Digital Commons Network^™

Design And Test The Effectiveness Of Interpretive Signs Using Eye Tracking And Biometric Data, Hadara Gordon, Wendy Miyazaki

Baker/Koob Endowments Awarded Projects

Recreational trails on forested lands should satisfy the needs of recreationists, safeguard important habitats, and maintain the natural environment (Kortenkamp et al., 2021). Appropriate management is critical because of the increasing number of visitors. Signs are a cost-effective method to reduce the negative impacts on visitors and enhance visitor experiences (Brown et al., 2010). This research aimed to investigate how visitors pay attention to signs, view the trail surrounded by trees and behave in a natural space.

Development Of An In Vitro 3-Dimensional Co-Culture Human Colorectal Cancer Model In Microfluidic Devices, Abby Jens

Master's Theses

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with the relative 5-year survival rate for distant stage cancer being only 14%. The most common treatment for colorectal cancer is with chemotherapeutic drugs; however, the discovery of these drugs is costly, time-consuming, and often requires the use of animal models that do not yield results that translate to clinical trials. Due to these shortcomings, researchers seek to develop physiologically relevant in vitro tumor models that more accurately mimic the tumor microenvironment for cheaper and faster high-throughput drug screening. The aim of this research was …

Let's Drink! A Comparative Analysis Of The Marketing And Branding Strategies Of Cutwater Spirits And Los Sundays, Emma Lauren Wells

Experience Industry Management

With spirit consumption on the rise, it has become increasingly important for alcohol companies to craft a unique brand and strategically market themselves towards their target consumers in order to stand out amongst their competitors and drive their product sales. The selected alcohol companies for this study, Cutwater Spirits and Los Sundays, are both relatively new, yet well-known, alcohol brands. The purpose of this study was to examine the marketing and branding strategies of Cutwater Spirits and Los Sundays. Through comparative analysis and an instrument developed by the researcher, data were collected on the companies’ branding strategies including packaging, logo, …

Beyond City Limits: A Case Study On The Sustainability Practices At Austin City Limits Music Festival, Molly Dengler

Experience Industry Management

As sustainably efforts have increased throughout the events industry, Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival has taken initiative to incorporate a number of their own sustainable efforts into this annual event. The purpose of this study was to examine the three pillars of sustainability within Austin City Limits Music Festival. Research for this study was conducted using a case study guide, developed by the researcher, to assess the sustainability practices currently being implemented within the ACL Festival. The results of this study indicate that Austin City Limits Music Festival utilized effective sustainability practices, including waste management programs, diverse opportunities, and …

Development Of A Cell Culture Incubator Capable Of Providing A Hypoxic Environment, Grant Austin Coe

Master's Theses

In order to perform more robust and physiologically relevant research, the Microphysiological Systems laboratory required a method of culturing cells where the level of oxygen could be adjusted. To fulfill this need, I designed and manufactured a hypoxic cell culture incubator. I employed a Quality Function Deployment to understand the customer requirements and convert them into engineering specifications. Based on these specifications, I created various conceptual designs. I evaluated the conceptual designs as compared to existing products and decided to move forward with the control system separated from a small, standard chamber. I developed the circuitry schematics for the temperature …

An Analysis Of The Framing Of Supreme Court Decisions And Their Impact On The Voting Rights Of Marginalized Citizens, Nicole Anna Barlia

Communication Studies

The purpose of this paper was to examine how news media convey the impact and severity of decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the voting rights of marginalized citizens. Specific articles that discussed the decisions of the cases were looked at using Entman’s framing theory (1993) and considering the watchdog perspective (Donohue et al., 1995). An inductive, thematic content analysis was conducted to find common themes throughout articles in the top five newspapers in the nation. Themes that emerged were (1) threats to voting, (2) politicization of the Court, (3) polarization, (4) watchdog perspective, (5) judicial activism, (6) vote …

Politics In The Classroom: A Survey On College Students’ Comfortability To Share Their Views, Ashley Rene Tuell

