Digital Commons Network^™

Investigating The Use Of Socio-Scientific Issues As Phenomena Through A Storyline Framework In A High School Biology Course, Dana Marie Delpha

Theses and Dissertations

This action research dissertation investigates the efficacy of a socio-scientific phenomena-driven biology curriculum in a Title 1 Massachusetts High School. Grounded in social constructivism, culturally relevant pedagogy, and self-determination theories, the study explores the impact of socio-scientific phenomena on students’ perceived importance of science education, motivation, engagement, and achievement. A mixed-methods approach was used, and data was collected through student engagement reflection, Science Motivation Questionnaire, and pre- and post-assessments to holistically evaluate the efficacy of the curriculum. The findings include increased student engagement, motivation, and achievement after participating in the intervention, which supports the motivation-engagement-achievement feedback loop. Student agency was …

The Effects Of Implementing A Mindfulness Program In Two Elementary School Math Classrooms, Sara Lilley

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study examined the effects of utilizing trauma-informed social-emotional learning (SEL) teaching practices in two elementary math classrooms located in a Title 1 public school in North Carolina. The classrooms consisted of one third-grade classroom with 18 students and one fifth-grade classroom with 22 students. These classrooms integrated 10 minutes of mindfulness practice which included direct instruction on calming strategies and breathing techniques. This study worked to help foster a learning environment that supported the academic and mental health needs of the student participants and looked at potential relationships between calming strategies and math assessment data. This study …

Keep Your Head Up: An Examination Of Out-Of-School Literacy Practices In An Intergenerational Family System, Johnnie D. Bryant-Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The asset-based qualitative study used a phenomenological approach within a Community Cultural Wealth framework to question the practices of an intergenerational family system in the Southeastern United States. The study investigated the family system’s out-of-school literacy practices and the exposure to culturally relevant literature. The study revealed that an elder who actively participated in rearing school-aged children intentionally introduced culturally relevant literature. Similarly, the study revealed that the primary caregivers did engage their school-aged children in conversations related to social justice and introduced them to culturally relevant texts. However, a child's inquiry into the topic initiated primary caregivers’ introduction to …

Publication Trends In Counselling And Artificial Intelligence: A Bibliometric Analysis, Musthofa Hadi, Rachma Bhakti Utami, Ratnaning Palupi, Farika Nikmah, Eko Boedi Santoso

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

Current developments in counseling show significant improvements, especially with the increasingly deeper integration of artificial intelligence (AI). This research focuses on analyzing research development trends in counseling and artificial intelligence, with data collected from Scopus-indexed publications from the beginning of 1982 to 2024. From this period, 470 relevant articles were identified for further analysis. The analysis process is carried out using bibliometric methods with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, with the help of R-Biblioshiny software, which allows in-depth analysis of patterns and trends in the literature. The analysis results show that this topic has experienced …

Enhancing Self-Efficacy For Engagement With Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Initiatives: Evaluation Of A Seven-Day Immersive Pilot Program In A College Of Education, Health, And Human Sciences, Jennifer M. Jabson Tree, Stefanie Benjamin, Dorian L. Mccoy Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Colleges of health, human sciences, and education are often administratively organized to include a diverse array of human sciences departments that share roots in social justice and a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion. Despite espoused commitments to equity and inclusion, they frequently struggle to achieve the changes necessary for advancing equity, and inclusion principles across policies, practices, procedures, and units. We implemented and evaluated a 7-day, total immersion, 56-h, educational program entitled the “Social Justice Institute” (SJI) for two cohorts of faculty, staff, and administrators to develop self-efficacy to intervene in systemic oppression in their academic units. SJI delivered …

Integrating Human-Centered Design Into Undergraduate Stem Capstone Courses: A Food Product Development Case Study, Saadeddine Shehab, Dawn Bohn, Lucas O'Bryan, Luettamae Lawrence, Mike Tissenbaum

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

This study examines the integration of human-centered design (HCD) in a Food Science capstone course and explores its impact on students’ learning outcomes and skill development. This case study investigated how 42 undergraduate students engaged with HCD processes—including understanding, synthesizing, ideating, prototyping, and implementing—to develop innovative food products. Through pre- and post-surveys, interaction analysis, and performance assessments, the findings revealed that HCD activities significantly enhanced students’ knowledge, collaboration, creativity, and metacognitive skills. Additionally, students demonstrated improved food science competencies, such as product formulation and sensory evaluation. This study highlights the benefits of embedding HCD within STEM curricula to foster authentic, …

Equitable And Efficient Exams In Large Courses, Van Whaley, Dustin W. Davis

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

How do we asses over 1,200 students six times a semester equitably and efficiently? Our program's need:

• Assess learning equitably and efficiently in KIN 223 and 224 Human A&P I and II.
• Set clear expectations, minimize anxiety.
• Process > 7,200 exams per semester.
• Give timely feedback quickly and progress through curriculum.

