Health Professions Students’ Perceptions Of Medical Laboratory Scientists: Professional Practice And Scope Of Practice, Thomas W. Williamson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLSs) are vital yet often overlooked members of the healthcare team. This study investigated perceptions of MLSs among students in medicine, pharmacy, and nursing programs. Grounded in professional identity theory and literature on interprofessional stereotypes, the study utilized a quantitative survey distributed to 1,113 students, with 71 responses analyzed. Nine research questions explored differences in perceptions of MLSs’ professional practice, scope of practice, entry requirements, value as team members, and consultative roles. Results indicate students generally value MLSs as members of the healthcare team and acknowledge their contributions to patient care; however, their understanding is frequently restricted …

Stochastic Universal Differential Equations For Epidemiological Modeling: Uncertainty Quantification In Disease Transmission Dynamics, Alice Menaya Armah-Bonney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Epidemic forecasting requires not only predictions of expected case counts, but also quantification of uncertainty, although existing surrogate modeling frameworks for agent-based models remain fundamentally deterministic. In this thesis a Stochastic Universal Differential Equation framework is presented that extends the deterministic Universal Differential Equation approach by incorporating a learnable stochastic diffusion term, enabling calibrated probabilistic forecasts while preserving the mechanistic interpretability and computational efficiency of the deterministic baseline. In doing so, a two-phase training algorithm is introduced to ensure stable convergence and the framework is validated against the ensemble output from ExaEpi, an exascale agent-based model of a COVID-19 outbreak …

Historical Development Of Vaccines And The Public's Response, Kristen Montgomery, Samantha Prince Bsn, Rn, Melissa Ealey Bsn, Rn, Jarrad Morelock Bsn, Rn, Shelby Johnson Bsn, Rn, Kokeshia Crosby Bsn, Rn, Stephanies Himes Bsn, Rn, Theresia Hinton Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Vaccines, which have become one of the most important medical accomplishments in the prevention of communicable diseases, have a history that dates to the use of variolation as early as the 11th century. The purpose of this study is to explore the historical development of vaccines and to determine the characteristics that emerged when new vaccines were developed.

Aims: The specific aim of this study is to understand if all vaccines have been received about the same by the general public or if there are certain different or diverse characteristics associated with the introduction of different vaccines.

Methods: A …

Product Of Arachidonic Acid Oxidation Inhibits Neutrophil Migration By Forming The Inflammatory Substrate For Integrin Αmβ2, Jared Casteel

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

Oxidation of arachidonic acid generates biologically active derivatives that play a critical role in shaping the inflammatory response. One such derivative, carboxypropylpyrrole (CPP), is a stable end-product of arachidonic acid oxidation that has been previously described and detected in inflamed tissues; however, its pathophysiological contribution to inflammation has not been investigated. CPP forms covalent adducts with the extracellular matrix and plasma proteins, altering their biochemical properties and receptor-binding characteristics. Here, we examined how CPP formation impacts neutrophil migration during acute inflammation. Using cell adhesion assays and biolayer interferometry, we identified integrins αMβ2 and αDβ2 as receptors for CPP-modified proteins. Among …

Appalachian Therapies, Emma Marie Wilson

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

It is predicted that by 2050, deaths due to antibiotic resistance will supersede cancer and cardiovascular disease as the number one cause of death in the world. The present research aims to study the polymicrobial interactions of microbial communities in the Appalachian region. Microbial samples were obtained from mountains surrounding East Tennessee State University, isolated and screened against common human opportunistic bacteria. One particular bacterium, S1S4-10, was found to be antagonistic against Bacillus subtilis and created zones-of-inhibition on agar media. Reverse testing found that the B. subtilis did not have a counter inhibition against S1S4-10. Co-cultures found that S2S4-10 could …

2026 February 17 - Medical Student Education Committee Minutes, Medical Student Education Committee, East Tennessee State University

Medical Student Education Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

How Fundraisers Met Goals During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Cody C. Greene

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of higher education operations, including fundraising and donor engagement. This qualitative study explored how Vice Presidents for Advancement and other senior fundraising leaders in higher education adapted their practices to meet fundraising goals during the pandemic. Using a narrative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine participants representing diverse institutions in the southeastern United States. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis was used to code and interpret the data.

Seven major themes emerged: communications, technology, donor relations, managing a fundraising team, overall giving impact, successful strategies, and the future. Participants described how …

2025 November 14 - Academic, Research And Student Success Committee, Board Of Trustees, East Tennessee State University

Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Impact Of Wealth Inequality On Appalachian Health, Noah Wren

3 Minute Thesis Competition

No abstract provided.

2014 - Appalachian Student Research Forum Program Booklet, Appalachian Student Research Forum, East Tennessee State University

Appalachian Student Research Forum

No abstract provided.

