Digital Commons Network^™

Fall 2021

Scientia

A Decade of Progress and Success; Speech Language Pathology Program; COVID-19 Long-Hauler Study; Peer Mentors Initiative; Faculty Update; Expert Engagement: Three CSH initiatives further education and scholarship while supporting communities in need; Strategic Command: Business consultant and med tech expert Stephen Sichak helps others face pandemic challenges; Taking Care: A School of Nursing research team plumbs the pandemic experiences of nurses nationwide

Impact Of Traditional (Non-Affirming) Black Church Affiliation On Exploration Of Sexual Identity For Black Assigned Female At Birth Lgbq+ Individuals And The Associated Mental Health Risk, Aurielle J. Sutton

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation explored the impact of Black traditional church upbringing on the sexual and religious identity development, including the subsequent mental health risk, for Black assigned female at birth (AFAB) LGBQ+ individuals. Studies conducted on Black AFAB LGBQ+ individuals are limited, especially in terms of  assessing their experiences in sexual identity development based on religious upbringings. Studies have overlooked the experience of LGBQ+ Black AFAB individuals navigating sexual orientation development and religious and racial identities. Studies have greatly favored Black gay men and supported health risks such as HIV. In the present study, twelve Black AFAB Queer individuals participated in …

Exploring The Relationships Between Emotional Intelligence, Perceived Organizational Support, Job Satisfaction, And Intent To Stay Among Minnesota School Nurses, Kristin K. Coudron

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

School nurses face escalating job demands driven by increasing student health complexity, chronic condition management, and expanding public health responsibilities. Often serving as the sole healthcare professional within a school or district, they work in settings characterized by high autonomy, variable organizational support, and growing concerns about job satisfaction and retention. Limited empirical research has examined how personal and organizational resources jointly relate to school nurses’ intent to remain in practice. Guided by the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) theory and the National Association of School Nurses School Nursing Practice Framework, this quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional study explored relationships among emotional intelligence, …

Avian Influenza And The Approach To Designing An H5n1 Vaccine, Lauren N. Hickey

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The Avian influenza virus (AIV) H5N1 has been responsible for the culling and deaths of millions of birds since 2022 with concern for wildlife, livestock, and human infections occurring as well. With eggs flying off the shelves in grocery stores, even individuals not involved in the agricultural industry have seen the drastic effects of this disease first-hand. For chickens, this virus works quickly and overpowers the innate immune system before the adaptive immune system has time to properly respond. Therefore, a safe and effective vaccine could reduce the number of poultry deaths and prevent the continuous spread of the infection. …

Reflecting On Psychotherapy In Adolescence: A Qualitative Analysis Of Processes Of Change, John Parigger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is a sharp increase in anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescence, and many forms of psychotherapy are shown to be effective. However, most research has examined average effects for manualized treatments that address multiple areas of functioning, which makes it difficult to determine how psychotherapy causes positive change. Process-based therapy postulates that all psychotherapies work through promoting adaptive biopsychosocial patterns of behavior (i.e., processes of change). Research has increasingly focused on the process-based therapy model, and there is a need for qualitative studies to incorporate lived experience into our understanding of change processes. The current study utilized the process-based …

Sanctuary: Counter-Oppressive Relationships With Farmed Animals As An Ecopsychological Imperative, Kelsey Bomboy

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Consumers are intentionally shielded from and often misled about the process of breeding, raising, and slaughtering animals for consumption. By confining most farmed animals to warehouses in rural areas while the majority of humans are sequestered in urban areas, we have effectively created a world where humans do not have to contend with the sense of interconnectedness that arises when witnessing and being witnessed by a farmed animal. Within industrial slaughterhouses, the physical act of killing is minimized to just a fraction of the workers, so that even those who are responsible for rendering a once living being will never …

Threaded Belonging: Strengthening Cultural Identity Through Armenian Embroidery In The Diaspora, Krysten A. Lee

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

The current study examined the impact of an Armenian textile arts workshop on cultural identity among members of the Armenian diaspora in the Bay Area of California (n = 25). Grounded in relational-cultural theory, it explored how culturally grounded, community-based, traditional art practices may strengthen cultural identity and reduce cultural disconnection resulting from forced displacement following the Armenian Genocide of 1915. A mixed-methods, arts-based design was implemented where participants engaged in an embroidery workshop centered on traditional Armenian textile practices. Data was collected through pre- and post-intervention Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) scale (Aron, Aron, & Smollan, 1992) …

Art As Activism: Emotional Expression And Collective Empowerment Among Muslim Participants Creating Protest Posters, Menhal Sheikh