Intimacy Versus Isolation In Adults With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities: An Educational Video-Series For Caregivers, Aubrey Lynn Brinkley

Student Capstone Papers

Caregivers of care-recipients with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) do not have sufficient resources to assist their care-recipients with the adult developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. This capstone considers the occupational and developmental impacts that growing individuals with IDD face, namely the developmental stages including healthy relationships, sexual safety, and intimacy. The literature review covers the scientific, statistical, and historical importance of this developmental milestone. Varied opinions and needs that surround the subject of intimacy and healthy relationships for adults with IDD were considered. Sexual abuse statistics were highlighted. A multitude of feedback from organizations, personal caregivers, scientists, psychologists, …

2025 Acssc Program, Acssc Planning Committee

Annual Celebration for Student Scholarship and Creativity

No abstract provided.

Shelving Stigma: A Grocery Store Client Choice Pantry Model - A Solution To Food Insecurity In Young Adults Of Marginalized Communities While Eradicating The Stigmatization Of Food Pantry Services, Anna C. Buckley

Honors Theses

An increasing number of young adults, age 18 to 35, are becoming food insecure across America, but disproportionately in urban and people of color communities. However, food pantries have remained a social stigma causing food insecure persons to avoid using a food pantry for hunger relief. Research has shown that the grocery store model for food pantries is most beneficial for staff, while also minimizing the stigma and increasing accessibility for pantry clientele. The purpose of this program proposal is to highlight the feasibility of implementation of a client choice grocery store pantry model at the NY Common Pantry (NYCP) …

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 …

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: …

Enhancing Kindergarten Readiness, Alexander J. Smith

Masters Projects

This project aims to tackle the issue of kindergarten readiness. Chapter 1 focuses on the significant gap in kindergarten preparedness, with many children lacking the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for a successful kindergarten transition. Socioeconomic disparities, lack of access to good early childhood education, and the compounded effect of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted early learning opportunities and parental engagement have widened this gap. As such, the project presents a Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit that aims to promote young learners' academic and social-emotional skills by providing targeted interventions. The second chapter thoroughly reviews the literature, including the use of …

A Phenomenological Study Of Principals' Perceptions Of Principal Preparation Programs, Jennifer Gael Wiese

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand participants’ lived experiences in Principal Preparation Programs (PPPs) and their perceptions of how these programs prepared them for their roles as educational leaders in a public school district in the western United States. The lived experience is generally defined as the participants’ experiences, options, and choices and the influence these have on the participants’ perception of knowledge and education related to educational leadership. The historical, social, and theoretical context of principal preparation was highlighted in the introduction. A systematic literature review was conducted to explore issues in principal preparation. The focus …

Exploring The Administrator's Role In Regulating Personal Devices In The Classroom: A Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Hope Faith Heard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the phenomenological study is to explore the autonomy of developing school site personal device regulations for K-12 administrators in central Indiana. The study is guided by Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory (SDT), which contributed positive results that support administrators’ autonomy and competence. The study’s findings have had a profound influence on K-12 education. The theory uncovered informative, reflective writing that administrators conducted, which involved introspective analysis of their decisions and actions, such as student confidence, satisfaction, and ability to learn using their devices. This study has the potential to improve the learning experience for students in the …

Academic Performance, Violent Community Crimes, And Socioeconomic Status Of Chicago Public Schools' Students: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Bria Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe how community violence and low socioeconomic status influence the academic achievement gap among minority students at Chicago Public Schools. The theory guiding this study is Ogbu's theory as it relates to how forces within the community influence the academic performance of minority students. The research study addresses the following central research question: How do the experiences of marginalized students influence their academic performance? The methodology used includes individual interviews, focus groups, and journal prompts. Based on the analysis of interviews, focus groups, and journal responses from the 12 participants, four major …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Covid-19 Mental Health Influences On Post-High School Students And Educators, Melvin J. Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of post-high school students and educators located in the Northeastern Florida region of the United States. The theory guiding this study was Piaget’s theory on cognitive learning and development, as it assisted with highlighting the lived human experiences relating to the stages of cognitive development and mental health influences because of decreased physical and social interactions and changed learning environments. The qualitative method and the phenomenological design were used, which consisted of collecting data relating to the first-hand experiences of …

The Impact Of Diet On Preeclampsia: An Observational Study Of Nutritional Influence, Trinity G. Moye, Alyssa Cunningham

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition typically diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation in women with no prior history of hypertension. Characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, increased liver enzymes, and affecting the arteries carrying blood to the placenta, preeclampsia affects the health of both the mother and the fetus. Preeclampsia is disproportionately prevalent in certain populations, specifically among Black women, with various factors contributing to the higher susceptibility including socioeconomic status, education, and health distrust. These factors have been historically structured against Black women in American society. This study aims to reveal how dietary habits can play a role …

