Digital Commons Network^™

Data In The Classroom: The Impact Of A Data-Centric, High School Program To Motivate Career Interest In Stem Fields, Tyler Stabiler

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation proposes to analyze the importance of introducing data-centric STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) studies at the high school level. In today's digital age, the importance of studying data-centric STEM in high school cannot be overstated. This dissertation looks to discover educational capabilities of high school students in various grade levels by understanding their drive, desire, and ambitions in a different STEM course than what is currently offered at the high school. Finally, the study analyzes the students’ participation in lectures, laboratory environment, and model/simulations to identify the significance in high schools adding data-centric curriculums to their academic …

Joy In Lifelong Learning: An Introduction To Planning For Learning Disabilities In Museum Education, Elaine L. Davis

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

For over a century, the role of museums as learning institutions has been considered alongside that of schools. However, special education practices are rarely adapted for museum education, requiring educators in museum contexts to undertake extra work to accommodate those with learning disabilities. This thesis used Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Textual Analysis to review pedagogical white papers and academic research on museum programs aimed at neurodivergent audiences. The findings were used to create a professional development guide for museum educators at a range of different types of museums.

The Impact Of Race-Corrected Spirometry Results On Eligibility Into An Asthma Clinical Trial, Carina H. Perdew, Bridgette L. Jones, Wumi V. Akinjole

Research Days

BACKGROUND: Spirometry is a widely used pulmonary function test that assesses lung function by examining airflow and capacity. Spirometry measurements assist in the diagnosis, severity classification, and management of asthma, and can affect one’s eligibility into various events (e.g., clinical trials, high-risk jobs, sports). Reference equations are used to establish predicted values to account for biological variables such as age, sex, and height; however past clinical guidelines recommended utilizing race-correction. The incorporation of race may negatively impact people of color due to misrepresentation of one's lung function, consequently impacting future medical management. OBJECTIVES: To characterize differences in spirometry values across …

Emergency Department Utilization For Educational Prioritization For Children By Levels Of Community Advantage, Katherine Randolph, Chris Kennedy, Jennifer Watts, Matt Hall

Research Days

Background: Children with higher social deprivation have higher emergency department (ED) utilization. The Childhood Opportunity Index (COI) is a validated multidimensional measure of community advantage which includes access to resources and healthy neighborhood factors. Educational priorities are frequently not tied to risk data.

Objective: This study aimed to identify zip codes with higher-than-expected ED utilization by diagnoses to prioritize the development of educational initiatives for hospitals, emergency medical services, pediatrician offices, and the community.

Methods: We performed a population-based study of children aged 0-17 years who presented to an ED in Kansas or Missouri in 2023 using census data via …

Variables Affecting Neurodevelopmental Outcome In Infants With Critical Congenital Heart Disease, Elizabeth Loughman, Julie Weiner Do, Marcie Files Md

Research Days

Background: The mortality of cardiac conditions in infancy is improving with advances in surgical planning and medical management. Neurologic morbidity remains significant. Clinically correlating an infant with their neurologic exam, MRI/EEG, and subsequent developmental testing remains a challenge. Counseling regarding neurologic outcomes after cardiac intervention is difficult due to the wide range of findings that can sometimes be clinically irrelevant.

Purpose: The goal of this study is to identify factors associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) as assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Edition IV (Bayley).

Methods: This is …

Implementation Of A Weaning Protocol For Inhaled Nitric Oxide In A Level Iv Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Elizabeth Loughman, Julie Weiner Do, Maryam El Tawil, Chris Nitkin Md

Research Days

Background: Decrease time to begin iNO weaning from 13 hours to 9.75 hours by 31 December 2024 in patients with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

Methods: Countermeasures include (1) provider education at each disciplinary level, (2) badge reminder cards and laminated copies of the protocol available at the bedside, (3) order set modifications, (4) abnormality tracking at huddles. Data collection will be automated through weekly Business Objects report. The main outcome measure will be time to first wean of iNO after meeting protocol criteria. Feedback regarding the ease of weaning will be generated via Gemba Rounds.

Results: These …

Effect Of Social Determinants Of Health On Clinic Visit Attendance In Patients With Hemophilia, Shailly Gaur Md, Brian Lee Phd, Mph, James Anderst Md, Msci, Katie Foote Lscsw, Lcsw, Osw-C, Andrea Bradley-Ewing Mpa, Ma, Shannon Carpenter Md

Research Days

Background

Social determinants of health (SDOH) create barriers to seeking care regularly, especially for patients with chronic disease. Patients with moderate-severe hemophilia A and B (factor 8 and 9 deficiencies respectively) have a life-long higher risk of bleeding and require chronic therapies. Specialized care is offered through hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs); however, these can be difficult to access for some individuals. Previous SDOH research in this patient population has been limited; therefore, it can be difficult to identify the barriers to care that exist. There is a need to examine SDOH more thoroughly to create patient-directed interventions to improve access …

Intraspinal Anomalies In Presumed Ais Does Not Increase The Risk Of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Changes During Posterior Spinal Fusion, Connor Mathes, Bill Woodhams, Aaron Shaw, John Anderson, Michael Benvenuti, Richard Schwend

Research Days

This study aims to identify the association between intraoperative neuromonitoring changes during posterior spinal fusion surgery among patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and those found to have intraspinal anomalies on standard preoperative imaging.