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Muslim Americans are among the most underserved populations in mental health care in the United States. In the wake of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, many Muslim Americans have experienced intensified psychological distress, including anxiety, grief, and a heightened sense of helplessness, while continuing to show up in the streets in protest. This mixed-methods study examined whether the collective process of protest poster-making leads to emotional expression among Muslim American participants. Eleven Muslim American participants across two groups in the San Francisco Bay Area completed a pre and post Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) to measure changes in affect, …

Spiritual-Soul Care: Art Sacralization, Active Imagination, And Eco Therapy, Andrea N. Miller

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This thesis reasons that spiritual-soul care is, at times, an ethically necessary dimension of mental health care for many individuals yet remains underdeveloped within the field. In response, this research aims to articulate a foundational, non-dogmatic “baseline” language that is simple and accessible, while remaining nuanced enough to capture the depth and essence of spiritual-soul care. This study proposes a culturally flexible approach for individuals who identify outside of traditional religious frameworks. This multidimensional model includes three domains—the self, spirit-soul, and the transpersonal levels—each contributing to wellbeing through developmental themes.

Using a qualitative design, 9 participants engaged in contemplation, Jungian …

Loneliness And Social Isolation: Finding Connection Through Art, Elijah K. Wong

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This study explored whether creativity might help alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic was an extraordinary event that significantly impacted people's emotional, physical, psychological, and social health globally. To gain insight into these impacts, the research focused on participants’ creative activities and their experiences of loneliness during and after the pandemic. The aim was to find possible links between making and viewing art and reducing feelings of loneliness and loneliness-related experiences. Ten participants were surveyed and asked about their artistry, their time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their sense of belonging to a community. This investigation …

Shadow Garments: Costume Creation For Integrating Alienated Parts Of The Self, Mega M. Galvin

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

This study explores costume creation as a narrative-based intervention for integrating "shadow" parts, or aspects of the self that are repressed or alienated due to shame, trauma, or social pressure. Grounded in Jungian analytic psychology, narrative therapy, and expressive arts theory, the research addresses the limitations of traditional talk therapy in accessing somatic memory and proposes costume making as a pathway for externalization and re-authorship. Using a qualitative, participatory study inspired by Pat B. Allen’s Open Studio Process, four adult participants engaged in a three-session workshop to design, construct, and wear costumes representing their identified shadow aspects. Data was collected …

Restorative Environments And Therapeutic Artmaking: A Strengths-Based Art Gallery Workshop To Enhance Well-Being In Emerging Adults, Jeannine Case

Art Therapy | Master's Theses

Emerging adults aged 18 to 29 face increased mental health risks yet encounter considerable barriers to traditional care, which highlights the need for accessible, preventive alternatives. This mixed-methods pilot study investigated whether an art gallery environment could serve as a supportive setting for a strengths-based, positive art therapy-informed wellness workshop aimed at promoting well-being for this population. Six participants between the ages of 20 and 27, all enrolled in post-secondary education, took part in this study. Five identified as female and one as male. Three participants (50%) identified as Hispanic/Latino, one as Asian, one as White, and one as Hispanic/Latino …

The Role Of Probiotics In Metabolic Syndrome: A Clinical Review, Ariel Rios

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

BACKGROUND

           Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. First-line treatment consists of lifestyle modifications, followed by guideline-directed pharmacologic therapy. Growing evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota through probiotic supplementation may improve metabolic outcomes, although its clinical role remains uncertain. This clinical review evaluates whether the use of probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, may serve as adjunctive therapy for metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

          PubMed was searched using terms including “metabolic syndrome” and “probiotics,” yielding 195 articles. Abstracts and full texts were screened to identify randomized …

Incidence Of Breast Cancer In Menopausal And Post-Menopausal Women With The Use Of Different Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapies, Morgan L. Moorer

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is a widely used treatment for common symptoms that women experience through menopause and post-menopause, such as hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, low libido, night sweats, and weight fluctuations. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the association between MHT use and breast cancer risk.

Methods: A search was conducted through PubMed using the following key terms: “estrogen”, “progesterone”, “breast cancer”, and “menopause”. After filters were applied, the search was narrowed down to 33 final results. Of those results, 3 total articles were utilized in this literature review.

Results: Two articles directly …

The Effects Of Non-Pharmacologic Interventions On Glycemic Control In Type 1 Diabetes And Anxiety: A Clinical Review, Samuel Merr

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) carries significant psychological burden, including elevated rates of anxiety and diabetes-related distress. Both of these have been linked to worse glycemic control and outcomes. The purpose of this clinical review is to evaluate the current evidence on whether non-pharmacologic interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), are associated with meaningful reductions in HbA1c in adults with T1D and elevated anxiety.

