Digital Commons Network^™

Swosu Research And Scholarly Activity Fair 2026, Swosu Office Of Sponsored Programs

SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair Programs

On behalf of the University Research and Scholarly Activity Committee (URSAC) and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, we are pleased to welcome you to the Thirty-Fourth SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair.

Development Of An Evidence-Based Nutrition Protocol For Professional Pickleball Athletes, Laura Morales

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Professional pickleball has expanded rapidly, yet sport-specific nutrition guidance remains absent. Current information available to athletes comes largely from non-professional or industry sources and lacks an evidence-based foundation. This project aims to address that gap by developing a nutrition protocol tailored specifically for professional pickleball players. The approach synthesizes data from pickleball workload studies, racket-sport physiology, and established sports nutrition consensus statements. Key focus areas include fueling strategies, protein distribution for recovery, hydration and sodium planning, heat acclimation and cooling practices, travel and jet-lag management, altitude considerations, and evidence-based supplementation. By integrating findings from racket-sport analogs and intermittent high-intensity training …

Shinydegsem: An Interactive Application For Pathway Perturbation Analysis In Gene Expression Studies Via Structural Equation Modeling, Zhehan Jiang, Jihong Zhang, Yuanfang Liu, Jinying Ouyang, Linlin Sun, Hao Guo

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background Researchers in biology and bioinformatics are increasingly interested in unraveling the complex mechanisms underlying phenotypic variations. A key challenge lies in identifying perturbed biological pathways and understanding how these perturbations propagate through intricate gene regulatory networks. Results To address this challenge, we developed ShinyDegSEM, an interactive R Shiny application that leverages structural equation modeling (SEM) to facilitate pathway perturbation analysis in gene expression studies. ShinyDegSEM streamlines identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs), generating pathway models based on biological knowledge, and evaluating these models to uncover perturbed pathway modules. This article is a tutorial to guide users through the analysis workflow, …

2025 October, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for October of 2025.

Investigating Student Experiences With Math Anxiety, Wendy Elaine Davis

Student Theses and Dissertations

Math anxiety is a fear of math-related activities. The problem addressed in this study is the lack of understanding of the link between math anxiety and math performance. Students and educators are affected by math anxiety. The fear of math can also affect individuals when completing real-world activities such as filing taxes, calculating sales discounts, or computing percentages. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to investigate how students who self-identify as having math anxiety perceive its effects on their mathematical performance. It also sought to identify types of events or academic experiences that contribute to math anxiety. The …

Raising Information Literacy Of Biology Pre-Service Teachers: Study On Three Problem Solving Methods, Muhammad Saefi, Hadi Suwono, Rifka Fachrunnisa, Widi Cahya Adi, Herawati Susilo, Ahmad Kamal Sudrajat

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Integrating information literacy teaching methods with subject-content curricula to develop prospective biology teacher students' abilities is still problematic. This quasi-experimental research, with a nonrandomized pretest-posttest control group design, intends to compare the influences of challenge-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL), and problem-solving through classroom discussion (PCD) – as the control- in improving information literacy. This study involved 183 students from three classes of freshmen and three sophomores in the biology education program. The results showed that CBL significantly improved students' information literacy compared to PBL and PCD across five indicators: 1) identifying the required information, 2) attaining the required information …

December 2024 Graduate Council Minutes, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Theory And Tools: The Future Of Technology-Based Learning (Slides), Andrew S. Gibbons Iii

Faculty Publications

We are entering a narrow passage that will see great instability in learning technology, instruction, and distance education. My purpose is to talk about two changes that I believe will redirect the entire future of technology-based education.

Theory And Tools: The Future Of Technology-Based Learning (Script), Andrew S. Gibbons Iii

Faculty Publications

We are entering a narrow passage that will see great instability in learning technology, instruction, and distance education. My purpose is to talk about two changes that I believe will redirect the entire future of technology-based education.

Working Definitions For Equity, Timothy Berry, Henry Morris, Brian Martensen

All Resources

The underpinnings of what it means for higher education to support diversity, equity and inclusion is often problematized by different interpretations of key terms necessary to work systematically. Inspired by efforts in both the office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Academic Affairs, we will use the following working definitions in its efforts to increase awareness, understanding and collective action as we work toward our vision and mission.

