Digital Commons Network^™

Microbial Community Stabilization By Restored Oyster Reefs: Implications For Blue Carbon Storage, Natalie Boydstun

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Coastal ecosystems provide critical carbon sequestration services, yet the microbial mechanisms underlying carbon storage remain poorly understood, particularly in non-vegetated habitats. This study investigated whether restored oyster reefs (Crassostrea virginica) enhance sediment carbon storage potential by stabilizing microbial communities and promoting efficient organic matter processing. I hypothesized that reef-mediated sediment stabilization and organic deposition would create conditions favoring microbial degradation of complex carbon compounds into stable soil organic matter, ultimately supporting anaerobic carbon storage. To test this, I compared sediment biogeochemistry, enzyme activity, and microbial community structure between three restored oyster reef sites and two unstructured control sites …

Synthesis And Processing Of Co-Axial/Tri-Axial Multi-Layered Nano-Particles, Jannatul Ferdaus

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Electro-spraying has been used as an effective processing method of nanoparticle fabrication for the application of targeted drug delivery. The study demonstrates the feasibility of a non-conventional triaxial electro-spraying setup for multi-layered nano-drug fabrication and proposes optimized parameters. Two different drugs, XAV939 and Dextran 40000, were used to study the process parameters (voltage and solution concentration) of coaxial electro spraying. The particle size of Dextran-PCL was an average of 166.3 nm for PCL-Dextran at 32.5 kV and 18-hour sonication. The SEM analysis and UV-spectrum showed the encapsulation of Dextran with PCL, though the in vitro study in mice after 24 …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of First-Generation African American Students To Improve Retention Rates, Jaleesa Porter

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Colleges and universities play an important role in maintaining high retention rates and getting students from matriculation to graduation. There are several studies related to the reasons and barriers that result in low retention rates. This qualitative study examined how one university in southeast Georgia can improve retention rates among first-generation African American students by enhancing its practices. The findings from this study the revealed lived experiences of college students that resulted in a range of emotions, resources and barriers, and communication. Discussion and implications of the findings provide recommendations for practice and future research.

Fresh Eyes: Viewing Education Through A Critical Lens, Glennda Shealey-Griffiths

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation confronts neoliberal ideology in public education, where standardized testing and market-driven accountability systematically undermine teacher autonomy and creative learning. Moving beyond critique to action, this study develops a practical pedagogical framework empowering educators to resist these dehumanizing forces and cultivate democratic learning spaces through arts-integrated professional learning as critical aesthetic pedagogy. Drawing on Henry Giroux, Maxine Greene, Paolo Freire, and Jacques Rancière, this qualitative case study examines a professional learning initiative with public school teachers through interviews, classroom observations, and analysis of participants' photographic projects. These visual works function not merely as documentation but as catalysts for Giroux's …

Georgia Southern Magazine, Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern Magazine

• News and Events
• True Blue Spotlight
• Farewell to Freedom
• Eagles in Education
• Can't Put a Number on Wonder
• University News
• Research and Creativity
• Athletics
• Alumni and Friends
• Support
• In Memoriam

2025-2026 Georgia Southern University Women's Tennis Roster, Georgia Southern University

Women's Tennis Records

No abstract provided.

2025 Georgia Southern University Women's Soccer Statistics, Georgia Southern University

Women's Soccer Records

No abstract provided.

2025 Georgia Southern University Women's Soccer Media Guide, Georgia Southern University

Women's Soccer Records

No abstract provided.

Examining Our Practice: Engaging In A Faculty Learning Community To Enhance An Online Graduate Program, Regina Rahimi, Lina Soares, Hui Jin

Middle Grades & Secondary Education: Faculty Publications

This research report details a faculty learning community (FLC) developed by three faculty teaching in a graduate program in a mid-size southern university. The purpose of the research was to engage in the study of best practices for online graduate courses by engaging in collaborative discussions on common texts related to improving the teaching and learning experience. Specifically, the faculty engaged in common readings on “small teaching practices” and reflected on the knowledge gleaned and how it related to current online teaching practices (Darby & Lang, 2019; Lang, 2016). The study further explored how an FLC helped higher education instructors …

Coastal Empire Economic Monitor, 2nd Quarter, 2025, Georgia Southern University Center For Business Analytics And Economic Research

Coastal Empire Economic Monitor

• Forward Momentum Lost

• Savannah Metro Economy Stumbles

• U.S. Economy Rebounds but Demand is Weakening

• Regional Forecasting Index Falls

Common Data Set, Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern Common Datasets

No abstract provided.