The Impact Of The Mediterranean Diet And Low-Glycemic Diet On Fertility In Women Of Childbearing Age With Pcos, Samantha Cicardo, Kayla Le, Carly Traynor

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Endocrine disorder Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance of reproductive hormones in women, primarily treated with medications such as hormonal birth control and metformin. However, long-term use of medications can have adverse effects as it masks the symptoms of PCOS rather than treat it. Women of childbearing age who are diagnosed with PCOS often are diagnosed with infertility. This proposed research study aims to look at the holistic approach to evaluate how the Low-Glycemic Index (GI) diet and the Mediterranean diet (MD) can impact individuals with PCOS. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of …

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 …

2025 April 17 - From My Notepads Newsletter, Office Of The President, East Tennessee State University, Brian Noland

From My Notepads: A Newsletter from President Brian Noland

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Nordic Hamstring Exercise On Knee Flexor Torque In Female Athletes: A Pilot Study, Jarrod Plank, Lucy Singleton, Manuel Probst

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

PREVALENCE Female athletes experience Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries 5-6x more often than male counterparts.

PREDISPOSITIONAL FACTORS The Q-angle refers to the pull vector exerted by the quadriceps muscle on the patella which results in greater valgus load on the knee ligaments.2,3,4,5,6 Females also possess lower levels of testosterone which yield decreased ligamentous strain tolerances.

MUSCULAR IMBALANCES Sufficient hamstring contraction during the landing phase decreases ACL strain by >70%, thereby limiting anterior tibial translation (ATT) force exerted by the quadriceps. As stated by Hewett et al., females present an absence of increased hamstring/quadricep torque ratio compared to males, resulting in …

Leadership Initiatives: International Public Health Internship, Jayden Bradley, Alana Campbell, Paisley Cooke, Aime Ensenat-Pena, Mindy Highley, Jacob Holbrook, Roger Love, Keira Patton

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

No abstract provided.

Pressure Injuries Prevention And Management, Madelynn Mckittrick

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, remain a significant concern in hospital settings. These injuries develop due to prolonged pressure on the skin, leading to complications, increased healthcare costs, and extended hospital stays. This capstone project examines prevention and management strategies for pressure injuries using evidence-based practices and QSEN principles. The project emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, including patient mobility, pressure redistribution, and interdisciplinary collaboration, to enhance patient care and outcomes.

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 …

Environmental And Social Determinants Of Gastrointestinal Cancer In Eastern Kentucky, J.D. Berry, Leah Wells, Dylan Williams, Timothy Hare

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

This study aims to answer the research question: What health behaviors and other factors affect diet and contribute to disproportionately high rates of gastrointestinal cancer in Appalachian Eastern Kentucky? Gastrointestinal cancers and nutrition are closely linked, and certain eating habits increase the risk of these diseases. These patterns are even more complicated in Appalachia, where environmental and social challenges shape how people eat and live. This work explores addresses food deserts, educational disparities, economic hardship, and healthcare access

Economics Of Swine Production: A Case Study At Morehead State University's Derrickson Agricultural Complex, Caroline Adkins, Allie Dick, Vijay Subramaniam

2025 Celebration of Student Scholarship - Poster Presentations

Morehead State University's Derrickson Agricultural Complex (DAC) offers students hands-on experience in livestock management and classroom learning. The swine program focuses on efficient production, herd health management, and sustainable feeding practices. It emphasizes three stages of piglet development: farrowing, weaning, and finishing. The DAC conducts research on economic sustainability and profitability of swine production, refining management strategies, and optimizing herd performance. These efforts align with Morehead State University's mission to promote innovation and best practices in modern livestock production.

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Firefighter Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Prevention, Scott Richardson, Andrew Haight, Kassandra Sanchez, Madison Jepperson, Kelsey Houston, Lauren Schembs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Organized firefighting began in ancient Rome in 300BC, with the first fire engines in the 17^th century. Modern firefighters face extreme personal risk, responding to emergency situations and providing life-saving public support. Cardiovascular disease events account for 45% of on-duty fatalities among firefighters. Cardiovascular health in firefighters is not only important for immediate job performance but also for long-term health. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an educational intervention to influence firefighter knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention. Method: A literature review determined that cardiovascular health was the leading knowledge deficit among firefighters …

Interprofessional Wellness Groups: A Model For Success, Rachel Pittmann, Lesley Smith, Kathryn Sabo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose Interprofessional learning activities foster critical-thinking and shared decision-making while promoting person-centered and team-based care. These activities promote the development of interprofessional collaboration competencies that prepare health profession students to effectively deliver care. This article describes the Interprofessional Wellness Group (IWG) model, an academically robust, sustainable, and versatile model that successfully addresses the competencies required for interprofessional collaboration in today’s demanding healthcare environment. Method The IWG model is designed using adult learning theories, is student-led, and aims to provide disease-specific wellness education to community-based participants. Results Quantitative and qualitative data from both students and participants was overwhelmingly positive: students reported …