Digital Commons Network^™

Prevalence, Perceptions, And Risk Of Nsaid Use Among Division Iii College Athletes, Alyssa C. Lewis

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

A preliminary study utilizing a Division III Midwestern athletic conference to determine the perceptions, prevalence, and risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was conducted. The study includes athletes that were 18 years of age or older and those who hold an active roster spot. The study utilized a non-standardized survey previously used in Christopher et al. (2020) to examine NSAID use and behaviors across multiple demographics (e.g., gender, academic year, sport, and ethnicity). The survey did not require any identifying information to allow participants to remain anonymous.  Data collection occurred over two waves through emailing both coaches and athletic directors. …

Investigating The Prevalence Of Eating Disorder Risk And Body Image Dissatisfaction Among Division Iii Track And Field Athletes, Ravyn S. Goodson

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Context: Eating disorder (ED) risk, and body image dissatisfaction (BID) are increasingly recognized concerns in collegiate athletes due to sport-specific and sociocultural pressures. However, limited research has looked at these factors within NCAA Division III track and field athletes.

Objective: To examine the prevalence of eating disorder risk and body image dissatisfaction among division III track and field athletes and explore differences based on gender and event group Design A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design

Setting: NCAA division III athletic program within the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), during the 2025-2026 competitive season.

Participants: A total of 32 NCAA Division III track …

Commencement 2026 (Program And Video), Illinois Wesleyan University

Commencement Ceremonies

No abstract provided.

From Confidence To Competence: Embedding Critical Genai Literacy In Physician Associate Education, Chanceeth Chandrakanthan, Amy H. Donaldson-Perrott Mrs, Jane Secker, Julie Voce, Tamara S. Ritsema

Journal Of Indian Physician Associates

Background: Generative artificial intelligence is now embedded in how many healthcare students learn. Tools provide rapid explanations, summaries and practice questions, but use does not equal AI literacy, particularly where accuracy, medicines safety and guideline alignment matter.

Objective: To describe current use of generative AI by Physician Associate students and outline a practical approach to teaching critical AI literacy.

Methods: Educational evaluation using three activities: (1) baseline survey of students about use and attitudes, (2) an embedded compare and critique session in applied pharmacology where small groups assessed AI answers against trusted UK sources, including BNF and NICE guidance, followed …

Exploring Coaching Issues And Feedback Generation During A Virtual International Coaching Exchange, Lori A. Gano-Overway, Ian Hj Cowburn, Liam Mccarthy

Journal of Coach Development

Internship opportunities can provide coaches with the chance to learn through experience and explore their personal theories in practice. However, to effectively develop coaches during internships facilitators of learning need to know more about what student coaches typically perceive and find meaningful to puzzle through to support their learning and developing theory of practice. Grounded in experiential learning theory and the notion of the reflective practitioner, the authors sought to examine how early-career sport coaches identify, frame, and explore practical coaching issues presented through a virtual international coaching exchange. Using a descriptive multiple-case study approach, the authors presented the coaching …

Developing Self-Determination Through Physical Activity Courses In Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs, Shannon P. Zimmerman, Samantha Ross-Cypcar, Peter R. Giacobbi, Lesley Cottrell, Emily Murphy, Andrea Taliaferro, Jeanette Garcia

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience low physical activity levels, with only 23% meeting recommended guidelines, increasing their risk for secondary health conditions. Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs in the U.S. present an opportunity for physical activity promotion. This study examined physical activity strategies across a national sample of IPSE programs (n = 27) using a sequential mixed-method approach, including surveys and follow-up interviews, focusing on alignment with Self-Determination Theory (SDT). While 70.37% of programs offered formalized physical activity courses, all promoted physical activity informally. Common practices included peer mentorship (96.3% of programs), goal setting (100%), and …

Measuring Disability Prevalence In Healthcare: A Study Comparing Two Disability Measures, Kristen L. Milefchik, Rhonda K. Dailey, Sharon Milberger

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

People with disabilities experience significant health disparities and interventions are needed to address them. Measuring disability prevalence is an essential aspect of designing effective, data-driven healthcare strategies. Accurately measuring disability prevalence is challenging given disability is a complex phenomenon, with biological, social, environmental, and cultural components. Previous studies have compared a variety of disability status measurements and found that measurements were incongruent with each other. This study examines the concordance between disability status using two different measures: the nationally recognized American Community Survey (ACS-6) functional difficulty questions and one disability identity question. We used data from 3,621 adult patients participating …