Communication Studies

The following study used theories of belongingness and spiral of silence to investigate students’ comfortability when sharing their political views in class. This study employed a survey distributed to a convenience sample of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students. The survey contained multiple choice and free response questions that encompassed political affiliation, willingness to share political views in class, and demographics. The results of the survey were interpreted using SPSS statistics software, specifically ANOVA tests and Fisher’s LSD. The findings of this study ultimately indicated that liberal students feel more comfortable sharing their views than moderates and conservatives. Findings also …

Learning And Listening: A Podcast On Navigating Latinx/E Identities, Lilianna A. Rivas

Communication Studies

Utilizing the Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), the present podcast seeks to explore and understand how individuals with intersectional identities in the Latinx/e community communicate their identity to others in the Latinx/e community and society. Research in the fields of Ethnic Studies, Psychology, Education, and Communication focuses on issues and identities in the Latinx/e community. Much existing research focuses heavily on intersectionality, and the podcast will seek to do the same. These intersections of identities can conflict or be perceived as in conflict. This creates a gray area in the spectrum between interpersonal and intergroup interactions. Some examples …

Tefft Street Corridor Redesign, Andres M. Figueroa

City and Regional Planning

The Tefft Street Corridor Redesign is a proposal for a buffered shared use path along the most significant 1.75 mile portion of Tefft Street located in Nipomo, California. The proposal includes an introduction, background information, existing conditions analysis, regulatory standards analysis, community engagement, conceptual designs, and implementation framework.

Racialization, Individualism, And Denial: How The American And Australian Dreams Uphold The Homelessness And Poverty Crises Of Today, Emily Rose Andrews

Social Sciences

Inspired by my lived experience of immersion in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, California, for two weeks; studying abroad in Adelaide, South Australia, for two months; and my current internship at the Department of Social Services in San Luis Obispo, California, I plan on formulating a research paper on the topic of homelessness for my senior project. Specifically, through an extensive literature review and analysis, I will investigate: How does the culture of poverty ideology influence public opinions and policy responses to homelessness in the United States and Australia? To answer this question, I will first introduce the concept …

A Comparison Of Western And Eastern Soft Systems Approaches, John L. Anaya, John L. Anaya, John L. Anaya

Master's Theses

Soft System Approaches have been developed worldwide to help problem-solvers and decision-makers develop solutions to complex problems, such as aerospace systems. Soft System Approaches were designed to help lower the disorder of developing a complex system by increasing understanding of a situation. Four Soft System Approaches were investigated, two from the West and two from the East. Within the context of the paper, the West refers to thought patterns associated with thinkers and scientists in Europe and North America, and the East refers to those from and around China. The two from the West are Peter Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology …

Legacy Of Colonialism And Post-Colonial Transition: The Algerian Conflict Of Identity, Judith Papineau

Social Sciences

Algeria was brutally taken and colonized by France for over 130 years, altering the structure of their society, cultural artifacts, heritage, and languages. Algerians fought and reclaimed their independence, but the consequences and adverse outcomes have seeped into the fabric of society long after the Independence War of 1954-1962. Building on the available literature on colonialism and post-colonial societies and theories, this paper examines, from a sociological perspective, the relationship between Algerians, language plurality, and how the country’s education system and its language education policies, maintained by the power, play a crucial role in systemically perpetuating a deeply rooted conflict …

“There Are People Who Will Not Like You Because Of The Skin You Were Born In”: Content And Impact Of Socialization Messages About Racism In Black Families, Natasha Malinovsky

Communication Studies

Guided by Critical Race Theory (Crenshaw, 1995; Delgado & Stefancic, 2017), the current study explored how Black adults made sense of their own racial identity through family messaging about racism and what it means to be a Black person in America, as well as how participant’s experiences with racism counter the dominant narrative that the U.S. is a “post-racial” society. We conducted retrospective interviews with 19 self-identifying Black adults. In our first research question, three primary themes emerged from participants’ recollections of conversations with parents about what it means to Black in the U.S.: (1) Black people are considered “others” …

Art From Scrap: Rebranding & Marketing, Lexanna Schultz

Graphic Communication

Art from Scrap is a creative reuse store that provides low-cost supplies for all kinds of craft-related hobbies (Explore Ecology, 2024). In general, art supply thrift stores help divert thousands of pounds of usable materials from landfills, and makes creative hobbies more accessible in terms of cost (Remainders, 2024). Art from Scrap’s initiative to extend the life cycle of craft supplies helps reduce unnecessary waste, however they currently do not have strong branding, and their limited marketing materials are inconsistent.

