Digital Commons Network^™

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter Newsletter, Issue #69 Spring 2026

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Newsletters

President's message, Dustin Loy

Undergraduate Scholarship Awards

2026 Chapter Officers and Committees

Faculty Awards

Membership info and dues form

Grad Student Scholarship

Award of Merit

NU Foundation Fund

New Initiates

Save the Date

In Memoriam:
Kara Daye Heideman (March 31, 1980-December 11, 2025)
L. Dale Van Vleck (June 11, 1933-December 23, 2025)
James (Jim) Eugene Specht (September 12, 1945-February 13, 2026)
Irvin Thomas Omtvedt (June 12, 1935-April 6, 2026)
Fayrene L. Hamouz (June 6, 1946-April 8, 2026)
Robert L. Raun (April 22, 1928-April 22, 2026)

Getting Across That Stage: Identifying And Addressing Barriers To Degree Completion For Undergraduates At A Selective Four-Year Institution, Karen G. Afre

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Selective institutions, like Dartmouth College, offer students extensive academic opportunities and institutional support. Despite large endowments and strong alumni networks that provide holistic support for students, selective institutions still experience student drop-out and extended time-to-degree. For Dartmouth undergraduate students who matriculated in Fall 2018, the six‑year graduation rate was 96%, while only 75% graduated within four years. This gap indicates that 25% of students took longer than four years to complete their degrees and 4% had not graduated within six years. 

This thesis examines barriers to college completion at selective institutions to inform retention efforts and institutional initiatives. I use …

2026 April, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for April of 2026.

Smu Launches Longevity Societies And Economies Institute To Advance Knowledge And Innovation For Singapore’S Longevity Transition, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

Singapore Management University (SMU) launched the SMU Longevity Societies and Economies Institute (LSEI) which will focus on the economic and societal transitions needed for economies and societies to continue thriving despite an ageing population. The new institute will consolidate SMU’s ageing-related research and drive an interdisciplinary agenda to build resilient and opportunity-rich longevity societies and economies.

Spanglish: Un Viaje Al Pasado Observado Por El Presente, Nyleen Benavides, Raquel Christopherson, Rose Jouini, Kennedy Kuchta

Posters - 2026

Since its founding in 1852, St. Mary’s University has evolved from a small institution into a diverse and inclusive community that has worked to overcome discriminatory barriers. Originally founded to serve Mexican students in underserved communities, the university has reflected San Antonio’s Cultural diversity since its earliest years. Its founder, Reverend John Marie Odin, envisioned supporting a “melting pot” of cultures within the city (Flores, 2019). While the university has grown significantly in enrollment, Hispanic culture and traditions have remained a central part of its identity. Today, with over two thousand students enrolled, St. Mary’s University continues to not only …

Cure Sound Project: Library Loudness, Jordan Cosgrove, Adrian Cruz, Lilliana Cantu, Izabella Grinnell, Idaly Oropeza, Maria Gamez, Regina Losoya, Kayla Martinez, April Martinez, Emiliano Rueda

Posters - 2026

The Louis J. Blume Library has three floors. Each floor has a different purpose and expected sound level. Ideal sound levels can vary based on task. Tasks requiring intense concentration may be negatively impacted by high sound levels1. However, for tasks requiring creativity, higher sound levels may be beneficial2-3. The purpose of this study is to examine noise levels on all floors of the library and determine which floor is most suitable for different tasks and studying types.

A Qualitative Examination Of Mentoring Practices For First-Generation, Low-Income Stem Students Through A Critical Intersectionality Lens, Christina Torres Garcia, Laura Zamudio-Orozco, Martin Meraz Garcia

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Arts and Humanities

This study examines the mentoring experiences of first-generation, lowincome, and underrepresented students in STEM through the lens of Critical Intersectional Mentoring (CIM). Drawing on testimonios from McNair Scholars, this study identifies the systemic barriers and power dynamics that shape mentoring relationships and limit academic success. Traditional mentorship models often ignore intersecting identities, leading to experiences of marginalization, mentor absenteeism, and cultural disconnection. The CIM framework integrates Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy to reframe mentoring as a social justice practice grounded in equity, empowerment, and relational trust. Using qualitative content analysis of pláticas, the study uncovers three key …

Turn Out, Having Latinx Faculty Doesn't Mean The School Sucks: The Faux Relationship Between Latinx Saturation Rate And Institutional Prestige, Julianne Pena

Posters - 2026

• 25% or more full time students that are of Latinx decent (U.S. Department of Education) • Since 1992, enrollment and attendance of students increased (Vela & Gutierrez, 2017) • Latinx students more likely to enroll in HSIs over non HSIs (Vargas et al., 2019) • Latinx faculty to Latinx students 146:1, White faculty to White students 10:1 (Vargas et al., 2019) • Overrepresentation of White faculty and Underrepresentation of Latinx faculty (Robertson, 2023) • Diverse faculty is impactful (Contreras, 2017; Dayton et al., 2004; Turner & Gonzales, 2014) Purpose: The purpose of this topic is to bring awareness to …

Unique Undergraduate Experiences And Their Impact On Postgraduate Plans For St. Mary's University Psychology Majors, Angelina Robledo, Zoe Lozano, Jose Ignacio Guerrero Donoso

Posters - 2026

• The amount of research opportunities a student has available is linked to higher post graduate student success rate (Stoloff et al., 2015).

