Digital Commons Network^™

Handling Socio-Institutional Traps–Inertia Towards Australia’S Resilient International Development Aid Programs In The Solomon Islands, Mark Opoku Amankwa, Kwadwo Adusei-Asante, Alina Novak

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study critically examines how donor’s aid delivery approach, entrenched socio-institutional dynamics, and the Solomon Islands’ complex political economy create persistent barriers to Australia’s aid programming. Through a desktop research approach, institutional trap–inertia theory is applied to analyze how Australia’s aid efforts and political structures perpetuate aid inertia. The study critiques both Australia’s aid delivery approach and the internal governance challenges in a cohesive society of the SI, highlighting their intertwined roles in impeding Australia’s aid programming. The article proffers context-driven, locally adaptive strategies aimed at overcoming institutional traps and fostering more resilient and effective aid interventions.

Bridging The Gap: Exploring The Intersection Of Formal Mental Health Services And Informal Social Supports In Bipoc Communities, Patrice D. Patton-Campbell

Dissertations

Despite growing awareness of mental health disparities, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities continue to face significant barriers in accessing culturally responsive mental health care. This dissertation explores the intersection between formal mental health services and informal social supports such as family, religious institutions, and community networks to understand which systems are more trusted, accessible, and effective for BIPOC individuals. Grounded in Urban Liberation Psychology and guided by decolonial and culturally responsive care frameworks, this qualitative study draws from focus groups and interviews with 33 participants, including both community members and service providers from the Chicagoland area and …

Not Meant To Be Read: The Stories They Silence, The Resistance That Speaks, Cristina Onea

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

In this dissertation, I trace the evolution of surveillance from overt state violence to the more insidious forms of ideological policing embedded in everyday life. Through lived experience, oral history, and critical autoethnography, I explore how surveillance moves through bodies, families, institutions, and memory—not simply as external control, but as internalized rhythms of fear, vigilance, and self-surveillance. I move between my father's life under Romanian dictatorship, my own embodied inheritance, and the contemporary struggles of librarians facing ideological suppression to reveal surveillance as a structure that persists through generations, mutates across contexts, and demands new forms of resistance.

I argue …

Faith In Conflict: The Role Of Religion In Conflict And Peacebuilding Among Minority Christian Communities In Ukraine And Palestine, Julia Lats

Honors Projects

Religion has long influenced both the escalation of conflicts and efforts toward peace. The wars in Ukraine and Palestine are deeply rooted in historical narratives, national identities, and religious influences. While the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often framed in terms of Jewish-Muslim tensions and the issue of politicization of religion and tensions within the Orthodox Church frame the Ukrainian-Russian War, these dominant narratives often overlook the role of minority religious groups. This paper examines the contributions of Protestant Christian groups in these regions, exploring how their beliefs and practices influence their actions, identity formation, interactions with others, and approaches to conflict …

Becoming A Bridge Of Collaboration: How Being Supports Doing Within The Help Model Of Leadership, Andrea Burgess

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

This synthesis project introduces the HELP Model—Humility, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Service, and Psychological Safety—as a developmental framework for sustainable leadership rooted in character formation and relational trust. It asserts that credible and effective leadership begins with inner orientation before it can be embodied as consistent, ethical action in the world. Through integration of leadership theory, developmental psychology, and theology, the project critiques conventional, strategy-driven paradigms of organizational well-being. HELP extends Robert Kegan’s framework to include relational and spiritual dimensions of the leader’s individual growth as necessary conditions for fostering organizational collaboration. Drawing on reflective inquiry and practice-based insight, the project …

A Qualitative Study On The Barriers And Facilitators Of Integrating Women Into The Firefighting Workforce: Perspectives Of Men And Women, Helen Frazer Ph.D. Candidate, Ellie Lawrence-Wood Ph.D., Miranda Van Hooff Ph.D., Amelia Searle Ph.D.

The Qualitative Report

This study explores the barriers and facilitators of integrating women into the firefighting workforce, with insights drawn from both women and men firefighters in South Australia. The research focuses on challenges and supports encountered during recruitment and long-term retention of women in this male-dominated field. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with paid (career) firefighters, with a thematic analysis applied to transcriptions. Key themes identified included occupational challenges (barriers) such as lack of diversity, perception of women as “diversity hires,” ill-fitting uniforms and equipment, unconscious bias, and the hypermasculine culture of the workplace. Women also tended to cope with workplace …

Availability And Distribution Of Stoma Bags For Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Case Study At National Referral And Private Hospitals, Ratna Aryani, Toar Jm Lalisang, Debie Dahlia, Evi Martha, Achir Yani S Hamid, Sukma Wicaturatmashudi, Helen Helen

