Digital Commons Network^™

The Intersection Of Visual Communications, User Experience, & Design Theory: A Case Study With The Dog Spaw, Jessica Miltner

Honors Projects

This project explored the intersection of visual communication, user experience, and design theory, focusing on researching design and UX principles and applying them in a real-world case study with The Dog Spaw from Celina, Ohio. The project resulted in a redesigned website that aims to influence user behavior by improving perceptions of trust, professionalism, brand consistency, and ease of use, and by examining how these perceptions, in turn, influence user action.

Creepy Or Customized? Understanding The Ethical Boundaries Of Ai-Powered Personalization, Hope Schultz

Honors Projects

Artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm, and its presence in our lives only continues to grow. Not only has it changed the way we live and interact with technology, but it has also fundamentally changed how businesses reach customers, particularly in marketing. It now powers the algorithms, predictions, and personalized experiences that shape nearly every digital interaction we have as consumers, including the videos we see on TikTok, the products that are recommended to us on Amazon, and the weirdly accurate ads that pop up across different platforms. These AI-powered systems are constantly learning from tiny behaviors we …

Media Framing Of The Bawku Conflict In Ghana: An Analysis Of Cultural Biases, Narratives, And Peacebuilding Implications, Falilatu Saaka

Master of Arts in Media and Communication Plan II Graduate Projects

This research examines the media framing of the Bawku conflict in Ghana, focusing on how cultural biases shape the portrayal of ethnic disputes and influence public perception. Utilizing a qualitative discourse analysis grounded in Framing Theory and Afrocentric critique, the study analyzes ten news reports from major Ghanaian media outlets to identify patterns of bias, narrative construction, and ideological positioning. Findings reveal that media coverage predominantly emphasizes security and stability, often at the expense of addressing deeper political, economic, and historical factors. Language, imagery, and sourcing choices tend to reinforce stereotypes, skewing public understanding towards ethnic dichotomies, particularly between the …

The Ethical Ramifications Of Using Insects In Art, Madalynn Lundy

Honors Projects

Artists have been in collaboration with living and dead beings since the beginning of time. Whether it be in the supplies used to create a piece of art or as the subject itself, insects are and have been a key part of art-making for many artists throughout history. This begs the question regarding the ethics of using insects in art and whether this is morally acceptable. I take interest in this topic as an artist who takes inspiration from insects in my own art. This paper explores various qualitative research methods in an effort to bridge the topics of environmental …

Quantifying Overconsumption In The United States: A Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Morgan Davis

Honors Projects

This study examines overconsumption in the United States by analyzing how socioeconomic factors influence household spending relative to income. Overconsumption is defined as elevated discretionary spending relative to income, with a focus on categories such as apparel, entertainment, and food away from home. Using 2024 Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX) data, three multiple linear regression models were created to evaluate predictors of overall consumption, discretionary consumption, and apparel spending as proportions of income.

Results show that income is the most significant predictor across all models, with higher-income households consistently spending a smaller share of their income. Age and household size also …

Investigating How Caffeine Affects Perceived Exertion And To What Extent Young Adults Consumers Are Aware Of The Active Ingredients, Brianna Richter

Honors Projects

BACKGROUND: Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, often used to increase energy and alertness. From morning coffee to pre-workout and energy drinks, caffeine has become a daily staple for students, athletes, and working professionals. In recent years, caffeine consumption has increased significantly, with the energy drink and pre-workout industries rapidly expanding. Research has been conducted on the effects of caffeine; however, there is limited research examining how consumer awareness of caffeine products and their additional active ingredients influence perceived exertion and exercise in young adults. PURPOSE: This study investigated the perceived effect of …

Examination Of Celebrity And Influencer Endorsements, Mackenzie Molnar

Honors Projects

This study examines the effects of celebrity and influencer endorsements on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. A digital survey was distributed through Prolific to 210 U.S. participants ages 18–24. Participants viewed fictional advertisements featuring either a celebrity or an influencer endorsing a product and then rated each endorsement on familiarity, relatability, authenticity, believability, and likelihood of purchase. Results showed that endorsement type alone did not significantly affect believability, indicating that celebrities and influencers can be similarly effective in marketing. However, gender, media usage, and relatability significantly influenced consumer responses. Female participants responded more positively to influencer endorsements, while higher relatability …

