Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons^™

Experimenting With Machine Learning Using Diabetes Datasets, Wyatt Mcdonnell, Hongbiao Zeng

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The purpose of this research is to understand how to implement machine learning in a practical scenario. There were two diabetes datasets[5][6] used for testing the machine learning models. These datasets contain information relevant to a person’s health, as well as whether that subject had diabetes. I used a total of four models, and three of those models were manually programmed. The model which was not manually programmed was used for comparison with a similar model. This research directly compares and shows the factors which affect the efficiency of each machine learning model.

Enhancing Research Ethics And Interview Methodology For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ran An, Mallory Tyler, Aspen Patrick, Addi Campbell

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Recent autism research emphasizes the importance of ethical, inclusive, and participatory methodologies that center the voices and lived experiences of autistic individuals. However, traditional qualitative approaches often reflect neurotypical norms, limiting their sensitivity to diverse communication styles and marginalizing participants with high support needs. This methodological proposal outlines an inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming framework adopted in a qualitative study on individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This approach is based on person-centered ethics and participatory principles, and it integrates values from autism self-advocacy communities.

Crispr-Induced Mutagenesis Of Arabidopsis Thaliana Gene Apetala3, Hazel Frans, Tara Phelps-Durr

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This project aims to create CRISPR-CAS9 mutations in the APETELA3 (AP3) gene of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. AP3 is a class B gene critical to the petal and stamen development of Arabidopsis flowers. AP3 is defined in a MADS domain, which binds directly to DNA and may be responsible for the expression of the CaRG-box genes. AP3 works in conjunction with PISTILLATA (PI), AGAMOUS (AG), APETALA1 (AP1), and SEPALLATA (SEP) genes to specify the development in the second and third whorls of the flower. While several alleles of AP3 already exist, these alleles are strong alleles that knockout gene …

Robotics In Early Childhood Stem Education (Rec-Stemed): The Impact On Preservice Teachers’ Attitudes And Intentions Toward Computational Thinking, Lucus Vasconcelos Ph.D., Ismahan Arslan-Ari, Bridget Miller, Renato Gonzalez-Tapia

Faculty Publications

There is a large disconnect between the increasing need for computer science education in K-12 schools and the preservice teacher training provided. Consequently, preservice teachers may graduate feeling unprepared to infuse computer science concepts such as computational thinking (CT) into their teaching. To address this, we created Robotics in Early Childhood STEM Education (REC-STEMEd), a module that infuses computational thinking, robotics, and science content into an early childhood teacher education methods course. This study investigated changes in early childhood preservice teachers’ (n = 39) attitudes toward learning to teach CT and their intentions to teach CT. Findings revealed a statistically …

Developing Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning (Sotl) On A Regional Campus, Shawn Boyne, Rosemary Erickson Johnsen

eJournal of Public Affairs

How can academic affairs administrators foster robust Scholarship of Teaching and Learning practices on a regional baccalaureate campus? Fulfilling tenure-system faculty requirements for scholarly research at a teaching institution alongside 4-4 teaching loads is a challenge, but supporting faculty in SoTL engagement shows them how it draws on their expertise to yield meaningful benefits for themselves as teacher-scholars and for their students. To lay a solid foundation for a new programmatic emphasis on SoTL, academic leadership at the Crookston campus of the University of Minnesota harnessed system resources available through the Center for Educational Innovation to a supportive cohort model. …

Coastal Erosion In Ireland, Brian Nguyen, Jeanne Sumrall

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Ireland's approach to managing its coastlines focuses more on a short-term solution method rather than long-term, eco-friendly solutions. Their coastal defenses are created upon an immediate need without clear policies and sufficient research. As a result, beach ecosystems are frequently damaged, and the erosion is only reduced to a certain extent. To reduce erosion and protect both the environment and Irish culture, this study suggests that Ireland should implement national policies focused on regularly monitoring coastal erosion, researching nature-based solutions, and implementing them to address the problem. Moving forward, it’s important for research to focus on understanding the overall impact …

