Digital Commons Network^™

Comparative Study Of The Development Of Citizenship In The U.S And Germany, Michael Brooks

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

This project explores how the concept of citizenship is developed within Waldorf schools in two distinct cultural contexts: the United States and Germany. Rooted in the foundational principles of Waldorf education which emphasize global citizenship and responsiveness to the challenges of contemporary society, this study investigates how educational environments shape students’ understanding of citizenship in both theory and practice. The research was conducted at Aurora Waldorf School in West Falls, NY, and Rudolf Steiner Schule Nürtingen in Nürtingen, Germany. Using IRB-approved observation and interview protocols, I observed classroom instruction and conducted follow-up interviews to gather deeper insights into both explicit …

Evaluating The School Drop-Off Procedure At A Montessori School In The Dominican Republic, Hannah Alley, Harmoni Brown, Molly Domaradzki, Mya Jones, Zoe Lapress, Sarah Zakeri

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

A positive drop off can set the foundation for the school day. Some common behaviors at drop off time are: -crying or tantrums -clinginess or anger. Reasons for these challenges include: -difficulty regulating emotions -the child’s personality -situations at home including big events or changes -sleep routines -the parent’s attitude about school and the separation

Teaching Beyond Borders: A Black Educator’S Experience In Chile With Ipds, Ciera Watson

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

This project explores my experience as a Black woman and Childhood Education major participating in the International Professional Development Schools (IPDS) program in Chile. Through classroom visits, cultural immersion, and reflective practice, I gained a deeper understanding of global education, equity, and the value of diverse learning environments. I also discovered how teaching abroad can expand culturally responsive pedagogy (Ladson-Billings, 1995) by highlighting the importance of connecting instruction to students’ cultural realities and advocating for equity in global contexts.

The Overlooked Witness Memory Risk, Sue Provenzano, Sarah Brown-Schmidt

Faculty Publications By Year

No abstract provided.

Social Annotation: Building Engagement And Community While Improving Academic Skills, Kelly Hammond, Cuny School Of Professional Studies

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Finding Good Information, Emily Metcalf

Videos/Slide Decks

This slide deck is used to teach students how to evaluate they find on the internet using the SIFT method. SIFT stands for Stop, Investigate, Find other sources, and Trace information to original source. This slide deck acts as workshop guideline and repository for links to explore with the class, and should be used in a class in which students already have topics and possibly even sources to explore.

Foreign Language Instruction In Germany And The Influence Of Multilingualism On Literacy, Rachel Pokornowski

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

As part of Buffalo State University’s IPDS (International Professional Development Schools) Germany program, I was granted the opportunity to spend two weeks observing in various schools around Stuttgart, Germany. This study focuses on the methods and practices used to teach English (foreign language) in German schools, and the quick rate at which students appear to pick up the language. The findings of this study could be beneficial to schools in the United States as they may consider using similar practices to teach foreign languages, which would in turn increase students’ literacy skills.

Intriguing Factors In Chilean Classrooms, Estefany Vargas

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

This project reports on student interactions in formal and informal settings at three schools in Santiago, Chile. Of specific interest was the relationship between culture and off-task behaviors in the Chilean context. Observations were conducted during classroom visits and recess as part of the IPDS Chile program. To gather additional information, group conversations with the students and teachers took place. Reflection was used to analyze the information gathered and consider the implications for my practice as a future educator.

Germany: Developing Positive Self-Efficacy, Jarrett Whipple

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

Through the Buffalo State University IPDS program, I spent two weeks in Germany observing at a wide variety of primary and secondary schools across several different classes. While initial observations were conducted in the Black Forest, most of my observations were conducted in Stuttgart in the Merz, Hegel, and Immanuel Kant Gymnasiums. This study explores how student self efficacy may be supported and developed through both schools and classroom instructional practices. This research can have positive benefits across grade and class types, as student self perception is relevant across grade levels and subject areas.

Exploring Sel In International Inquiry-Based Music Classrooms, Cameron Juzdowski

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

From March to May of 2025, I travelled to Siena, Italy to fulfill half of my student teaching requirements with The Michael and Nancy Chicola International Professional Development Schools Consortium. During this eight-week program, I taught music at the International School of Siena in elementary and secondary inquiry-based classrooms. This study examined how elements of social-emotional learning (SEL) manifested in an inquiry-based, international music classroom. Specifically, I wondered what elements of SEL could be observed within the inquiry music classes in Siena.

Christopher Columbus In The Us And Colombia, Declan Morrow

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

This survey investigated the differences in the teaching of the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus across lingual and cultural boundaries. By examining educational systems and curriculum in both the United States and Colombia, this study aimed to identify how historical narratives surrounding Columbus are framed. A focus was also placed on identifying differences between the systems and any potentially Eurocentric perspectives. The survey looked at the influences of national identity, cultural values, and historical interpretation in shaping the portrayal of Columbus in the American and Colombian classrooms. Through this cross-cultural analysis, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how historical …

A Comparative Study Of Social Interactions In Social Studies Classrooms In Buffalo, New York & Siena, Italy, Abagail Alex

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

Through Buffalo State University’s IPDS (International Professional Development Schools) program, I completed my second student teaching placement in a Social Studies classroom at the International School of Siena. This research study compares social interactions in Social Studies classrooms in Italy and the United States, focusing on how classroom rules and management strategies impact student-teacher relationships, peer interactions, and the overall classroom environment. Findings and conclusions offer valuable insights for educators in Western New York, where classrooms are diverse, and suggest culturally responsive teaching practices that could improve classroom dynamics in the Buffalo area.

