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Pre-Exercise Positive Mood Affect Predicts Blunted Lymphocyte Mobilization And Faster Recovery After Acute Exercise (Caare Secondary Analysis), Arman M. Rasti, Melissa Markofski

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Acute exercise mobilizes lymphocytes and monocytes into circulation and alters cortisol, but it is not known whether psychological states before exercise shape immune responses in adults, or whether cortisol mediates any associations between mood and immune mobilization. PURPOSE: To test whether baseline affect and total mood disturbance (TMD) predict lymphocyte/monocyte mobilization and 1-h recovery after aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT), whether they predict cortisol responses, and whether cortisol mediates mood–immune links. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized, complete crossover study in which adults completed both an AT and a RT session. Composite affect …

Mediating Factors Of Exercise Identity And Perceived Stress, Cydni M. Miller, Kameron Sanders, Jada Mendoza, Brooke Walsh, Jasmine Hamilton

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

As we continue to traverse influences of the post COVID-19 public health environment, there have been noted effects associated with mental and physical health. Stress and anxiety can lead to burnout and have negative physical effects on the body. Research indicated that increases in exercise participation may reduce burnout among college students (Chen et al., 2022). For college students, access to resources such as recreational centers may help to alleviate the negative effects of anxiety. Physical activity has also been shown to improve the relationship between self-image and esteem (Gan & Jiang, 2024). PURPOSE: This study sought to explore the …

The Influence Of Music And Social Interaction On Physiological Responses And Perceived Enjoyment During Hiit And Bfr Performance, Martha Villanueva, Gabriela Segura, Francisco Almaguer, Marco Arriaga, Ulku Karabulut, Sue Anne Chew, Murat Karabulut

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

While exercise is essential for health, motivational barriers often limit regular participation in exercise. This study investigated strategies to enhance exercise engagement by examining the impact of music and social interaction. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of music and social interaction on hemodynamic, perceptual, and neuroendocrine responses during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and blood flow restriction (BFR) training. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active adults (age=22.5 ± 2.3 years) completed a randomized within-participant study involving five sessions: a familiarization, individual HIIT (HIIT-I), group HIIT (HIIT-G), individual BFR (BFR-I), and group BFR (BFR-G). Sessions consisted of whole-body exercises. Researchers recorded heart …

Differences In Sport Performance Anxiety Between Male And Female Competitive Bodybuilders, Christian O. Quintero, Samantha S. Dardaman, Stephen E. Rowden, Rafael E. Cachutt, Scott B. Martin

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

In the sport of bodybuilding, high pressures for perfect performances cultivate extreme levels of restriction and discipline in the domains of eating behaviors, physical training, and aesthetic presentation. These pressures potentially put competitive bodybuilders at risk for anxiety. However, research regarding performance anxiety remains limited in bodybuilding literature. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the differences in sport performance anxiety between male and female bodybuilders. METHODS: Competitive bodybuilders (N = 283; 106 females, 176 males) between the ages of 19 and 68 years old (M = 34.75, SD = 9.83) were recruited to …

Sex Differences In Cognitive Stability: Response Variability Following Acute High-Intensity Functional Training, Mason Northam, Yu Lun Tai, Jeremy Abshire, Kelvin Wu, Gary Guerra

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Acute exercise has been shown to enhance cognitive function such as inhibitory control, with aerobic and resistance exercises yielding significant benefits. High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), such as CrossFit®, combines high-intensity, multi-joint movements and has shown promise in improving working memory. However, its acute effects on inhibitory control, particularly regarding potential sex differences, remain unclear. PURPOSE: This study investigated the acute effects of a single CrossFit®-based HIFT session on inhibitory control in healthy young adults and examined potential sex differences in response execution. METHODS: Eighteen healthy college students (8 females, 10 males) completed two counterbalanced sessions: (1) HIFT exercise consisting of …

Effect Of Menstrual Cycle On Lower-Body Power Output In Active College-Aged Women, Peyton Schmidt, Taylor Vannett, Erika Short