Innovative Framework And Checklist For Enhancing Interprofessional Education: A Literature Review Of Program Design, Delivery, And Outcome Measurement, Stacy Castronova, Lori Rainchuso

Journal of Innovation in Health Sciences Education

Introduction: This dual-focused study aimed (1) to conduct a comprehensive literature review of interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives across health disciplines to examine collaboration patterns, delivery methods, validated assessment tools, and outcome measures and (2) to develop an evidence-informed framework and checklist, based on the findings and identified gaps, to improve the standardization and reporting of IPE programs.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three professional databases, targeting peer-reviewed publications from 2012 to 2024. Inclusion criteria prioritized studies that provided detailed descriptions of IPE intervention delivery, utilized validated measurement tools, and demonstrated participant engagement to ensure the selection …

Learning In The Third Place: Community-Based Educational Programs At A Bookstore Cafe, Tiana Henry

Capstone Collection

This capstone proposes an alternative learning program, where learning in the third space of a bookstore café is developed in St. Ann, Jamaica. The program responds to gaps in culturally relevant, community-centered educational spaces that reflect Jamaican heritage, support diverse learning styles, and extend beyond traditional classroom structures. A needs assessment consisting of a stakeholder survey and follow-up interviews demonstrated interest in experiential, arts-based, and place-rooted learning opportunities among educators and community members, despite a limited sample size and minimal youth participation. Findings also highlighted the need for stronger community engagement strategies, intergenerational knowledge exchange, and accessible spaces that integrate …

Ai Need Not Make One Slothful, Roy A. Kaelin Jr

Faculty Publications

As National Louis University seeks to plan and advance its way amid the potential perils and pitfalls of so-named artificial intelligence, one finds that with reasonable workflows and guard rails, the use of AI proposes both potential promise and prospect, to assist and augment the natural intelligence that students and teachers bring to the classroom, encouraging them to pursue STEM-related activities with the preparation and deployment of focused and directed AI-bots. This paper presents examples and a case study of that directed and focused approach, the incremental lessons learned to date, and a proposed path to advance worthwhile AI …

Enhancing Hope In Mathematics From An East African Perspective, Howard Omukami

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

No abstract provided.

Reconsidering The Champion Teacher In Assessment-Oriented Development Education Systems, Nyagwegwe Wango, Jane Rarieya, Fredrick Mtenzi, Wachira Nicholas

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of teacher assessment practices in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda on the cultivation of “champion teachers” who can provide competency-based, inclusive, and gender-responsive education.

Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating document analysis, interviews, and surveys with teacher educators and student teachers from the three countries.

Findings: Even though policy changes have encouraged new ways of teaching, teacher education still mostly focuses on summative assessments and following the rules. This method makes it harder for teachers to become more reflective and adaptable, which slows progress toward better, more inclusive education.

Unique Contribution to Theory, …

New Leader Perspectives On Caring Communications, Miah Graczyk, Dorothy Moore, Andrew Peine, Russell Zwiers, Robert Whisler, Barbara Holmes

Leadership Education Books

This is an ebook project created by the Leadership Education graduate students in the  LDRS 615 Leadership Communication spring 2026 course.

Graduate students enrolled in Leadership Education 615 (Spring 2026) focused their final writing project on the role of caring communication in effective leadership. Drawing from personal leadership experiences, students examined critical gaps in current practices and identified areas in need of growth and refinement.

LDRS Education 615 students argue that emerging leaders play a crucial role in strengthening organizational environments by promoting safety, collaboration, and mutual respect. Thus, New Leaders Perspectives on Caring Communications reinforces the importance of developing …

Unmasking Barriers: A Critical Examination Of Systemic Challenges Facing Bipoc Pre-Service Teachers, Nia V. Fratrik

Education Doctorate Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Udl In Secondary Classrooms: A Capstone Project, Livia J. Mortensen

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

In today’s classrooms, students come from various backgrounds and may benefit from a variety of instructional approaches to meet their unique learning needs. Regardless of the need to tailor instruction for students, traditional teaching methods continue in classrooms but often fail to accommodate all the needs of our students. Many students, including students with disabilities, may struggle to engage with the standard curriculum that does not provide sufficient flexibility in instruction to reach all types of learners (Smith, 2012). Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that seeks to address this specific issue by promoting inclusive teaching practices, …

The Phoenix Project: A Self-Regulation Approach To Improving Credit Recovery Outcomes, Janice Smith