Social Work Observations In Santiago, Chile, Alana Jacowitz

International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium

It is extremely important to understand the past 50 years of Chilean political history to grasp the strength, resilience, and community in Chile.  In 1970, democratically-elected President Salvador Allende gained control of Chile.  His government was overthrown in a military coup in 1973, led by General Augusto Pinochet. (It is worth noting here that the US government spent around $3 million campaigning against Allende, according to CBS). Allende died during the coup.  The following 17 years of Pinochet’s dictatorship were marked by widespread human rights violations, including imprisonment, torture, and the disappearance of thousands of suspected opponents—many of whom were …

Pediatric Hearing Loss: Screening For Developmental Delays Among Children With Hearing Aids, Kelsey Wallace

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Children with hearing impairments are at risk for developmental delay, and research has shown that children born with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are at a higher risk for delays in motor, sensory, and social skills development. The literature points to an obvious impact of hearing loss on development, but also a lack of screening for this phenomenon beyond language development skills. A doctoral capstone project was conducted to pilot a process for the implementation of developmental screening for children with hearing aids (HAs), as well as subsequent therapy referrals and parent education, in collaboration with a hospital-based pediatric audiology department. …

Enhancing Wellbeing Through Caregiver Support: Improving Quality Of Life For Individuals With Special Needs And Complex Medical Diagnoses In Nicaragua, Jenna K. Devchand

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals with disabilities living all over the world are constantly faced with additional barriers. In low-income countries, such as Nicaragua, there is often a gap in access to resources and education, for both individuals living with disabilities and their caregivers. Access is essential to provide high quality care to meet unique needs. This occupational therapy doctoral capstone project was created to support individuals providing care to children with special needs and complex medical diagnoses in Nicaragua by providing community-based education and sustainable resources to caregivers to enhance wellbeing in daily life. The deliverable was presented in country in Nicaragua to …

Heart2sleep: A Pilot Study On Safe Sleep Practices To Prevent Suids On The Cardiac Unit At Sjch, Ember M. Carpenter

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, located in Charleston, South Carolina. The project focused on promoting adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep guidelines through the implementation of a pilot study on the hospital’s cardiac unit. Due to the complex medical needs of infants on this unit, safe sleep practices were often inconsistently followed or adapted. By implementing a pilot study utilizing the PA Safe Sleep Program, this project aimed to enhance knowledge, confidence, and consistency in safe sleep practices among healthcare providers and caregivers. This interdisciplinary initiative involved collaboration …

Social-Emotional Activities To Decrease Problematic Behaviors, Ages 3-5, Michael Perez

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone experience is to implement social-emotional activities into specific classrooms of a local daycare center for preschoolers ages three to five years old that are both easy to implement by the teachers and are well received by the children. The overall goals of this capstone are as follows: To develop social emotional training materials for teachers. To help teachers develop evidence-based strategies to develop social-emotional learning in the classroom. To gain a thorough understanding of the social emotional milestones in children ages three to five and how those behaviors manifest in the classroom to facilitate proficiency …

Nurturing Potential: Building Teacher Capacity To Support Infant Developmentin Low Income Daycares, Jeanae A. Williams

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Nurturing Potential: Building Teacher Capacity to Support Infant Development in Low Income Daycares

Jeanae Williams, OTDS

Faculty Mentor: Kelly McGloon, PhD, OTR/L

ABRSTRACT:

Early childcare centers play a critical role in fostering young children’s learning and development. Each year, approximately 600,000 infants are born at risk for developmental delays, yet less than 50% are identified early. Early detection and support are crucial in reducing long-term developmental challenges and improving outcomes for reaching milestones. This capstone project aims to enhance the capacity of infant classroom teachers in low-income daycare settings by providing education on typical development and increasing awareness of resources …

Enhancing Caregiver Understanding Of Pediatric Spasticity Through Multimodal Educational Resources, Maia Grams

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Spasticity is a highly complex neuromuscular impairment, which can make it a particularly difficult topic for caregivers to fully understand and manage without appropriate support and education. This capstone project was completed at a pediatric outpatient therapy clinic under the mentorship of an occupational therapist who specializes in neuro-related conditions. Following a clinical needs analysis, this project was designed to address a specific need: the limited availability of clear, accessible educational resources related to spasticity for caregivers.