Implementation Of An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway In Adolescent Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Evaluation Of Endometriosis, Lauren Roth Md, Madeline Ross Md, Todd Glenski Md, Emily Weisberg Md, Ashli Lawson

Research Days

This study evaluates the implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway for adolescent patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for endometriosis at a tertiary children's hospital. The retrospective reviewed included 53 patients (20 pre-ERAS, 33 post-ERAS) aged 12-20 years old, comparing preoperative compliance, intraoperative adherence, and postoperative outcomes. Findings showed 81% compliance with preoperative medication, 76% received appropriate preoperative medications, and 39% had recommended carbohydrate loading. Intraoperative compliance was 87%, with 61% adherence to postoperative medications. Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay time increased (44 vs 53 minutes, p=0.21), but pain scores, postoperative prescriptions, and hospital readmissions remained unchanged. This study …

Spinal Deformity Characteristics Associated With Intraspinal Anomalies In A Population Of Presumed Ais, Connor Mathes, Aaron Shaw, Bill Woodhams, John Anderson, Michael Benvenuti, Richard Schwend

Research Days

This study aims to identify an association between pre-operative radiographic criterion and the presence of an underlying intraspinal anomaly in patients presenting with presumed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion.

Adherence To Oral Iron In Adolescent Females With Iron Deficiency Secondary To Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Kennedy Sheedy, Lauren Amos Md, Ms

Research Days

Iron deficiency is an important, but often minimized issue among adolescent females. While treat with oral iron is generally first-line treatment, IV iron has been shown to be safe and effective. Our study looks at adherence and barriers to oral iron treatment and assesses current use of IV iron for iron deficiency at Children's Mercy, in hopes of helping move towards utilizing the most beneficial treatment for each individual patient.

Computational Thinking, Informal Learning, And Makerspace, Redar Ismail

College of Computing and Digital Media Dissertations

The continuous advancement of technology has made it a crucial tool across various disciplines. As adaptation to this rapidly progressing field occurred, teaching and learning problem-solving skills are more essential than ever for empowering individuals to succeed across diverse fields. Studies have shown that engaging K-12 students in activities encouraging science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and computational thinking (CT) are critical for teaching them how to deal with complex problems (Rode, Barkhuus, & Ioannou, 2024; Shu & Huang, 2021). Makerspaces and making activities became popular among researchers and educators due to their potential to advance learning, enhance problem-solving skills, and …

Lived Experiences Of Hispanic Parents Considering Early Intervention Services For Developmentally Delayed Children, Karina Proffer

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Studies have demonstrated that children benefit significantly from Early Intervention (EI) services due to brain plasticity and rapid early development. EI supports growth and establishes foundational skills in cognitive, social, emotional, motor, language, and daily living domains. Research indicates that children who participate in EI programs experience positive outcomes in their academic trajectories. However, limited studies examine the lived experiences of Hispanic parents with children diagnosed with autism or intellectual disabilities who did not utilize EI services. This study explores the factors influencing these parents' decisions and experiences that hinder their children’s participation in the program. The Theory of Planned …

Proposed Civil Design Package For Lincoln Youth Sports Complex, Gracie Kerr, Hayden Wulf, Kiley Pham, Caitlin Keathley

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The following report is a proposal of civil work and an engineering design package for the City of Lincoln to construct a Youth Sports Complex on the vacant lot at 2100 North 1^st Street, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. The city has requested five U10 to U14 combination baseball and softball fields, one championship softball field, and one championship baseball field. Additionally, a playground area, concessions building, and designated parking areas have been requested. This design package includes introductory company and project information, a summary of the design request and constraints, three overall design alternatives, discipline-specific engineering designs and recommendations, …

Faculty And Administrator Perceptions Of The Implementation Of The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program In Relation To Roger’S Theory Of Diffusion Of Innovation, Kyle Roddey

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

This study examined the perceptions of both teachers and school administrators of the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in High Schools in the northeastern United States. Using a qualitative design, data was collected through an anonymous survey of teachers who presently teach International Baccalaureate Diploma Program courses. Additional data was collected through conducting semi-structured interviews of acting principals of schools that offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Results of this data collection was reviewed through the lens of Roger’s Theory of Diffusion of Innovation. Qualitative results indicated that both teachers and administrators alike viewed teacher leadership and teacher …

