Digital Commons Network^™

A Text Mining And Sentiment Analysis Of Valuable Cie Texts Using R, Eric Sugarman, Ethan Turber-Ortiz, Hannah Quinn

Mathematics, Computer Science & Statistics Presentations

The purpose of this project was to perform a sentiment analysis of three texts used in Ursinus College's Common Intellectual Experience (CIE) course: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and Discourse on Method by Rene Descartes. Word count and word cloud analysis were also performed on the texts as well as term frequency and bigram analysis.

Food & Drugs Unite: Targeting Leukemia With A [6]-Gingerol And 5-Fluorouracil Combination Chemotherapy, Alexa Mazzeo, Samantha Wechsler

Biology Presentations

Leukemia is a cancer found in the blood characterized by rapid growth of blood cells. This study examines the effect of [6]-Gingerol and 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) on the proliferation of the Jurkat cell line, a cell line that is a model for T-cell leukemia due to similar mechanisms. MTT assay technique was used to measure cell proliferation and viability. We expected to see high cell fractional affect and reduced proliferation as the concentrations of the combinational therapy of [6]-Gingerol and 5-FU increased. These two cell compounds were selected because of their anti-carcinogenic effects: [6]-Gingerol is used aid in the inflammation …

What Happens In The Shadows: Racial Hierarchy And The Policing Of People Of Color, Nanditha Vinod

English and Creative Writing Presentations

In this presentation, I examine the relationship between methods used in graphic memoirs by illustrators to depict and critique political and social inequalities. I specifically analyze the graphic memoir Guantanamo Kid by Alexandre Franc and Jérôme Tubiana, which depicts the brutal experience of Mohammed El-Gharani, who was falsely imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay as a child. I argue that the illustrators manipulate the composition of lights and shadows to emphasize racial hierarchy and the inherent power imbalance between people of color and white bodies that severely restrict agency. The usage of lights and shadows, often overlooked in visual arts, heightens the …

Diversity And Habitat Use Of Bats In Modified Suburban Landscapes, Brittany Morgera

Biology Presentations

Bats occupy critical ecological niches and perform important ecosystem services like controlling insect populations. However, humans have altered bat habitat substantially, resulting in the reduction of bat populations. The goals of this research are to assess bat diversity and habitat use across different levels of suburban habitat modification. To accomplish this, we deployed passive acoustic recorders at twelve locations with varying human impact in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In accordance with The North American Bat Monitoring Program’s standards, acoustic analysis software was used to identify bat species. Manual identification methods from The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative were used to verify these …

Dosage-Dependent, Carboplatin And Ng52 Show Synergistic Effect On Inhibiting Cell Proliferation In Breast Cancer Cell Line, Ben Couture, Ryan Zhuge

Biology Presentations

BT-549 (Breast Cancer), a highly invasive epithelial breast cancer cell line, was used to investigate the effects of two drugs: NG52, a selective kinase inhibitor and Carboplatin, a platinum-based DNA-alkylating agent. Using cell counting assays and calculating IC50 values, we examined their combined impact on cell proliferation. Results revealed both an antagonistic and synergistic effect dependent on concentration. Where the individual agents inhibited cell proliferation less effectively than expected. These findings show the complexity of drug interactions and provide insights into optimizing therapeutic strategies for highly invasive cancer types.

Fighting Modern Battles, Brawling A Breast Cancer From The Past: A New Combination Therapy Technique Combining A Platinum-Based Agent And Hdac Inhibition Agent, Matthew I. Hyder, Jackson D. Southern

Biology Presentations

Carboplatin and tucidinostat are two often-used chemotherapeutic drugs in combating cancers. After seeding BT-549 cells in vitro and single-drug treatments were completed, IC50 values and treatment curves were determined for both drugs with CompuSyn software. The Tucidinostat IC50 value of 0.28614 µM indicates effective 50% inhibitory activity at less than one micromolar. Carboplatin treatment revealed an IC50 value of 273.792 µM, indicating ineffective treatment. Combination therapy revealed an antagonistic effect with a CI50 value of 210.406. This may be due to experimental errors with pipetting or cell seeding, or drug-ailment mismatch.

Use Of Duckweed To Reduce Algae In Aquaponics, Emma Riley

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

No abstract provided.

Solar Parking, Glen Welch, K.C. Green, Catie Bean, Makenzie Keith, Connor Patterson

Earth Day Symposium on Climate and Sustainablity

No abstract provided.

Cutting Waste In Tupper's Restaurant, Logan Salvator, Christien Merritt, Lily Amaral, Erik Dukes

Earth Day Symposium on Climate and Sustainablity

No abstract provided.

Energy Efficient Dorms, Antonio Soares, Zachary Nassar, Aidan O'Neill

Earth Day Symposium on Climate and Sustainablity

No abstract provided.

Reducing Energy Consumption At Bryant University, Joey Madan, Jake Chernin, Brandon Kemp

Earth Day Symposium on Climate and Sustainablity

No abstract provided.