The purpose of the project was to increase access to spasticity-related education by developing multimodal resources that rehabilitation therapists could easily distribute to …

Safe & Steady: A Toolkit For Injury Prevention In Pickleball For Older Adults With Parkinson’S Disease, Morgan T. Shires

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Abstract

Title: Safe & Steady: A Toolkit for Injury Prevention in Pickleball for Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease

Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a movement disorder that affects balance, walking, posture, coordination, cognition, and more that can increase the risk of falling. Around 60% of people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD) fall every year for a variety of reasons (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2025). Studies have shown that physical activity not only has a positive impact on symptoms, but exercise has an integral impact on overall wellbeing and quality of life for PwPD (Bispo, et. al, 2024). There are many types of physical …

Improving Home Exercise Program Adherence In Stroke Survivors: Examining Influencing Factors And Developing Educational Resources For A Behavioral Intervention, Megan E. Thompson

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Improving Home Exercise Program Adherence in Stroke Survivors: Examining Influencing Factors and Developing Educational Resources for a Behavioral Intervention

Nearly 800,000 individuals experience a stroke annually in the United States and stroke often results in upper extremity functional limitation which can impact the individual’s ability to perform their activities of daily living. Because of this, home exercise programs are prescribed to facilitate rehabilitation; however, adherence is inadequate which ultimately impacts overall functional recovery. The purpose of this capstone is to enhance understanding of factors that influence home exercise program adherence and to improve upper extremity functional recovery post stroke through …

Academic Libraries Addressing Health Literacy And Misinformation, Brynne Campbell Rice, Emily Petersen, Ian Roberts, Emily Vardell, Deborah Charbonneau

Himmelfarb Library Faculty Posters and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Confined To Being Defined, Hope A. Reyes

LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase

No abstract provided.

College Student Health Outcomes Through The Lens Of Social Class And Possible Interventions, Ann Mary Thomas

LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase

Social class is a key determinant of college student health that is often overlooked. This project explores how students from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds face unique barriers to physical and mental well-being, including financial strain, food and housing insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and chronic stress. These inequities contribute to disparities in sleep, nutrition, mental health, and academic performance.

While universities have implemented general health initiatives, many fail to address the specific needs of low-SES students. Through an analysis of existing programs and systemic gaps, this research highlights the urgent need for targeted, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.

Promoting health …

Breaking Barriers: Advancing Career Development In The Latino Community", Liliana O. Betancourt

LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase

Despite being one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the US, Latinos still face many obstacles to professional growth and advancement. Language barriers, systematic workplace discrimination, restricted access to high-quality education, and a dearth of mentorship and support networks that are sensitive to cultural differences are some of these challenges. This poster presentation explores the underlying challenges impacting Latino career trajectories, particularly through the lens of power and privilege. Historically, Latino workers have faced obstacles in obtaining fair employment opportunities, leadership roles, and financial security due to structural disparities, including discriminatory labor practices, restrictive immigration laws, and underfunded educational systems. …

Rooted In Resistance, Growing In Boriken: The Fight For Climate And Agricultural Justice In Puerto Rico, Jada Melendez

LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase

This project examines how Puerto Rico’s agricultural system has been shaped by historical colonization, economic policy, and climate change. Once largely self-sustaining, the island now imports more than 85 percent of its food, creating major vulnerabilities during natural disasters and economic disruptions. My research analyzes four key systems of injustice political, economic, social, and environmental and how they intersect to impact food sovereignty. The project also highlights grassroots solutions such as agroecology education, land protection, and investment in sustainable infrastructure. Through this work, I developed a deeper understanding of how colonial legacies continue to affect food systems today and how …

The Adversities Of Latinx/Hispanic Youth In The Foster Care System, Juan Escobar

LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase

Minorities in the foster care system experience an adverse childhood due to the systemic issues present within foster care. The adversities faced by Latinx and Hispanic youth in the foster care system is a continuous problem causing significant disparities within the foster care system. The problems Latinx/Hispanic youth face are unique to this population in the areas of culture and policy. Disparities show that the current system does not utilize equitable practices and there is progress to be made with child welfare policies. The problem contributes to the social strains on Latinx/Hispanic youth, particularly immigrant youth, who face challenges related …

Minority Representation In Athletic Leadership, Brooke D. Johnson

LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase

The purpose of the research project was to identify an issue in our world related to racial, social, or ethnic injustices as well as leadership. I chose to relate my project to the sports world because it is an area that I am also very passionate about. Through my research I learned that that have been many changes and advancements over the years to promote women and people of racial minorities into leadership positions, however there is still a lot of work to be done.

The Underrepresentation Of Latinx Leaders In U.S. Politics, Yailin Rodriguez Ojeda

LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase

No abstract provided.

Health Disparities Among Hispanic/Latino Community, Meriam F. Naguib

LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase

This research project is about health disparities among the largest minority group in the United States, which is the Hispanic/Latino community. This ethnic community offers a rich and deep culture that impacts the United States through new experiences and so much more. However, many individuals suffer from health disparities due to lack of documentation status. Through lack of documentation status, many are not able to receive insurance coverage. This is an issue because the United states healthcare field is very costly and require individuals receiving that care to have insurance to help cover the cost. This research will dive deeper …