Geographical Variation In Songs Of Bachman’S Sparrow (Peucaea Aestivalis), L. Nguyen, K. Doñas, J. Jackson, R. Kannan

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We present an analysis of geographic variation in primary song components of the Near Threatened North American endemic, Bachman’s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis). These songs have 2 distinct portions: an introductory tweet we call the "whistle" and a more complex second portion that we call the "trill". We analyzed 327 songs from 111 recordings downloaded from eBird.org from the entire current range of the species. We grouped the recordings into 3 distinct geographic clusters, East, Central, and West. The data measured from spectrograms suggest a significant statistical difference among groups for 3 measured characteristics: frequency range of trill, number of horizontal …

Stem's Missing Women: Why Biology's Undergraduate Pipeline Is Diverging From Career Paths, Rosemary Roberto

Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Symposium

No abstract provided.

"Operation Motivation" - Samuel Shepard Jr., Nicalee Stephens-Wilson

Dissertations

African-American students have often faced systemic oppression and racial inequities as learners in the United States. Public schools in their communities lacked the resources to offer full access to a fair and equitable education. For years, human rights activists fought for radical changes in public schools. Finally, in 1954, the U. S. Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education ruled segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The Brown decision did not have the power to eliminate the long-established segregation practices. Nor did it grant access to educational equity for children of color. Dr. Samuel Shepard Jr. began his work in …

Engaging Students In A Genetics Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Utilizing Caenorhabditis Elegans In Hybrid Learning To Explore Human Disease Gene Variants, Natalie Forte, Virginia Veasey, Bethany Christie, Amira Carter, Marli Hanks, Alan Holderfield, Taylor Houston, Anil Challa, Ashley Turner

Research, Publications & Creative Work

Genetic analysis in model systems using bioinformatic approaches provides a rich context for a concrete and conceptual understanding of gene structure and function. With the intent to engage students in research and explore disease biology utilizing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans model, we developed a semester-long course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in a hybrid (online/in-person) learning environment—the gene-editing and evolutionary nematode exploration CURE (GENE-CURE). Using a combination of bioinformatic and molecular genetic tools, students performed structure-function analysis of disease-associated variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in human orthologs. With the aid of a series of workshop-style research sessions, students worked in teams …

Development Of Augmented Reality (Ar) Learning Media To Increase Student Motivation And Learning Outcomes In Science, Ilham Widia Yusa, Ana Yuniasti Retno Wulandari, Badrud Tamam, Irsad Rosidi, Mochammad Yasir, Achmad Yusuf Bagus Setiawan

Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA

This research aims to 1) develop AR learning media regarding the interaction of living things and the environment, 2) determine the feasibility and response to AR media, and 3) determine differences in students' motivation and science learning outcomes before and after implementing AR media. AR-based mobile application. The study of AR media development uses the Waterfall development model which consists of 5 stages, namely analysis, design, code, testing, and maintenance. In-depth research data collection techniques use observation sheets, interview guides, media expert and material expert validation questionnaires, student response questionnaires as well as science learning motivation questionnaires and cognitive tests. …

Project-Based Learning E-Modules Based On Research Results On The Nutritional Content Of Sawi Asin (Fermented Mustard), Nisa Febriyanti, Hanum Mukti Rahayu, Anandita Eka Setiadi

Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA

The project-based learning model focuses on directing students to be more active in learning. The learning model will be effective if combined with e-module media. Because e-modules provide facilities for students to learn independently. One of the materials in class XII Biology that is applied in e-modules is biotechnology related to local potential, namely Sawi Asin fermentation. The study aims to develop project-based learning e-modules based on research results on the nutritional content of Sawi Asin fermentation. The research method uses Research and Development which adapts the Alessi and Trolip development model. There are three stages carried out, namely, planning …

Instructors At A Crossroad: Perceptions Of Collaboration And Support Intersect With Intentions To Implement A Cure, Justin Berl

Dissertations and Theses

An ongoing crisis of student drop-off from undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education has led to a sustained call over the last 15+ years for the increased implementation of updated practices in undergraduate STEM education. Though over the past few decades many researchers have developed and analyzed the efficacy of various evidence-based teaching practices (EBTPs) designed to improve the state of undergraduate STEM education throughout the country, the rate at which these EBTPs are implemented in undergraduate STEM classrooms remains low.

