Digital Commons Network^™

Utilization Of Zinc As A Supplemental Treatment To Prostate Cancer, Cony Cs Chow, Vishal Ahuja, Luis Mangiafico

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Prostate cancer remains as a significant contributor to mortality among men worldwide, and despite advancements in treatment, there is still a need for adjunct therapies that could assist in mitigating the progression of this disease. Zinc is an essential trace element which plays a crucial role in the function of the prostate and has shown signs of influencing the development of prostate cancer. This prospective study will aim to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on the progression of prostate cancer through a controlled experimental design. Participants will include patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer (stages 1-3) and will …

Confederate Inspired Mascots As Cultural Representatives In Public Secondary Schools Of The American South: A Case Study, Jessica Seat

Student Theses and Dissertations

The topic of this dissertation was Confederate inspired mascots and their relationship with school cultures. The purpose of this qualitative intrinsic case study was to explore how former students of secondary schools in former Confederate states perceived the use of Confederate mascots in public secondary schools, specifically 9th-12th grades, and how the mascot shaped the culture of the school overall. The primary theoretical framework used for this study was Social Identity Theory. The secondary theoretical framework used for this study was the symbolic frame of the four-frame organizational model. This qualitative intrinsic case study included document study and voluntary participant …

2025 Undergraduate Research Competition Program, Coastal Carolina University

Undergraduate Research Symposium Programs

16th Annual Undergraduate Research Competition, April 15-16, 2025.

The 2025 CCU Undergraduate Research Symposium included 168 oral and poster presentations (51 oral presentations and 117 poster presentations) and an additional 20 team pitch presentations composed of 57 students who participated in the inaugural year of the Wall College’s Chant’s Tank Pitch Competition.

Presentations at the Undergraduate Research Symposium were judged by over 80 faculty and staff, and prizes are awarded in three categories: Best Oral Presentation, Best Poster Presentation, and Best Chant’s Tank Pitch Presentation. Here are the following award winners in their respective categories:

Best Oral Presentation:

• 1st Place: …

Empowering Mississippi Schools: Training Staff And Students For Effective Integration Of Service Animals In K-6 Education., Micah C. Brouillette

Honors Theses

The purpose of this capstone is to explore the role of service animals in schools and to develop foundational training modules for educators and school staff. The presence of service animals in educational settings is a growing reality, yet many schools lack clear policies and staff training on how to effectively integrate them. This capstone reviews the legal protections surrounding service animals, including federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as Mississippi-specific regulations. It examines the benefits of service animals for students with disabilities, including their impact …

Campus Vibrancy Through The Lens Of Student Organizations Collaboration, Elijah A. Fosu

Masters Projects

Universities are increasingly aware that isolated student organizations hinder engagement, replicate efforts, and diminish campus life. At Grand Valley State University, over 400 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) vie for attention but often fail to collaborate, resulting in many students lacking cohesive and impactful co‑curricular experiences. Based on experiential learning theories such as Astin’s Student Involvement framework, Tinto’s theory of student departure, and the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, the RSO Collaborate and Create project aims to tackle this issue by offering a structured pathway for collaboration across organizations, simultaneously enhancing leadership skills and improving the campus environment. While the …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 100, No. 3, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period February 17 - April 20, 2025.

• Wilborn, Price. You Matter & You Are Not Alone
• Smith, Kane. Peggy Crowe Reflects on Counseling Center in Face of Staff Shortages
• Stafford, Hallie. Help with Horses – New Beginnings Therapeutic Horse Riding
• Hawkins, Kaylee. How a WKU Professor Helps Improve Student Mental Health – Jay Gabbard, National Alliance on Mental Illness Recovery Support Group
• McMahon, Jake. More Than a Coach – Brent Chumbley, Track & Field
• Simpson, Libby. WKU’s American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Brings Mental Health Into the Light
• Hardesty, Emma. Trans …

Research Week 2025 Poster, Michael Schueth

Research Week

Research Week 2025 Poster

Increasing Executive Functioning Skills To Focus Attention: Setting Aside Distracting Thoughts, Sarah G. Young

Wellspring: A Practitioner-Oriented Journal of Literacy and Language Education

Distracting thoughts can disrupt learning. While some interrupting thoughts are helpful or relevant to the activity, others interfere with learning. Some students find it challenging to put aside distracting thoughts to concentrate on their studies. I invented a strategy to support executive functioning skill development and assist students in setting aside distracting thoughts so they can focus. Anyone can benefit from this easy-to-use technique called "No, thanks. Not right now."