To&From Cards, Rachel S. Matatyaou

Graphic Communication

The goal of my senior project is to create a greeting card business from scratch, utilizing the design and marketing skills acquired through my Graphic Communication courses. The initial phase involves designing 20 cards spanning various topics and messages. The card categories will include but are not limited to birthday, get well soon, thank you, graduation, congratulations, condolence, special events or holidays, and customizable options. The project as a whole encompasses designing, branding, physical production, establishing a platform for sales, and lastly executing the sales process. Despite the ambitious nature of this project, it presents a unique opportunity to apply …

Grc: A Mustang Quest, Jackson T. Alexander

Graphic Communication

The main purpose of this study is to define the overall effectiveness of visual marketing through animation and storytelling narration. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo has dozens of potential majors that interest students, thus leading to specific programs such as Graphic Communication (GRC) gaining fewer numbers compared to other College of Liberal Arts (CLA) fields. By analyzing what key elements are necessary for gaining outside attention and intrigue about a college program, I can better understand what information needs to be presented in my video project. This video will focus on defining what Graphic Communication is as a …

Prep, Cook, Eat! Cookbook, Mayson Rutsky

Graphic Communication

As a young adult, specifically a college student, finding the time, effort, and money to cook delicious and nutritious meals can be extremely difficult. The stereotypical young adult will gravitate to the frozen section of grocery stores simply because of how efficient they can be. However, eating solely frozen food is not satisfying or very healthy. Because young adulthood is the first time most are living on their own, it is also the first time they only have themselves to rely on for cooking meals. With little to no experience, it can be daunting to enter the kitchen and try …

Sappling: An Interactive Platform For Creative Expression And Collaboration, Alex Aquino

Graphic Communication

Sappling is a new application that aims to tackle some of the shortcomings of traditional social media, which currently dominates the way we interact with friends and other users online. In its initial phase, we plan to target a certain demographic of people that we feel would benefit most from the platform, such as engineers or musicians. As a part of my project, I plan to help identify which group we want to target in this development stage, using survey data and other metrics to measure different groups and their likelihood to benefit from this new platform. As some research …

Long Story Short, Hannah M. Varghese

Graphic Communication

Long Story Short and is a vintage up-cycling art brand. Our mission is to breathe new life into vintage pieces, crafting them into modern wearable art. As the name suggests, each creation tells a story while being revitalized for today’s fashion forward community.

Fast fashion and trend cycling has been a growing problem in today’s society. Things are going ‘in’ and ‘out’ quicker than they ever have. Trend cycling usually operates on a 20-year timeline. But, today’s sped up cycle encourages people to constantly over-consume in chase of the next cool thing. It’s unsustainable and an impossible chase. With a …

Jetty, Gabriella Plue

Graphic Communication

In recent years, the intersection of environmental consciousness and consumer behavior has catalyzed the emergence of innovative brands committed to sustainability. Among these is Jetty, a sun care brand that epitomizes the ethos of environmental stewardship while meeting the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, particularly surfers. By blending the principles of eco-friendliness with high-performance sun protection, Jetty not only addresses the immediate concerns of sun exposure but also aligns with broader initiatives aimed at coral reef conservation. This paper delves into the inception, development process, marketing strategies, and theoretical underpinnings of the Jetty project, while also reflecting on potential avenues for …

Spotlight Magazine, Avery Brunsman

Graphic Communication

In response to challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Political Science (POLS) department at Cal Poly halted the distribution of its annual publication, Alumni Connections. Recognizing the need for a more captivating and accessible platform, the POLS department initiated a project to revive the publication. For my senior project, I will be leading design efforts for this new publication entitled Spotlight. Through this project, I plan to revitalize the magazine into a dynamic quarterly newsletter, balancing brevity and frequency to effectively connect with the target audience.