In order to better understand the specific factors that affect individual instructors' efforts to implement EBTPs, we …

Rhythmic Eating Pattern Preserves Fruit Fly Muscle Function Under Obese Conditions, Public Relations

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

Insight From Biology Program Learning Outcomes: Implications For Teaching, Learning, And Assessment, Noelle Clark, Jeremy L. Hsu

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Learning goals and objectives are a key part of instruction, informing curricular design, assessment, and learning. These goals and objectives are also applied at the programmatic level, with program learning outcomes (PLOs) providing insight into the skills that undergraduate biology programs intend for their students to master. PLOs are mandated by all major higher education accreditation agencies and play integral roles in programmatic assessment. Despite their importance, however, there have not been any prior attempts to characterize PLOs across undergraduate biology programs in the United States. Our study reveals that many programs may not be using PLOs to communicate learning …

Histomorphology Of The Distal Urogenital Ducts In The Male Northern Crawfish Frog, Rana Areolata Circulosa (Anura: Ranidae), S.E. Trauth, R.G. Neal

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We examined the microanatomy of the distal urogenital ducts in the male Northern Crawfish Frog (Rana areolata circulosa) from a small sample (n = 5) collected in February and March from central Arkansas over a 5-year period (2017–2022). Specifically, we sought information on the following structures: (1) the paired Wolffian (urogenital) ducts caudally from the kidneys to their merging with the urodeum of the cloaca, (2) the paired seminal vesicles (sperm storage structures), and (3) the paired Müllerian ducts and glands. This study provides new information on these urogenital ducts and promotes a clearer understanding of this anatomical region for …

No Sperm Morphometric Differences Between Two Snapping Turtle Species, J.D. Konvalina, S.E. Trauth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We examined sperm morphometrics between Chelydra serpentina and Macrochelys temminckii. When both species are combined, we found significant correlations between total sperm length and sperm head length as well as sperm tail length and sperm head length. In addition, we observed significant correlations between total sperm length and sperm tail length. T-tests revealed no significant differences in any of the sperm morphometrics between the two species. Both snapping turtle species had greater values for every sperm morphometric when compared to another freshwater turtle. The strong correlation between total sperm length and sperm tail length is concurrent with what has previously …

Exploring How Advanced-Level Biology Teachers Integrate Ict In Teaching And Learning,A Case Of One Public Secondary School In Songwe Region, Tanzania, Rose John Shiyo

Master of Education

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has pedagogical advantages that can help teachers design, teach, and assess biology lessons. The aim of this study was to explore how teachers integrate ICT during the teaching of Biology at A-level classes in Songwe region, Southern Tanzania. The research site of this study is one public advanced-level secondary school in the Mbozi district. The purposive sampling technique was used to get the sample comprising two, A-level biology teachers, one ICT technician, one laboratory technician, and six students from A-level classes who were persuing a science subject combination known as CBG (Chemistry Biology Geography). This …

Handwriting: A Qualitative Study Exploring Elementary Teachers’ Beliefs, Knowledge, Preparation, Practice And Influencing Factors In Handwriting Instruction, Lori Beth Fox

Dissertations and Theses

Handwriting instruction is often seen as less important in the curriculum, particularly due to pressures of passing high states assessments and the need to develop technology competencies, as technology in education and society has become commonplace. Current research shows that literacy skills are supported through the direct instruction of handwriting. Handwriting has also been associated with academic success, autoactivating the memory and processing portion of the brain, and is an important component in preparing the brain for phonics and reading acquisition. This has created a problem of a significant disconnect between research-based recommendations and current classroom practices in handwriting instruction. …

Why Representation Matters: Using Stem Education To Promote Opportunity, Sheramie Velazquez

