Digital Commons Network^™

How Reliable Is Your Run Data? A Framework For The Physiological Validation Of Coros Wearable Technology, Tyler Lampert, Christian Darrah, Gage Degarmo

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Wearable technology such as COROS has advanced athletic monitoring; however, the accuracy of its physiological measurements must be validated to ensure effective use in training and performance settings. The purpose of this study is to compare physiological metrics obtained from COROS running watches with gold-standard laboratory instruments to determine their validity. Methods will include three separate testing sessions. The first, an indoor laboratory session, will assess VO2 max, lactate threshold (heart rate and pace), and energy expenditure using a metabolic cart, electrocardiogram (EKG), and a portable lactate analyzer. The second, an outdoor session, will evaluate GPS-derived distance, pace, and running …

The Grizzly, April 9, 2026, Renee Washart, Sidney Belleroche, Erin Ewing, Andrew Mihniak, Jesse Cherone, Ava Wood

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Third Annual Lenape Symposium • Watson Fellowship: What to Know • Join The Grizzly Newspaper! • Ursinus Hosts Girls & Women in Sports Day • Sexual Assault Awareness Month • Opinion: I Hate Cashless Everything • Baseball Blasts Out to Hot Start! • Softball's Young Talent Shines Through

April 2026 Graduate Council Minutes, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Role Of Cine-Virtual Reality In Empathy And Awareness Of Social Determinants Of Health Among Occupational Therapy Students, Leah M. Stade, Madison Mckeever, Emma Gardner, Jana L. Wardian Phd

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Understanding social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial for Occupational Therapy students to develop empathy and deliver optimal healthcare. This study explores using web-based 360° cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) simulations in Level I fieldwork to address SDOH education and occupational engagement before community-based exposure.

This mixed methods study involved surveys and thematic analysis of written reflections from fifty students in a distance-based program at a Midwest university. Students viewed 12 web-based immersive cine-VR modules about a client experiencing multiple SDOH impacts. Surveys were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-weeks post-intervention, measuring empathy using the Jefferson Empathy Scale and attitudes toward …

Bridging Libraries And Classrooms: Co-Teaching For Student Success, Joy Urbina, Isabel Baca

Librarian Conference Presentations

An instructional librarian and writing professor describe their collaborative approach to co-teaching. Learn how integrating information literacy with writing instruction strengthens students' critical thinking and research skills and discover practical strategies from this successful cross-disciplinary partnership.

Exploring Healthcare Career Pathways: Survey Findings From The Unmc High School Alliance Program, Jana L. Wardian Phd, Rachael Jaixen, Jaynie Bird, Heidi Kaschke

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

The ongoing demand for a well-prepared and adequately staffed healthcare workforce in the United States highlights the value of effective educational pipeline programs. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) High School Alliance (HSA) was created as an immersive, academic enrichment initiative to expose motivated high school students from a range of educational and socioeconomic backgrounds to health professions, with the long-term aim of strengthening the healthcare workforce in Nebraska. This article evaluates the design, curriculum, and measurable impact of the UNMC HSA over its 16-year history. Students participate daily throughout the school year, engaging in courses such as patient …

The Role Of Mentorship: The Lived Experience Of Black Women In Higher Education Leadership, Joseph Fahrney

JWU Dissertations & Theses

The persistent underrepresentation of Black women in higher education leadership raises important questions about how institutional environments shape leadership advancement, belonging, and sustainability. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the role of mentorship in the lived experiences of Black women leaders in higher education in shaping leadership trajectories, professional development, and institutional engagement. Participants included senior leaders serving in roles such as president, vice president, chief officer, and other executive administrative positions across higher education institutions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (N=17), generating narrative data reflecting their experiences navigating leadership environments and mentorship relationships. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Adaptive Learning Strategies Among Deaf Students In Inclusive Higher Education: A Thematic Analysis, Mayasari Manar, Murni Winarsih

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of learning adaptation strategies implemented by students with hearing impairments in the context of inclusive higher education. The study employs a qualitative approach using an open-ended survey design involving 15 students with hearing impairments who are currently enrolled in or have previously attended higher education institutions. Data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach to identify thematic patterns related to perceptions of the effectiveness of the adaptation strategies employed. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents perceived the adaptation strategies they used as “fairly effective,” although not yet fully optimal. The …

Teaching Iep Development To Preservice Teachers Using Real-World Scenarios And Kentucky Resources, Laura S. Clarke, Dusty Columbia Embury

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

When considering all of the content and pedagogy required for preservice teachers to master before they begin teaching students with disabilities, candidates at public, regional university report that one of the most complex components is understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and how to write them. In this article, we will provide a program description of the structure, components, and outcomes of a model preservice personnel preparation program designed to address the pedagogical needs of university teacher education candidates in this rural state university. We will describe the plan and initial results from a small pilot study in which faculty in …