April 18, 2025 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Nazarene Compassionate Ministries' Holistic Model Of Education, Phillip Jason Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to assess the effectiveness of the holistic model of Christian education in the development and preparedness of ministerial leadership roles as used by the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ child sponsorship program (NCMCSP) in Armenia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the Philippines. According to Moustakas (1994), transcendental phenomenology research seeks to understand human experiences (Moustakas, 1994). The participants in this study were delimited to graduates who experienced the NCMCSP from 2000 to 2020 and actively serving in ministerial leadership to assess their perceptions of the NCMCSP’s effectiveness in educating and preparing them for …

Addressing Subjective Reasoning Through Renewed Pathways: Church Discipline, Anthony F. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Skyline Baptist Church adopts a subjective approach to the removal of members through its church discipline process. This means that decisions regarding church discipline and the removal of members are not strictly governed by objective doctrine or biblical alignment but are instead influenced by individual circumstances and the specific context of outside influence. This project seeks to establish objective measures grounded in scriptural understanding, promoting biblical alignment and mutual accountability within the congregation. The existing research provides valuable insights that contribute to the broader Christian mission; it aims to cultivate a more united and devoted commitment that reflects the teachings …

Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Diagnosis Of Emotional Disturbance, Kimberly Ginelle Mayfield

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, correlational study examines whether the number of adverse childhood experiences can predict a special education diagnosis of emotional disturbance. Emotional disturbance is one of the 13 disability categories included in the Individuals with Disabilities Act. More than 335,000 students in the United States are diagnosed with emotional disturbance. If one can find a between ACEs and a diagnosis of emotional disturbance, schools and policymakers can set up early interventions for students and parents. This study aimed to determine if the number (three or more) of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)s in early childhood could predict a special education diagnosis …

The Lived Experiences Of Work-Based Learning Program Teachers Working With Students With Disabilities: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Carlos Demond Gartrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of high school educators in placing students with disabilities (SWD) in work-based learning (WBL) programs in southeastern Georgia. The central question is what are the experiences of high school teachers who implement work-based learning programs for students with disabilities? Social cognitive theory (SCT) was used to understand the influence of social determinants on individuals with disabilities in a work-based learning environment. Transcendental design brought an added dimension to the study of human experiences through qualitative research. Moustakas’ modification of the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method of phenomenological analysis is used …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

The Impact Of Aspartame On Mood Regulation: Examining Neurophysiological Effects In Individuals With Anxiety, Kyra Triepke, Valentina Guzman Cortes, Mateus Ismael Ribeiro

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Despite being widely used as sugar alternatives, artificial sweeteners (AS), especially aspartame, remains debated regarding their potential effects on mental health. While some studies suggest aspartame has no discernible impact on stress, anxiety, or cognitive performance, others indicate that it may affect serotonin pathways and contribute to mood disorders. Given these contradictory findings, further research is needed to clarify aspartame’s effect on mood regulation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of aspartame on stress-related biomarkers and mood modulation, focusing on individuals with anxiety. A controlled experimental design will be used, in which participants with anxiety will be randomly assigned …

From Oral Traditions To Digital Screens: The Evolution Of Folklore In The Modern Age, Echo Padgett

Student Scholar Symposium

This research explores how folklore and oral traditions adapt within digital spaces, focusing on Native American Skinwalker narratives and Biblical parables. By exploring these stories’ transformation on modern platforms, we are able to see the impact of digital media on traditional storytelling. In Navajo mythology, Skinwalkers are individuals, typically male, who practice the Witchery Way, gaining the ability to transform into animals to cause harm and disrupt the natural order. However, modern media often portrays them as monstrous, alien-like creatures, stripping away their cultural significance. The rise of sensationalized narratives, such as those surrounding Skinwalker Ranch, further these misconceptions, linking …

An Introduction To The Sphecidae Of Eastern Kentucky, Dawn Barnett, Kyah Brinegar, Gracie Burdette, Sean O'Keefe

