Digital Commons Network^™

Can Biology Define A Human Life?, Katelyn De Leon

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

I grew up contemplating the concept of life. From my Catholic grandmother to my pediatrician mother, I always received mixed perspectives on the hot topics of abortions, vaccines, and embryo use. I found that the controversy lies in an ambiguous, mixed understanding of what constitutes a human life. From biochemical approaches to extraterrestrial life forms and spirituality there is no clear, coherent all-encompassing definition of life. However, that does not mean we can merely agree to disagree. The concept of a human life has drastic implications on our everyday lives. An insufficient definition has, and will continue to, diminish quality …

A Conservation Model: Costa Rican Conservation Strategies Effectively Preserve Their Threatened Primates, Ryan Belmont

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The wildlife of Costa Rica has experienced various anthropogenic threats over the last century including climate change and agricultural expansion. The mantled howler monkey (Alloutta palliata), Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), white-faced capuchin (Cebus imitator), and the Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii) are Costa Rica’s native primates that face several anthropogenic threats such as deforestation for agriculture and climate change. In response to increased threats to its four native species of non-human primates, Costa Rica has implemented effective governmental conservation tactics such as the Payments for Environmental Services program, ecotourism …

Early Attachment And Trauma In Human And Non-Human Primates, Mary Roe

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The importance of social relationships for our survival and optimal development has been emphasized repeatedly in scientific literature. Research suggests that a child’s initial relationships with their caregivers establishes their attachments and eventually mediates the child’s sense of security in the world. If the child is adequately cared for, they will form a secure base to experience the world from. In this thesis, I explore research on attachments and parental deprivation in non-human primates. I contribute my own data on the maternal behaviors of Costa Rican mantled howler monkeys to reinforce the non-human primate literature. I then synthesize these findings …

The Study Abroad Effect: A Psychological Examination Of Love And Friendship During Extraordinary Experiences, Emma Barnes

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Seventy-five percent of people in the Peace Corps fall in love. College students go on Semester at Sea and come back calling it “the love boat.” Mormon missionaries meet their soulmates. The list goes on and on. Why are people going on these excursions and forming such intense bonds? And what do all of them even have in common? Well, they all fall under the category of “extraordinary experiences,” according to the criterion of intensity, engagement, and temporality. During experiences such as these, dopamine levels in the brain spike significantly. After a while, our brains become hardwired by the mundane …

Environmental Biology Masters Capstone, Antonio Gonzalez-Pita

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Human wildlife interactions (HWI) pose a complex challenge for wildlife managers. Human encroachment into wildlife habitat and the growing number of outdoor recreationists are increasing the frequency of contact and conflict, especially in regions such as the Front Range of Colorado. Geographic information systems (GIS), which use a combination of remote sensing and environmental survey data, allow for predictive spatial analyses of where human wildlife interactions are likely to occur. I used publicly reported observations of moose to create spatial predictive maps in a species distribution model framework. Slope and elevation were shown to be the strongest predictors of HWI, …

Empowering Women In The Zambian Gemstone Industry A Pathway To Bridge The Gender Gap In Value Addition, Kanekwa Kachinga

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The Zambian gemstone industry is a critical sector with vast potential for economic growth. However, women in this industry often face significant barriers to participating in value-adding processes, particularly in cutting and polishing gemstones. This capstone project explores the challenges and opportunities for empowering women in Zambian gemstone value-adding through cutting and polishing.

By conducting a comprehensive literature review and engaging in primary research, this study aims to elucidate the multifaceted obstacles that hinder women's full participation in the cutting and polishing aspects of the gemstone value chain. It also aims to highlight the socio-cultural and economic factors that contribute …

Creating A Community-Centric Framework For Nonprofit Organizations In Hampton Roads, Virginia, Kiandra Quinn

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This Capstone project investigates the contrasting approaches of donor-centric and community-centric fundraising models. The literature review traces the evolution of modern philanthropic practices, highlighting how the donor-centric model became the standard in the nonprofit sector and examining its limitations, which can hinder a nonprofit's ability to support its clients effectively. In contrast, community-centric philanthropy prioritizes collective community needs, aspirations, and strengths over individual donor preferences. This model engages communities to identify pressing challenges and co-create solutions to address systemic issues, emphasizing the diversity and complexity of communities while fostering empowerment, collaboration, and partnerships among stakeholders for sustainable change.