Kesmas

Stoma bags are essential for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with stomas. However, access and affordability in Indonesia remain challenging as the National Health Insurance (NHI) does not fully cover these devices. This study aimed to describe the availability and distribution of stoma bags for patients with CRC in national referral and private hospitals, focusing on outpatient access. A qualitative case study was conducted through observations and in-depth interviews with four enterostomal therapy nurses and six patients across three national referral hospitals and one private hospital in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area, Indonesia. Notably, the availability of stoma bags was limited in …

Assessing Willingness To Pay For Parking Fees Among Residents: Evidence From Malang City, Damas Dwi Anggoro, Aleyda Farihatus Shofwah

BISNIS & BIROKRASI: Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi dan Organisasi

This study aims to investigate the willingness to pay (WTP) for user charges imposed by the local government using an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Viewing the local government as a service provider, the construct of perceived value is incorporated to determine behavioral intention toward user charges, marking a novel contribution of this study to the literature. Specifically, this study analyzes (1) the effect of each TPB construct—attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC)—on WTP, (2) the effect of perceived value on WTP, and (3) the indirect effect of perceived value on WTP mediated by …

Policy Strategy For Value-Added Tax Imposition On Social Commerce Transactions, Maria R.U.D. Tambunan, Siti Zaila Noor Afina

BISNIS & BIROKRASI: Jurnal Ilmu Administrasi dan Organisasi

The burgeoning e-commerce sector offers a promising avenue for tax revenue. However, aligning its regulatory measures with continuous advancements presents challenges. The government has recently issued a regulation that separates commerce and social media functions within social commerce platforms. This study analyzes the determinants to consider in formulating a value-added tax (VAT) policy on economic activities conducted through social commerce platforms and the effective VAT collection strategy. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with in-depth interviews and a literature review as data collection techniques. The key finding highlights the importance of efficiently managing data for businesses operating in social commerce …

Bridging The Divide: Gaps In Mental Health Resources For K-12 Students In Nevada, Nicole Diaz Del Valle

Student Research

Since 2014, Nevada has consistently ranked among the bottom five states, if not last, in the nation for youth mental health, with more than 34,000 youth reporting experiencing thoughts of suicide in 2025 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). The state’s student-to-counselor ratio stands at 456 to 1, nearly double the recommended 250 to 1 (American School Counselor Association, 2024). In Southern Nevada, these challenges are compounded with persistent provider shortages, chronic underfunding, and a fragmented system of care. This policy brief focuses on the barriers preventing students from receiving timely, effective mental health support in school settings …

The Perception Of The Participants Of The Unemployment Relief Program On Employability: A Social Policy Initiative In Trinidad And Tobago, Marsha De Souze

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Unemployment Relief Program (URP) has failed to contribute sufficiently to improve employability and reduce unemployment in Trinidad and Tobago. The URP is an active labor market program that aims to alleviate unemployment and stabilize the labor market. Although there have been studies on unemployment programs and policies in Trinidad and Tobago, the gap in the literature revealed a need for adequate labor market research on unemployment policies and programs and their contribution to employability and unemployment. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the URP participants’ perceptions of the program on their employability and unemployment. The …

Judicial Deference In Immigration Cases: A Qualitative Inquiry Into How Judicial Decision Making Shapes Immigration Policy, Jurgen R. Soekhoe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the United States, the inherent right of a sovereign nation to regulate immigration and naturalization has been a privilege long recognized. The judicially established plenary power doctrine affirmed that right in 1889, only to be forgotten to history through shifting judicial focus. This study analyzed the connection between the political branch’s constitutional and statutory authority on immigration regulation and the influence of the federal judiciary on that power by reviewing immigration law, executive action, and judicial decisions. Increased judicial review into immigration-related matters has affected immigration policy. Soliciting firsthand insight from 17 federal judges provided unparalleled insight when investigating …

Performance Evaluations, Teacher Salary, And Teacher Retention In Online Alternative Learning Environments, April Renee' Siddique

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teacher retention has long been an area of study, as schools struggle with high teacher turnover, adversely affecting students’ quality of education. Researchers have demonstrated that low scores on evaluations and low salary adversely affect general education teacher retention, but there is little literature on how these variables influence teachers in online alternative learning environments (ALEs). The problem addressed in this study was low teacher retention, leading to a shortage of teachers. Guided by Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory, the purpose of this quantitative, correlational, nonexperimental study was to examine the relationship between teacher performance evaluation outcomes, salary, and retention …

How Do The Conflicts In The Middle East And The Crisis At The Southwestern Land Border Increase The Risk Of Terrorism In The United States?, Bradly Perkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative dissertation provides an in-depth analysis of the intricate relationship between the persistent geopolitical instability in the Middle East, the complex crisis at the United States' Southwestern Border, and the associated terrorist threats facing the United States. Despite the pressing nature of these interconnected challenges, there is a notable scarcity of scholarly literature that effectively establishes links between the issues at the Southwestern Border, the conflicts occurring in the Middle East, and the risks of terrorism. This gap in research highlights the need for a comprehensive examination of these global security concerns, emphasizing how they interact and influence one …