• The quality of different research experiences also matter (Love et al., 2007). Positive undergraduate experiences lead to higher levels of self-efficacy in undergraduate students.

• Students' soft skills are improved throughout various classroom activities, preparing them for post graduate opportunities (Marsh et al., 2016).

• Wayment and Dickinson (2008) found that students who participated in undergraduate research were more likely to get accepted to graduate school.
• Hypotheses
  • Attending sophomore retreat can reassure areas of interest for psychology undergraduates, which may …

Ursinus Magazine, Spring 2026, Gundolf Graml, Steve Thomas, Jennifer L. Post-Whisted, Brad Drexler, Alyssa Kratz

Ursinus Magazine, 1995–Present

Gundolf Graml, Ph.D., named 20th President • $1.99 million grant boosts STEM pipeline • $1.49 million grant fuels APEX innovation center • Esports comes to Ursinus • Experiential Learning Week • Ursinus / Rochester partner on 4+1 business pathway • Ursinus launches global learning program • Students win America250PA innovation challenge • Athletics: A generous gift and a milestone • Bear2Bear Impact Award for leadership and service • Lenape Symposium returns to Ursinus • Wall Street on Main Street • Tuition Promise for Montgomery County students • Wrestler wins two Puerto Rico national titles • Paying it forward: A Montgomery …

William: The Musical, Tyler C. Green

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

William: The Musical is the story of my parents’ struggle, and unfathomable loss while trying to start a family. The work follows the couple through their commitment to start a family together, through a devastating miscarriage, and up to the birth of my older brother, William. The work is still in progress, but is currently structured as a song-cycle including five songs in the style of contemporary musical theater. William: The Musical explores themes of loss and resilience, bringing to light the disturbingly common experience of miscarriage. While the creative goal aims to allow audiences to reflect and mourn their …

Social Support And Mental Wellbeing Among Veterinary Clinic Employees, Madison Koons

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

Mental wellbeing is a significant concern for veterinary professionals and the subject of much discussion in the veterinary and academic fields. To determine whether social support is an effective protective factor for the mental wellbeing of veterinary professionals, I administered a survey to 879 veterinary clinics in Ohio, with ninety-two responses received for final analysis. The scales assessed mental wellbeing, organizational support, and nonorganizational support. I found organizational support, friends support, and family support to be positively correlated with mental wellbeing. Significant other support was not correlated with mental wellbeing. A linear regression evaluating social support as predictors of mental …

Just Unmasking Knowledge? A Critical Interpretation Of Fluctuating Jellyfish Populations For A Mass Media Audience, Wrenne R. Grone

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

While podcasts may not be the most popular form of mass media, they are growing in their accessibility and prevalence in educational discourse. My creative work, in the form of a podcast, unmasks scientific knowledge in an untraditional, mass-media form and will use podcast techniques, such as music transitions and storytelling techniques, to maintain engagement. Additionally, my podcast aims to transpose academic knowledge into a comprehensible, interesting form for a non-academic audience. Jellyfish have no brains, no heart, no blood, and no bones and yet, they have survived for millions of years. The goal of my podcast is to educate …

Sensemaking By Rural Community College Mid-Level Academic Leaders During Localized Disruptions: A Critical Incident Technique Study, Donata Worrell

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Mid-level academic leaders in community colleges play a critical role in the success of community colleges. Beyond performing administrative tasks, they advocate for faculty, staff, and students as well as implement directives. Their work is affected by localized disruptions. However, limited research has examined how these leaders experience such disruptions. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how mid-level community college leaders experience and make sense of those unexpected operational disruptions and their emotional responses to those events. Guided by Weick’s theory of sensemaking, this study used the critical incident technique (CIT) to collect detailed accounts of the …

Identifying Professional Development Needs Of Deans At California Community Colleges, Matilda D. Chavez

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

This quantitative, descriptive study examined the professional development needs of deans, associate deans, and directors in the California Community Colleges System. Using the American Association of Community Colleges leadership competencies, the study analyzed how mid-level leaders rated the importance of leadership tasks and their ability to perform them. It also compared results by gender, race or ethnicity, years in the role, district type, and preferred professional development methods.