The Effect Of An Immersive Inclusive Experience On Preservice Music Educators’ Perspectives About Inclusive Education, Emily M. Chapman

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This mixed methods study explored the effects of an immersive and inclusive choir experience on music education students' attitudes and self-efficacy regarding inclusive education practices. The participants, 35 junior- and senior-level music education majors from a large Midwestern public university, were divided into two groups: 18 seniors enrolled in a required “Music and Special Education” course and 17 juniors who were enrolled in the semester immediately preceding this required course. Participants’ beliefs, feelings, and teaching intentions were collected using a modified version of the Multidimensional Attitudes toward Inclusive Education Scale (MATIES) Mahat (2008). Following the immersive experience, preservice educators reflected …

El Deafo Bibliotherapy, David S. Wolff

OER Materials

The goal of this assignment was for preservice teachers to practice writing a chain of questions that focused on the social and/or emotional needs of young learners. Bibliotherapy is therapeutic in nature to help individuals understand themselves and the world around them through guided reading experiences (American Library Association, 2025; Delisle & Galbraith, 2002). Further, bibliotherapy allow individuals to identify a personal problem mirrored by a character in a book. As the reader connects with the character, the reader experiences the emotions expressed by the character. Finally, the reader applies the character’s experience to their own personal problem (American Library …

Horrible Harry In Room 2b Bibliotherapy, David S. Wolff

OER Materials

The goal of this assignment was for preservice teachers to practice writing a chain of questions that focused on the social and/or emotional needs of young learners. Bibliotherapy is therapeutic in nature to help individuals understand themselves and the world around them through guided reading experiences (American Library Association, 2025; Delisle & Galbraith, 2002). Further, bibliotherapy allow individuals to identify a personal problem mirrored by a character in a book. As the reader connects with the character, the reader experiences the emotions expressed by the character. Finally, the reader applies the character’s experience to their own personal problem (American Library …

Positive Illusions And Their Mental Health Implications, Caleb L. Ashley

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Positive illusions, defined as overly optimistic self-evaluations, exaggerated perceptions of control, and unrealistically favorable outlooks on the future have been the subject of a breadth of research due to their implications in mental health and resilience. Empirical evidence suggests that, in moderate amounts, positive illusions can help support resilience and persistence and are correlated with overall well-being. However, their benefits may become detrimental if they are absent or excessively pronounced. By synthesizing existing research, this presentation seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of positive illusions and to offer insights into how their existence may inform treatment in clinical settings.

British Conduct Is A Major Reason Of Ireland Resist, Churong Wei, Jeanne Sumrall

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

For centuries, Ireland was under Britain's rule, the struggle for Irish people’s independence, driven by a deep desire of self governance, economic justice, and cultural identity , has never stopped.

During the years of Britain domination, Irish people faced political repression, economic exploitation, and religious discrimination, specifically against its Catholic majority. These can be symbolled by The Great Famine (1845–1852) and British neglect further fueled resentment.

In 19th and 20th centuries, nationalism raised in Ireland, along with symbolic events like Easter Rising(1916) and the Irish War of Independence(1919–1921). These event solidified the demand of freedom and independence among Irish people. …

The Distribution And Ecology Of Native Irish Tree Species, Yuchen Hu, Jeanne Sumrall

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Ireland’s native woodlands have greatly declined due to deforestation, farming, and urbanization, with less than 1% of the land now covered by native forests. This study looks at the distribution of native trees like oak, ash, birch, and yew, and their role in biodiversity. Native woodlands are mainly in the western and northern parts of Ireland, while areas with more farming and development have lost most of their native forests.