New York City Misses The Exit To Traffic Safety, Joseph Caffrey

Capstones

New York City Misses the Exit to Traffic Safety investigates New York City’s mounting traffic violence crisis through the lens of a devastating crash that killed a Brooklyn mother and her two daughters. It examines the city’s inconsistent enforcement of reckless driving and the failure of the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement Program (DVAP), which aimed to reform recidivist speeders. The piece investigates the imperfections of Vision Zero, public backlash to automated enforcement, and the broader failure to prevent recidivist speeding. It also explores policy alternatives like Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), highlighting legislative efforts to revive accountability and save lives, while advocating …

Public Policy And Homeless Youth In Kansas, Esther Abigail Andrew

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Youth homelessness rose in Johnson County, Kansas, by 37 percent, partly due to family conflict and socioeconomic challenges. The lack of guidance, social support, and resources can create a domino effect. While existing literature has examined youth homelessness at the national level and in other sub-national locations, the impact of federal and state policies related to homelessness among youth in Johnson County, Kansas, has not been explored. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and practices of administrators in homeless services who manage federal and state funding guided by public policies for homeless youth, based …

Development Of A Training Module For High School Teachers To Recognize And Assist Students Who Are In Non-Permanent Housing, Damian Michael Wilson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Student homelessness is an issue affecting Polk County Public Schools in Central Florida. It is important to address this problem to equip teachers with the skills necessary to recognize its signs. The practice-focused questions included: How familiar are teachers with student homelessness, and what should be done to help those students? The purpose of this administrative study was to explore teachers’ awareness of student homelessness and identify strategies to support affected students. The conceptual design for this study was based on environmental scanning, needs assessment, and strategic planning. A survey was sent out through email to over 100 teachers at …

The Effects Of Family Cohesion On The Relationship Between Trauma And State-Level Social Policy Provision In The United States, Brandon Kendall Ross Fielding

Dissertations and Theses

This dissertation examines how childhood trauma and family cohesion interact to shape state-level social policy generosity in the United States. The study begins with a multilevel quantitative analysis using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health and the State Safety-Net Generosity Index to assess how individual-level experiences of trauma and family support relate to state-level welfare generosity. Two trauma indices--one focused on adverse childhood experiences and bullying, and the other on food-related hardship--are used to explore how trauma influences attitudes toward public assistance, and whether family cohesion moderates this relationship. Results from marginal effects analyses indicate that family cohesion, …

How Mass Incarceration Has Destroyed African American Communities, Angeliki Karvounis

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Beginning with the “Tough on Crime” movement of the 1970s, policies such as mandatory minimums, the War on Drugs, and the Three Strikes law have reinforced racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Multiple historical and systemic factors have contributed to the disproportionate imprisonment of African American individuals. This paper explores the long-term consequences of incarceration, including the erosion of family structures, the economic marginalization of affected communities, and the perpetuation of poverty and crime. The repercussions of parental incarceration on children and the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking reintegration into society are examples of the long-term consequences …

The Lasting Effects Of Gun Violence On Victims And Communities, Anthony Do

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Gun violence is a pressing public health and criminal justice issue with lasting effects on victims, families, and communities in the United States. The psychological impact of gun violence can contribute to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and sleep deprivation. The issues are pronounced within marginalized or disadvantaged neighborhoods. The emergence of 3D-printed “ghost guns” presents further complications in the effort to regulate firearms. The United States stands out for its disproportionately high rates of firearm deaths. The findings in this paper highlight the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies that address both the current and future impacts …

“I’M Not Belgian, I’M European”: Ontological Security, Common Security & Defense Policy, And Evolving Identity Dynamics Within The European Union, Madeleine Bamford

Senior Theses

Identity dynamics worldwide continue to impact global integration and defense policy. This study aims to fill a gap in scholarship: how political science research can zoom in on the individual and produce effective research at the singular level through ontological security theory. Drawing on Eurobarometer studies and social media comments, this study delineates the evolution of European identity dynamics from 1975 to 2024. The study considers how the idea of ‘Home,’ the othering of outside peoples, and perceived physical security contribute to the constituent perception of defense policy. Furthermore, this study examines various European Union policies that have impacted collective …

"La Vida Es Un Carnaval": An Exploration Of Cuban Identity And Nostalgia Through Dance/Movement Therapy - A Community Engagement Project, Maria Fernanda Mendez Mendoza