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Research has highlighted how Black and Brown professionals continue to be underrepresented in the various science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The lack of exposure to diverse STEM professionals, a challenging and relevant STEM curriculum, and belief in the brilliance of Black and Brown scholars’ abilities to succeed in STEM are vast contributors to the continual diversity underrepresentation in STEM-based classes and careers. Girls STEM Institute (GSI) was founded to create a space where girls of color-who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM-can become exposed to challenging and relevant STEM curricula, which is taught by diverse educators who share similar …

Computer-Based Interactive Project E-Book: A Guide For Genetic 1 Course To Enhance Biology Students’ Cognitive Learning Results, Hikmah Buroidah, Siti Zubaidah, Susriyati Mahanal, Azizul Ghofar Candra Wicaksono

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This study aims to develop a computer-based interactive Genetics project guide e-book to enhance undergraduate biology students’ cognitive learning outcomes. This development was carried out because there had been no available written guidebook for the Genetics project, which resulted in non-optimum project implementation. The content in the e-book consists of a description of material related to Drosophila melanogaster, descriptions and videos of general procedures, PjBL-based learning activities, and quizzes. Lee and Owen’s development model was used in this study which consisted of 4 stages, (1) multimedia need assessment and analysis; (2) multimedia instructional design; (3) multimedia development and implementation; and …

Exploring The Student Experience In An Asynchronous Virtual Introductory Biology Course, Eve Abraha, Lauren Crowe

Teaching and Learning Together in Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Targeting The Side-Chain Convergence Of Α-Helical Hot Spots To Design Small-Molecule Mimetics Disrupting Protein-Protein Interaction, Zhen Wang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

α-Helix accounts for the largest class of protein secondary structures and plays a key role in mediating protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Small-molecule α-helix mimetics mimic the structural features of α-helical hot spots and offer a powerful tool to unravel complex signaling networks and mitigate aberrant PPIs. In this dissertation, the side-chain conformational convergence of α-helical hot spots was disclosed, and insights into the side-chain convergence were exploited to instruct the design of small-molecule α-helix mimetics. The first chapter of this dissertation provides an overview of the characteristics of α-helical hot spots and current strategies to design small-molecule α-helix mimetics. In chapter …

Religiousness And Health Locus Of Control In Polish Physical Education Students, Monika Guszkowska, Anna Kuk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of this research was to determine relationships between religious commitment and health locus of control (HLC) for the group of students of the University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland, including gender and study faculty differences. Material/Methods: Full-time students (n = 247) of the Warsaw University of Physical Education were investigated. Religious Commitment Scale (RCS) and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) were used. Results: Few and weak relationships between religious commitment and health locus of control were found; they were stronger within the group of male and physical education students. Cluster analysis by the Ward …

The Diagnostic Value Of Attributes From An Optimum Set Of Variables For Explaining An Outcome In Powerlifting At The Junior Level, Lukasz Plociennik, Igor Rygula, Tomasz Dancewicz, Krzysztof Łukaszuk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The sport of powerlifting has been extensively studied, but there is lack of information on an optimum list of features that explain performance in 19–20-years-old contestants. Therefore, the study aimed at two research objectives: (1) to determine a minimum set of attributes contributing the most information to an outcome; (2) to develop a biometric model describing the sport result. The study group (n = 30) consisted of athletes (aged 19.38 ±0.84) competing in powerlifting. Two methods for collecting information were used: observation and a diagnostic survey. Analytical methods comprised the multiple regression and Hellwig’s method. An analysis revealed that the …

Identifying Misconceptions About Evolution Relative To Science Curriculum Exposure At The Secondary Level, Rachel Carney

Graduate Research Papers

Evolution is the foundation of the biological sciences. Addressing misconceptions related to biological evolution ensures students have a solid understanding of evolution so that they can become scientifically literate members of society. While studies have identified misconceptions about evolution, there is much less research on the degree to which specific biology curricula address these misconceptions. The goal of this study is to determine how exposure to the SEPUP biology curriculum affects the misconceptions about evolutionary theory held by 10th grade students.

This study took place at a moderately-sized school located in the Midwest. Students respond with their agreeability to a …