The study also highlights threats from invasive species and diseases like ash dieback. Forest fragmentation reduces their ecological value and harms wildlife. While restoration efforts have made some progress, the …

Defining Sexual Assault, Consent, And Resources To Empower Students: A Dnp Project, Sarah Powers

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Sexual assault (SA) remains a pervasive issue on college campuses in the United States, often compounded by underreporting and a lack of knowledge about available resources. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aims to educate first-year college students about SA, sexual consent, and available resources to empower students in preventing assaults and seeking help when needed. The intervention, which was integrated into mandatory freshman seminars at a four-year university, was guided by Knowles' Adult Learning Theory. A presentation provided critical information, and knowledge gains were assessed through pre- and post-presentation surveys. Initial findings indicated significant increases in understanding …

Exploring Galway Bay And Connemara: Balancing Tourism Growth With Nature’S Protection, Rongtian Feng, Jeanne Sumrall

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This poster observes how Galway Bay and Connemara manage large tourist numbers while maintaining nature conserved, according to data from Connemara National Park, Galway County Council, two research papers, and a 2017 visitor plan. We researched the ways that tourists affect the land, which rules help, and green ideas to try, learning that too many tourists—over 200,000 to Connemara Park in 2019—hurt the land, Galway Bay lost animals because of trash, and while cleaner water helps, caring about money more hurts nature more. A map, timeline, and graph show the problem. We found out tourism is a source of income …

Wrongful Convictions In The United States, Connor J. Schoenberger

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Wrongful convictions occur too frequently in the united states. A wrongful conviction occurs when a person is found guilty and sentenced for a crime that he or she did not commit. Wrongful convictions occur for a number of reasons including false confessions and prosecutorial misconduct, to name only two. This study considers how wrongful convictions affect society and consequences for those who are wrongfully convicted and then later exonerated. One cannot put a price tag on the harm done as a result of wrongful convictions.

Aircraft Leasing And Its Effects On Ireland's Airline Sector, Aaron Christian, Jeanne Sumrall

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The aircraft leasing industry sits at the heart of Ireland’s aviation sector, making Ireland the global leader in the business. The presence of major leasing companies’ headquarters, including Avolon, SMBC and AerCap, in Ireland, allows for country to benefit from these companies’ revenue. In return, Ireland provides the companies with supportive tax and regulatory frameworks that benefit the aviation sector. The research on this topic explores different ways aircraft leasing contributes to airline efficiency through cost reductions and fleet modernization while minimizing financial risks associated with aircraft acquisition by utilizing computer programs. Operational modeling has become an essential tool for …

Does Social Media Have An Impact On Inciting Violence?, Cora Thorne

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

What is social media? What comes to mind? What is if for? What is its purpose? Is it the variety of popular applications such as Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Facebook? Or, is it the headlines that come across those apps? Headlines about crime and criminal justice, major events, and politics? Among all the different platforms and the many people on them there is one common theme, hate and violence.

The Effects Of Faith-Based Programs In Prison, Emmery Huber

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Faith based programs in prison is a cheaper way that the DOJ has found to be able to reduce recidivism rates. Studies show that these programs help inmates find purpose and joy during their situation. However, there is also a question to whether these programs break the establishment clause in the Constitution.

Should Courts Trial Juveniles As Adults, Dylan Velasco

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The question of whether juveniles should be charged as adults in the criminal justice system is a controversial issue. Some scholars argue that charging juveniles as adults for serious offenses, such as violent crimes, is necessary for ensuring accountability, protecting public safety, and deterring future crimes. Charging juveniles as adults sends a clear message about severity of criminal actions, regardless of the perpetrator's age, and provide a means to safeguard communities by incarcerating dangerous individuals on adult facilities. However, other scholars highlight that developmental differences exist between juveniles and adults. For instance, adolescent brains are still maturing, particularly in areas …

Does Media Influence Public Perception Of Crime, Dylan Leach

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Media encompasses anything that can spread mass communication, such as news outlets, social media, music, etc. This study includes a review of various scholarly sources to determine the impact that various forms of media have for influencing public perceptions of crime in our nation as well as nations across the world. Initial findings implicate exposure to local news media and rap music influence public perceptions of crime, to include but not limited to increases in violence, concern about local crime rates, and negative perceptions of law enforcement. This study reports some of those results.