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The menstrual cycle is a normal physiological process that may influence physical and psychological performance in women. Many women report feeling less powerful during their menstrual cycle, which may affect athletic performance.  PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the menstrual cycle affects lower-body power output in active college-aged women.  METHODS: Twenty active women (18–25 years; M = 20.35 ± 1.98) participated in this study. All participants experienced regular menstrual cycles and were recreationally active or competitive athletes. Testing was conducted in the Texas Lutheran University Kinesiology Lab using a Biodex Dynamometer. After signing an informed consent, …

Association Of Body Mass Index With Gait Dynamics And Fall Risk In College Students, Diego Diaz-Vega, Heontae Kim, Ho Han, Jungyu Lee

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Although falls are typically associated with older adults, identifying early indicators of fall risk among young populations may help prevent future mobility decline. Because body mass index (BMI) is a modifiable factor that can influence balance and gait stability, understanding its role in early fall risk is important. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine differences in fall risk and gait characteristics across BMI categories in college students. METHODS: Fifteen college students participated in this study and were classified into normal, overweight, or obese groups according to BMI. Fall risk was assessed using the Fall Risk Assessment …

Enhancing Dispositional Mindfulness And Emotion Regulation In Youth Athletes Via A Breathwork And Visualization Intervention, Imare Tasby, Louis Hein, Rene Barbier, Kenia Gonzalez, Mei-Jing Ang, Sven Hoekstra, Kelvin Wu

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Competitive youth sports impose significant psychological demands, often leading to stress and maladaptive emotional regulation. Dispositional mindfulness protects against burnout, yet practical interventions for youth athletes are scarce. Breathwork and visualization offer a physiological gateway to emotional control, but their efficacy in this population is unclear. PURPOSE: This study examined the efficacy of a 12-week breathwork and visualization intervention on dispositional mindfulness and emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal vs. expressive suppression) in adolescent soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-seven athletes were initially recruited from Soccer Central San Antonio. Following 5 dropouts (1 intervention, 4 control), a final sample of 22 participants …

The Effect Of A 12-Week Breathwork And Visualization Intervention On Inhibitory Control And Cognitive Flexibility In Adolescent Soccer Players, Louis Hein, Jace Nicolet, Tiffany Gomez, Mei-Jing Ang, Sven Hoekstra, Kelvin C. Wu

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Cognitive inhibition and flexibility are essential for soccer performance, enabling players to adapt to dynamic environments. However, accumulated season fatigue often degrades these executive functions. The Neurovisceral Integration Model posits that prefrontal cognitive function is linked to cardiac vagal tone, suggesting that autonomic regulation may support inhibitory control. While breathwork is known to enhance autonomic regulation, its potential to preserve cognitive function in youth athletes is untested. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of a 12-week breathwork and visualization protocol on inhibitory control (Stroop) and cognitive flexibility (Task-Switching) in adolescent soccer players. METHODS: Athletes were recruited from Soccer Central San …

Mental Effort Responses To Low Cognitive Load Stimuli During Euhydrated Versus Hypohydrated Fatigue State, Austin Dunn, Lily Hargrove, James Rowe, Luis Aguerrevere, Eric Jones

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Improper body water regulation contributes to physiological changes, affects mood states, and impacts regulation of behavioral responses. With improvements in eye tracking technology (fixation duration and pupil diameter), the ability to quantify focal points and mental effort has expanded greatly. PURPOSE: To examine the effects that fatigue states and hydration, (euhydrated (Eu) vs. hypohydrated (Hypo)), has on average fixation duration and pupil diameter using five separate low cognitive load hydration stimuli. METHODS: Six college aged males underwent two trials of active fatigue/dehydration in an environmental chamber at 35℃ until 2% body water loss was achieved. Fluid restriction and ad-libitum consumption …

Do Different Practice Approaches Affect Intrinsic Motivation Based On A Goal-Directed Behavior?, Elissa D. Torres-Colon, Anthony W. Fava, Emily J. Sauers

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Optimizing motivation leads to enhanced motor performance and improved psychological health in human performers. However, the influence of the type of practice approach on intrinsic motivation among softball pitchers when they learn new pitches is less clear. PURPOSE: To compare intrinsic motivation in adolescent softball pitchers following a practice session using two different practice approaches. METHODS: Fifty adolescent-aged softball pitchers seeking to obtain a breaking pitch (drop ball) were randomly assigned into two practice designs, each with the same goal-directed behavior of “creating as much downward vertical break on the ball as possible.” One group practiced using a …

