Digital Commons Network^™

Memory In Haruki Murakami's 'Norwegian Wood', Merry Ling

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores how Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood challenges conventional perceptions of memory as a linear process tied to self-understanding and reconciliation. Through the protagonist Toru Watanabe's struggle to confront his traumatic past, Murakami presents memory not as a straightforward tool for resolving the present but as an elusive, fragmented phenomenon. Toru's hesitance to release his attachment to the past, alongside his interactions with characters who embody different approaches to memory and trauma, underscores the complexity--and often the impossibility--of achieving closure. While the novel appears overwhelmed with tragedy, trauma, and loss, and offers no clear resolution for Toru, Murakami's subtle …

Autistic Female University Students And Their Experiences With Depression: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Rosemarie Joy Hopkins Keenan

Theses and Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (autism) can have significant impacts on the lives of those who experience it. However, as autism can affect each person in unique ways, the exact impacts of the condition on a person's experiences are not well understood. This is especially the case for women and girls with autism, who are on diagnosed later in life and have historically been neglected in research studies when compared to autistic men and boys. Autistic people are underrepresented in university populations, and characteristics of a university education present new challenges for autistic students. Little research has been done to inform supports …

Origami Without Paper: Surrogate Folds For Origami-Inspired Mechanisms, Ivyann Oveson Running

Theses and Dissertations

Origami is a useful tool for generating novel spatial mechanisms that can address needs in a variety of fields. However, replicating paper folding in other materials requires surrogate folds---some way to approximate folding in otherwise rigid materials. This work presents a collection of potential surrogate fold designs suitable for use in origami-inspired applications. The designs are sorted into families and rated against several design characteristics of interest to engineers and designers to create the Surrogate Fold Catalog. The catalog is formatted to be searchable and filterable based on manufacturability, kinematic motion, and additional utility. Using this collection of surrogate folds …

"It Would Ruin My Life”:Pacific Islander Male Adolescents’ Perceptions Of Mental Health Help-Seeking Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Focus Group Study, Melia Fonoimoana Garrett, Elizabeth Cutrer, G. E. Kawika Allen, Ellie Young, Kristopher J. Urbina, Isabel Medina Hull

Faculty Publications

Given rising mental health concerns among Pacific Islander (PI) adolescents, this population remains underserved by available mental health resources. This interpretative phenomenological analysis with focus groups (IPA-FG) examined the lived experiences and perceptions of 19 male PI adolescents (ages 14–16) from Native Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan backgrounds regarding mental health help-seeking behaviors. Four overarching themes emerged: stigma and judgment, cultural misalignment in professional services, impact of disclosure and perceived punitive consequences, and a complex ecosystem of trusted relationships as mental health support. Notably, participants expressed belief that disclosing mental health challenges would “ruin their lives” and held misconceptions about …

The Impact Of Coral Degradation On Coastal Communities In Southeast Asia, Paige Smith

Ballard Brief

Coral reefs across the globe are in decline, but reefs in Southeast Asia are among some of the most threatened in the world. Climate change, triggered by fossil fuel emissions, raises sea water temperatures and lowers the ocean’s pH, contributing to coral bleaching and inhibiting coral growth. Local threats also particularly affect reefs in Southeast Asia, such as destructive fishing techniques and marine and inland sources of pollution. Coastal communities in Southeast Asia are especially vulnerable to the degradation of coral reefs due to economic reliance on these reefs and their proximity to them. Declining coral reefs can damage the …

Tight Junction Protein Impact On Sonic Hedgehog Pathway, Josh Freeman, Hudson Christensen, Dario Mizrachi

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

The Sonic Hedgehog Pathway is critical for cell division and proliferation, and when disrupted, can be a major contributor to the overproliferation of cells and complications in the organism from the resultant cancers. Experimentation upon the organism Planaria Torva and A549 cells using chimera Occludin (COC)–a traditionally isolated tight junction protein having no role in the SHH pathway–has shown dramatic changes within the organism/cell signaling system, suggesting that tight-junction proteins may play a role in–or can be used to manipulate–this specific cell signaling pathway by inhibiting or activating key proteins. The possibility of a “mechanotransduction” effect by COC on SHH …