Expressive Therapies Theses

“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” is a community engagement project and thesis that explores how identity and nostalgic resilience show up through dance/movement therapy with Cuban immigrants living in the United States, specifically Massachusetts. This project brought together six Cuban-born participants, ages 26 to 67, each with their own unique migration stories; from the Rafter Balsero Crisis of 1994, to the “Wet-Foot/Dry-Foot” policy, and family reunification. Through a mix of in-person and online sessions, participants explored their experiences using intermodal activities including dance/movement therapy techniques, conversation, journaling, artwork, and music. Themes of cultural pride, “Cubanía” – Cuban-ness, culture shock, and …

How The Integration Of Bosnian Refugees In Saint Louis Is A Model For Success For Current Afghan Refugees And Future Resettlements In The U.S., Indira Kar

Senior Theses

Refugee resettlement and integration are vital in fostering inclusive communities, enriching local economies, and promoting cultural diversity while also offering displaced individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety. Considering the successful resettlement of Bosnian refugees in St. Louis, Missouri, starting in the 1990s, I explored what factors could be attributed to their positive integration outcomes. I found a combination of (1) policy, (2) social compatibility, and (3) cultural values that can be attributed to their thriving community and applied these factors to the recent resettlement of Afghan refugees in St. Louis. While Afghan refugees have found success in …

Navigating The Future Of Polygenic Risk Scores: Insights From Child And Adolescent Psychiatrists, Page M Trotter, Amanda R Merner, Lauren A Ginn, Abigail C Martinez, Ana L Battaglino, Kaitlynn P Craig, Jason Bach, Katherine J Freedberg, Takahiro Soda, Eric A Storch, Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz, Stacey Pereira

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are a method of calculating genetic risk for polygenic, or multi-gene, disorders. These scores have potential impacts in the realm of child and adolescent psychiatry, given the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among youth. However, there are concerns about PRS implementation among key stakeholders, namely child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAP). We conducted interviews with 29 U.S.-based CAP to investigate clinician attitudes toward the use of PRS. The data herein correspond to a future scenario we provided CAP in which PRS are accurate and portable to patients of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. We found that CAP …

Enhancing Digital Accessibility For Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing Learners- Innovative Strategies For Inclusive Education, Felicia Rutledge Ph.D.

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This research-to-practice brief explores innovative strategies to enhance digital accessibility for Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH) learners, focusing on practical applications for inclusive K-12 education. Despite advances in digital learning, D/HH learners face unique barriers due to auditory-centered designs. Accessibility legislation such as the ADA, Section 504, and IDEA mandate educational inclusion for these learners. Key strategies include the integration of assistive technologies (e.g., captioning, ASL video interpretation), the application of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 3.0 guidelines, and adherence to WCAG 2.1 principles for accessible content design. The research-to-practice brief provides actionable insights for educators, administrators, and …

Editorial: Digital Accessibility Practices Guided By Past Models And Modern Research, Cynthia Curry, Jared Smith

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Digital Accessibility: A Critical Imperative For Inclusive Information Access, Matt Wappett

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Ai Governance In The Gaming Industry: A Proposal For A Use Case Registry, Cesar D. Lozoya Martinez

Student Research

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into everyday life. From customer service chatbots and marketing strategies to player protection tools and surveillance systems, casino operations are embracing the trend. However, without a systematic framework to track the current and emerging use cases across the industry, concerns about transparency, ethical use, and potential consumer harm continue to grow. Rather than aiming to establish binding regulatory practices for an industry and technology that are both quickly evolving, this policy brief advocates for the creation of an AI-use case registry. The registry would comprehensively track gaming companies that are using AI. The growing …

The Connection Between An Unequitable Distribution Of Care Responsibilities And A Widening Gender Nutrition Gap In Latin America, Alexis Nicole Bodlak

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The notion of care refers to activities that satisfy the basic needs of existence and reproduction. Within rural communities, care work such as the production and preparation of food contributes to food security at the household level. Care work supports the paid workforce, allowing workers to focus on commercial productive activities that generate economic income in rural communities. Women perform 6.3 to 29.5 more hours per week than men in unpaid care work, reducing their time for income-generating activities and personal nutrition management. Affecting their economic independence and ability to access and consume nutritious food. Studies show that in food-insecure …

Designing An Instructional Coaching Model For Residency-Based Alternate Route Teacher Candidates In Mississippi To Improve Instructional Competencies And Self-Efficacy, Lamareshia Daoma Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Alternate route teachers are adult learners who enter the teaching profession through nontraditional pathways, often without formal training in education. While they bring diverse experiences and a commitment to student success, they frequently face challenges in translating theoretical knowledge into effective classroom practice. Research indicates that instructional coaching serves as a critical bridge between pedagogical theory and practical application, providing job-embedded professional development that enhances instructional competencies. At its core, instructional coaching is a collaborative partnership built on trust and respect, offering teachers a supportive space to reflect on their practice, receive targeted feedback, and develop their professional identity. Alternate …