Critical Incident Analysis: A Methodological Approach For Teaching Trauma Informed Practices, Penny B. Howell, Mary S. Thomas, Shantel D. Crosby, Khirsten Scott

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Drawing on sociocultural theory, a transdisciplinary, multi-racial team of teacher educators, a social work educator, and a scholar of English and rhetoric, designed a study focused on developing teacher candidates’ understanding of trauma-informed practices during their teacher preparation program. Qualitative data from teacher candidates’ reflections on Critical Incident Descriptions (CID) completed during student teaching reveal their developing understanding of trauma-informed practice with Timing, Maintaining Relationships, Holding High Expectations, and Engaging Students so they Remain in the Classroom as prevalent themes across all CIDs. Findings suggest that Critical Incident Analysis promotes teacher candidates’ reflection practices as they make connections …

The Benefits Of Faculty Learning Communities: Improving Both Faculty And Student Outcomes, Tyra M. Burton

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Whose Job Is It To Foster Inclusivity In Higher Ed? Everyone!, Michelle Carpenter, Kaitlyn Ukleja

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Can You Teach Professionalism?, Kirsten Passyn

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

A Nudge For Marketing Education To Be More Intentional About Inclusion, Mario Norman

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Perceived Stress Levels Of Prelicensure Nursing Students Over A 10 Week Period, Sara K. Myers

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing students are held to extremely rigorous academic standards, which often result in severe and chronic stress. This phenomenon creates an array of negative consequences, including mental and physical health issues, reduced academic success, and, in extreme cases, attrition from nursing school or subsequent exit from the nursing profession.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify peak stress levels in a four-semester prelicensure nursing program over a 10 week study period to provide a template for implementation of focused mitigation strategies by nurse educators.

Methods: A longitudinal study design in which the Perceived Stress Scores 10-item …

Understanding Student Attendance Drivers For Collegiate Basketball: A Study Of Midwest Division Ii University Men's And Women's Programs, Noah Beckett, Jj Gonzalez, Jack Hileman, Moses Dirane, Savanah Egger, Justin L. Montney

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Title: Understanding Student Attendance Drivers for Collegiate Basketball: A Study of Midwest Division II University Men’s and Women’s Programs

Names: Gonzalez, J., Hileman, J., Beckett, N., Dirane, M., Egger, S., Montney, J.

Basketball Games Student attendance is a vital component of the collegiate athletic experience, yet the specific drivers behind game-day participation are often complex. This exploratory and descriptive study examines the factors influencing a midwest division II university students’ decisions to attend men’s and women’s basketball games. The primary objective is to identify and quantify key influences on attendance, including game atmosphere, team performance, promotional incentives, scheduling, social factors, …

Madness In March: Leveraging Ai And Statistical Analysis To Predict Ncaa Tournament Outcomes Better Than Humans, Noah Beckett, Whitney Randall, Justin L. Montney, Andrew Gannon, Kyle Hull

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Title: Madness in March: Leveraging AI and Statistical Analysis to Predict NCAA Tournament Outcomes Better than Humans

Authors: Beckett, N. 1,2

, Randall, W. 1

, Montney, J. 1

, Hull, K. 2 , Gannon, D. 1

Affiliations: 1Department of Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University 2Department of Athletics, Fort Hays State University

Abstract: The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, commonly known as "March Madness," operates as a high-variance system where traditional seeding frequently fails as a predictive metric. Millions of brackets are submitted annually, yet high-accuracy forecasting remains elusive due to human bias and subjective guidelines. This study …

Bridging Theory And Practice: Experimental Learning Measurement And Evaluation, Hayley Bertrand, Brooke Befort, Ty Adams, Derek Mesa, M. Camarena, Aniya Stierlen, Justin L. Montney, Emily Washburn

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Title: Bridging Theory and Practice: Experiential Learning in Measurement and Evaluation Background: Experiential learning plays an important role in helping students apply classroom knowledge in real world settings. In the HHP 340 Measurement and Evaluation course at Fort Hays State University, students are taught testing protocols in class, but limited research has explored how hands-on combined experiences influence student confidence and practical skill development. This project was designed to examine whether participation in a live athletic combine improves students’ preparedness, confidence, and ability to administer performance tests effectively. Methods: A pre post design was used in HHP 340 students enrolled …

Bridging The Gap In Patient Attendance: A Dnp-Led Quality Improvement Project To Reduce No-Show Rate By Implementing Text Message Reminders, Charles D. Rogers

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Missed medical appointments contribute to revenue loss, workflow inefficiencies, increased staff burden, and reduced patient access to care in primary care settings. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project evaluated the impact of an automated text message (SMS) reminder system on no-show rates in a privately owned, medium-sized family practice in a rural setting, aiming to reduce the baseline no-show rate of 11.4% to 10% or less. Guided by the Model for Improvement and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, automated SMS reminders were sent 48 hours prior to scheduled appointments. Existing 24-hour phone call reminders were maintained. Formative assessments …

Bridging The Gap: Design And Evaluation Of Skillbridge: A Case Study In Ai-Assisted Cybersecurity Curriculum Development, Patrick W. Gonzalez

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the aequirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Patrick W. Gonzalez on April 8, 2026.