Drawing on …

Cenel Loairn, Cenel Ngabrain & The Mystery Of Moray, Katrina Pahl

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This paper provides a detailed look at the Kingdom of Moreb and it's ties to the Cenel Loairn and Macbethad. The Paper looks at the Moreb debate, and argues that it was a kingdom from the late eighth century until it's defeat in the tweleth century. Moreover, this paper looks at the kingdom of Fortriu and discusses its potential relationship with the kingdom of Moreb until its fall in 905CE.

A Program To Promote Reusable Sanitary Pads In West Bengal, India: Recommendations For The Flūme Foundation, Alison Suthers

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Menstrual Health and Hygiene (“MHH”) is an increasing focus for the development sector because of the potential to improve the lives of women and girls by empowering them to understand and care for their bodies and to overcome the shame and stigma associated with cultural taboos around menstruation that exist all over the world. In West Bengal, India, embarrassment and secrecy surrounding menstruation, which is commonly considered an impurity, means that many menstruators do not understand the biological causes of menstruation, and many do not share information about their experiences managing menstruation and its impact on their daily lives. In …

The Effects And Success Rates Of Different Conservation Efforts On The Viability Of Elephant And Rhinoceros Populations On The African Continent, Katherine Raper

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Over the past few centuries, there has been a serious decline in elephant and rhinoceros’ populations on the African continent. No matter the species, the drop in habitat range and population size has been drastic. This decline has ultimately been caused by the increase in the human population. Whether it be habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, or poaching, humans have had a direct impact on the forest and savanna elephant, and the black and white rhinoceros. While the relationship between these animals and the human population started as one founded in respect and reverence, the human need for land and resources …

The Art Of Healing From The Inside Out: A Memoir, Lauren Thelen

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

ABSTRACT

Name: Lauren Thelen Major: Health Care Administration The Art of Healing from the Inside-Out: A Memoir

Advisor’s Name: Anandita Mukherji, Ph.D. Reader’s Name: Melissa Bosworth, MS

The health care system is no stranger to many of us. From before we are born to our last days, we interact with health care settings and providers. This is a good thing--we receive care and feel better--or at least that is the case most of the time. What this statement does not acknowledge is that the health care system fails us, through inadequate communication, dialect barriers and inability to diagnose. The purpose …

Neuroanatomical Bases Of Semantics And Determinants Of Meaning, Marguerite Peck

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Both neuroscience and linguistics study semantics, yet often in separation. Their independent pursuits may be experimentally productive, but prescribe their inability to fully predict or explain how language triggers meaning. Advances in neuroscience identify instances of lateralized language and frequently attribute word meaning retrieval to the temporal lobe, yet these findings are inevitably accompanied by the understanding that this type of cognitive ability is a result of neural interconnectivity. Meaning itself is associative, dependent on multiple neural bases to conceptualize, integrate, and coordinate information. That said, meaning is not a sole result of mental operation: external features such as the …

Physically, Mentally, And Emotionally Drained, Kaitlin Medina

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Hormonal cycles play an essential role in the development and maturation of young boys and girls into men and women. As teenagers enter their late teens and early twenties, their hormonal cycles are primarily responsible for functions related to fertility and hormone production. During this period of time, these men and women are often in their collegiate years. Overall, the college experience is enjoyable for many students, but it can also be a very stressful time due to a difficult class load and the students’ need to balance their academic, social, and personal lives. Recent studies have analyzed the effects …

The Dark Side Of Genetics: Analyzing The Predisposition To Murder, Isabella De Leon

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Violence is something we’ve all experienced to various degrees. Although murder is less common compared to other violent crimes, it nevertheless remains a devastating issue. It would be foolish to not allocate resources in search of a cure for murder. Modern genetics not only offers an answer, but a solution as well. What if we could identify murderers the day they were born? We have the technology to identify the genes (MAOA and CDH13) associated with murder, as well as the tools to edit them. There have been several movies and shows made regarding this theory, so why …

The Development Of Homicidal Behavior In Relation To Life-Course Theory, Rebekah Jensen

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This paper examines the role of life-course theory in order to explain the relationship between individuals developing violent behavior and committing murder. By incorporating evidence from case studies, documentaries, and various forms of criminological literature, I discuss how the development of violent behavior through exposure to risk factors increases the likelihood of developing homicidal behavior. In Chapter 1, I seek to establish this correlation by narrowing the risk factors down to three categories: antisocial behavior, low self-control, and normalization of violence. To further support this correlation, I utilize control theories and learning theories which focus on the development of homicidal …