Dry Paths, Safe Steps, Andrew Gamper

Earth Day Symposium on Climate and Sustainablity

No abstract provided.

Anxiety As It Relates To Class Year And Gender, Mary Carmichael

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

No abstract provided.

Examining Study Habits And College-Specific Anxiety Across Academic Years: An Analysis Of Student Experiences, Molly Self

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

No abstract provided.

Title: Bending But Not Breaking: An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility And Suicidality In Individuals With Chronic Pain, Adalyn Mcmurray

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Chronic pain is a burdensome condition that has been found to be associated with increased suicide risk, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear (Domenichiello & Ramsden, 2019). The present study aims to examine the role of pain interference and psychological inflexibility in predicting past two-week suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among individuals with chronic pain, with psychological inflexibility explored as a potential moderator. Replicating and expanding on McCracken et al. (2018), this study seeks to enhance the understanding of suicidality in chronic pain populations by using the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (Rolffs et al., 2018), a more psychometrically …

From Data To Impact: Integrating Research, Data Analysis, And Data Visualizations To Shape The Future Of Stroke Rehabilitation, Abigail Mcnaughton

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project highlights the essential role of research in advancing occupational therapy (OT) practice and underscores the importance of data analysis and visualization in enhancing the communication and dissemination of research findings. Grounded in the Myers and Lotz Framework for Evidence-Based Practice and the CO-OP approach to problem-solving, the experience was structured around three core pillars: (1) gaining hands-on experience as a research therapist, (2) conducting in-depth data analysis, and (3) creating effective data visualizations to support scientific communication.

As a research therapist, I contributed to two ongoing studies: the Cognitive Priming (Cog-P) study and the Patient Quality Rating …

Fieldwork Educator Use Of Knowledge Translation During Occupational Therapy Level Ii Fieldwork, Kelly Dunn Ots, Yuanqin Liu Ots, Chandler Mahood Ots, Rachel Paw Ots, Dustin Hogan Mot Otr/L, Caren Schranz Drot, Ms, Otr/L

Research Days

Knowledge translation (KT) is the exchange, synthesis, and application of knowledge amongst researchers and users to accelerate the capture of the benefits of research to improve overall outcomes, according to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (2016). Yet current estimates reveal a persistent 17 knowledge-to-action gap, representing a significant delay in the translation of research and evidence into clinical practice. Evidence suggests barriers to KT implementation being lack of interest in continuing education to stay updated with the latest practices, insufficient time to focus on KT due to other demands. Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educators (FWEs) are among the many professionals …

Acoustic Filter For Biopharmacy, Nicholas Rivet

Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

The design and development of a novel flow induced acoustically tuned “filterless” filter is proposed. The proposed research is on developing two or more prototypes that function as a cell retention device for perfusion cell cultures used in continuous manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. This research will provide a non-invasive, cost-effective, flexible, and robust cell retention device for sustainable manufacturing of biologics.

Side Channel Analysis Of Modern Cryptographic Processors, Srinivas Nittala

Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

No abstract provided.

Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Providing Religious And Spiritual-Based Care For Patients Currently Receiving Palliative Care Services, Rachel Ann Bruce, Cynthia Dien, Kinnice Jordan Turner, Rebecca Kay Tisdale

Student Scholar Showcase

This literature review explores the effectiveness of providing spiritual and religious-based care to patients currently receiving palliative care settings. In the context of this research, palliative care is defined as the six month period before a person’s death. By examining peer-reviewed journal articles from 2020 to 2024, this literature review will incorporate findings from multiple studies (both qualitative and quantitative) in order to effectively compare and contrast spiritual and religious beliefs and practices for patients receiving palliative care. After thorough examination, collected research has demonstrated that individuals who receive both timely and frequent religious and spiritual-base care while on palliative …

Literacy Alive: Kdp Makes An Impact On Our Local Community, Briana N. Mata, Macie R. Wright, Elizabeth Price, Caleigh E. Hauser

Student Scholar Showcase

Literacy is a foundational skill that impacts every aspect of a child's academic success and future opportunities. However, many children face barriers to literacy development, including limited access to culturally relevant books, literacy support, and positive community engagement. Research shows that when children see themselves and their cultures reflected in literature, they are more likely to engage with reading, which can lead to higher literacy achievement and a greater sense of belonging (Bishop, 1990; Ladson-Billings, 1995).

