articles

This study examines the association between proximity of place of residence to preferred nightclub and substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and related problems, among a sample of 498 young adult substance users in Miami who report regular nightclub participation. Hierarchal linear models and logistic regressions were constructed to examine the impact of residential proximity to preferred nightclub on risk behaviors. Compared with participants residing in closer proximity to their preferred nightclub, participants residing further away reported higher intensities of alcohol and cocaine use (p < .01), greater condomless vaginal sex frequencies (p < .001), and more substance dependence symptoms (p < .05). Conversely, participants residing in closer proximity to their preferred nightclub had higher likelihood of arrest history (p < .05) than participants residing further away. Results suggest that participants residing further from their preferred nightclubs may be more invested in the nightclub outing and, therefore, engage in more risk behaviors.

Collaboration And Contention: Reflections On Building A Literacy Center, Karina Lozano, Juliette Cross Kitchens, Kelly A. Concannon

CAHSS Faculty Presentations, Proceedings, Lectures, and Symposia

No abstract provided.

2017 Abraham S. Fischler College Of Education, College Of Arts, Humanities And Social Sciences, College Of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

Sexual Risk Behaviours Associated With Unlicensed Driving Among Young Adults In Miami’S Electronic Dance Music Nightclub Scene, Mance E. Buttram, Steven P. Kurtz, Roddia J. Paul

CAHSS Faculty Articles

Literature indicates that unlicensed driving (UD) offenders report substance use risk behaviours, yet data related to sexual risk behaviours is unknown. This study examined sexual and other risk behaviours among young adults in Miami, Florida, comparing UD and non-UD offenders (n = 498). Compared with others, UD offenders were more likely to report group sex history, being high for sex half the time or more, purchasing sex and sexually transmissible infection history. Results suggest that locating sexual risk reduction interventions inside of the justice system would benefit UD offenders.

Winter 2017 - Hips Newsletter, Department Of History And Political Science

Department of History and Political Science Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Fall 2016 - Hips Newsletter, Department Of History And Political Science

Department of History and Political Science Newsletter

No abstract provided.