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

The Sphecidae are solitary wasps that can be used to assess biodiversity on a larger scale. Sphecidae are called solitary because they do not live in colonies but rather in dirt burrows, constructed nests, and existing cavities. Their behavior reflects their name as they rarely sting people and do not mind them much, as they commonly nest near or on human dwellings. Sphecidae occur worldwide and include four subfamilies: Sphecinae, Crabroninae, Nyssoninae, and Philanthinae. Of the 10,220 known species, 1200 occur in North America. Sphecidae prey on various invertebrates, including spiders, caterpillars, and bees. Members of the subfamily Sphecinae genera …

Diversity/Adaptations Of The Galapagos Land Snails (Bulimulus) On The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, M.E. Hargan, Charles Lydeard

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

The Galapagos Land Snails, scientific species name Bulimulus, are native to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. There is varying climates and geography throughout the islands and these snails evolved and adapted to these variances. On our experience abroad trip, the goal was to find our selected animal we researched and try to prove whatever hypothesis we found to be correct. I researched and found that depending on the island/area the snails where their cones were shaped different from each other although they were the same species they had variances. I had set out to see if this …

Determination Of Synthetic Pesticide Concentration In Bodies Of Water In Rowan County Kentucky, Jacob Blevins, Emmalou Schmittzehe-Skarbek

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

Synthetic pesticide usage is a relatively recent invention of industry that has been proven to have widespread biological effects. Many families of pesticides have unique properties including solubility in water and long half-lives. This ability to be soluble in water paired with a long half-life result in a pesticide that is perfectly suited to contaminate water designated for human or agricultural use. Solid-phase extraction is a preparatory technique of analytical chemistry in which a liquid sample is passed through a solid material that selectively retains compounds for further analysis. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography is an analytical chemistry technique that can quantify …

The Importance Of Handling And Preserving A Museum Collection, Morgan Krantz, Tammy Stone, Lisa Mesa-Gaido

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

At the Kentucky Folk Art Center (KFAC), we consistently assisted visitors providing information about the permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, and assisted with: incoming exhibitions (floorplans, installation, paperwork such as loan agreements & condition reports, and packing work); receptions and events; selecting & curating pieces from the collection database for rotating permanent collection exhibitions; paperwork to loan out permanent collection pieces to other museums/organizations; researching pieces donated to the collection; cataloguing the collection; and managing the gift shop. KFAC is an important historical and inspirational asset to not just Morehead. Many guests who stop by travel on I-64, visiting from …

Detection Of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes In Bacteria Collected From The Triplett Creek Watershed, Heavenly Mays, Emily Morgan, Geoffrey W. Gearner

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

Ongoing research in the Triplett Creek Watershed (TCW) focuses on assessing water quality and monitoring bacterial contamination. The spring 2024 sampling efforts aimed to evaluate bacterial density and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across multiple sites. To screen for AMR in bacteria, the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used. A total of 35 bacterial isolates were tested against multiple antibiotics. This revealed 26 isolates were resistant to Erythromycin, 32 isolates were resistant to Clindamycin, 2 isolates were resistant to Colistin, 7 isolates were resistant to Ampicillin, 4 isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin with Clavulanic acid, 2 isolates were resistant to tetracycline, 3 …

Impact Of Year And Animal Origin On Key Factors Of Ewe Longevity, Rachel Bell, Alyssa Howard, Rickalyn Rayburn, Elena Verdecchia, Madison Werner, Flint Harrelson, Patricia Harrelson

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

The MSU sheep unit is an Innovation flock for the nationwide Sheep GEMS Project led by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The overall goal of this project is to increase knowledge and improve traits in different breeds of sheep across the United States. Robustness and climatic resilience are vital factors to maintaining and further developing the industry. Unfortunately, these are not common characteristics of U.S. sheep breeds. The work of being an Innovation flock includes measuring how maternal traits of the ewes affect the survivability of the lambs. Taking consistent measurements will assist in determining what traits promote greater success in …

Imsaloquium 2025 Event Booklet, Student Inquiry And Research (Sir)

IMSAloquium Event Booklets

Cover designed by Aimanohi Imoukhuede, IMSA student,

Welcome to IMSAloquium, our annual, school-wide celebration of learning! This booklet contains abstracts for over 225 outstanding projects conducted by IMSA students in the 2024-25 academic year. The topics range from biomedical research to artificial intelligence, from history to the social sciences, and from business to entrepreneurship

Interrelationships Of Maternal Characteristics In Hair Sheep, Rachel Bell, Alyssa Howard, Rickalyn Rayburn, Elena Verdecchia, Madison Werner, Flint Harrelson, Patricia Harrelson