Parthenogenetic Pathways: Investigating The Expansion Of A Clonal Whiptail, Jordan Kirk, Vicente Fernandez Lara, Angelina Romero, Dallin Matthews, Reagan Mckee, Randy Klabacka

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Non-native species are defined as species who live in any area outside of their native range, and they often have unique adaptational strategies to be able to populate various areas, even those different from their native habitat

The New Mexico Whiptail (Aspidoscelis neomexicanus) is a parthenogenetic (asexual) species of lizard of family Teiidae. It’s native range extends from central to south-central New Mexico [1]

Parthenogenetic species can colonize/invade new territories easily due to their ability to reproduce asexually [4]

Established populations of this species of lizard in multiple localities outside of their native range have been identified in …

Assessing Sandy Beach Health Throughout The South Atlantic Bight With Ghost Crabs, Raquel Wilson, Blaine D. Griffen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

To better inform the management and protection of marine ecosystems, we examined human impacts on sandy beach health across the South Atlantic Bight by assessing the abundance and size of ghost crab burrows, and habitat quality. We used an urbanization index to measure the level of human impact. Sandy beach ecosystems are ecologically and economically important, yet they face immense pressure from increasing human activity^1,2. Protecting these ecosystems is critical yet challenging due to their large size, but we can evaluate their health and the extent of human impact using a bioindicator species. We used the Atlantic ghost …

Rehydration Of Cadaveric Tissue: A Comparative Analysis, Zach Leonard, Emma Anderson, Jason Adams Phd

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Rehydration solutions contain a variety of different chemicals which help keep cadaveric tissue moist and well preserved. Previously, we have identified that ethylene glycol, glycerol, and propylene glycol are all effective humectants that allow cadaveric specimens to retain moisture. Additionally, a mixture of sodium carbonate, ethanol, and formalin, had favorable results in limited study. With this knowledge, we tested and compared the effectiveness of these solutions at rehydrating dried human tissues. In doing this, we have created a tissue library, providing an evidence-based standard for rehydrating solutions to allow for the rehydration of dried specimens in anatomy labs.

Laying Framework For A Novel System To Test Effects Of Histone Modifications, Taryn Evans, Luke Ramirez M.S, Aaron Bohn, Jacob Hunter, Sarah Hodson, Sarah Ricks, David Bates Ph.D, Steven M. Johnson Ph.D.

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Chromatin structure and composition play a significant role in regulating gene expression within eukaryotic cells. The fundamental organizational unit of chromatin is the nucleosome, which is composed of ~147 base pairs of DNA wrapped around a histone protein core. Post-translational modifications (PTM’s) to the protruding tails of histone proteins are known to regulate nucleosome occupancy and positioning, which influence chromatin architecture and thus gene expression. However, relatively little is known about the residual effects of histone PTM’s on transcription rate, especially in nucleosomes along the gene body. Here, we demonstrate a method for measuring transcription rate in real-time with a …

How Does Alcohol Affect Neurotransmission? — An Exploration Of Snap-25, Thomas Weed, Tanner M. Blocker, Jonah R. Beck, Jason T. Carlson, Christopher E. Hunt Jr., Mike Sumsion, Dixon J. Woodbury

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

SNAP-25 helps drive fusion of synaptic vesicles with the neuronal membrane. This process of exocytosis is fundamental for any form of neuro-communication. Prior to vesicle fusion, SNAP-25 comes together with two other SNARE proteins, syntaxin and synaptobrevin, to form the SNARE complex. As the SNARE complex tightens, vesicle fusion occurs, leading to neurotransmitter release. SNAP-25 is expressed in two isoforms, SNAP-25A and SNAP-25B, and are expressed at different stages of development. Previous literature has shown that alcohol and oxidative stress directly affect neurotransmission. We sought to determine if the method of action was through altering the secondary structure of SNAP-25. …

Enhancing Rangeland Restoration With Native, Early-Seral Asteraceae Species, Samuel Leigh, Matthew Madsen, April Hulet

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Native early seral forbs play a critical role in rangeland restoration efforts, facilitating site preparation for late seral species while coexisting with invasive annuals.

• However, early seral forbs often exhibit dormancy traits which can complicate their effective use in restoration efforts.
• Seed treatments that circumvent dormancy adaptations may enhance the utility of these species in restoration practices.
• Breaking seed dormancy may improve seed establishment rates and allow restoration practitioners to time germination to coincide with ideal environmental conditions, increasing survival rate.