Enhancing Learning With Ai: The ‘Icing On The Cake’ Approach, Ejike Okonkwo

Essays in Education

Drawing on a narrative review based on inductive thematic analysis, this paper examines the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The analysis shows that while AI offers useful educational benefits, they often come into conflict with concerns about how AI affects learning, including risks of overreliance and potential constraints on learners’ critical thinking and creative capacities. Consequently, the paper develops the “icing on the cake” conceptual framework, which conceptualizes AI adoption as non-linear and positions AI as a complementary tool rather than a substitute for human learning. The framework is grounded in reflection, metacognition, and skill development, and …

Volume Cxlv, Number 14, February 20, 2026, Lawrence University

The Lawrentian

No abstract provided.

The Counseling Experiences Of Gifted Adults, Kelli Busbee, Theodore Remley

Adultspan Journal

In this transcendental phenomenological study, we followed the traditions of Moustakas and explored the counseling experiences of adults who had been identified as gifted during their school years and had experienced counseling for issues related to anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or hypersensitivity. We identified the following themes after interviewing participants: (1) growing up gifted; (2) challenges for gifted individuals at the college level; (3) living with anxiety and depression as a gifted adult; (4) medication and tools used by gifted adults; (5) being a perfectionist and dealing with hypersensitivity as a gifted adult; (6) experiences in counseling as a gifted adult; …

Social Support And Mental Toughness As Predictors Of Perceived Stress Among College Kinesiology Students, Jianmin Guan, Wan Xiang Yao, Xiaofen D. Hamilton, Gaofeng Lu

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Drawing on Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional theory of stress and coping, this study examined the associations of age, gender, three types of social support (family, friends, and significant others), and mental toughness with two dimensions of perceived stress (helplessness and coping inefficacy) among 666 college students majoring in Kinesiology. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that male college students, as well as those with higher levels of mental toughness and family support, reported significantly lower levels of helplessness and coping inefficacy in managing stress. Additionally, greater support from friends was significantly associated with lower levels of coping inefficacy, while younger students …

The Role Of Campus Symbols In College Student Belonging: A Photo-Elicitation And Photovoice Qualitative Study, Abigail W. Bradley-Tyler

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examines the impact of campus symbols on the sense of belonging among second-year students at a public, four-year institution in Florida. This topic is relevant as there is a lack of research about positive or neutral campus symbols. Using sense of belonging and symbolic interactionism as theoretical frameworks, this study investigates how students interpret and emotionally connect with university symbols, including campus mascots, monuments, personnel, and campus traditions and rituals. Using photo-elicitation and photovoice interviews, participants engaged with photographs of official university symbols and captured images representing their campus experience. Using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, the …

Gender Differences In College Students’ Physical Activity Self-Efficacy, Social Comparison Beliefs, And External Frames Of Reference, Ken Murfay, Sarah Pyszczynski, Sarah Collins

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

This study examined whom college-aged individuals believe observing would more likely increase their physical activity self-efficacy (PASE) for a physical skill, whom they are more likely to compare their abilities to within a physical education (PE) class, how often they compare themselves to others in PE, and what students’ PASE scores were. Based on the mean scores for each question, students were more likely to compare themselves to a student than a teacher, friend than a non-friend, and similar or higher skilled peer than a lower skilled peer. To increase students’ confidence for a physical skill, students had higher levels …

2025 And 2026 - Faculty & Staff Research Symposium - Mini, Elizabeth Outka, Lidia Radi

Faculty and Staff Research Symposium Programs

September 26, 2025; November 7, 2025; January 20, 2026; and, February 20, 2026

[Excerpt from the "Welcome"]

"Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the Faculty and Staff Mini-Symposia Series!