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Graduation from high school is a critical milestone that leads to better job opportunities, higher education, and a lifetime of economic stability, which is why improving graduation rates is a critically important focus. However, many students who attend alternative schools face significant barriers to graduation, including inconsistent attendance, academic deficits, and personal challenges. The purpose of this creative project is to develop a self-determination intervention to support students when working on credit recovery. This creative project includes (1) a description of relevant research used to inform this project, (2) a description of the intervention and how it worked for students, …

Check-In/Check-Out Implementation Across Grade Levels For Improving Unexcused Absences In A High School Setting, Otis C. Bitsuie

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Chronic absenteeism may contribute to declining graduation rates for many students with disabilities. Students with disabilities face challenges with academic and emotional behaviors. Chronic absenteeism causes students to fall behind with classroom materials, and they are unable to utilize instructional supports, emotional supports, or assistance with transitions. Students with disabilities who miss class often tend to drop out of school, which leads to difficulties with navigating post-high school life. Students who do not obtain a school diploma often experience high unemployment rates, homelessness, and incarceration. Students facing chronic absenteeism need interventions that will improve problem behaviors amongst students. I will …

Turning Me Into We: A Workbook To Improve Relational Communication, Megan N. Charchenko

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Communication is a key factor that contributes to relational satisfaction, yet many couples struggle with communication. I wrote a set of workbooks for couples intended to teach healthy communication skills to help couples overcome their communication barriers. The workbooks cover topics of identity, expectations, boundaries, and physical intimacy. Each chapter utilizes theories and research to educate individuals on communication skills and then guides them through the application of the skills. I wrote a workbook for the individuals and one for the couple to work on together. Together, the workbooks will help couples improve communication and implement healthy communication behaviors regarding …

Cleared For Takeoff, Sydney Steed

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Cleared for Takeoff is a podcast I created aimed at helping aviation students navigate the challenges of flight training and the aviation industry as a whole. Aviation is a unique field filled with new terminology, rigorous testing, as well as demanding training. This can often feel overwhelming to those just starting out. The goal of this podcast is to bring students together, give insight into different training paths, and share real stories from those who have experienced both success and setbacks. Throughout the podcast, I explore what separates students who excel from those who struggle, discuss the pros and cons …

Designing The Future: A Vr Campus Environment, Jasmine Talitha Banman

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This capstone project details the development of the "USU Virtual Campus," a high-fidelity 3D replica of the Utah State University College of Engineering building. Grounded in constructionist learning, I designed a unique architectural model in the USU virtual campus and gained practical experience using a 3D modeling platform. The project documents a transition from 2D UX/UI theory to 3D environmental design, highlighting technical challenges. Moving from greyboxing to high-fidelity detailing-the project establishes a future-proof framework for building a digital replica. Ultimately, this virtual environment promotes accessibility by allowing students to engage with the USU community regardless of geographic or physical …

Diversity In Childrens Literature, Tess Rasmussen

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This project examined the diversity of classroom libraries and explored how to improve representation through data collection and community involvement. The question guiding this research was, how does increasing diversity in the classroom library influence elementary students' engagements with reading and their sense of belonging. This question was rooted in the teaching philosophy of each child being seen on the walls and in the stories told in their classroom. This question leads to the understanding that inclusive literature supports students' increasing empathy, and an awareness of cultures and perspectives different than their own. An inventory of multiple classroom libraries was …

Designing Effective Writing Instruction For Learners With Complex Support Needs, Makayla Lyn Norton

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Writing is a composite skill that is a prerequisite to academic, social, and employment success. Only 5% of students with disabilities demonstrated proficiency in writing in the 2010 National Assessment of Education Progress. Effective writing interventions for learners with Complex Support Needs (CSN) are limited. This Honors Capstone focused on designing an effective writing curriculum for this population of students. The developed curriculum was designed to incorporate explicit systematic instruction to reach behavioral fluency in writing simple sentences the describe a series of images. The final project includes a literature review on effective writing instruction for students with (CSN), a …

R Software Tutorials For Introductory Statistics Courses, Erica M. Hurst

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This project focused on creating online resources for using the statistical software package R in an introductory statistics course at Utah State University. The goal was to make R more accessible, user-friendly, and engaging for learners. To do this, existing written materials were moved to a new section of an online website called Stats Stuff. Then interactive features were added such as step-by-step video tutorials, real datasets, and an embedded coding tool. These resources have been in use for the past four years and have helped students build confidence and enhance their statistical learning experience.