Data were collected with a 47-item, fixed-format survey using Qualtrics. The sample was a nonprobability quota drawn from 17 California community colleges (N = 71). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including t-tests …

Learning In Motion: How Small Groups Can Promote Self-Regulated Learning In Physical Therapy Students, Sara Mclaren

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a critical skill for success in rigorous graduate health professions programs, where students must independently manage complex academic demands. Despite its importance, limited research has examined SRL processes among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the didactic phase of training. Guided by Zimmerman’s cyclical model of self-regulated learning, this study examined SRL behaviors among second-year DPT students and explored how small group learning contexts may influence engagement in SRL processes and academic performance.

This mixed-methods study included 39 DPT students enrolled in a physical therapy program at a public university in the southeastern United States. …

African American Male Dual Enrollment Graduates Perceptions Of The Transition To The 4-Year University, Kendra L. Harrison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore how African American men who earned an associate degree from dual enrollment programs in Texas perceive the transition to a 4-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The 4S model of Schlossberg’s transition theory was the conceptual framework that undergirded the study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 participants. The researcher collected and triangulated data using a questionnaire and semistructured interviews and analyzed it using six-step thematic analysis. Results revealed competence and confidence from dual enrollment program resulted in a smooth transition to college, participants’ African American male …

Effective Support Services For Black-African International Students, Amy V. Rutledge

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Currently, 1.5 million F-1 and M-1 students are enrolled in U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 2025). Although support services for international students are improving, substantial gaps remain in helping these students transition to the next phase of life (Weiner & Ghazarian, 2024). This transcendental phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of six recently graduated Black African international students (BAISs) to identify effective support services for graduate programs, licensure, or legal employment. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling for interviews, which were analyzed using descriptive coding (yielding 61 codes) and thematic analysis (producing six themes). …

Integrating Artificial Intelligence Into Fnp/Dnp Simulation To Enhance Clinical Competency, Doris K. Gonzales

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract  

This poster presents a theoretically grounded, AI-integrated simulation program design structured across 3-4 semesters of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) education. This program is designed to support the development of clinical judgment and diagnostic reasoning among FNP students. Guided by Tanner’s Clinical Judgment Model and Roy's Adaptive Model as Theoretical Framework. The program addresses identified gaps in differential diagnosis and role transition from Registered Nurse (RN) to FNP practice. A needs assessment informed the development of a semester-sequenced curricular framework integrating AI-supported simulation across four semesters. The proposed design illustrates how progressive simulation experiences …

Implementing Holographic Instruction In Multi-Campus Dpt Education, Stacie Christensen, Brad Dexter, Michael Hollins, Elisabeth Barrett

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Providing engaging and equitable learning experiences across geographically separated campuses remains an ongoing challenge in health professions education. This educational innovation describes the implementation of holographic (“holobox”) instruction across pre-recorded and live delivery formats within a multi-campus Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum, with preliminary evaluation of learner engagement and feasibility.   Through collaboration with UNMC's Interprofessional Experiential Center for Enduring Learning (iEXCEL), holobox-supported instruction was integrated into learning activities for 63 second-year DPT learners across two campuses. A pre-recorded holographic lecture addressed outcome measure selection, psychometric properties, and database use, delivered simultaneously with faculty facilitators in each location. A separate …

Bridging The Language Gap: A Simulated Experience To Teach Communication Using Virtual Interpreters - Encore Presentation, Jessica Downes, Jessica Witt, Kristen Cook

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Introduction: Patients with Non-English Language Preference (NELP) are at risk for communication barriers and health disparities. Studies have shown that clinicians who receive training on language barriers and interpreter use are more likely to utilize professional interpretation services.   Research question or hypothesis: Providing pharmacy students with an opportunity to practice working with an interpreter in a simulation will improve their confidence in this skill.   Study design: The objective of the study is to create an innovative simulation lab and describe its impact in the didactic curriculum for pharmacy students to practice communicating with an interpreter. Students participated in a survey …

No Escape Without Evidence: Is A Digital Escape Room An Effective Strategy To Teach The Use Of Clinical Practice Guidelines (Cpgs)?, Chelsea Huppert

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Background: Game-based learning, such as escape rooms, have been shown to improve education experiences and student engagement. Digital escape rooms, specifically using Google Forms, have been shown to be an effective tool in teaching pharmacy-related topics. Reading and applying clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are critical skills all student pharmacists must build, and an activity such as a digital escape room could be useful to implement in the pharmacy curricula. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of a digital escape room via Google Forms is an effective teaching strategy for pharmacy students on reading and applying …

Emotional Intelligence Of Early College High School Juniors, Donna M. Besant

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 Donna M. Besant on March 31, 2026.