The Low Application And Enrollment Rates Of African Americans Applying To Medical School, Kirsten Pittman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was that the application and enrollment rates for African Americans pursuing a medical education/degree are lower than those of other ethnicities in the United States. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate the perspectives of admissions committee members regarding the low application and enrollment of African American students in medical school and to investigate their recommendations for improvement. Using critical race theory as the conceptual framework, semistructured interviews were conducted with seven experienced medical school admissions professionals. Qualitative content analysis was used, employing deductive and inductive coding. Seven themes emerged: (a) …

Decreasing Time To Narcotic Pain Medication In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Presenting With Acute Pain Crises In A Pediatric Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Initiative., Allison Adam, Leslie Hueschen, Lina Patel, Christopher Kaberline, Ibad Siddiqi

Research Days

Background: Guidelines published by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommend that patients with sickle cell disease who present in acute pain crisis receive narcotic medication < 60 minutes from arrival. Multi-center studies indicate approximately 50% of institutions are adherent to this level 1a recommendation. From October 2022-October 2023, our institutional median time to narcotic was 61 minutes.

Objective: Our aim was to decrease the time to narcotic administration by 10% (61 min to 55 min) in patients with Sickle Cell Disease presenting to the emergency department for acute pain crisis while simultaneously decreasing disparities in our patient population by Oct 2024. Additionally, we sought to increase the percentage of patients within this population to receive their first narcotic in 60 min from 49% to 70%, by Oct 2024.

Methods: We …

A Single Center Qualitative Study To Improve Coordination Of Follow-Up Care For Patients Diagnosed With Abusive Head Trauma, Ruairi Smith-Dewey, Elise Wright, Daniella Donofrio, Hannah Goebel, Sara Kilbride

Research Days

Background/Project Intent: Review of cases identified 16 possible follow-up needs. A single patient had a maximum of 12 potential needs. Needs not being addressed included written documentation for need of follow-up without subsequent referral placed/appointment scheduled or need not addressed at all. The goal of this project was to have all follow-up needs addressed for at least 50% of children diagnosed with AHT by January 2025.

Methods: All children admitted to CMH from January 2024-December 2024 and diagnosed with AHT by the Safety, Care & Nurturing (SCAN) team were included. Interventions were designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary team to …

Ecmo Without Compressions Versus Ecpr For Lcos Following Cardiac Surgery, Amjad Halloum, Apurva Panchal, Sarah Tabbutt, Martina Steurer, Mousumi Banerjee, John Charpie, Javi Lasa, Amy Mccammond, Katie Moynihan, Nancy Ghanayem, Tia Raymond

Research Days

A retrospective study looking into ECMO vs eCPR outcomes in the CICU. By refining the approach to postoperative ECMO initiation, this study aims to contribute valuable insights that could improve survival and reduce complications in pediatric cardiac surgery patients.

Acute Myocardial Infarction In Pediatrics: Not The Same As Acute Myocardial Infarction In Adults, Lavina Desai, Laura Martis, Katie Coons, David Cloutier, Ashley K. Sherman, Eric Hockstad, Jennifer Flint

Research Days

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is rare in pediatric patients, with limited published data on incidence, diagnosis, management strategies, and outcomes. We conducted a systematic retrospective review of patients aged 1 day to 21 years who presented with concerns for ST-elevation myocardial infarction at our institution and an affiliated adult hospital (1/2013-12/2023)

Methods: Data collected from electronic medical records included patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, interventions, treatments, and outcomes. Demographic variables collected were patient age at presentation, sex, and race. Medical histories included history of congenital heart disease, symptoms at presentation (chest pain, dyspnea, shortness of breath, shoulder pain, …

Bisphosphonate Treatment In Pediatric Patients With Rare Ovarian Malignancy And Hypercalcemia: A Case Series, Samhita Bhattarai, Seth Lamb, Jennifer W. Boyd

Research Days

Objectives

To describe the presentation, management, and outcomes of severe hypercalcemia in two adolescent females secondary to ovarian malignancy.

Methods

The case series includes two adolescent female patients, aged 11 and 16, diagnosed with rare ovarian malignancies and associated hypercalcemia. Both patients presented with abdominal pain, nausea and constipation. The 11-year-old received zoledronic acid while the 16-year-old received pamidronate. Serum calcium levels, symptoms and medication side effects were monitored before and after bisphosphonate therapy.

Results

Both girls presented with severe hypercalcemia. Patient 1 was an 11-year old girl who presented with serum calcium of 15.0 mg/dL. She began hyperhydration with …

Temperature Monitoring In The Cardiac Operating Room, Abby Pint, Clint Humpherys, Dave Stubler, Nathaniel Lata

Research Days

Background: The goal of this project is to improve the accuracy of temperature readings in the cardiac operating room and, in turn, improve patient safety.