Factors Influencing Student Satisfaction And Perceived Learning In Global, Faith-Based Online Education: The Roles Of Course Structure, Instructor Presence, Learner Interaction, And Student Engagement, Brandon Weekes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Online education continues to expand worldwide across diverse contexts. Online students often differ from traditional in-person learners, as they are more likely to return to or begin education later in life while balancing career and family responsibilities. When online experiences are ineffective, students may withdraw from courses or stop progressing in their programs. As a result, there is a need to better understand how to improve the experiences in the online learning environment

Prior research has identified course structure, instructor presence, learner interaction, and student engagement as key factors influencing student satisfaction and perceived learning in online learning environments. However, …

Teaching In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Of Teachers' Lived Experiences, Nicholas Ricks Harris

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing education, creating new opportunities for teaching and learning while also raising challenges for teachers. Although schools are encouraging the use of AI, little is known about how teachers experience this transition or how it affects their professional roles. This study explored teachers’ lived experiences as they begin working with AI, using a phenomenological research approach to understand both what they encounter and how they make sense of those experiences. Through interviews with teachers who have recently engaged with AI in their practice, the research identifies themes that reveal opportunities, challenges, and shifts in professional …

Examining Middle School Girls' Self-Efficacy Changes During A Design-Based Engineering Unit, Emily Lehnardt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Drawing on Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, this exploratory multi-case study examines how engagement in an engineering designed-based unit, specifically through an intervention focused on iterative improvements, influences middle school girls’ self-efficacy. This study was conducted in a suburban public middle school. It involved five female participants enrolled in a seventh-grade science classroom. Qualitative data were collected from pre- and post-interviews, self-reflection journals, observations and student artifacts. Multiple data sources were triangulated to ensure the credibility and depth of the findings. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive and deductive coding to produce open codes, axial categories driven by Bandura’s four sources of …

A Mixed Methods Analysis On The Effect Of Active Learning On Extraneous Cognitive Load Within Undergraduate Statistics Courses, Michelle Brady Rich

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Students enrolled in college-level statistics courses often lack the foundational skills of statistical concepts which can potentially lead to increased mental load. Additionally, the curricula within undergraduate classes often focus on traditional theory with little student exploration or participation. This combination of increased mental load and passive lectures can be explored through the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT). CLT examines how new information enters the limited capacity of an individual’s working memory and how exceeding this capacity affects the ability to transfer the information to long-term memory. This research focused on the extraneous cognitive load, or the load imposed by the …

Generative Ai In Higher Education: A Survey Analysis Of Ethics And Adoption Patterns Across University Faculty, Staff, And Students, Michele Gibney, Sinky Zheng, Cory Davia, Lindsay Gietzen, Karen M. Sarafian, Jennifer Helgren, Rajvinder Bains, Jonas Bianchi, Andrew Lloyd, Bhavana Raja

University Libraries Librarian and Staff Articles and Papers

As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) emerges as a provocative new innovation in higher education, institutions require practical, evidence-based strategies for its integration. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of GenAI adoption, usage patterns, and attitudes by surveying the complete range of campus constituents – students, faculty, and staff – at one United States university (N=355). Moving beyond prior research that has focused predominantly on student or faculty perspectives, this multi-constituent approach reveals a more holistic view of institutional AI dynamics and uncovers a notable "ethics asymmetry," where individuals trust their own AI use more than others'. The findings offer actionable …

Supporting An Inclusive Summer Camp For Children With Developmental Disabilities Who Use Aac And Their Neurotypical Peers: A Practice-Based Report, Jessica Hicks

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

For my honors research, I completed an internship in an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) lab at the University of Arkansas. For most of my internship work, I helped support an inclusive AAC summer camp for children with and without developmental disabilities, such as autism, for whom speech does not fully meet their communication needs. AAC includes high-tech tools such as communication apps on tablets that serve as speech-generating devices (SGDs). SGDs were used by many of the AAC summer camp participants with developmental disabilities. In this report, I will provide background information on AAC and developmental disabilities. I will …

Artificial Intelligence In Dental Education: A Literature Review Of Global Adoption, Pedagogical Outcomes, And Ethical Implications, Betti Shahin, Jeremiah D. Ghodsi, Toleen Mazloum, Denise Hale

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing many fields by enabling machines to accomplish tasks that previously required human intelligence, such as learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. In dentistry, AI is increasingly applied to diagnostics, treatment planning, and clinical training. Its integration enhances educational experiences for students while supporting more accurate and efficient patient care.

Objective: This review synthesizes recent research on AI in dental education, highlighting global adoption trends and key pedagogical, ethical, and practical considerations.

Conclusion: AI has significant potential to enhance dental education through innovative teaching, clinical training, and data-driven decision-making. Effective integration depends on institutional …