Digital Commons Network^™

Implementing Early Detection Of Cognitive Impairment In Primary Care To Improve Care For Older Adults, Nicole R. Fowler, Katherine A. Partrick, James Taylor, Michael Hornbecker, Malaz Boustani, Jeffrey L. Cummings, Tim Macleod, Michelle M. Mielke, Jared R. Brosch, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

Primary care is the ideal setting for early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), as it serves as the primary point of care for most older adults. With the growing aging population, reliance on specialists for detection and diagnosis is unsustainable, highlighting the need for primary care-led assessment. Recent research findings on successful brain health prevention strategies, AD diagnostic tools, and anti-amyloid treatments empower primary care to play a central role in early detection and intervention. Primary care-focused resources are being developed, including tools for cognitive assessments and materials designed to educate patients …

Healthy Dietary Patterns’ Impact On Depressive Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Angela Encardone

All Theses

As the search for innovative mental health treatments expands, dietary interventions have emerged as a promising approach for alleviating depressive symptoms. This thesis presents a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of whole-of-diet nutritional interventions in reducing depression symptoms among adults. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model and Engel’s Biopsychosocial Model, this study explores the intersection of biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health outcomes. A systematic review identified six eligible RCTs assessing the impact of healthy dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet and other plant-based interventions, on depression symptoms. A random-effects meta-analysis revealed a significant …

Exploring Willingness To Seek Help And Well-Being In Rural Veterans With Health Conditions: A National Rural Health Study, Jimena Isabel Ortiz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The population of Veterans in the United States has increased significantly, with a substantial number residing in rural areas. This study aims to highlight and understand the correlation between military service members' physical and mental well-being and the quality/access to care they receive. This study also aims to explore mental health-seeking behaviors, health, and well-being in rural Veterans with health conditions. The study included 400 rural-dwelling Veterans with documented physical and mental health conditions. Data was collected through surveys distributed via various media channels, including social media platforms, and the results demonstrated that willingness to seek psychological help was positively …

Volatile Anesthetic Exposure During Organogenesis (Weeks 6-9): Implications For Fetal Brain Development, Cheryce Daniel, Kylon Coombs

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Organogenesis, particularly during gestational weeks 6 through 9, represent a critical window for fetal brain development. During this period, neurogenesis, neural tube closure and synaptic organization are actively occurring. Disruption of these processes, especially from exogenous agents, can result in lasting developmental consequences.

The U.S Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings regarding the use of anesthetic agents such as isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. Noting the potential risk of neurotoxic effects on the developing brain. This warning is particularly highlighted when administered drugs are present for long periods of time or during repeated procedures. The goal of this literature review …

Children Born To Mothers With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review Of Pediatric Outcomes, Simran Gandhi, Kush Patel, Harmann Singh

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), comprising Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, frequently affects women during their reproductive years. While the impact of IBD on pregnancy has been widely studied, less is known about the long-term health outcomes in children born to affected mothers, particularly in the context of in utero exposure to immunosuppressive therapies.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that children born to mothers with well-managed IBD experience normal growth and development, with minimal risk for immune-related complications, despite potential exposure to biologics and other IBD medications during gestation.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms …

Gender And Ethnic Differences In Mental Health Outcomes In Sexual And Gender Minority (Sgm) Youth And Young Adults In Texas And California, 2022-2024, Michelle Gil

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Depression and anxiety affect populations differently, particularly LGBTQ+, ethnic minorities, and youth with limited access to competent care. Risk factors include harassment, victimization, and discrimination. Purpose: To examine gender identity and ethnic differences in depression and anxiety among SGM youth in Texas and California. It is hypothesized that both Latinx and gender minority youth will report higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to non-Latinx and cisgender youth. Methods: Secondary analysis used data from the Family, Housing, and Me (FHAM) Project, following 83 LGBTQ+ youth from South Texas and California's Inland Empire over 25 months. Data includes sociodemographic characteristics, …

Commencement Program 2025, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | Message from the President

3 | 2025 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

29 | School of Medicine

50 | School of Pharmacy

63 | School of Dentistry

81 | School of Public Health

94 | San Manuel Gateway College

101 | School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health …

Health Professional Perspectives On Sudden Unexpected Infant Death In Arkansas, Laura Hansen, Bart Hammig

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Arkansas has one of the highest Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) rates in the nation, with 173.6 deaths for every 100,000 live births (CDC, 2024). This is much higher than the national rate, indicating a significant need for prevention education. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death is an umbrella term used to categorize Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), unknown death causes, and accidental suffocation in bed. SUID rate reduction can be achieved by following infant-safe sleeping guidelines, which include crib use, flat and firm mattresses, no blankets, and putting babies on their backs. In this proposed study, health care professionals across Arkansas …