Methods: PubMed was searched using key terms including “type 1 diabetes,” “anxiety,” “non-pharmacologic interventions,” and “glycemic control,” with MeSH terms and Boolean operators applied. …

Biologic Therapies Versus Methotrexate In Psoriatic Arthritis Management: A Literature Review, Yisel Ramos

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause progressive joint damage, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used as a systemic therapy, while biologic therapies target specific inflammatory pathways. This review evaluated the efficacy and safety of biologic therapies compared with MTX in adults with PsA.

Methods: A PubMed/MEDLINE search identified studies evaluating biologic therapies and MTX in adults with PsA. Four publications were included based on methodological quality, clinical relevance, and applicability to the PICO question. Outcomes included joint symptoms, disease activity, physical function, radiographic progression, and adverse …

Prescribing Prevention: The Impact Of Non-Pharmacological Intervention Versus Medication On Maternal Mortality, Sheris Cox

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia, are one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the world. The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions, including supervised exercise, Mediterranean dietary patterns, and mindfulness-based therapies, in reducing and preventing HDPs and maternal mortality overall. A review of the current literature was conducted using PubMed, with a final search using the terms “preeclampsia,” “exercise,” “stress reduction,” and “maternal mortality.” With the use of certain filters applied to the search, results were condensed to 10 articles for review. Of the articles reviewed, it was found …

Efficacy Of Sglt2 Inhibitors In The Management Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Paige N. Curtis-Campbell

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), recently proposed to be termed polyendocrine metabolic syndrome (PMOS), is a complex multifactorial disorder commonly associated with obesity, hyperandrogenism, infertility, and insulin resistance. First-line treatments for metabolic characteristics include lifestyle modifications and metformin; however, metabolic abnormalities may persist. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors represent a potential therapeutic agent due to their effects on insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and body weight.

Methods: A literature search of PubMed identified studies examining SGLT2 inhibitors in women with PCOS compared to metformin, standard therapies, or placebo. The search was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses available …

Effect Of Intramedullary Nailing Vs Plate Fixation On Bone Union Time In Distal Tibial Fractures, Madeline Wasmund

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Distal tibia fractures are complex fractures due to the intricate anatomy and minimal soft-tissue protection. There are currently two techniques that are mainstays for repairing a distal tibia fracture: intramedullary nailing and plate fixation. This study explores the bone union time between these two different techniques. PubMed was searched with a specific search strategy using the terms “intramedullary rod”, “plate/screw fixation”, “tibial fractures”, and “time to bone union.” Filters were applied to find articles that were most relevant, which resulted in 4 articles, each of which was appraised. Three articles were systematic reviews/meta-analyses comparing intramedullary nail fixation and plate fixation …

Catheter Directed Thrombolysis Vs Anticoagulant Therapy For The Management Of Pulmonary Embolisms, Kelsey A. Strawser

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that develops within a blood vessel and travels to the lungs, leading to a blockage of blood flow where it can cause life threatening complications.¹ Currently, there is not one standard treatment for pulmonary embolisms. Treatment depends on the size and location of the emboli, as well as the risk it has to the patients’ health.⁹ While systemic anticoagulation is one of the most common treatment methods for pulmonary embolisms, catheter directed thrombolysis rapidly dissolves the clot, which can lead to quicker symptom relief and decreased strain on the heart.^{11 …}

Clomiphene Vs Letrozole For Fertility In Women With Pcos., Lauren Weissenberger

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition associated with ovulatory dysfunction and infertility in women. The purpose of this review is to analyze the efficacy of clomiphene versus letrozole in ovulation induction, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in women with PCOS.

Methods: PubMed was searched strategically using key terms “polycystic ovary syndrome”, “clomiphene”, and “letrozole”. The following filters were applied: randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, free full text, English language, and publication dates restricted to the last five years. Results narrowed down to three relevant, quality articles for review.

Results: One article was an RCT comparing clomiphene …

Orthosis Versus Surgical Repair Outcomes Of Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip In Children, Avery G. Hays

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction:

            Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common orthopedic malformations in children. Late detection of DDH can lead to more invasive treatment, higher risk of treatment related complications, and long-term sequelae like early onset osteoarthritis. The purpose of this clinical review is to analyze current treatments for DDH and provide a rationale for individualized treatment decisions and future implications.

Methods:

            A PubMed search was preformed using a specific strategy with key terms “developmental dysplasia of the hip,” “orthosis,” “surgical reduction,” and “complications.” Boolean operators and filters were used to narrow the results to 6 relevant, …

Restrictive Fluid Resuscitation With Early Vasopressor Initiation Vs Liberal Fluid Resuscitation In Adults With Septic Shock: A Review Of Mortality And Clinical Outcomes, Gabriel Locke

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Introduction

Septic shock is a life-threatening medical emergency characterized by profound hypotension, impaired organ perfusion, and significant risk of mortality. While large fluid resuscitation has been considered the commonplace, emerging evidence of increased adverse outcomes has prompted further investigation into restrictive fluid strategies in combination with early vasopressor use.

