Digital Commons Network^™

At A Loss For Words: A Writer’S Search For Meaning In An Artificial World, Heather J. Leslie Phd

Learning Design Center: Staff Scholarship

A writer's reflection on using AI

Work Environments Matter: The Impacts Of Interpersonal Relationships On Student Affairs Professionals, Lawrence R. Daniel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined how everyday workplace relationships influence engagement, professional identity, and retention among student affairs professionals in higher education. Guided by relational leadership theory, the study explored how leadership is experienced not only through formal position or authority, but also through relational presence, psychological safety, and advocacy. Seventeen student affairs professionals representing diverse institutional types, geographic regions, and career stages participated in in-depth semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and incorporated both in vivo and line-by-line coding to ensure that findings remained grounded in participants’ voices and lived experiences. Nine themes emerged from the analysis. …

Intersecting Identities: The Leadership Journeys And Challenges Of Black Women Senior Leaders In Southern U.S. Predominantly White Institutions, Quizanae' Yvonne Cooper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study looked at what Black women in high‑level leadership roles are experiencing at predominantly White institutions in Texas and Florida now that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies have been rolled back. Using Black feminist theory and intersectionality as the foundation, the research focused on how race and gender shape their leadership, their decision‑making, and the ways they navigate their careers. Through in‑depth interviews with 10 Black women in executive positions, the study uses a narrative approach to understand their stories. Eight major themes emerged, and many participants explained that losing DEI initiatives created new obstacles, reduced support systems, …

The Influence Of Community Engagement On Educator Job Satisfaction And School Culture In K–5 Schools: A Multicase Study, Hailee Jo Fojtasek

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative multicase study examined how school leaders and educators perceived the

influence of community engagement, particularly volunteerism, on campus culture and teacher

job satisfaction in K–5 schools in the North Texas region. Continuous teacher attrition and

weakening campus morale have resulted in increased attention to leadership strategies that

support retention. However, the role community engagement has in supporting educators has

been underexplored. The purpose of this study was to investigate how educators and

administrators experienced and interpreted community engagement efforts on their campus and

how those efforts shaped school culture and teacher job satisfaction. Guided by social capital

theory, …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Black Women In Undergraduate Stem Core Expansion Pathways, Lizzie L. Evans Martinez Alvarez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of social incongruence in the film Hidden Figures, which juxtaposed with STEM education as the most powerful in contrast with Black women as the least powerful, supported the argument for the specific problem of practice to examine the unmet need for socially and ethnically diverse student populations in U.S. STEM higher education and careers. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological research study was to identify and analyze the lived experiences of Black women regarding barriers they perceive in the STEM educational and career decision-making processes, while exploring transformational pathways to STEM academic success. The study specifically analyzed …

Texas Secondary Spanish Teachers’ Perceptions Of Factors Influencing Instructional Self- Efficacy, Satisfaction, And Effectiveness, Tana Verlane Palafox

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ongoing shortages of certified world language teachers and declining enrollment in secondary language programs have intensified concerns about teacher burnout, professional isolation, and instructional quality. Research has indicated that collaboration, targeted professional development, and supportive leadership influence teachers’ instructional self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and instructional effectiveness. However, limited research has examined how secondary Spanish teachers in Texas experience these issues. This qualitative collective case study explored how Texas secondary school Spanish teachers perceive the impact of their professional experiences on instructional self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and instructional effectiveness. Grounded in Bandura’s social cognitive theory and Vygotsky’s social constructivism, the study examined how …

The Clear Custom Matrix Technique For Class Ii Light-Cured Composites, James C. Hamilton, Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This clinical article details the Clear Custom Matrix Technique (CCMT), an innovative method for placing posterior composite restorations. The technique uses a pre-operative PVS impression to act as a die, reforming unset composite to precisely match the tooth's original anatomy. The author provides a step-by-step guide, demonstrating how the method saves chair time, reduces the need for finishing and polishing, and eliminates the air-inhibited layer. The article also discusses matrix selection, layering techniques, and troubleshooting common clinical challenges to achieve highly accurate and aesthetic results.