The Effects Of Daily Beef Consumption On Sleep, Mood, And Wellbeing In Postmenopausal Women, Caroline M. Coughlin

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Menopause is often accompanied by changes in sleep, mood, and overall well-being, partly due to hormonal shifts and loss of muscle mass. Protein intake, especially from nutrient-rich sources like beef, may help address these changes, but research in postmenopausal women remains limited. This study explored how daily beef consumption, as part of a higher-protein diet, affected sleep quality, mood, and well-being over eight weeks. Ten active postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either a control group (meeting standard protein recommendations) or a treatment group consuming twice that amount, including one serving of lean beef per day. Sleep was measured using …

I Am (Me)Dicine: An Analysis On The Influence Of Humanities Courses Within The Construction Of Internal And External Identities Within Pre-Med Students At Uno, Alix Barnes

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The purpose of this project is to investigate how arts and humanities coursework may enhance the development of internal and external identities for premedical students beyond their traditional scientific coursework. A literature review shows positive findings on identity development and the influence of arts and humanities coursework on medical education. This investigation will take place through a mixed-method survey distributed to UNO premedical students and will explore themes of self-reflection, personal and professional growth, and understanding of external perspectives. An optional question prompts respondents to reflect further on their work within arts and humanities courses and their impact on these …

The Relationship Of Peer Recovery Support Specialists And Recovery Of Perinatal Women With A Substance Use Disorder, Mary C. Talbot

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Substance use in pregnant and postpartum women is a growing issue in the United States. Drug use while pregnant can lead to birth defects, stillbirths, and problems providing positive parenting to their children. Many women with substance use disorders (SUD) feel extreme shame and stigma related to their substance use and have trouble accessing recovery-related treatment and other services. Peer recovery support treatment uses the lived experiences of individuals in current recovery from SUD to facilitate and support recovery in others. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of peer recovery support specialists on the …

The Effect Of Maternal Anxiety On Breastfeeding Exclusivity And Duration, Zoe E. Treat

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: The postpartum period, especially during the first year, presents a heightened risk for maternal anxiety. Research suggests a potential negative relationship between maternal anxiety and breastfeeding duration, though there is currently a gap in the existing literature regarding how maternal mental health impacts breastfeeding outcomes.

Purpose: This study seeks to investigate the influence of postpartum anxiety on both the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, crucial knowledge required to support and implement targeted interventions. We expected that maternal anxiety would predict shorter exclusive and total breastfeeding durations.

Methodology: To explore the relationship between postpartum anxiety and breastfeeding behaviors, we distributed …

Toxicity And Biodegradability Of Novel Boronium Vs Conventional Ammonium-Based Antimicrobial Compounds In Wastewater Treatment Systems, Noor Shalan

Honors Theses

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are highly effective as disinfectants, herbicides, and pesticides; thus, overuse causes elevated levels of residual toxicity in domestic and industrial wastewater. QACs can be toxic to essential bacteria breaking down pollutants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and can remain untreated in effluent, harming the environment, and contributing to antibiotic resistance, posing risks to human health. Novel boronium-based antimicrobial compounds have demonstrated efficacy in eliminating bacteria, fungi, and viruses. If the boronium compounds exhibit lower residual toxicity, they could offer a promising alternative to QACs. Because these compounds are still in development, their potential toxicity to the …

A Review Of Praziquantel Resistance In Schistosomes And The Future Of Schistosomiasis Control, Gabriela G. Eastham

Senior Honors Theses

Schistosomiasis is a group of both acute and chronic parasitic trematode infections of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the drug of choice to treat schistosomiasis for decades. Though it is effective against all three clinically relevant species, heavy reliance on PZQ has led to concerns of schistosome resistance, especially in areas that have implemented this drug in mass drug administration (MDA) programs. Although there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that schistosomes are becoming resistant to PZQ on a large scale, other control methods are a necessity to best treat and eliminate schistosomiasis. This article summarizes the …

To Heal A Mind: A Comparison Of Functional And Conventional Treatments In Major Depressive Disorder, Gillian Chambers

Senior Honors Theses

Incidence of major depressive disorder is increasing year over year, with little able to be done to halt the spread of the condition. However, there are many treatment possibilities considered unconventional by the healthcare system. This thesis examines the respective benefits and risks, in comparison to one another, between conventional pharmacological treatment and functional, holistic treatment of depression. This was done via integrative review of available clinical literature, synthesizing evidence on both conventional and functional treatments for depression, as dictated by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). Exploratory search methods revealed 758 records fulfilling inclusion criteria, which were screened and narrowed down …

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak Preparedness In The United States: A Scoping Review, Emma J. Gurley

