Digital Commons Network^™

Fungal Activity In Fusarium Keratoplasticum Isolates With And Without Endohyphal Bacteria On Various Carbon Sources, Maya Brown

Honors College Theses

In recent years, the fungus Fusarium keratoplastic has been associated with failed sea turtle eggs. One fungal isolate collected from a failed egg collected on Wassaw Island, GA in 2020 contained endohyphal bacteria, bacteria living within the hyphae of the fungus. The type of endohyphal bacteria (EHB), as well as the relationship between the bacteria and fungal hosts, are currently unknown. Previous research on the same fungus and EHB, specifically Chitinophaga sp., discovered that EHB influenced the ability of the fungus to utilize carbon sources. Our research goal was to examine the metabolic relationship of Fusarium isolated from failed sea …

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, An Old Disease With A “Second Life”, Anna Walick, Lorenza Beati Ziegler

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

2024 Georgia Southern University Football Roster, Georgia Southern University

Men's Football Records

No abstract provided.

Eagle Executive Magazine, Georgia Southern University

College of Business: News & Publications

• Students
• Gala
• Feature: Corporate Culture Series
• Internships
• Graduate
• Alumni
• Young Alumni Board

Graduate Catalog, Georgia Southern University

Graduate Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Highlighting Opportunities For Anaerobic Co-Digestion Of Food Waste From Universities With Pulp And Paper Mill Sludge, Md Nizam Uddin

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The disposal of food waste (FW) in landfills presents significant environmental and economic challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions and loss of potential resources. Concurrently, the pulp and paper industry, a major sector in the United States, generates substantial quantities of recalcitrant organic waste that is high in lignocellulosic content. Anaerobic co-digestion of FW with pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS) emerges as a potential strategy to address both waste streams simultaneously, potentially enhancing organic matter degradation and biogas yield. However, the efficacy of this co-digestion approach and its broader sustainability implications remain insufficiently characterized. This study employs laboratory-scale experiments to …

Effect Of Esol Co-Teacher Certification On Student Achievement In High School Core Content Areas In A Georgia Suburban School District, Megan Devoss, Robert A. Griffin, Diana Mindrila

Georgia Educational Researcher

This quantitative study investigated the relationship between ESOL co-teacher content certification and student achievement in secondary classrooms. The sample consisted of English Learners (ELs; N = 185) in a suburban district in Georgia. The study focused on three core content subjects: Algebra, Biology, and Economics. Content certification was verified through a state agency, and student achievement was assessed using Georgia Milestones test scores. A range of statistical tests, including descriptive and multilevel regression analyses, were employed to analyze the data. The results indicated that Milestones grade conversion scores were higher when teachers had dual certification (M = 65.63, SD …

Enhancing Teacher Education Students' Diagnostic And Instructional Design Capabilities In A Teacher Education Course, Shih-Hsiung Liu

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This study developed a teacher education program for teacher education students (TESs), incorporating collaborative inquiry and panoramic cameras to guide them in observing young students' learning performances during teaching, with the goals of enhancing instructional design capability for diagnosing student learning problems and investigating the feasibility of this approach. Twenty-two participants, divided into five groups, engaged in teaching practice across five different junior high school classes simultaneously. The remaining 17 participants conducted classroom observations. Post-teaching discussions of a group followed, with this three-week cycle repeating four times, allowing each TES to serve as a teaching educator. The study concludes that …

Training Underrepresented Minority Students For Careers In Public Health Leadership – Public Health Leaders Fellowship Program, Jigsa Tola

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Background: Shortage and lack of diversity in the United States public health workforce is well documented and remains a challenge to meaningfully improving the health of the population. Although the diversity of the public health workforce has implications for access, care quality, and career opportunities in low-income communities, there is no strong mechanism by which minorities are trained to replenish the workforce. Morehouse College’s Public Health Leaders Fellowship Program (MC-PHLFP) is a cooperative program with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to train undergraduate students for careers in public health leadership.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is …