J Mich Dent Assoc March 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The March 2026 (Volume 108, No. 3) issue of the Journal is published in a digital format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

This issue includes feature articles on Most-Asked Dental Benefit Questions, an interview with ADA Speaker Dr. Deb Peters, …

2026 March, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for March of 2026.

Impulsivity In Nrcam Ko Mice Is Reduced By Nmdar Antagonist Mk-801 But Not By Ampar Antagonist Cnqx, Mona Buhusi, Catalin V. Buhusi

Psychology Faculty Publications

The neuronal cell adhesion molecule NrCAM is widely expressed in the nervous system across the lifespan and has important physiological functions in the development of neuronal circuits through axonal growth and guidance and formation and maintenance of synapses in the cortex. NrCAM gene polymorphisms are associated with vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as vulnerability to substance use disorders. We investigated the effects of acute and chronic stress and the effects of systemic administration of AMPAR antagonist CNQX and NMDAR antagonist MK-801 on delay discounting in male NrCAM knockout (KO) mice and their wild-type littermate controls (WT). …

Rooted And Rising: A Case Study Of Chinese American Undergraduates' Career Pathways At A Pwi Post-Covid, Rebecca Yin-Chow Martinez

Theses & Dissertations

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese American undergraduate students have navigated complex intersections of intergenerational expectations, racialized experiences, and evolving career aspirations within higher education. This qualitative case study explores how Chinese American undergraduate students at a predominantly white institution (PWI) choose their educational and career goals in a post-COVID climate. Guided by the Asian American Intergenerational Model of the Psychology of Working (AAIM), this study examines the influence of familial expectations, personal interests, institutional supports and barriers, and experiences of racism on students’ career decision-making processes. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, a focus group, observations, Career …

Not Just Discipline: An Action Research Approach To In School Suspension Reform, Samantha Marie Di Stefano

Theses & Dissertations

School discipline remains a controversial issue, particularly regarding the fairness and effectiveness of In School Suspension (ISS). While ISS is intended to serve as a constructive alternative to out-of-school suspension, research shows that it is often implemented as an isolating and punitive practice that disproportionately impacts marginalized student populations and fails to address the root causes of misconduct. This qualitative action research study sought to reimagine ISS as a supportive, student-centered space informed by Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and restorative justice principles. The purpose of the study was to explore how students experienced voice, belonging, and care within an ISS …

Asset: Scaling Authentic Science Education, Alexandra Forgerson, Carol Colaninno, Rachel Ruggirello, Doug Chalker

Institute for School Partnership: Research & Publications

The Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) Advancing Secondary Science Education through Tetrahymena (ASSET) program is a long-standing science education program that was initially developed at Cornell University and transferred to WashU in 2023. Funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA), the ASSET program enhances STEM education by providing research-based, inquiry-driven learning experiences for K-12 students. The program integrates phenomenon-based storylines aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to promote critical thinking and engagement among students. All ASSET learning experiences feature a living model organism, Tetrahymena, a single-celled protozoan that is safe and …

What Ce Do I Need To Take To Renew My Dea License?, Rachel Sinacola Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This resource provides practical answers to member questions about licensure and association events. It explains the new DEA requirement for a one-time eight-hour training on substance use disorders and highlights available MDA courses that fulfill this mandate. The source also details significant changes to the MDA Annual Session registration process, which now uses a simplified pass system rather than individual course registration. Additionally, it offers guidance on renewing dental licenses through the MiPLUS platform and downloading the MDA member logo.

2026 March News Report, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Communications and Marketing Publications Archive

The March 2026 Morehead State University News Report.