Honors Theses

In order to gauge preparedness for an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in the United States, a scoping review of the current literature was conducted. This process involved (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying studies relevant to the topic, (3) selecting studies for inclusion (4) charting the data, and (5) analyzing and reporting the final data. Ultimately, seventeen studies were deemed appropriate for examination within this scoping review and several key themes were identified. The results emphasize the importance of adopting a One Health approach, the key role that vaccination may well play in preventing the spread …

“Re-Storying” Anne Shirley And The Adhd Child: A Crip Genealogy Of Anne Of Green Gables, Darian Aleyna Wilson

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis explores the contested nature of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), focusing on its cultural and historical constructions. While ADHD has been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders since 1980, its legitimacy remains a subject of debate across medical, disability studies, and historical scholarship. Using Eli Clare’s critique of diagnosis as a tool rather than a fact, this project examines how ADHD is both pathologized and re-storied within societal and medical discourses. It highlights the tension between medical classifications and lived experiences of those diagnosed with ADHD, particularly in the context of girlhood.

The central …

A Comparative Analysis Of Women’S Health In Latin America And The United States: Geographical Context And Preventative Actions, Holly J. Robinson

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Cervical cancer, breast cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy complications, and gender-based violence are dangers faced by women everywhere. However, the severity of these risks can increase significantly due to a country’s geography, government control, and level of development. This thesis expands upon information gained directly from on-site experiences with medical professionals and locals (including doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and patients) in Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, and further research to look at Latin America as a whole, in relation to the United States. Both the US and Latin America exhibit problems with their healthcare systems. The United States is more …

Rewriting The Rules: Impact Of Covid-19 On Norms In Science, The International Order, And China, Jacob Kissling '25

Honor Scholar Theses

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed both strengths and vulnerabilities in global responses, many of which were shaped by underlying norms and behavioral expectations within key institutions. Understanding how these norms influenced decision-making, collaboration, and communication—and how they were themselves challenged or reshaped by the crisis—can provide valuable insights for improving future responses. While some norms adapted in response to the evolving crisis, others remained stagnant or were inconsistently enforced, contributing to fragmented and, at times, ineffective responses. This paper investigates the role of norms in three critical sectors: the scientific community, the international order, and China. Within the scientific community, norms …

Racial And Ethnic Differences In Knowledge Of Gender-Affirming Care Among Community And Student Participants In The Bloom Transgender Health Education Program In The Paso Del Norte Region, 2022-2024, Tandra Ghosh

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE: There is a noticeable lack of training and knowledge regarding gender-affirming care (GAC) among providers and within the general community. OBJECTIVE: Assess racial and ethnic disparities in knowledge of GAC among participants in BLOOM, a quasi-experimental transgender health education program in the Paso Del Norte region. HYPOTHESES: Among community and student participants at pre-survey, assess racial and ethnic differences in sociodemographic characteristics, preparedness, attitudes, and basic knowledge regarding LGBT clients/patients and GAC. METHODS: Secondary data among community (pre: 53; post: 14) and student (pre: 29; post: 17) BLOOM participants in 2022-2024 were used. Descriptive statistics …

Finding Strength In The Struggle: The Impact Of Resilience On Life Satisfaction Among Veterans With Mental Illness, Marissa Gonzalez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Veterans living with mental illness often face challenges that impact their overall life satisfaction and adjustment to civilian life. While resilience is widely considered a protective factor, limited research has examined its role in conjunction with personality traits, psychosocial factors, and demographic characteristics. Purpose: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between resilience and life satisfaction among U.S. veterans with mental illnesses, while accounting for personality dimensions, demographic variables, and psychosocial factors. Methods: Secondary data from 156 veterans diagnosed with mental illness were analyzed. Hierarchical linear regression was used to assess the relationship between resilience and life satisfaction, controlling for …

The Politics Of The Black Womb: How Education And Power Reinforce The U.S. Black Maternal Health Crisis, Foluke Akinkunmi

Honors Scholar Theses

This study investigates the alarming maternal mortality rates among Black women in the U.S. today first by exploring the historical exploitation of Black maternal bodies during enslavement and with the rise of professionalized gynecology. It challenges the narrative that attributes these outcomes to individual choices or supposedly inherent biological factors, arguing instead that the devaluing of Black women’s well-being and authoritative knowledge have been constructed along with the United States itself. To advance a constructive response, the paper analyzes curriculum competencies for obstetric and midwifery healthcare providers, surveys of Black women's birthing experiences in the previous 20 years, and interviews …

Disability Inclusion In Local Public Health Community Health Assessments And Community Health Improvement Plans, Haleigh Leslie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Local health departments (LHDs) use community health assessments (CHAs) and community health improvement plans (CHIPs) to identify and address health needs of the populations they serve. People with disabilities experience health disparities, and there is limited information about how the health needs of people with disabilities are included in CHAs and CHIPs. The purpose of this study was to describe and quantify disability inclusion in LHD CHAs and CHIPs.