Enhancing Course Development With Generative Ai: Practical Tools For Educators, Nishank Varshney, Casey Solsrud

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools presents new opportunities for higher education, particularly in designing courses that are rigorous, engaging, and adaptable. This poster demonstrates how generative AI tools can improve teaching and learning through a case study of developing an online course: Fundamentals of Program Evaluation. In this poster, we illustrate how generative AI can be utilized to support brainstorming, content generation, visual design, assessments, and inclusive adaptations. We also discuss risks, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for thoughtful integration. The case offers a replicable model for educators seeking to incorporate AI meaningfully into curriculum development.

Voices Of Learning: Exploring The Impact Of Human And Artificial Intelligence Voice In Health Professions Education, Megan Frazee, Olivia Sattlefield, Elizabeth Lyden, Peggy Moore, Betsy J. Becker

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Introduction While early research indicated students preferred human narration over artificial intelligence (AI) voices, more recent studies have yielded mixed results, with some finding no significant difference in learner preferences for module narration. The purpose of this study was to determine whether professional level health science students exhibit a significant preference between human and AI generated narration in educational e-modules.   Methods Our study used a noninferiority design to assess whether AI voices are comparably effective to human voice. Study participants completed an e-module narrated by a human or AI voice then completed a 21-item survey of perception and cognitive load. …

The Value Of Establishing Connections Between Clinical And Research Settings For The Next Generation Of Neuropsychologists And Neuropsychology Consumers, Pamela May-Weeks

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this discussion is to highlight the value of networks and connections across institutions for students, early researchers, and clinicians to support their careers in neuropsychology and the neurosciences. Participants and Methods: Since 2020, two independent institutions, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC; academic medical center) and the Institute for Human Neuroscience (IHN) at Boys Town National Research Hospital (research facility), in Nebraska have partnered to support UNMC graduate students' (pursuing PhD and MD/PhD in various disciplines) master's and doctoral level work. More specifically, a clinical neuropsychologist from UNMC collaborated with researchers at IHN to support student-led …

Exploring The Role Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Immersive Virtual Reality (Ivr) Simulation In Nursing Students, Krystal Davis, Sue A. Schuelke

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Simulation has been shown to be an effective learning modality that can be used to assess competency and clinical judgment. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) has revolutionized simulation across various fields. By creating highly realistic and interactive environments, IVR allows users to experience scenarios that would be difficult, dangerous, or impossible to replicate in real life. This is a tremendous advantage to preparing our student nurses for today’s challenging workforce. There are several different types of IVR including faculty moderated and independent IVR with drop down menus with both having limitations. The purpose of this pilot study is to compare cost …

Unlocking Knowledge: Designing An Infectious Diseases-Themed Escape Room For Medical Student And Resident Education, Mackenzie R. Keintz, Catherine Cichon, Evangeline Green, Jasmine R. Marcelin, Benjamin K. Arbeiter

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Background Serious games like escape rooms (ER) offer immersive, interactive, and effective teaching through cooperative problem-solving and goal-oriented challenges. ER have primarily been described in context of medical conferences, their integration into routine medical education serves as a novel strategy to foster early interest in infectious diseases (ID) and enhance long-term retention of medical knowledge. Methods We designed an ID–themed ER for trainees on the ID service, guided by Kern’s six-step approach to curriculum development. General needs assessment was obtained via discussion with key stakeholders and literature review. A targeted needs assessment identified high yield board review exam topics and …

Stress In Medical Laboratory Science (Mls) Students: Sources, Patterns, And Implications, Marnie Imhoff

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Students in accelerated, year-long Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) programs experience different stressors that can affect their well-being and ability to persist in the program. This study aimed to identify the main sources of stress among MLS students and to examine how stress levels vary by demographic factors. MLS students in a university program completed a stress survey each semester from May 2022 to May 2024. The survey asked about demographics and included questions about stress in academic, professional, and personal areas. The results showed that the main stressors were lack of free time, the program's pace, and worries about falling …

National Durc Capacity Building Program: A Novel Ipe Model For Responsible Life Science Research Education, Wael Elrayes, Ali Asy, Maha Farid

Interprofessional Academy of Educators Spotlight on Scholarship

Background: Educating scientists on Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Responsible Use of Life Science Research (RULSR) requires innovative approaches that overcome geographic and expertise barriers while maintaining engagement and educational rigor. This project utilized a novel IPE approach engaging scientists and researchers across multiple health professions disciplines within a One Health framework. We developed and implemented the world's first national-level DURC capacity-building program using a hybrid educational model. Methods: The program employed a two-phase hybrid design combining virtual and in-person modalities. Phase I delivered 13 virtual sessions over three months by international faculty from four countries, engaging 140 scientists …