Bridging Theory And Practice: Experimental Learning Measurement And Evaluation, Broke Befort, Ethan Stambaugh, Lilliana Ramierez-Johnson, Kooper Tichenor, Hayley Bertrand

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Title: Bridging Theory and Practice: Experiential Learning in Measurement and Evaluation Background: Experiential learning is an important component of student development because it allows students to apply classroom knowledge in authentic settings. In the HHP 340 Measurement and Evaluation course at Fort Hays State University, students are introduced to testing protocols and performance assessment procedures; however, less is known about how hands-on combined experiences influence students’ confidence, anxiety, motivation, and readiness to administer testing. This project was designed to examine whether participation in a structured experiential learning opportunity improves student outcomes across the training process. Methods: A repeated-measures design was …

Building Sport-Specific Conditioning For Rodeo Athletes, Morgan Hammond, Lillie Gorges, Emily Keene, Jamie Kerkviet, Justin L. Montney, Anthony Fox, Montana Heacock

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Building Sport-Specific Conditioning for Rodeo Athletes: A Mixed-Methods Needs Assessment

Approach

Background: Rodeo athletes face unique physical demands characterized by explosive strength, dynamic balance, and high injury risk across events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. Despite these demands, collegiate rodeo programs often lack access to structured, evidence-based strength and conditioning resources. This project aimed to address this gap through development of a sport-specific training program. Methods: A mixed-methods needs assessment was conducted integrating qualitative interviews with coaches and athletes alongside quantitative systematic observation of practices. Qualitative data identified training philosophies, logistical constraints, and the importance of “rodeo …

Supporting Relationships Through Wholehearted Teaching, Betsy L. Crawford, Latisha Haag, Linda Ganstrom

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Educators face growing political, cultural, and personal pressures that shape classroom relationships and student support. This study explores Wholehearted Teaching, a pedagogical approach influenced by Brené Brown and adapted for educational practice, to examine how faculty enact authenticity, empathy, flexibility, and accountability in higher education courses.

April 8, 2026 Blazer Weekly, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Blazer Weekly (student newsletter)

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Social Isolation On Community College Students' Learning Modality Preferences, Melinda F. Walker

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Melinda F. Walker on April 8, 2026.

Street-Level Bureaucrats In Public Higher Education: The Ethical Obligations To Support Psychologically At-Risk Students, Michael Turtz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To fill the gap in the current literature, the purpose of this dissertation was to explain how and why Street-Level Bureaucrats (SLBs) in public higher education helped psychologically at-risk students during the pandemic. This qualitative study was intended to examine the role of SLBs in public higher education as it relates to their utilization of administrative discretion when advising psychologically at-risk students. In addition to administrative discretion, this dissertation also explored the role of ethical obligations and the use of a therapeutic lens when SLBs are faced with some of the most difficult situations for which they were not equipped …

Amplified Voices: Zines, Theatre, And Open Pedagogy, Bethany B. Mickel, Amy Hunsaker

All Things Open

This interactive presentation highlights a collaborative open pedagogy project implemented in an undergraduate vocal theatre course. The scaffolded assignment guided students through research practices and source evaluation, culminating in the creation of student-authored zines focused on vocal warmups. Students explored the history of zines as small, often hand-designed publications rooted in self-expression, community knowledge-sharing, and alternative publishing, values closely aligned with open education practices.

Rather than producing a traditional research paper, students synthesized their findings into creative zines that center voice both pedagogically and literally. Throughout the project, students engaged in discussions about open licensing, authorship, and consent, making informed …

Noise-Induced Gains: Are You Damaging Your Hearing While You Train?, Taylor Hitschmann, Lillian Beauvais, Blake Roth, Andrew Gannon

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study investigated the potential risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among individuals who listen to music during exercise. Survey data were collected alongside sound intensity measurements to better understand listening behaviors in fitness settings. Results indicated that although most participants reported listening at recommended safe levels, a notable proportion exceeded these thresholds, potentially increasing their risk of NIHL. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring listening habits during workouts. Hearing health professionals are encouraged to enhance public awareness and promote safe listening practices to help reduce the likelihood of long-term auditory damage.

Japanese Music Theory, Elias N. Nichols

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This research project explores Japanese music theories. By analyzing the basic components of Japanese music, including historical and modern approaches, this presentation demonstrates the similarities and differences in the formation of music in western thought when compared to the methodology of Japan. This research dives deep into tones, scales, melodic approaches, historical development and the effect on modern compositions today. This project informs the audience on the nuances of Japanese music theories in the hope to dispel stereotypes about music theories from different cultures, apart from western thought.

April 7, 2026 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.