A Quasi-Experimental Study On The Effectiveness Of Achieve3000 On The Reading Comprehension Scores Of Ells With Ld, Paula P. Fields

Journal of English Learner Education

The purpose of this quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study was to determine if a significant difference existed in the comprehension scores of secondary English Language Learners with learning disabilities after treatment. The problem addressed is that a significant correlation exists between English language learners and learning-disabled students’ low reading proficiency scores and student achievement, leading to decreased graduation rates. Schema theory served as the theoretical foundation of this research because when the appropriate schema is activated, it helps increase comprehension. The research question guiding this study was: Is there a significant difference between the reading comprehension scores of high school English language …

Reading Comprehension Interventions For Multilingual Learners With Disabilities: A Systematic Review, Sariya Shabnam, Jennifer E. Smith, Samiratu Bashiru

Journal of English Learner Education

Multilingual learners with disabilities (MLWDs) face substantial barriers to reading comprehension given the intersecting challenges of language acquisition and disability (Artzi et al., 2022; Frates et al., 2024). Students with disabilities often need explicit, strategy-based instruction with modeling, guided practice, and scaffolding (Frates et al., 2024; Wawire et al., 2024; Moura, 2024). When learners are also multilingual, interventions must be linguistically accessible and responsive to diverse cognitive profiles (Moura, 2024; Sarisahin, 2020). MLWDs comprise 15.8% of English learners in U.S. public schools (NCES, 2024), yet research on effective comprehension interventions remains limited; most studies treat multilingual learners or students with …

Lessons In Pedagogy: My Experience With Problem-Based Learning, Leslie Y. Garfield Tenzer

Pace Law Review

This Article chronicles my experimental adoption of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in first-year Contracts. After three decades of conventional teaching, I observed that Gen Z students struggled to transition from undergraduate memorization strategies to law school-level analytical reasoning, prompting my desire to engage in a fundamental pedagogical change. Drawing on successful PBL implementations in medical and mathematics education, I restructured my Contracts course around collaborative problem-solving in small groups, transforming my role from lecturer to facilitator. Students worked through authentic legal scenarios at whiteboards, developing rule-based reasoning through active engagement rather than passive reception.

This article first details my reasons for …

Advances In Culture, Tourism, And Hospitality Research: Volume 1, Cihan Cobanoglu, Hanqin Qiu, Jiaying Lyu, James H. W. Shen

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

This is the first volume of the Advances in Culture, Tourism, and Hospitality Research Book Series.

A New Take On Gamer Grading, Cynthia Smyser

Professional Learning Day

My version of Gamer Grading turns earning points into fun.   Students earn level-ups and side quests. Points earned cannot be lost which helps anxious or struggling students. Points earned by accomplishing extra units add additional motivation.  An entire system for grading and rewards for all grades will be presented. Come find out how to add another layer of fun to your classroom!

Conditions Affecting Mental Health - Definition And Strategies, Crystal England

Professional Learning Day

This session will empower educators and staff to recognize, support, and respond to teen mental health needs. The topics covered are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, and Panic Attacks with evidence-based prevention and crisis strategies. Inclusive DEI insights, classroomready tools, and student resources ensure every learner feels seen and supported.

Integrating Neuroscience And Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-To-Robot Systems, Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Dr. Mark Carlson

Professional Learning Day

In this interdisciplinary module, participants engage in hands-on exploration of neuroengineering by recording and interpreting electromyographic (EMG) signals to control robotic devices, bridging human physiology and technology. Through guided experimentation, they investigate neural pathways, signal processing, and biofeedback to understand brain-machine interfaces. The module highlights real-world applications of neuroscience, engineering, and computer science in biomimetics, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through experiential, technology-driven learning.  *It would be helpful for participants to have the Spike Recorder App from BackyardBrains downloaded on a laptop*

Smarter, Faster Lesson Planning With Ai: Supporting Math Instruction Without Sacrificing Quality, Marti Shirley

Professional Learning Day

This session demonstrates how AI can streamline lesson planning for secondary mathematics without reducing instructional integrity or depth. Teachers will learn how to use AI tools to generate hooks, worked examples, misconceptions, guided practice sets, and exit tickets that are all aligned to specific mathematical standards. The focus is on using AI to save time, generate ideas, and support differentiation while maintaining teacher control over content accuracy and pedagogical intent. Teachers will learn how to use a predeveloped prompt to create and refine a complete lesson plan, and leave with a bank of effective lesson-planning prompts and editable mini-lesson templates.