Mammalian Biodiversity On Greenways Across An Urban-To-Rural Gradient, Brooklyn C. Zwinklis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Large-scale urbanization is one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss on a global scale due to habitat loss and fragmentation. This has created a need to investigate ways to mitigate the damage caused by urban development, such as studying whether green spaces in urban areas can serve as means of preserving mammalian biodiversity in cities. This study specifically focused on greenways as they are understudied when compared to other green spaces, such as parks and cemeteries. Greenways are linear tracts of paved land, usually designed for human recreational activities. However, their benefits to wildlife have not been well researched. …

Investigating Division Quest: A Text-Based Adventure Narrative Game For Overcoming Difficulties Of Mitosis Learning, Amanda G. Conner

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Mitosis learning is a source of struggle for many introductory biology students. Much of this difficulty stems from an overwhelming amount of terminology and moving pieces as well as the abstract nature of cellular processes. Game-based learning (GBL) has been used in other contexts to reduce cognitive load and provide relatable experiences upon which students can construct their mental models. However, commercial GBL is often expensive and difficult to align with individual instructor teaching preferences and learning objectives. In this study, we use a mixed methods approach to explore the use of a GBL tool made in Twine to overcome …

Investigation Of Mechanically Fatigue Low-Frequency Energy Harvesting Effects On Isotropic Materials, Daniel J. Meade

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This research project reports an exploratory investigation of energy harvesting effect on isotropic material that goes through low frequency mechanical fatigue. Energy harvesting is a growing field of study that can recycle ambient energy back into a system that would otherwise be lost. This is a significantly useful method for the ongoing energy crisis and provides an alternate route to design and upgrade systems to be more efficient and last longer than current system designs. However, it is time to investigate if there is any effect vibration-based energy harvesting has on the structure from which energy is being harvested. To …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Spousal Labor Migration And The Postpartum Experiences Of Women In Nepal, Sandhya Lohani

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Labor migration is a prevalent phenomenon in Nepal, with many men leaving the country searching for employment opportunities, often leaving their families behind. This study explores the impact of this migration on women's postpartum experiences, including factors such as emotional support, financial strain, and childcare responsibilities. A qualitative approach was used, conducting interviews of 31(16 women with labor-migrant spouses and 15 with non-migrant spouses) to gather insights into the unique challenges faced by the two groups of women during the postpartum period. The findings highlight the significant differences in postpartum experiences between women with migrant spouses and those without, shedding …

Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy(Rus) For Material Characterization Of Metal Am Parts, Malik Marks

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by offering flexibility, customization, and rapid prototyping capabilities. However, ensuring the quality and reliability of AM parts remains a significant challenge due to variations in material properties and process parameters. The NDE method used in this study is Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS). This method was used to evaluate and understand its ability to detect internal voids and defects. Dog-bone samples were made using the 316L stainless steel alloy which were fabricated by powder bed fusion (PBF) AM technique at different processing conditions and post processing conditions. These samples were tested to find …

Increasing Commuter Students’ Sense Of Belonging With Situated Learning In A First-Year Computer Programming Course, Lily R. Liang, Rui Kang

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

This study examines the impact of a situated learning class framework on student learning and sense of belonging in a first-year introductory computer programming course offered at an urban commuter campus. The framework provided students opportunities to engage in hands-on activities embedded in authentic contexts facilitated or led by students from computer science clubs and a service-learning program. Our results suggest that 1) participation in peer interactions within the classroom helped students build learning communities and networks beyond the classroom and strengthened their development of a professional identity; 2) through redesigning curriculum and pedagogy to accommodate students’ needs and learning …

From Expectations To Experiences: Students’ Perceptions Of Specifications Grading In Higher Education, Adriana Streifer, Michael Palmer, Jessica Taggart

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

Specifications grading is a form of alternative grading that emphasizes transparency, low stakes, student learning, and equity. It has attracted practitioners for its potential to enhance student motivation, and to remedy several challenges of traditional grading. Specifications grading has become increasingly popular, yet little is known about students' perceptions of and experiences with it. We examined students’ predicted and actual experiences of specifications grading in courses across several disciplines at a research-intensive, public university in the United States. Particular attention was paid to how students perceive specifications grading to influence their motivations to learn. Most students expressed positive attitudes toward …

From Crisis To Resilience: Pandemic Perspectives On College Student Experiences, Motivation And Self-Regulated Learning, Diana Botnaru, Anna C. Brady, Dragos Amarie, April Garrity, Erica Hillsnipe, Caroline Hopkinson, Cynthia Lynes, Eryn Michelle Maher