2009 - Appalachian Student Research Forum Program Booklet, Appalachian Student Research Forum, East Tennessee State University

Appalachian Student Research Forum

No abstract provided.

2008 - Appalachian Student Research Forum Program Booklet, Appalachian Student Research Forum, East Tennessee State University

Appalachian Student Research Forum

No abstract provided.

2005 - Appalachian Student Research Forum Program Booklet, Appalachian Student Research Forum, East Tennessee State University

Appalachian Student Research Forum

No abstract provided.

Illuminated Magazine - Fall 2025, School Of Graduate Studies, East Tennessee State University

Illuminated: Graduate Student Research Magazine

• 2: Editorial Staff
• 5: Graduate Students and Advisors
• 6: ETSU’s First Master of Music Cohort Finds Its Voice on Campus
• 9: Where Are They Now? Jacob Mitchell
• 10: Characterizing and Enhancing Carotenoid Production in Tomato Plants
• 14: Where Are They Now? Jeremiah J. Flake
• 15: In the Gaps of the System: Centering BIPOC Mothers in Maternal Mental Health
• 18: Roles of Female Musicians in Appalachian Bluegrass
• 20: Where Are They Now? Alexis Moser
• 21: From Guyana to Tennessee: Bridging Gaps in Women’s Mental Health Care
• 24: Where Are They Now? Megan Roberts
• 26: Characterizing User Experience in AI Chatbots within …

A Review Of Common Limitations In Rural-Related Studies In The Peer-Reviewed Literature, Stephanie M. Mathis, Olivia A. Sullivan, Margaret M. Francisco, Nicole Galler, Kate E. Beatty, Michael B. Meit, Chyanne Morrison, Christiana Keinath

ETSU/NORC Rural Health Research Center Policy Briefs

No abstract provided.

Reentry For Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: A Focus On Workforce Reentry And Recidivism In Appalachia, Margaret E. Francisco

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Formerly incarcerated individuals face challenges to successful reentry, a critical component of reducing recidivism and improving public health outcomes. These challenges are particularly acute in rural Appalachia, where structural disadvantages such as limited economic opportunities, healthcare access, and public transportation intersect with stigma and systemic barriers related to prior incarceration. This dissertation addresses these gaps through a mixed-methods examination of reentry and recidivism, grounded in public health frameworks and focused on the unique context of rural Appalachia.

This work includes three studies. First, a PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesized qualitative research on barriers and facilitators to employment following incarceration. Findings highlighted …

Administrator Perceptions Of Title I Parent And Family Engagement Practices And Policies During Covid-19, Rebekah Owens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine Title I administrator perceptions of facilitating parent and family engagement practices and policies prior to, during, and post Covid-19. The literature shows one of the leading factors in a child’s academic learning is family engagement (Henderson & Mapp, 2002). The Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships highlights ways in which administrators and school staff can be successful in engaging families and building strong partnerships by meeting four different capacity skills. Data collection strategies included semi-structured, one-on-one interviews, via Zoom video or audio interview, observation, document review, and field notes. Analysis of data …

Orchestrated Architecture Dismantling: Borrelia Burgdorferi’S Coordinated Destruction Of Adaptive Immune Responses, Craig A. Land

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Borrelia burgdorferi represents the most prevalent vector-borne bacteria in North America, affecting ~476,000 Americans annually yet persisting despite robust immune responses. This project reveals spirochetes target adaptive immunity through coordinated lymphatic colonization and precision immune dysregulation.

Using comparative host models (C57BL/6 vs. reservoir Peromyscus leucopus), we demonstrate lymph node colonization within 48-hours, with spirochetes exploiting LYVE-1-positive lymphatic structures as dissemination highways while avoiding the interior of follicular regions. Critically, we identify targeted CD4+ T-cell elimination in germinal center border zones at 21-DPI, precisely when these cells should be coordinating protective immunity. Concurrent upregulation of inhibitory receptor CD32b creates molecular …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Work Environment And Job Satisfaction Before And After Covid-19, Carla Sexton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological, qualitative study examined teachers’ perceptions of the work environment and job satisfaction before and after COVID-19. The findings may support school leaders by providing insight into what keeps teachers fulfilled in their careers, aiding in the retention of teachers in the district. Purposeful sampling was used to identify general education teachers who taught in one school district before and after COVID-19. Twelve interviews were conducted using open-ended questions and semi-structured questions to gain a better understanding of teachers’ experiences and perceptions. Each interview was transcribed and coded by the researcher. The results of the interviews led to the …

Quillen Magazine - Summer 2025, Quillen College Of Medicine, East Tennessee State University

Quillen Magazine

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Relationship Between The Incidence Of Campylobacteriosis And Ecological Risk Factors In Tennessee, Emmanuel Angmorteh Mensah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Campylobacteriosis although is the leading causes of bacterial diarrheal illnesses, have not gained prominent awareness and there are gaps in the understanding of transmission routes for sporadic, non-outbreak cases and their risk factors at the communal level to humans. This study, therefore, aimed to identify the campylobacteriosis risk factors and risk perception from the existing literature in the United States, determine the incidence and ecological risk factors for campylobacteriosis zip code level in Tennessee, and to perform spatiotemporal analysis of campylobacteriosis incidence cases in Tennessee.