Comparing The Patient Shielding Practices For Healthcare Facilities In Southeast Georgia, Genesis Horton

Honors College Theses

Since the discovery of X-rays in 1895, research has consistently been conducted on their capabilities and limitations in healthcare. One primary focus of interest is patient shielding, especially regarding radiation protection and patient safety. Introduced in the mid-1900s, patient shielding has been practiced to protect the gonads, the thyroid, and other radiosensitive body parts. This research project investigated common shielding protocols implemented in healthcare facilities, specifically within Southeast Georgia. This study utilized anonymized in-person interviews with local imaging departments regarding their procedures and protocols for patient shielding. Results from these interviews have been analyzed and compared to shielding best practices …

Impact Of Expert Witness Gendered Appearance And Emotion On Perceptions Of Credibility And Verdicts, Audrey Molter

Honors College Theses

Past research has highlighted biases in how individuals are perceived based on their gender and expressed emotions. The current study assessed how the perceived femininity or masculinity of expert witnesses impact credibility and verdicts in a jury decision making task. Additionally, it investigated how the presence or absence of emotional expression, specifically, anger versus neutral presentations, affects the perception of expert credibility and verdict outcomes. One hundred and eighteen undergraduate participants assumed the role of jurors in a criminal trial involving ambiguous evidence, with the expert witness serving as the primary source of testimony for the defense. Four versions of …

I Prophesy Disaster: Adapting Musical Storytelling To Fashion, Adam Snedden

Honors College Theses

Fashion is an artistic medium, where garments communicate ideas to any potential viewers by using visual imagery and relying on our cultural expectations. At the level of haute couture design, these visuals grow more elaborate and dramatic. With this project, I wanted to accomplish the goal of adapting a song, the gothic-inspired progressive rock epic A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers, into a single couture-style look. Getting as many details of the song as possible to be apparent in an overcoat, shirt, and pants was a challenging task that required extensive use of embroidery and attention to detail. Additionally, this look …

The Moderating Effects Of Self-Compassion On The Relationship Between Shame And Depression In Military Populations, Sarah Foran

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The U.S. Military has faced a continuous rise in mental health concerns reported by service members and veterans (Currier et al., 2017; Rosenheck & Fontana, 2007). Studies of military personnel have found that up to 15% of service members meet the criteria for experiencing depression (Shen et al., 2012). Often, individuals with military experience face numerous stressors that positively contribute to this experience of depression and feelings of shame (Bradbard et al., 2014; Litz et al., 2009). Military culture (often emphasizing shame related to mental health) has also been found to put military personnel at higher risk of experiencing depression …

The Elite And The Illicit: Women, Power, And History In Cormac Mccarthy’S All The Pretty Horses And Cities Of The Plain, April Trepagnier

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Much of the discussion concerning female characters in Cormac McCarthy’s oeuvre revolves around assertions of narrative misogyny and subjection resulting from overly reductive criticism based on identity singularity. Had the critics taken this approach with McCarthy’s male characters, there would be little discussion of his work today as they, too, would have appeared as shallow stereotypes. Such readings are of limited interest or usefulness. Rather, when readers pay attention to the richness of the literary craft of McCarthy’s works, it is possible to read his male characters with great complexity. The same treatment, applied to his female characters, reveals precisely …

Eagle Accountant - 2025, Georgia Southern University

Eagle Accountant

• Accounting Advisory Council
• Accreditation & Rankings
• Eagles on Pennsylvania Avenue
• Students Tackle CPA Pipeline Crisis with “DAD Day” Initiative
• Cover Story: The Mooneys: Rooted in Purpose
• Guest Speakers as a Career Path Initiative
• Fraud Story: The Price of Desperation
• Learning Through Debate
• NASBA Annual Meeting
• Accounting Quiz Bowl
• Faculty Research Spotlight 
• Undergraduate Spotlight
• Graduate Spotlight
• Student Organizations & Activities 
• Faculty Awards, Service, & Publications 
• Alumni Notes & Obituaries 

Comparing Social Media Platforms For Recruiting Special Education Teachers In A High-Need Area, Eric Landers, Caitlin Criss, Kathryn L. Haughney, Cynthia C. Massey, Stephanie Devine, Karin Fisher

Georgia Educational Researcher

New pathways are needed to recruit high-quality special education graduates to meet the urgent teacher shortage. As a result, the researchers were awarded a grant from the CEEDAR Technical Assistance Center at the University of Florida to conduct a pilot study on special education teacher recruitment. The pilot study examined the correlation of geofencing social media targeting with applications received for a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program in the Southeastern U.S. Three groups were targeted (a) likely to have a bachelor’s degree, (b) likely to be associated with a targeted postal code, or (c) teacher candidates with a …

Structured Conference Participation: Building Professional Identity In Preservice Mathematics Teachers

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

This paper describes a structured approach to engaging preservice teachers in professional mathematics education conferences through a combination of presentation or volunteer opportunities. We detail a small-scale program implemented at Author’s University that removes financial barriers to conference participation while providing scaffolded support and mentorship. The program design emphasizes building a community through shared experiences and structured reflection. We offer practical guidance for teacher preparation programs seeking to implement similar initiatives, including timeline considerations, mentoring structures, and assessment strategies.

A Comparison: The Science Of Mathematics Vs. The Science Of Math

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators

This paper examines the field of mathematics education and the divisions within this domain. It presents a comparison from two websites, The Science of Math and The Science of Mathematics, and discusses their similarities and differences as they describe and define the field of mathematics education.