As we gather for the fourth and final installment of this year’s Mini-Symposia Series, we are delighted to continue this new chapter of the Faculty and Staff Research Symposium, building on the extraordinary enthusiasm of the past two years. What began as a single day of conversation and exchange has grown into a cycle of events designed to highlight the intellectual and creative work of our community in even more accessible and collaborative …

A Decolonial Approach To International Education: Insights From A Cal Poly Global Program In Palermo, Sicily, Elvira Pulitano, Iyad Jamaly

csuglobalaction

This article presents a critical intervention in the current debates about decolonizing international education. It is based on a Global Program in Palermo, Sicily, offered by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in summer 2023. As both program creator/director and student participant in the program, the authors rely on their personal experience and insights along with expertise in coloniality and decolonial theories. The article focuses on a series of pedagogical activities led by a young group of migrants and refugees who, in the city of Palermo, have come together to form two associations designed and structured to offer new contemporary models …

20.01-07 Lesley University Audiovisual Materials, 1932-2013, Lesley University Archive

Finding Aids

The collection includes a series of audio and video recordings in various formats, such as VHS and Betacam tapes, digital video cassette (DV), cassette tapes, CDs, and DVDs. It features media reflecting life at Lesley University, including ceremonies such as inaugurations, commencements, alumni reunions, and student activities; faculty talks and interviews; guest speakers; marketing materials; conferences; fundraising events; media coverage; and personal collections from faculty and administration donated to the university.

Differences And Changes In Cross-Cultural Sensitivity Of German And Japanese Students Before And After Short-Term Exchange Programs, Kazumasa Nakagawa, Yuko Takahashi, Melanie Zwiorek

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Since 2012, a Japanese and a German university have conducted exchange programs. This study examined the effects of a short-term exchange program in 2023, focusing on intercultural sensitivity. Nine Japanese students and nine German students completed a 24-item Intercultural Sensitivity Scale before and after the program using a 5-point Likert scale. We performed cross-tabulations and analyzed differences between countries and pre- and post-program changes using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. The results suggest that even a short-term exchange enhanced Japanese students’ confidence in intercultural interactions and encouraged German students to reflect on their own culture. However, Japanese students showed lower …

Inaccessibility Harms: Exploring The Impact Of Inaccessible Campus Organizations On Disabled Students, Francis W. Q. Corvin, Natalie G. Horgan

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

There are 3.5 million Disabled college students in the United States, with 4,671 utilizing disability services at Purdue University. Nationwide, 8–14% of students in higher education are Disabled, indicating a substantial number of students whose needs should be prioritized and supported. Inaccessibility impacts the way Disabled college students are able to engage with the college experience. Inaccessible classes, restrooms, clubs, job fairs, and campuses create significant barriers thatthat extend far beyond the classroom. Disabled students face challenges in securing scholarships, finding employment, graduating on time, and achieving long-term socioeconomic stability. Recognizing these barriers, HonorServes, a community service student committee at …

Empowering Caregivers Through Informal Stem Counterspaces: A Reflective Analysis Of Parental Workshops, Renee Gibert, Desmine Robinson, Virgina Booth Womack

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Students’ academic success particularly in mathematics, where early mastery lays the foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving skills, can be directly tied to caregiver engagement (Jeynes, 2012; Epstein, 2018). Algebra by 7th Grade (Ab7G) at Purdue is a Saturday informal STEM counterspace that provides math tutoring and engineering-focused projects to participants in grades 1–10. Students are mentored by Purdue graduate and graduate students. The mentors facilitate mentoring, tutoring, and engineering projects. Ab7G is a hybrid format that meets for six sessions per academic semester on Saturdays. Duke Energy and Chevron provide funding for Ab7G, ensuring accessibility at no cost to …

Integrating Maps In History Education: Systematic Review Of Digital Mapping Effectiveness In Elementary Schools, Nanda Dini Novayanti, Ganes Gunansyah, Nasution Nasution

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

The increasing integration of digital technology in elementary education and the need to enhance students’ spatial and historical understanding have driven the exploration of digital mapping tools in history learning. This systematic literature review examines the effectiveness of digital mapping tools, particularly Google Maps and related technologies, in elementary school history education. The study synthesizes findings from 16 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020-2025, analyzing their impact on student engagement, comprehension, and learning outcomes. The review employed a systematic approach following PRISMA guidelines, with inclusion criteria focusing on digital mapping tools in elementary history education. Results indicate that digital maps significantly …