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

Since the spring of 2022, the MSU sheep flock has been an Innovation Flock for the Sheep GEMS project, led by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The GEMS project is a multi-breed, national project evaluating longevity of ewes within flocks. Our part as a participant in the project involves collecting and sending raw data which is compiled into 1 very large data set. The research discussed here uses our preliminary data from the 2022 through 2025 lambing seasons collected from our Katahdin ewes (n = 57; 1-6 years of age). Collected data included fecal egg count (FEC), body condition scoring (BCS), …

Experiences Of School Based Agricultural Educators At The Middle School Level, Kayla Gossett

Honors Theses

A middle school (MS) agricultural education program is the starting point for many students to explore agricultural industries and occupations associated with food, fiber and natural resources (National Council for Agricultural Education, 2002). “Middle school is an important time in the development of agricultural education students and plays an important role in increasing agricultural literacy in our society,” (Jones, Doss, and Rayfield, 2020). MS agricultural programs have been recognized since 1988 (Golden et al., 2014), yet there has been minimal research regarding these programs. This phenomenological study explored the experience(s) of School Based Agricultural Educators or SBAEs and examined how …

Building Compassion And Connection: A Case Study Of Humane Education Through Middle Level Book Club Experiences, Kennedy Barnhouse

Undergraduate Research Conference

This case study explores the impact of a humane education-focused book club on middle level students' understanding of humane education principles and solutionary thinking. The study found that participation in the book club increased students' understanding of humane education and boosted their confidence in addressing societal challenges, suggesting that book clubs can effectively foster empathy, ethical reasoning, and social responsibility in middle level students.

Exploring Clinical Instructors' Views On Effective Role Modeling In Physical Therapy Education: Insights From A Qualitative Study Through The Lens Of Social Cognitive Theory, Brittney M. Gunterstockman, Kellee Harper-Hanigan, Andrew Bartlett, Ian Rheault, Karen Menard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Acting as a role model is an essential competency and requirement for physical therapy clinical instructors. The social cognitive theory may explain how physical therapy students learn from clinical instructors during clinical education experiences. This theory suggests that individuals learn through observation of models who are competent, credible, enthusiastic, and similar to the observer. This study aimed to explore clinical instructors’ perceptions of effective role modeling. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study used one-on-one virtual semi-structured interviews with clinical instructors (n=7) to explore effective role modeling in physical therapy clinical education. Inductive coding was used to develop codes and themes …

Effectiveness Of A Gait Assessment Model In Enhancing Understanding And Learning In Healthcare Education, Seema Saini, Arsh Shikalgar, Neelam Tejani, Tushar J. Palekar, Praveen Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Traditional teaching models often fail to adequately convey the complexities of concepts such as gait analysis, a cyclic biomechanical process. This study introduces and evaluates a gait assessment system device as an educational model for healthcare students. The system aims to enhance learning through active experimentation with educators, focusing on teaching fundamental concepts like torque, potential energy, and kinetic movements. Methodology: A total of 80 fourth-year healthcare students specializing in physiotherapy participated in this study. The primary educational approach employed was the gait assessment model, designed to enhance understanding of basic biomechanical concepts such as torque, potential energy, and …

Title 1 Third-Grade Teachers' Experiences With Writing Strategies To Improve Students' Writing Proficiency, Kim Robertson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Third-grade students are not meeting minimum proficiency in opinion and informational writing, as determined by scores from the annually mandated Georgia Milestones Assessment (GMAS) in the 19 elementary schools in a local school district in central Georgia. Guided by Vygotsky’s social-constructivist perspective, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Title 1 third-grade English Language Arts teachers’ experiences with using writing strategies designed to improve students’ writing proficiency on the GMAS in the Title 1 elementary schools in a local district in central Georgia. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with 10 third-grade teachers who were chosen from …

A Levinasian Investigation Of Leaders Learning Humility, Spencer Fumio Yamada

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the development of humility in individuals and business organizations. Humility in business leadership has received increased attention in recent years; however, little is known regarding how individuals and organizations become more humble. The first article in this dissertation is a theoretical examination of humility and argues that the philosophy of ethicist and phenomenologist Emmanuel Levinas provides a theoretical lens by which the development of humility could be productively explored. Levinas argued that the human experience is based on the ethical responsibility that individuals have towards one another, providing a set of assumptions for an examination of professional …