Narrative Traditions In Francophone Africa And The Caribbean, Elizabeth Kill

Honors Projects

This research paper explores the cultural significance and the roles of folktales in francophone countries in Africa and the Caribbean. By analyzing recurring themes and character types in folktales, this study argues the importance of storytelling and traditional folklore in the shaping of a culture. Through close reading of a selection of folktales from a variety of francophone countries in Africa and the Caribbean, the research highlights themes of wisdom, greed, and explanations of the natural world, among others. Additionally, this paper touches on the historical importance of storytelling in cultures around the world. The research draws on information from …

“…You Lost Your Way On That River As You Would In A Desert…”: Spec Ops: The Line As A Post-Imperialist Adaptation And Response To Heart Of Darkness, Logan Grime

Honors Projects

As an adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the military shooter video game Spec Ops: The Line grapples with adapting the themes and the narrative of an imperialist work into a modern post-imperialist context. By swapping England in Africa for America in the Middle East, the game criticizes America’s conduct of war in the Middle East by showing its similarities to the novella’s imperialism. Furthermore, Spec Ops: The Line focuses on America’s imperialism by adapting Heart of Darkness to an interactive format. “The horror” of violent imperialist action is placed upon the player as Spec Ops: The Line …

Sustainability, Culture, And Higher Education: An Autoethnographic Sustainability Comparison Of The Sustainability Initiatives At The University Of Salzburg And Bowling Green State University, Madison Alt

Honors Projects

Human activity is already triggering damaging environmental tipping points (Lenton, 2020), emphasizing the need for sustainability in all aspects of development. Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) have the power and responsibility to contribute to a more sustainable world (Parr et al., 2022). Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Ohio, United States, and the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS) in Salzburg, Austria are two IHEs with multifaceted sustainability programs. While living and studying at BGSU and PLUS, I used autoethnography, a personal narrative approach, combined with public sustainability information to compare the sustainability initiatives at each university, and determine what …

A Statewide Study Of Burnout Among School Board Members, Nicole V. Schilling, Kyle Wagner, Taylor N. Pawliski, John Gillham

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Statement of the Problem: School board members maintain influential power in public school systems, yet they face political turmoil, community backlash, and role ambiguity (Plough, 2014). While this stress has increased in recent years, little to no research has been conducted on them (Diem et al., 2015).

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to explore P-12 school board member burnout.

Methodology: The researchers requested P-12 school board members complete the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) which addresses three constructs: 1.) personal burnout, 2.) work-related burnout, and 3.) client-related burnout.

Findings: The school board member participants …

Understanding How Nurses Could Utilize Child Life Specialists, Paige Perkins

Honors Projects

Do pediatric nurses notice improvement in patient education levels when they use the resources of Child Life Specialists, understand their role, and utilize their resources to educate their patients, compared to hospitals without Child Life Specialists?

The Bg News April 08, 2026, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. April 08, 2026. Volume 105-Issue 24.

The Bg News April 01, 2026, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. April 01, 2026. Volume 105-Issue 23.

The Bg News March 25, 2026, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. March 25, 2026. Volume 105-Issue 22.

International College Athletes’ Perceptions Of Nil And Its Impact On Their Experiences: A Theory Of Capital Approach., Jessica K. Brougham, Rebecca M. Achen

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

The name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy altered the landscape of college sports and provided college athletes with new opportunities to monetize their talents and personal brands. However, while the NCAA stated that all athletes would be able to participate in NIL deals and be compensated for the use of their NIL, international college athletes (ICAs) soon discovered they were restricted from participation while located in the U.S., due to their student visa status. Through nine semi-structured interviews of current and former ICAs we identified themes related to Bourdieu’s theory of social capital and Bauder’s theory of citizenship capital that …

Behind The Jersey: Exploring Athletic Identity And Depression In College Athletes, Matt A. Moore, Lana Loken, Anne Kelly, Mastano Nambiro Woleson Dzimbiri, Payton Bennett, Lawrence W. Judge

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

A significant increase in mental health concerns among college athletes has fueled interest in the impact of athletic identity on psychological outcomes. Research has produced mixed results regarding the association between athletic identity and mental health. This study sought to clarify this relationship and to improve our understanding of depression among NAIA college athletes, especially those who attach a great degree of importance and strength to the athlete’s role in relation to other activities. Voluntary college athletes aged 18-years-old or older and attending an NAIA member institution participated in the study (n = 361). They completed a web-based instrument that …

The Bg News March 18, 2026, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. March 18, 2026. Volume 105-Issue 21.