Method: To achieve the first aim, a scoping review was conducted to synthesize …

Using The Reverse Testing Algorithm To Detect A Case Of Ocular Syphilis, Emily Rhoton

Dr. Jay W. Boland Research Day

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), incidence rates of syphilis have been steadily increasing in the United States over the last 5 years, despite well-established treatment and prevention precautions. Importantly, ocular syphilis can be the only presenting symptom in up to 40% of patients diagnosed with syphilis. This case report aims to identify symptoms, investigative factors, and ethical considerations involved in ocular syphilis to better recognize and manage future cases. An IRB-approved descriptive study and thorough chart review was conducted to examine the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and medical management course of a male in his mid-50s …

Illuminated Magazine - Spring 2025, School Of Graduate Studies, East Tennessee State University

Illuminated: Graduate Student Research Magazine

• 2: Editorial Staff
• 6: Betting on Appalachia: How Appalachian Identity Correlates to Gambling Disorder; Noah Anderson, Psychology, PhD
• 9: Where Are They Now? Featuring Maria Jose Araujo Dias
• 10: Inner Bonds: An Exploration of Emotions through Character Creation, Story, and Design; Cait Maltbie, Studio Art, MFA
• 13: Where Are They Now? Featuring Cynthia Milhorn
• 14: Characterizing the Polymicrobial Interactions of Alcaligenes faecalis; Aly Hargrave, Biology, MS
• 18: Grant Award Recipients
• 20: Discovering a Potentially Novel Bacteriocin from Klebsiella Bacteria; Jasmal Cruz Perez, Biology, MS
• 23: Where Are They Now? Featuring Julianne Hensley
• 24: Assessing How Different Training Programs Affect High-Intensity …

2025 February 21 - Academic, Research, And Student Success Committee Agenda And Minutes, Board Of Trustees, East Tennessee State University

Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Gattonrx Magazine - 2025, Bill Gatton College Of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University

GattonRX Magazine

No abstract provided.

State Of The University Annual Report - 2024-2025, Office Of The President, East Tennessee State University, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

Office of the President State of the University Annual Report

No abstract provided.

Community College Student Success During Covid-19 Pandemic Based On Class Modality, Rebecca Aslinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative, comparative study was to determine whether there were significant differences in Introduction to Education grades as measured by GPA among community college students between 2018-23 with the change of class modality due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This study examined differences in Introduction to Education grades as measured by GPA at three community colleges from 2018-23. Archival data were used for this study. The population for this study consisted of all students enrolled in the Introduction to Education course at three institutions. Both in-person and online classes were examined during the time before, during, and …

Self-Rated Interprofessionalism Between Allied Health Professionals, Courtney Andrews

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Preventable deaths due to medical errors are a significant cause of death in the United States. Decreased communication and collaboration has been cited as a potential reason for these preventable medical errors. Interprofessional practice (IPP) is a service delivery method where medical professionals from different disciplines intentionally work together in order to provide collaborated and collective care for patients. Interprofessional education (IPE) training programs are becoming more common in healthcare education, and have been cited as one way to improve IPP among healthcare providers. However, gaps exist in the literature regarding how to best structure and implement these programs so …

An Exploration Of K-3 Teachers’ Beliefs, Attitudes, And Instructional Technology Use Pre-, During, And Post-Covid-19, Patience Mensah-Bonsu Aggrey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative multiple case study explores kindergarten to third-grade teachers use of instructional technology across three different periods: pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19, and post-COVID-19. This research investigates teachers’ attitudes, the use of technological tools by teachers, and the internal (second order) and external (first order) barriers that informed their use of instructional technology before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to influence their use in the post-pandemic phase. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and checklists from eight kindergarten third-grade teachers using a qualitative multiple case study approach. The findings suggest that there was a shift in teachers’ instructional technology …

College Student’S Learning Experiences During Covid-19 Among Traditional And Post-Traditional Students Enrolled In Institutions Affiliated With The Appalachian College Association, Jo Anne Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the learning experiences, feelings and emotions, level of study support, and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic between traditional and post-traditional college students enrolled in an institution affiliated with the Appalachian College Association.

A two-group comparison research design using a web-based survey was used for the study. Using the College Student’s Learning Experiences during COVID-19 among Traditional and Post-Traditional Students Enrolled in Institutions Affiliated with the Appalachian College Association survey, the research questions were analyzed with a sample size of N = 58, traditional college student group and N=33, …