International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning

The short-term effects during the transition to emergency remote teaching at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on college students are well-studied. The present study investigated the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students enrolled in undergraduate classes (e.g., pandemic experiences and their impact on basic psychological needs, metacognitive learning strategies, and motivation regulation). The survey was administered at a 4-year university in the Southeastern United States during fall 2022. The majority of participants (N = 590) were women (82%), white (56.6%), not Hispanic or Latinx (93.4%), and health profession majors (58.1%). Results indicated that mental health, academic, and …

White Woman In A Black Barbershop: Examining Racial Literacy Through Epistemic Curricula Spaces, Megan Paulk

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The following study is an autoethnography of the researcher, a White Mother of a Black Family (WMOBF). Follow her journey as she examines her racial literacy through the construction of Season Two of her podcast White Women in a Black Barbershop, where she is conversing with three other WMOBF who geographically grew up in the same small town in Maryland. The podcast analysis method is introduced as a method of data collection and analysis. The results of the study are the creation of eight epistemic curricula spaces. These spaces contain movement, are not linear, and are not accessible to all. …

Experimentatal And Numerical Investigation Of Turbojet Engine Performance, Emissions, And Noise/Vibrations Using Jet-A And F24 Fuel, John W. Mcafee Jr

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Drastic improvement in cost effectiveness of high-power computing resources has generated a great interest numerical simulation to reduce the overhead cost of engine manufacturing, maintenance, and environmental concerns of engine testing. To accomplish this goal, this research presents the differences between military F24 fuel and commercial aviation fuel Jet-A from a thermochemical and engine performance perspective. This experimental data was used to create and validate a numerical model of the engine used in the experiments fueled with both Jet-A and F24 fuels. The experimental data was collected using a research based single stage turbojet engine outfitted with many sensors for …

An Assessment Of Functional Characteristics In Macroinvertebrates And Fishes In The Lower Ogeechee River, Molly A. Mckeon

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The southeastern United States is a hotspot for aquatic biodiversity; yet this region is also considered vulnerable to climate and land–use changes. The Ogeechee River is an unimpeded blackwater river in Georgia that drains into the Atlantic Ocean and a unique ecosystem due to the preservation of its natural state; Historically, research conducted in the river establishes a baseline for long-term ecological studies. The aim of this study is to compare aquatic macroinvertebrate and fish community composition data collected in 2014 to 2017 to a recently collected dataset from 2023 and document temporal changes. Water quality monitoring was performed throughout …

An Evaluation Of Social Media Use And Its Association With Nutrition Behaviors Among Female Parents, Meredith St. Cyr

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Recent studies have indicated that an unhealthy diet plays a role in the development of overweight and obesity, which are among the most severe public health challenges of the 21st century. One population that has become an emerging focus is female parents aged 21 – 35. Research has demonstrated that the transition to parenthood and the years following are often a turning point regarding developing obesity and that early effects on weight gain are likely to be cumulative and persistent. A unique characteristic of this population is their high utilization of social media. This study utilized a mixed methods study …

Transcending The Taboo: Using Literature To Explore Depictions Of Suicide With Adolescents In Secondary Classrooms, Elizabeth M. Williams

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This thesis examines depictions of suicide in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (1597), Art Spiegelman’s Maus (1986), and Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred (1979) in the context of teaching literature in secondary classrooms during the developmental stage known as middle adolescence. Using an analysis of these literary works, this thesis advocates for incorporating self-regulation practices when addressing conceptually challenging and emotionally complex ideas. It proposes model lessons and emphasizes the responsibility of educators to facilitate discussions on weighty concepts. This thesis also emphasizes the need for an intersectional approach when examining trauma and suicide. Furthermore, it underscores the unique developmental and …

Can We Talk About Sex? Exploring Teacher Preparedness Of Comprehensive Sex Education Delivery In Southeast Georgia, Tanya Jules

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In 2022, the CDC estimated that youth and adolescents between the ages of 15 through 24 accounted for almost half of the 2.5 million cases of sexually transmitted infections in the United States. Teachers who deliver accurate sexual health information increase the accessibility of pertinent details to adolescents during crucial years of cognitive development, which could decrease adverse sexual health outcomes among youth. The utilization of a Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) curriculum addresses all parts of sexual health by covering topics ranging from physical, biological, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality. However, educators who provide sexual health education must follow …