Pulsed Arc Additive Manufacturing Of A Functionally Graded Er2209 Duplex Stainless Steel And Hsla-100 Structure: Morphology, Characterization, And Mechanical Performance, Stevens G. Hill Jr

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Wire arc additive manufacturing is a process well suited to the efficient production of large structures. Duplex stainless steel exhibits high corrosion resistance and good strength which can be highly beneficial for industrial use. However, its use is limited due to its cost and complexity in controlling microstructure to achieve desired properties. In many cases, it can be highly beneficial to manufacture a component which uses specialty steel grades such as duplex stainless steel only where necessary, and utilizes more affordable, commonly available steels for reinforcement or bulk structural support. A functionally graded material satisfies these requirements by providing a …

An Investigative Study Of Thermal Fluid Properties When Introducing Metallic Nanoparticles Through A Heat Exchanging System, Levi P. Mckinney

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Heat-exchanging systems are essential in applications ranging from automobiles to air-conditioning units, and ongoing improvements aim to enhance efficiency while reducing system size. Conventional coolant upgrades often rely on ethylene glycol, which increases thermal stability and lowers freezing point but reduces water’s inherent heat-transfer capability. Advances in nanotechnology provide an alternative approach: suspending nanoparticles in base fluids can significantly modify thermal properties, with some formulations exhibiting conductivity increases of up to 60%. This thesis examines the thermal and tribological performance of three working fluids—distilled water, a 50:50 water–ethylene glycol mixture, and the same mixture enhanced with Al₂O₃ nanoparticles. Distilled water …

Beyond The Glass Ceiling: Career Advancement Strategies For Mid-Level Women In Student Affairs, Jalonda N. Thompson

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on the push and pull factors that influence women’s choices to either opt in or opt out of career advancement in student affairs (Coetzee & Moosa, 2020; Harman & Sealy, 2017). Women, specifically Black women, are underrepresented in Senior Student Affairs Officer (SSAO) positions in higher education (American Council of Education, 2024). As the demographics of the United States (US) change, student affairs is at a critical point to foster an inclusive learning environment that reflects the increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the US (Lopez, 2006). …

Guanacos De Corazón, Ana Marcela Sinnett

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This thesis explores the intersections of indigeneity, mestizaje, and decolonial aesthetics through a mixed-media art practice rooted in Salvadoran history and identity. Drawing on ancestral traditions such as indigo dyeing and backstrap weaving, Guanacos de Corazón investigates how materiality, folklore, and handcraft function as forms of visual resistance, meaning art that disrupts dominant narratives, critiques systems of power, and reclaims erased cultural memory.

Through formal analysis, historical context, and interviews with Salvadoran artists, this thesis challenges ideas of mestizaje that promote cultural and ethnic superiority and contribute to the erasure of ancestral beliefs.

How do we rescue ancestral traditions that …

Machine Learning For Automated Classification Of Tree Species Based On Color-Texture Fusion, Brandon C. Jones

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study aimed to develop robust machine learning tools for the classification of southeastern United States tree species based on bark images, addressing challenges posed by significant intraspecies variation in bark texture and color. The primary objectives included constructing specialized machine learning libraries and classification models, identifying optimal algorithms and parameters to maximize accuracy, and integrating the best-performing texture and color classifiers into a unified system to enhance the overall classification performance. The methodology involved collecting a dataset of 360 field images, extracting hue and saturation histograms for color features, and employing Histogram of Gradients (HOG) and Histogram of Binary …

Gas029054-Gas029104

Herbarium (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Gas029256-Gas029305

Herbarium (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Gas034871-Gas034920

Herbarium (Archived)

No abstract provided.

Exploring Public Support For Prison Labor, Omar Morris

Honors College Theses

Prison labor has long been a central component of the U.S. correctional system, evolving from early penitentiary models to contemporary labor practices that remain legally sanctioned under the Thirteenth Amendment. This study examines the historical development, key legislation, and modern realities of prison labor, emphasizing its economic, ethical, and rehabilitative implications. Using survey data from a nationally representative sample, the study assesses public attitudes toward mandatory prison work, fair wages for incarcerated individuals, and financial obligations such as medical copays and communication fees. Findings reveal that while the public generally supports prison labor, opinions diverge on compensation and economic burdens …

Analysis Of The Microbiome Of Amblyomma Americanum In The Statesboro Region, Ella Zierdt, Lorenza Beati, Mary Humphrey, Saviour Dralabu

Honors College Theses

The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is the most common tick in Georgia. It is mainly known as an Ehrlichia spp. vector, but its microbiome can be diverse, depending on geography, developmental stage, and season. Little is known about bacterial diversity in ticks from the southeastern U.S. A Nanopore MinION sequencer was used for a preliminary analysis of the bacterial microbiome in A. americanum from the Statesboro region. DNA was extracted from 39 nymphs, 35 males, and 39 females. DNA samples were pooled by month of collection and life stage/sex, amplified with barcoded 16SrDNA primers, and sequenced. Approx. 77% …