Teacher Shortages Are Not Myths But Misinformed: A Review, Marissa R. Bamberger, Benjamin Creed

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Background

The United States has faced teacher shortages for decades with the consequence being under-qualified individuals hired as teachers who negatively impact the education of many students, especially those students who are most disadvantaged. Recently, the media has increasingly covered teacher shortages with claims that the teacher shortage is overblown or a myth.

Purpose

Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to examine the academic and popular media articles published on this supposed teacher shortage myth to determine (1) the conditions that contribute to the endorsement of a teacher shortage myth and (2) the faulty arguments that support the …

Technology-Enabled College Access: A Field Study In Rural Mississippi Schools, Carol Cutler White, Tianlan Wei, Judith Meece

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

College choice and application processes are critical for postsecondary enrollment. This field study examines the potential utility of a technology-enabled college access (TECA) mobile app for supporting rural student postsecondary decisions. Through the TECA mobile app, participants can tour two- and four-year college campuses, view career videos, access detailed information about each institution (enrollment diversity, specialization, enrollment requirements, etc.), and connect with college advisors. The study used a theoretical framework and included 1,073 students attending seven rural high schools in Mississippi to evaluate the utility of TECA for increasing college knowledge, motivation, and preparation related to students’ choice and enrollment …

The Bg News March 11, 2026, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. March 11, 2026. Volume 105-Issue 20.

Building Competence And Confidence Through Experiential Learning: A Case Study Of The Bengal Triathlon, Caroline E. Faure Edd; Atc

The COSMA Journal

This descriptive case study examines the perceived effectiveness of the Bengal Triathlon, an experiential learning (EL) activity integrated into a sport management course at Idaho State University. Drawing on student reflections over three years, the study highlights how this experience enhanced students’ confidence and skills in planning and managing sport events, particularly in high-pressure areas such as risk management, event logistics, and customer service. Despite participation being a course requirement, a noticeable shift in student attitudes was observed. Students moved from seeing the event as a mandatory task to taking full ownership, driven by increased motivation and enjoyment. This case …

The Bg News February 25, 2026, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. February 25, 2026. Volume 105-Issue 19.

The Bg News February 18, 2026, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. February 18, 2026. Volume 105-Issue 18.

The Bg News February 11, 2026, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. February 11, 2026. Volume 105-Issue 17.

Teaching The Science Of Reading Critically, Cheu-Jey Lee

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

In light of the increasing popularity of the science of reading (SOR) and its influence on literacy education, this paper is concerned with how to teach SOR critically without embracing it blindly. The definition of SOR, along with its limitations, is presented first. Then, critical reading is argued to be missing in SOR and its broadened/improved variations. Finally, an instructional example is provided to illustrate how to teach SOR critically through a whole-part-whole hermeneutic reconstructive process. This example demonstrates that the foundational literacy skills emphasized in SOR and the critical reading skills fostered through the four dimensions of the critical …

Exploring The Efficacy Of Storytelling In Education About Climate Change, Nina Adjanin, Srijana Katuwal, Heidi Sevestre, Gordon Brooks

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

From bedtime tales to digital narratives, stories wield unparalleled influence, shaping perceptions, and fostering empathy. Through mediums like social media and digital platforms, storytelling becomes a tool for advocacy, amplifying voices, and catalyzing social change. In this qualitative study, 107 higher education students from diverse backgrounds participated. The purpose of this study was to uncover salient beliefs about climate change stories on popular social media platforms among full-time college students. The results are based on three key components of the theory of planned behavior (TPB): affective beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs. The respondents expressed both positive and negative attitudes …

A Changed And Changing World: Re/Considering Culturally Responsive Practices And Educational Policy, Linsay Demartino

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

The purpose of this commentary is to re/energize our social justice commitments in education by advancing the conscious consideration of critical educational policy to expand and sustain culturally responsive practices within educational practices and leadership. For purposes of this argument, the author examines the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBEs) Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading (CRTL) Standards. Following the tracing of ISBEs CRTL standards, this article concludes with considerations for the authentic adoption of culturally responsive practices and policies in both districts and colleges of education to break from the past, reject “business as usual,” and re/envision authentic culturally responsive …

The Bg News February 04, 2026, Bowling Green State University

BG News (Student Newspaper)

The BGSU campus student newspaper. February 04, 2026. Volume 105-Issue 16.

Survey Of 1200 U.S. Registered Voters, February 2026 Toplines, Robert Alexander, Melissa K. Miller, David J. Jackson, Joshua Boston

Democracy and Public Policy Network Polls

No abstract provided.