The University of Lynchburg’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) is committed to addressing these challenges by organizing Literacy Alive! events that connect university …

Advancing Scoliosis Care Through Pilates Training, Certification, And Outreach Initiatives, Jaryn Toms

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP), a Pilates studio specializing in scoliosis that serves clients from adolescents to older adults. SSP offers virtual and in-person private lessons, group classes, teacher training, and a scoliosis-focused retreat. These services are designed to educate individuals with scoliosis and movement practitioners on evidence-based, functional correction movements that support daily living. The primary objective of this project was to expand SSP’s educational reach through the development of new Pilates training, certifications, and outreach efforts. The primary outcome included the creation of an online certification program eligible for continuing …

Social Media's Impact On Youth, Nina Greco

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Social media poses a growing threat to youth, exposing children to inappropriate content, unhealthy comparisons, mental health challenges, addiction, and more. In collaboration with the non-profit organization Wired Human, which is dedicated to creating safe online environments for children and raising awareness of the long-term risks, we have conducted extensive research and advocacy efforts. As part of this initiative, we surveyed students aged 16 to 25 to better understand these dangers. Partnering with Wired Human, we presented our findings to leaders at The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., urging action to protect children online. In this presentation, we will …

Impact Of A Case-Based Learning Module: Integrating Authentic Treatment Videos, Electronic Documentation, And Hands-On Simulation, Emily Martin

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

INTRODUCTION: Developing student confidence and competence is essential for effective fieldwork preparation in occupational therapy (OT) education. Educators use diverse instructional methods to foster clinical readiness, including case-based learning (CBL), video cases, documentation practice, and simulation. CBL enhances critical thinking, clinical reasoning, self-awareness, and confidence. With advancements in technology, video CBL has become more accessible, using authentic patient videos to promote higher-level clinical reasoning, documentation, and communication skills, especially when paired with complementary learning activities. CBL video cases offer a logical opportunity to incorporate structured documentation training, an area in which health professions students often report feeling underprepared. Simulation …

Parenting Styles And Help-Seeking Behaviors, Magenta Thai

Student Academic Conference

Abstract: Entering college is a major life-changing milestone for many students that may introduce new stressors that have not been experienced before, causing mental or psychological turmoil. In place to combat this are various counseling services free for college students. Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a wide variety of student services, including in-person appointments or free memberships with mobile apps that can offer personalized care based on the student's needs or struggles. Although college campuses provide students with these services, there are low usage levels observed in previous research. To explore a potential reason college student do not utilize these …

Analysis Of Cybersecurity Threats And Mitigation Strategies: Theory In To Practice, Project Proposal, Fransly Dutervil

Student Academic Conference

Cybersecurity threats pose significant risks to individuals and organizations, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and operational disruptions. This presentation explores key threats such as malware, phishing, DDoS attacks, insider threats, and zero-day exploits. It also discusses mitigation strategies, including network security measures, multi-factor authentication, encryption, and incident response planning. Through case studies of real-world cyber incidents, we highlight lessons learned and best practices to strengthen security defenses. The goal is to enhance awareness and promote proactive cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digital world.

Conducting Effective Literature Searches And Writing Strong Abstracts, Bert Chapman

Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

This invited presentation for students at Poland's War Studies University communicates ideas on how Ph.D. students at this institution can enhance their research quality. Specific content includes formulating your research question, determining research aims and methodology, reviewing a research question checklist, understanding the meaning of search terms you propose to utilize, devising effective search strategies, consulting multiple varieties of information resources from multiple countries, finding gaps in literature, being able to distinguish between nuances in literature and data, writing succinct abstracts, and enhancing the clarity of your prose.

Supporting Elementary Educators Through A Nervous System Regulation And Social-Emotional Learning Skills Workshop Intervention: An Musc Capstone Project, Lily Morgan

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Teachers have a great influence on developing children’s emotional intelligence, regulatory capacity, and occupational engagement. These professionals also happen to report some of the highest rates of stress, mental health challenges (Agyapong, B. et al, 2022), and burnout (Xie, M., et al, 2022). Providing teachers with education and support on nervous system regulation, social-emotional learning skills, and related topics can improve their ability to manage job stress, enhance modeling and interactions with students, and improve their quality of life. This project aimed to enhance knowledge, provide access to resources, and serve to support elementary educators at an inner-city school in …

Web-Based Wellness, Katherine Shipers

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Adults of all ages experience life stressors and transitions that impact their physical, emotional, and psychosocial wellness. Despite a recognized need for self-improvement, many adults face time constraints that limit their ability to engage in traditional wellness activities. Research suggests that micro-learning strategies—brief, targeted educational interventions—can effectively enhance knowledge and influence life practices.

This quality improvement capstone project explored the use of microlearning to support adult well-being by developing a web-based, modular learning system. The project implemented a series of short educational videos addressing various wellness topics, supplemented by corresponding worksheets and resource materials. Designed for asynchronous completion, these wellness …

The Neonatal Care Project: Empowering Parents Through Education And Support, Waverleigh Jenkins

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and provide an informational and evidence-based resource for parents to utilize after discharge from the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (SJCH) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). An in-depth needs assessment showed a need for increased parental support and better resources to improve parent mental health outcomes due to feelings of unpreparedness following a NICU stay. To support this goal, and in collaboration with the occupational therapy team at SJCH, two informational websites were created, one in English and the other in Spanish. The website is entitled “The Neonatal Care Project” and contains …