Factors Affecting Learner Satisfaction With Education Services Of Community Learning Center (Clc), Saraswati S, Setya Raharja, Aldi Rinaldi

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Learner satisfaction is a key indicator of educational service quality, particularly in nonformal education settings that emphasize flexibility and learner-centered approaches. This study aims to analyze factors influencing learner satisfaction with educational services at Community Learning Centers (Pusat Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat/PKBM) in Sleman Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative approach was employed through in-depth interviews and observations involving 18 informants, including PKBM heads, managers, tutors, and learners across three PKBMs with different accreditation levels. Data were analyzed thematically using the SERVQUAL framework adapted to nonformal education. The findings indicate that learning relevance and tutor empathy are the most dominant internal factors shaping …

Exploring Self-Doubt In Community College Computer Science: Evidence From Exploratory Factor Analysis, Trent W. Dawson

Research & Publications

Community college (CC) students make up a growing portion of introductory computing courses, yet little is known about their attitudes going into early programming experiences. This pilot study explored CC students’ initial perceptions of readiness for introductory computing. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two initial dimensions: a higher-perceived-ability factor based on positively framed items and a lower-perceived-ability factor based on negatively framed items. The higher perceived ability factor showed little difference between students with and without programming experience, indicating that early optimism may limit distinctions on positively worded items. In contrast, the factor of lower perceived ability indicated evident differences between …

Educator Retention And Director Practices In Early Childhood Education Settings, Katherine Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood education (ECE) educators leave their profession at a rate 14% higher than K-12 educators, resulting in multisystemic issues that affect children, families, staff, and the ECE industry. Research has shown a connection between leadership practices and ECE educator turnover intentions; however, there is limited research on the relationship between the servant-leadership (SL) practices of ECE directors and ECE educators’ turnover intentions. Grounded in Greenleaf’s theory of servant-leadership, the purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the relationship between ECE director SL practices and its seven dimensions, measured using the SL scale, and ECE educator turnover intentions, measured …

Improving Quantitative Support Across An Institution Using An Ecosystem Framework, Laura Muller, Melissa Eblen-Zayas

Numeracy

In our keynote address at the 2025 National Numeracy Network Annual Meeting, we introduced the framework we developed for considering four domains of an institution’s quantitative skills/reasoning support ecosystem that includes bridge programs with a quantitative component, approaches to assessing readiness, curricular on-ramps, and supplementary support. We believe this ecosystem framework has the potential to help campus leaders coordinate institutional efforts around student success in areas connected to students’ quantitative preparation. This keynote highlighted the idea that coordination of stakeholders and their engagement with domains of the ecosystem fall along a spectrum. We provide approaches for using this framework to …

From Strain To Strength: A Narrative Review Of Wellness Dimensions In Caregiving, Valerie Perkoski

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This narrative review investigates the positive aspects of being a family caregiver for individuals with developmental disabilities (DDs) using the National Wellness Institute’s Six Dimensions of Wellness (Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Spiritual, and Social). While much research has traditionally focused on “caregiver burden,” this review highlights the often-overlooked beneficial outcomes of caregiving. Emotional wellness is enhanced through gratitude and resilience. Physical wellness is discussed through interventions like physical activity, which can reduce caregiver distress. Intellectual wellness emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, helping caregivers find fulfillment in their roles. Occupational wellness shows that employment and community engagement can reduce anxiety among …

Collaborative Learning In Clinical Education As A Catalyst To Support Foundational Professional Competencies In Speech-Language Pathology: A Theoretical Framework, Lori-Ann Ferraro

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

As a part of every speech-language pathology graduate program in the US, clinical education is an integral and required element for both academic accreditation and the eventual clinical certification for students. Clinical education is significantly important when considering overall educational models because it is an aspect of a student’s education that contributes to their ability to make connections between what is learned in the classroom and its real-world clinical application while contributing to the acquisition of competencies. The 2:1 collaborative learning model is supported by sound learning theories and evidence from the literature. A theoretical framework was created to demonstrate …