Methods

PubMed was searched with key terms “septic shock”, “vasopressors”, “norepinephrine”, “restrictive fluid resuscitation”, “liberal fluid resuscitation”, and “mortality”. Operators and filters were implemented such as randomized control trial, systematic reviews, meta-analyses published between 2021 and 2026. After applying these filters. Of the 39 results, 4 articles were selected based on …

Lifestyle Modifications Versus Antihypertensive Therapy: Efficacy In Blood Pressure Control Among Adults With Hypertension, Alexander J. Butler

The PA Department Journal of Medical Science

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and preventable deaths in the United States. Pharmacological treatment remains the standard of care despite challenges such as cost, adherence, and side effects. The purpose of this article is to discover the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatment in comparison to pharmacological treatment for reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension. PubMed was searched using key terms such as “HTN,” “antihypertensive,” “antihypertensive agents,” “exercise,” “physical activity,” and “running.” Operators and filters were used to narrow results down to 31 where 4 quality articles were selected for review. Non-pharmacological treatment/lifestyle changes produced reductions …

Diagnostic Delays In Endometriosis Among Reproductive-Aged Women: An Evidence-Based Primary Care Policy Proposal, Francis P. Ronayne

Capstones

No abstract provided.

Nourishing Births: A Program Evaluation Proposal For Community-Based Nutrition Education, Food Access, And Garden Engagement Among Black Birthing People, Naa Deedei-Vera Hammond

Master's Projects and Capstones

Black birthing people in the United States continue to experience unequal maternal health outcomes, shaped in part by racism and barriers to nutritious food, culturally relevant health education, and supportive community spaces. While prenatal nutrition education and food assistance programs can provide important resources, information alone cannot address the challenges many people face when trying to access healthy and affordable food during pregnancy. The Nourishing Births Initiative is a proposed community-based maternal health program designed to respond to these needs by bringing together prenatal nutrition education, help connecting to food resources, community gardening, and peer support for Black birthing people …

Impact Of Implementing Standard Wound Care Guidelines For Patients In The Home Care Setting On Patient Outcomes, Raymond Anthony Flores Jr

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Wound care is among the most significant public health concerns, affecting millions of people worldwide. Most individuals with wounds end up self-managing their condition from their homes due to being discharged early from the hospital, owing to various reasons, and the costs associated with health care. Although home wound management offers convenience and lower costs for patients, it is also associated with substantial challenges, including limited access to and use of appropriate care protocols, wound management tools, and sufficient education on the topic, as well as limited professional advice. These limitations contribute to poor outcomes, including slow healing rates, infections, …

Is Your Cyst Really A Ganglion Cyst? A Case Report Of Angioleiomyoma Mimicking A Plantar Fascia Cystic Lesion, Christopher Anjorin Ms Dpmc, Joseph Bender Dpm

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft tissue masses encountered in podiatric clinical practice, and their diagnosis is often presumed based on location, clinical observation, and transillumination. However, this case highlights a diagnostic idiosyncrasy: a lesion clinically presumed to be a ganglion cyst within the plantar fascia was ultimately identified as an angioleiomyoma following surgical excision and histopathological evaluation. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when assessing cystic lesions, particularly those that transilluminate, as benign vascular tumors may closely mimic more common entities in both clinical presentation and imaging. More importantly, what if …

Deep Brain Stimulation In Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review Of Neuropsychological Outcomes, Nora Huey

Doctoral Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and disruption of neural networks involved in cognitive functioning. Although existing treatments may provide symptomatic benefit, there remains a need for interventions capable of slowing or stabilizing disease progression. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a potential neuromodulatory intervention for early-stage AD through stimulation of memory- and cognition-related neural circuitry. This dissertation employed a systematic review research methodology to examine teh neuropsychological and neurobiological outcomes associated with DBS targeting the fornix (DBS-f) and nucleus basalis of Meynert (DBS-NBM) in individuals with early-stage AD over 12–24 …

Adolescent And Young Adult Cancer Survivorship: Supportive Care Needs, Resources, And Barriers, Allison Bryn Koplos

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience unique physical, psychosocial, developmental, and healthcare-related challenges that often persist beyond treatment completion. Although survivorship resources have expanded, gaps in supportive care needs persist. This scoping review examined the supportive care needs, survivorship resources, and barriers to accessing supportive care among AYA cancer survivors.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2026 was identified through searches in PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies examining supportive care needs, survivorship resources, or supportive care services …