Integrating Neuroscience And Technology: Experiential Learning Through Muscle-To-Robot Systems, Dr. Ashwin Mohan, Dr. Mark Carlson

Professional Learning Day

In this interdisciplinary module, participants engage in hands-on exploration of neuroengineering by recording and interpreting electromyographic (EMG) signals to control robotic devices, bridging human physiology and technology. Through guided experimentation, they investigate neural pathways, signal processing, and biofeedback to understand brain-machine interfaces. The module highlights real-world applications of neuroscience, engineering, and computer science in biomimetics, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity through experiential, technology-driven learning. *It would be helpful for participants to have the Spike Recorder App from BackyardBrains website downloaded on a laptop*

Disease Detectives: An Exploration Of Foodborne Epidemiology Activities, Dr. Zachary Conley

Professional Learning Day

An interactive workshop presenting lessons utilizing inquiry-based and problem-centered learning to introduce basic concepts of epidemiology. In particular participants will engage in group discussion and interactive elements to explore foodborne illnesses and the science used to track them. Our hope is to present lessons, which in addition to sharpening scientific skills will present unique career pathways to students.

Executive Functioning: Definition And Strategies, Crystal England

Professional Learning Day

This interactive session defines executive functioning disorders and examines how these cognitive processes influence student behavior in and out of school. Through realistic case studies, participants will identify how EF strengths and challenges manifest in daily routines. Strategies to support neurodivergent learners with executive functioning delays will be provided.

Enhancing Science Accessibility And Engagement For Students With Visual Impairments: A Randomized Trial Of The Talking Labquest In Nigerian Schools, Sariat A. Adelakun Dr

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Students with Blindness in Nigeria are often erroneously perceived as incapable of engaging with science at the basic education level, contributing to their low enrolment in science-related careers. Although various techniques and materials have been proposed to support students with blindness in science, many lack empirical validation. This study investigated one such approach by examining the impact of the Talking LabQuest on the interest of Students with blindness in science subjects.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in inclusive junior secondary schools in Nigeria, involving 20 classrooms over an 18-week period. Twelve classrooms were randomly assigned to the intervention group, …

Teaching Leadership In The Classroom: Peer To Peer Learning, Leadership Theory, Unsd Goals, And Community Building, Emma Wilson Parker

Professional Learning Day

Teaching LEADership in the Classroom: Peerto-Peer Learning, Leadership Theory, UNSD Goals, and Community Building highlights IMSA’s LEAD program, where students engage in leadership-centered activities that connect theory to practice. Participants will explore how peer-to-peer teaching, reflective dialogue, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals create intentional spaces for growth. This session offers strategies to implement peer-led models, build community, and design meaningful learning experiences that develop empathy, self-awareness, and purposeful leadership in and beyond the classroom.

Csi: Costa Rica--Turning Phenomena Into Engaging Biology Storylines, Cassandra Armstrong

Professional Learning Day

Immerse yourself in a problem-based storyline and work to solve the case of a mysterious illness that has taken over a Costa Rican village. Experience an accelerated student journey as you ask questions, build and revise models, analyze outbreak data, and design investigations. We’ll connect the activities to NGSS performance expectations and explore how anchoring instruction in compelling phenomena increases understanding, engagement, and authentic scientific reasoning.

School Climate As Primary Prevention: Mental Health And Violence Outcomes Among Lgbtq+ Youth In The U.S. South (2015–2024), Latarsha H. Michael, Brieah D. Hudson, Kenya T. Horne

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) adolescents in the U.S. South experience disproportionately high rates of bullying, discrimination, depression, and suicidality. Supportive and inclusive school climates are identified as key protective factors that can mitigate these risks and function as primary prevention against violence. This systematic narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed research and high-quality survey reports published between 2015 and 2024 that assess school climate, mental health, and violence-related outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth with representation from Southern states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 1,167 records …