Methods: The project obtained nasopharyngeal, tympanic, and bladder/rectal temperature measurements from twenty CPB cases. Measurements were obtained at six critical points: time of incision, initiation of CPB, aortic cross clamping, removal of aortic cross clamping, CPB termination, sternal closure. Data was analyzed to determine discrepancies among methods of measuring temperature for each type of probe utilized. Plan: Tympanic probes are unreliable and provide lower temperature measurements when compared to other probes Do: Temperatures recorded from …

Academic Half Days Dedicated To Phone Triage Improves Resident Confidence To Independently Triage Calls, Sarah Gwazdacz, Kelsey Gavin, Cati Kral

Research Days

We aim to improve Children’s Mercy residents’ confidence and competence to independently triage admission phone calls, and to help residents develop a system to obtain information during a transport phone call through dedicated academic half days.

A needs assessment at the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year was completed to assess the need for triage education. Then, curriculum design, goals & objectives, educational strategies, and implementation of the half day were discussed with leaders in medical education, admission hub physicians, and hospital medicine. Pediatric residents of all training levels were divided into 5 cohorts of 10-15 participants, which rotated through …

Favorability Of Progesterone With Estrogen Among Physicians In Transgender Adolescents: A Survey, Samhita Bhattarai, Michelle Knoll

Research Days

To evaluate the current perspective and clinical practices of physicians regarding the use of synthetic progestins as an adjunct to estrogen therapy in transfeminine adolescents. The survey focuses on perceived benefits, risks and overall efficacy in gender affirming hormone therapy.

Navigating The Fallout: How Pediatric Spine Surgeons Cope, Recover, And Persevere After Major Surgical Complications, Sandeep Yanamala, Richard M. Schwend, Hannah Geoffroy, Gary Sutkin

Research Days

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that surgeons who continue practicing after a major complication are more likely to have strong institutional and peer support, a growth mindset, and access to coping mechanisms that mitigate distress and legal pressures. Study Design:
Qualitative study using Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) based on semi-structured interviews with pediatric spine surgeons who have experienced major surgical complications.
Introduction:
Complications in pediatric spine surgery have significant emotional, ethical, and legal
consequences. However, little is known about the factors that differentiate surgeons who continue performing spine surgery from those who transition away.
Methods:
33 pediatric spine surgeons were interviewed (28 …

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy In Mathematics Instructional Practices For Students With Disabilities, Pendo S. Nyanda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Middle school mathematics special education teachers struggle to integrate culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) into their instructional practices for students with disabilities (SWDs). The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore middle school mathematics special education teachers’ understanding of CRP and the support needed to integrate it into mathematics teaching practices. CRP was the conceptual framework for this study, explaining that teaching practices that integrate students’ cultural backgrounds promote their academic success. Two research questions guided the exploration of teachers' understanding of CRP and the support they believe is needed for integrating it. The study collected data through semistructured …

Visualizing Success: The Role Of Visual Mathematics In Higher Education, Taylor-Paige M. Winslow

Education Dissertations

Despite being well-documented methods for supporting deeper understanding of complex mathematical concepts, visual mathematics remains underutilized in undergraduate higher education, where traditional equation-driven and memorization-focused approaches dominate instruction. Using data collected from pre- and post-intervention surveys and written reflections from 24 participants, the purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine how implementing visual representations into a college algebra course influenced students’ mathematical self-efficacy, confidence, perceived understanding of the material, and attitudes toward mathematics. Findings revealed that students who experienced the visual mathematics intervention reported notable improvements in their sense of preparedness, confidence in performing mathematics both numerically and visually, …

Authentically Assessing Student Learning In A Data Driven School System, Curtis Marolf

Art 895 Research Papers

As educators, we are often tasked with measuring student progress and understanding using standardized testing methods. As a visual arts instructor, I find these testing methods to be antiquated and inadequate for measuring students’ knowledge in the classroom, as they solely focus on an individual’s ability to recognize, recall or repeat factual data. If the goal of a quarterly assessment is to answer the question, “How do we know that the students know what we want them to know?” then standardized assessments are not the answer for the visual arts. The art classroom is a creative and expressive space, where …

Ua35/7 Class Of 2025 Commencement, Wku Gatton Academy Of Mathematics & Science

WKU Administration Documents

Commencement program for the WKU Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science with list of graduates.

The Perceptions Of Junior High School Students And Parents On Parental Involvement, Hope E. Bratton

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a difference in perceptions between junior high school students and their parents regarding the level of parental involvement in their child's education using Goulet’s Student-Rated Parent School Involvement Questionnaire (SR-PSIQ). It was to educate them about the positive effects that their child’s education has, as well as the negative ones. Educational achievement is built by a team of members from the school district and the guardian working together for the child’s best interests. The study included Jersey Junior High Independent School District participants in Jersey, Texas, and Lizard Hill …