Dark Deals: The Institutionally Mediated Relationship Between Political Conservatism And Sexism, Charles Henninger

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Contemporary populist-right leaders around the globe have generated a reputation for sexism, either through their more formal political rhetoric or through more casual communications. This work verifies this reputation by establishing that many populist-right leaders around the world do indeed engage in rhetorical misogyny. This rhetorical misogyny plays on a set of negative social characteristics described in the literature on precarious masculinity and offensive humor. The path by which these negative social instincts are slipped into political rhetoric is bounded and mediated by the influence of popular public social institutions, primarily government, the workplace, and more recently the Internet. These …

Slipping Through The Sieve: Memories In The Eyes Of A Granddaughter, Ingrid Gingerich

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

My grandmother’s life, specifically during times of harvest, sewing, and her journey with cancer, have informed how I live my life and speaks to the division of men and women, specifically within rural religious communities. By looking back through my memories and her diaries, I have developed an understanding of how her sense of self is deeply involved with the domestic sphere and caretaking; in this gendered division, women’s work is undervalued but drives the community and influences how these communities interact with the outside world. In this creative thesis, I engage in the practice of creative nonfiction writing, applying …

Never Heard: The Need For Widespread Asl Education, Lauren Roberts

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

ABSTRACT

Name: Lauren Roberts Major: Elementary Education

Never Heard: The Need for Widespread ASL Education-Increasing Inclusivity in the Classroom

Advisor’s Name: Dr. Vicki Hennard

Reader’s Name: Dr. Kelli Woodrow

All students deserve an equitable, and high-quality education. The best education should show students how to use their strengths and skills to their benefit, and help them grow in the areas they are weaker in. In terms of education for deaf and hard of hearing students, there are gaps that need to be addressed. Students who are deaf can experience isolation, poor academic outcomes, and decreased self-esteem. However, with access to …

The New Landscape Of Online Sex Work, Anna Dostalik

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Debates surrounding sex work are nothing new. Decades have been spent arguing that it’s misogynistic, liberating, exploitative, none of your business. There is a distinct shift in the field, though, one that warrants new analysis. The technological advancements of the past decade have resulted in a significant development: OnlyFans. This website combines certain aspects of in person sex work with pornography, and adds in new layers of parasocial connection. In order to understand both the issues with this mode of sex work and its implications, I employ a Marxist analysis of labor to understand commodification and wage slavery. Additionally, I …

Modern Colonialism: The Case Of Costa Rica And The United Fruit Company, Micah X. Perez

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This academic paper systematically investigates the intricate historical relationship between the United Fruit Company (UFC) and the socio-economic landscape of Costa Rica during the Liberal period from 1870 to 1940. By examining the direct relationship between the UFC's presence and the simultaneous growth of the tourism industry, coastal land development, and the consequential rise of the sex trade, this research elucidates the adverse impacts of foreign monopolies on the privatization of land. The study underscores the enduring repercussions of this phenomenon in contemporary Costa Rican society. Through historical analysis, this thesis argues that the UFC's actions in Costa Rica during …

Spider-Man: The Character With Many Faces, Ciara Corbett-Browne

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

As the way we intake media has increased to span multiple genres and media types, the call for an increase in representation has skyrocketed. Looking at one of the biggest media money makers, superhero films come from a predominantly white, male, heterosexual origin that feels inadequate as the times and general audience have changed. Though there has been some improvement over the past few years, I argue that the Spider-Man universe continues to raise the bar for representation in the superhero genre, as well as media overall, as it has become a highly marketed enterprise that is continuously consumed by …

How Climate Change Is Altering Energy Finance And Governance In China And The United Arab Emirates, Hans Gebauer

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Climate change is an environmental problem with catastrophic ecological, economic, social, and political impacts. The dramatic scale of the problem has appropriately earned it the name of “climate crisis.” As a protracted crisis, climate change will dominate national and international agendas while transforming institutional politics. Conflicts within policy communities, new interest alignments, social pressure on governments, and ecological collapse could conceivably transform the norms and institutions through which economics, policy, and politics are conducted. Nowhere is this clearer than the energy sector, which is responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions and wherein massive institutional shifts are just beginning to occur. …

Economic Entanglement: The Quantum Race Between The United States And China, Isabella Willhite