Full Issue

Quidditas

No abstract provided.

Centering Maternal Breastfeeding In The Old English Metrical Charm 6, Kierra E. Burns

Quidditas

This article examines female authority and self-determination in relation to maternal lactation during early medieval England. While breastfeeding has always been essential to infant survival, its cultural significance extends beyond nourishment alone, reflecting broader social values and assumptions about gender and motherhood. Within this context, early English texts reveal that lactating mothers were regarded as natural authorities in the processes of childbearing and nourishing their infants. Through analysis of historical and literary evidence, this article argues that maternal breastfeeding was viewed in inherently positive and empowering terms with maternal self-determination and authority at the heart of that positivity. The article …

Front Matter

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The Seed Of The Serpent And The Seed Of The Woman In The Standard Works, Noel Hudson

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

The curse of the serpent in Genesis 3:15 is presented as an archetype for the battle between good and evil. An ancient Hebrew literary form that ties together multiple stories through a common set of images, situations, repeated words, and phrases, is termed a leitmotif. A biblical leitmotif based on the curse of the serpent in Genesis 3 and the curse of Cain in Genesis 4 is found throughout both the Old and New Testaments and is referred to as the seed of the serpent leitmotif. Hebrew prophets, early Christians, and protestant reformers all found the seed of …

Birth And Rebirth: The Fish In Mesoamerican Art And Its Implication On Stela 5, Izapa, Chiapas, Mexico, Diane E. Wirth

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

A revealing analysis of fish iconography in Mesoamerica, in relation to the ancestral couple on Stela 5, Izapa, Chiapas, Mexico, holds an unforeseen element that may reveal a key to the Tree of Life referred to in the Book of Mormon. This key is supported by Mesoamerican, Hebrew, and Egyptian traditions.

Trust Us, We’Re Lawyers: Lucas And Neville On The Translation Of The Book Of Mormon, Brant A. Gardner

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

In their book, James Lucas and Jonathan Neville present two major theses relative to translation of the Book of Mormon. The first is that the translation was always done by means of the interpreters that were delivered with the plates. The second is that Joseph Smith was an active participant in the translation process. A theory is laid out for how that might happen. Although this reviewer can agree that Joseph was an active participant in the translation, neither the first thesis nor their explanation of the second thesis can be accepted by those familiar with the historical record.

Through A Glass Darkly: Restoring Translation To The Restoration?, Jeff Lindsay

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

In By Means of the Urim & Thummim, James Lucas and Jonathan Neville valiantly seek to defend Joseph Smith’s role as the divinely inspired translator, a role that they argue is incompatible with using any tool other than the Nephite “intepreters,” later called the Urim and Thummim. They offer a unique theory to account for the statements of witnesses about Joseph using a seer stone in a hat, arguing that it was a fake demonstration using memorized passages to satisfy onlooker curiosity about the translation process. They propose a translation model in which Joseph did more than just get …

Public Support For War And Desertion, Joshua Delaigle

Sigma: Journal of Political and International Studies

Since the beginning of war, soldier desertion has been an issue for military leaders and the politicians supporting them. Desertion from the United States Military is defined in Title 10 of the U.S. Code Article 85 as a member of the armed forces who goes or remains absent from his or her unit or place of duty with the intent to remain away permanently (“10 U.S. Code § 885”). Desertions lessen both unit cohesion and combat readiness, potentially changing the tide of a war. For these reasons, military leaders and academic researchers have been concerned with understanding the phenomenon of …

Front Matter

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Chapter 1: Book Of Mormon Animals, Matthew Roper

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Chapter 2: Warfare In The Book Of Mormon, Matthew Roper

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Chapter 4: Ancient Culture, Matthew Roper

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Chapter 5: Book Of Mormon Names, Matthew Roper

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Chapter 6: Old World Journeys By Land And Sea, Matthew Roper

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Chapter 7: Records, Writing, And Language, Matthew Roper

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Chapter 8: Events In Third Nephi, Matthew Roper

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Chapter 9: Concluding Observations, Matthew Roper

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Full Issue

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

No abstract provided.