Improving Automatic Transcription Using Natural Language Processing, Anna Kiefer

Master's Theses

Digital Democracy is a CalMatters and California Polytechnic State University initia-
tive to promote transparency in state government by increasing access to the Califor-
nia legislature. While Digital Democracy is made up of many resources, one founda-
tional step of the project is obtaining accurate, timely transcripts of California Senate
and Assembly hearings. The information extracted from these transcripts provides
crucial data for subsequent steps in the pipeline. In the context of Digital Democracy,
upleveling is when humans verify, correct, and annotate the transcript results after
the legislative hearings have been automatically transcribed. The upleveling process
is done with the …

Neonatal Respiratory Therapy Interface, Kennedy Austin, Evan Manley, Parker Murray, Harrison Oen

Biomedical Engineering

This Final Report reviews and outlines the scope, objectives, and deliverables for the BCPAP Interface Redesign project, aimed at enhancing the functionality, usability, and patient experience of the existing BCPAP interface. It also includes detailed testing results and manufacturing plans for the device prototype. The current system has challenges in universal usability, time constraints, and patient comfort, which this project intends to address effectively. The goal of this project is to reevaluate and redesign the interface of the bubble continuous positive air pressure (BCPAP) machine’s attachment site with the infant. Due to the millions of premature neonates and thousands of …

Executive Committee - Agenda 2/20/2024, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

The Mini Syllabus: Locating And Engaging With Black Women In Popular Culture, Katrina Marie Overby

Feminist Pedagogy

No abstract provided.

Real #Hotgirl Sh*T: Practical Application Of Intersectional Re-Presentation Instruction, Jessica F. Love

Feminist Pedagogy

This critical commentary outlines how the Real #HotGirl Sh*T: Megan Thee Stallion & Mediated Hip Hop, Black Feminist and Communication Pedagogy promotes active learning via popular culture and digital media, and it provides a practical model for employing intersectionality in classroom settings. Previous critical media pedagogy exploring minority media re-presentation primarily focused on the effects of master narratives produced by traditional media. This syllabus's incorporation of social and digital media helps students understand how collective minority groups use and interact with media as a political tool to challenge re-presentational regimes. More importantly, this syllabus employs real-world examples of popular culture …

Listen To Black Women: Newsgathering In Digital Third Spaces, Gheni N. Platenburg

Feminist Pedagogy

This teaching activity re-introduces the concept of digital third spaces and how to use them as complementary newsgathering tools. Students are tasked with visiting these spaces to listen to Black women. In other words, they will observe content and engage in conversations with digital third space visitors to better educate themselves on the topics, issues and concerns of Black women and learn how to take this information and formulate story ideas for improved news coverage of and about Black women.

‘Hot Girl Teaching’ In A Faith-Based Environment, Niya Pickett Miller

Feminist Pedagogy

There is much to learn from Megan Thee Stallion, the self-proclaimed “Hot Girl Coach.” However, her provocative lyrics and hyper-sexuality are challenging to interject into communication-themed classes at a predominantly white, faith-based university where many students come with an expectation for learning that resists mainstream trends and upholds conventional Christian values and conservative ideological ways of thinking about socio-political issues. This commentary offers a faith-based and feminist perspective about how including Black popular culture, and (more broadly) culturally diverse texts in predominately white, faith-based classrooms can work and why such centering does not contradict biblical principles.

A Hip Hop Dialogic: Exploring Hip Hop Feminism In The College Classroom, Makini Beck, Nickesia Gordon

Feminist Pedagogy

In this paper, we explore the use of Hip Hop feminist pedagogy in an undergraduate classroom. We discuss the ways an in-class deliberation activity can: 1) engage students in ethical argumentation and critical reasoning on Black and Latina women’s representations in Hip Hop music and culture; 2) invoke discussions about the sexual and racial politics inherent in Hip Hop, including the objectification, hyper-visualization and marginalization of Black and Latina women; and 3) prompt students to think about Black and Latina women’s resistance to dominant male discourses and the ways women participation in the music and culture can be identified as …

#Hotgirlsemestersyllabus, Katrina Marie Overby, Gheni Platenburg, Niya Pickett Miller

Feminist Pedagogy

No abstract provided.