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The United States and China are both currently home to the strongest economies and militaries in the world. Despite their interdependence, trade wars have escalated between the two countries in the past few years. While past trade wars have been focused on purely economic protectionism or ideological stances, the trade wars of today signify a shift towards protecting critical emerging technologies. The important emerging technology of today is quantum computing, which will forever change the way that computers encrypt, process, and decode information. The United States and China are on the eve of the “quantum race,” in which they will …

Mentoring The Mentor: A Mentor Training Program, Sheri Gillis

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Mentorship has played an important role in nursing and nursing education for decades. However, there have yet to be any standard qualifications or training programs for those who mentor others. Poor mentorship increases faculty turnover, stress, and poor student outcomes. A quality improvement initiative was implemented in the Associate Degree Nursing Program using an evidence-based approach. Using a pre-post survey design with convenience sampling, five (N=5) nursing faculty met the qualifications to participate in the mentor training program. The Mentor Efficacy (MES) survey, which consisted of 30 questions, was administered to measure the participants' feelings of self-efficacy in the mentoring …

Capstone Project, Megan Gaeth

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Human-wildlife conflict is increasing globally as landscapes become more urban, reducing and fragmenting habitat for wildlife and bringing them closer to people. In the Western United States, elk and human populations are both growing, leading to increased rates of human-elk conflict. This study took place in Evergreen, CO, where Dedisse Park experiences high levels of human activity and elk presence. We aimed to determine where conflict is most prevalent and to determine which environmental and behavioral factors contribute to human-elk conflict. We found that conflict occurs primarily along the north side of the lake and that people and elk are …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Aaron Ittner

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The extraction and changes to management of natural resources can have profound negative effects on local fauna, potentially causing local extirpation of many species. Fauna requiring specific habitats to thrive can be especially susceptible to disruption, such as Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), requiring advanced consideration in management practices. In this study, I studied Bald eagle preferences in roosting sites between trees and ice, and how life stage may affect roosting height within three vertical sections of the canopy at Barr Lake State Park, in Brighton, CO. I conducted stationary counts of Bald Eagles roosting on ice and in …

Ms Environmental Biology Capstone Project, Sarah Luper

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Recreational trails and the presence of invasive species such as Bromus inermis can both disturb grassland community composition. Trails can act as dispersal corridors for plant material, but can also be a source of trampling and compaction. Invasive grasses like Bromus inermis can easily establish in grasslands and decrease species richness by increasing competition. Understanding these effects, this study aims to understand how both the presence of recreational trails as well as the presence of Bromus inermis affect species richness and overall community composition at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. Belt transect sampling took place in fall 2019 and again …

Reading Vs Screening: The Development Of Generation Alpha, Frances Gibson

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Child development is an important field of research as it allows us to understand what promotes the cognitive, emotional, physical, social, and educational growth that shapes the adults we become. Every generation grows and learns in a new environment that is constantly changing, and it is vital that we determine what factors benefit or deter our development. This is especially true for Generation Alpha, who are uniquely recognized for being true digital natives. Technology has been integrated into nearly all aspects of our society and has had numerous benefits in terms of convenience, social connection, and education. However, overindulgence of …

Enhancing Patient Experience Through Ehr Implementation In Rwandan Rural Health Posts: A Comprehensive Learning Program For Improving The Ehr Adoption, Mugeni Samantha Niyoyita

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This research project aims to develop a tailored learning program for staff at rural health posts (HPs) to ensure the smooth adoption of an Electronic Health Records (EHR). It supports Rwanda's effort to expand Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and aligns with the Ministry of Health's Digitization Directorate General (DDG) program, which focuses on secure data access, continuity of care, and evidence-based decision-making.

Using a design thinking approach, the learning program is centered on the needs of healthcare workers, gathered through interviews and surveys with both the HP staff and the EHR designers. Research identified different levels of digital literacy and …

Household Water Conservation For The Upper Colorado River Basin, Lauren Ott

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Fresh, clean, potable water is the most important natural resource to sustain human life. Concern over the continued, equitable and affordable access to such water is therefore top of mind. Calls for climate change mitigation practices, improved natural resource management, and enhanced attention to water conservation have therefore become increasingly prevalent. These water conservation practices require population-wide political, attitudinal and behavioral shifts and it will be especially impactful for wealthy nations and wealthy people to be mindful of instituting these changes in their own spaces.

In this project, I conduct a literature review to investigate current challenges surrounding water from …