Methods: This cross-sectional, mixed methods study used the CHAs and CHIPs of accredited local health departments, data about LHDs and populations served, and interviews with LHD staff and community partners …

Assessing The Relationship Between The Incidence Of Campylobacteriosis And Ecological Risk Factors In Tennessee, Emmanuel Angmorteh Mensah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Campylobacteriosis although is the leading causes of bacterial diarrheal illnesses, have not gained prominent awareness and there are gaps in the understanding of transmission routes for sporadic, non-outbreak cases and their risk factors at the communal level to humans. This study, therefore, aimed to identify the campylobacteriosis risk factors and risk perception from the existing literature in the United States, determine the incidence and ecological risk factors for campylobacteriosis zip code level in Tennessee, and to perform spatiotemporal analysis of campylobacteriosis incidence cases in Tennessee.

Method: To achieve the first aim, a scoping review was conducted to synthesize …

The Impact Of Emdr Therapy On Past Suicidal Ideation: Lived Experiences Of Young Adults, Lindsey Faehnrich

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study explores the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in reducing suicidal ideation and improving mental health outcomes among college-attending young adults (ages 18–24) with a history of trauma. EMDR is a body-based psychotherapy designed to alleviate distressing thoughts and trauma. It gained attention for its positive impact on PTSD and has more recently been applied to other mental health disorders. The literature review highlights risk factors including trauma, mental health disorders, suicidal ideation, and EMDR. The methods detail a phenomenological approach, interviewing four young adults who underwent EMDR and experienced past suicidal ideation. This provided …

Health Education And Sexual Health Education In High Schools Focused On Training And Curriculum, Kylee R. Horton

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Health education instruction in schools is essential due to mandated state standards that require a range of topics to be taught at specific ages. Education Codes must be followed and integrated into the curriculum. Objective: To develop a handbook for middle and high school teachers in San Bernardino County, California, that explains the mandatory Health Education codes and provides resources to help teachers maintain compliance with these regulation codes. Methods: The research was conducted in a systematic review, and the data was collected from published secondary sources at the state and local levels. Results: Education Codes from the California …

Investigating Mental Health Outcomes Of National Collegiate Athletic Association (Ncaa) Division I Student-Athletes At The University Of Louisville, 2019-2023., Paul Harvey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mental health outcomes among collegiate student-athletes, has become a broader concern in the 21^st century. This study examines prevalence and incidence of anxiety and depression amongst student-athletes at the University of Louisville from 2019-2023 across different Sports Groups. The prevalence of anxiety was found to be 20.22% and risk of anxiety was 15.65%. The prevalence of depression was found to be 13.11% and risk of depression was 18.75%. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between sports groups and anxiety/depression. There was a borderline association between sports groups and prevalence of anxiety after confounder adjustment (OR=1.86, 95% CI: …

Differences In Prostate Cancer (Pca) Stage At Primary Diagnosis And Pca-Specific Mortality Among Rural Versus Urban Populations In Kentucky., Chase Herrmann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Kentucky Cancer Registry (KCR) prostate cancer (PCa) cases between the years of 1994 and 2021 were analyzed to examine differences between rural and urban populations’ primary stage at diagnosis and PCa-specific mortality. After adjusting for covariates, rural populations did not experience significantly higher odds of stage 3 diagnosis when compared to urban populations (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.95 – 1.06). Rural populations had 16% increased odds of stage 4 diagnosis when compared to urban populations (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.10 – 1.23). Rural populations had a 17% increased rate of PCa-specific death when compared to urban …

The Burden Of Care: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into The Lived Experiences Of Homeless Shelter Administrators Leading Through The Pandemic And Lasting Implications On Program Operations, Marie Adele Wilson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The theories guiding this study are Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, conflict theory, and complex systems theory, which explain the relationship between the theory and resource limitations and acquisition, systems, and nature of acquiring human needs. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe homeless shelter administrators'/directors' experiences delivering services during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Eastern Coast of the United States and Texas. It further seeks to unravel how the pandemic informed the delivery of services and program administration related to homeless shelters and its impacts. The research questions sought to understand the impact of COVID-19 on delivering services …

The Influence Of Scientific, Genetic, And Health Literacy On Carrier Screening Decision-Making, Brenna D. Albracht

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

For those wishing to assess their reproductive risks and make informed decisions in their reproductive planning, carrier screening for autosomal recessive and X-linked conditions, as well as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening for aneuploidy, are recommended during pregnancy. Despite similarities in purpose, sample requirements, insurance coverage, and safety, a lower percentage of individuals elect carrier screening than cfDNA screening, suggesting there may be a disconnect in what patients perceive as valuable information for their pregnancy. Previous studies have attempted to explain the factors associated with carrier screening uptake or decline; however, no models have yet accounted for a patient’s literacy level …