Exploring The Consistency Of Flow Regimes Within And Among Ecoregions Of The Southeastern United States, Frank Paul Braun Iv

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Human manipulation of river systems has long been a known contributor to the loss of freshwater biodiversity. By accounting for environmental causes of hydrologic variation among rivers, we can better understand how ecoregion mediates flow regimes and forecast species that may be at risk. Presumably, natural variation associated with ecoregion boundaries exerts strong influence on flow regimes, and may mediate relationships between other features (e.g., land use, dam operations) and hydrology. However, such between-ecoregion variation is poorly investigated, particularly at fine spatial and temporal scales. I characterized 10 hydrologic metrics, representing the five key dimensions of the flow regime (magnitude, …

From Lived Experiences To Social Activism: Latino Fraternity Brothers Critical Service To The Latinx Community, Regina L. Suriel, James Martinez, Christian Bello Escobar, Jamie L. Workman

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Colleges and universities are seeing growth of Latinx students actively engaged in Greek life. In this study, six Latino participants share their testimonios as members of different Chapters of a Latinx Greek Letter Organization (LGLO) nestled within Predominantly White Institutions located in the state of Georgia, USA. Informed by LatCrit theory, this qualitative study uses member’s testimonios to shed light on their varied and sometimes politically charged and racist lived experiences. The researchers draw on these experiences to show how the LGLO supported these members’ character and leadership development and their desire and commitment to critical service and socially just …

What’S Agape Love Got To Do With It?: Teaching With Courage, Passion, And Compassion In A Rural Elementary School In North Georgia, Jhanna Bryson

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation explores the crucial role of love in teaching, specifically focusing on the content of a rural elementary school in North Georgia. Drawing on qualitative research and personal experiences of the author, as well as other teachers at the same school, this study examines how love, manifested through courage, passion, and compassion, can significantly impact teaching practices and positively influence student outcomes in challenging educational settings. Theoretically my dissertations draws upon three bodies of literature such as critical pedagogy, (e.g. Darder, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2018; Freire, 1987, 1998, 2000, 2019; Giroux, 2010, 2018; hooks, 1994, 2001), radical love, …

2024 Conference Program, Georgia Southern University

SoTL Commons Conference

Conference program for 2024

Social Support In Black Individuals: The Moderating Effects On The Relationship Between Resilience And Well-Being, Imani Elise Crosby

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Black individuals possess numerous strengths and positive contributions that build strong communities and cultivate psychological well-being (Biglan et al., 2012). However, much of the current literature focuses on hardships Black individuals face, skewing the larger discourse of their lived experience. This exclusive focus on adversity often neglects pathways by which Black people thrive and flourish. It is important to consider how Black experiences relate to a sense of well-being. Resilience, or the ability to “bounce back” from adverse experiences is linked well-being outcomes (APA, 2012). However, it is unknown whether the promotive effects of resilience directly contribute to well-being outcomes …

Applying Social Bond Theory To Foster Care Instability And Justice System Contact, Therin P. Foley

Honors College Theses

While placing a child in foster care is often in an effort to protect them and their future, it does not always fully succeed. Placement in foster care has been found to be highly unstable. Additionally, it has been linked to an increase in individuals’ likelihood to engage in delinquent and criminal behavior. This thesis looks at the possibility that these two aspects may be related through Hirschi’s (1969) Social Bond theory. It examines available data from ten different states in order to explore this idea. The results of this investigation show that the instability of the foster care system …

Synthesis Of Chiral Amino Acids Via Direct Amination Of Diazo Ester With A Rhodium-Based Catalyst, Steven J. Boyles

Honors College Theses

Amino acids are critical molecules within living organisms as they are the building blocks of proteins. In organisms, proteins serve as regulators of necessary processes, structural components in tissue, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Amino acid therapy is an emerging treatment in the medical field used to treat symptoms of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Amino acid therapies have also shown promising effects when it comes to treating mood disorders and weight management. In order to increase the number of amino acids available and increase the potential treatments for other ailments, there is a drive to increase …