Digital Commons Network^™

The Effects Of School Autonomy On Student Achievement, Frank P. Kastl

Honors College Theses

This paper presents new evidence on the effects of school autonomy over personnel, budgeting, and curriculum on student achievement. I use the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data, a survey and assessment of students and schools in over 80 countries along with panel data methods. The empirical findings suggest that a greater degree of autonomy over schooling decisions improves achievement in math, science, and reading. However, these improvements are most pronounced in more developed countries.

Investigating The Relationship Between Inherited Geologic Framework And Saltwater Intrusion On St. Catherines Island, Georgia, Juliet Talaber, Jacque Kelly, Robert Vance

Honors College Theses

Since the late 1800s, the oldest cities on the Georgia coast have been withdrawing water from the confined Floridan Aquifer System. As the population has grown, a cone of depression has formed extending from Savannah, GA to St. Catherines Island, GA, a barrier island 50 km southeast of Savannah. On St. Catherines Island, the cone of depression has reversed the lateral and horizontal groundwater flow gradients causing saltwater intrusion into the Upper Floridan Aquifer from the Lower Floridan Aquifer through joints, faults, or solution collapse features. Previous studies from the southern and central areas of the island have found evidence …

Sleep Quantity And Quality: Impact On Nursing Students' Gpa At Georgia Southern University, Jennifer K. Arlow

Honors College Theses

Introduction: Nursing school is a physically and mentally challenging commitment that can result in students sacrificing sleep and compromised sleep quality.

Methodology: A cross-sectional mixed methodology research study of Georgia Southern University’s nursing students was conducted to gauge students' self-perceived sleep habits and current and past academic performance quantified by GPA. Five respondents (whose results were excluded from the data analysis) confirmed the questions were clear and relevant.

Results and Discussion: Thirty-two (n=32) questionnaires were received, of which four were excluded from the final analysis as some questions were not answered. More than 50% of respondents said their GPA decreased …

Queer Baltimore: An Unlikely Home For All, Anna K. Trull

Honors College Theses

At the time Baltimore’s queer community emerged, much of the country did not accept anyone who identified as gay. Appearing during the 1940s, gay bars then paradoxically expanded following the Pepper Hill raid in 1955. The thesis builds upon the work of Lucas Hilderbrand (Duke UP, 2023) and Susan Ferentinos (“Maryland LGBTQ Historic Context Study,” 2020) to argue that the physical infrastructure of gay bars and the neighborhoods that developed around them drove the creation of a public culture in Baltimore out of LGBTQ subcultures. It uses a geospatial database based on oral histories and newspaper archives to analyze neighborhoods …

Beyond Labor: The Lingering Impact Of Childbirth On Women’S Health, Alisha Riggins, Emmanuela Nwaonumah, Tobi Oloyede, Susmita Dey, Joanne Chopak-Foss, Logan Cowan

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Mhealth For Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence And Improving Tb Care In Lmics, Foram Patel, Gulzar H. Shah

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Flight Delay Predictions Using Network Centrality Measures, Joseph Ajayi

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Accurate prediction of flight delays remains a formidable challenge within the aviation industry, owing to its inherent complexity and the interconnectivity of its operations. Traditional flight prediction methods frequently utilize meteorological conditions—such as temperature, humidity, and dew point—alongside flight-specific data like departure and arrival times. However, these predictors often fall short of capturing the nuanced dynamics that lead to delays. This thesis introduces network centrality measures as novel predictors for enhancing the binary classification of flight arrival delays. Furthermore, it emphasizes the application of tree-based ensemble models, which are recognized for their superior ability to model complex relationships compared to …

Numerical Analysis Of A Multi-Stage Elastohydrodynamic Seal For Aircraft Engines, Md Wasif Hasan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

At present, both governmental and private aviation enterprises are trying to develop aircraft that are swifter, more lightweight, and more cost-effective in order to maintain competitiveness on both the domestic and global stage. Continuous innovation and sustainability efforts are necessary to achieve advancements in aviation systems, such as fans, compressors, combustors, and turbines, as well as sub-systems, like engine seals. Advanced engine seals exhibit considerable potential in enhancing the engine's pressure ratio and cycle temperatures, leading to reduced engine weight, increased thrust, and improved fuel economy. In this study, a novel multistage seal idea has been proposed for the supercritical …

Simulation Of Wave Propagation In Granular Particles Using A Discrete Element Model, Syed Tahmid Hussan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The understanding of Bender Element mechanism and utilization of Particle Flow Code (PFC) to simulate the seismic wave behavior is important to test the dynamic behavior of soil particles. Both discrete and finite element methods can be used to simulate wave behavior. However, Discrete Element Method (DEM) is mostly suitable, as the micro scaled soil particle cannot be fully considered as continuous specimen like a piece of rod or aluminum. Recently DEM has been widely used to study mechanical properties of soils at particle level considering the particles as balls. This study represents a comparative analysis of Voigt and Best …

Transcriptional Induction Of Immune Pathway Genes And Subsequent Antibacterial Activity In The Digestive Tract Of The Cat Flea (Ctenocephalides Felis)., Katie A. Weber

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Fleas (Order Siphonaptera) are ectoparasites that serve as vectors of several human diseases (cat scratch disease, flea-borne spotted fever, murine typhus, and plague). Typically, these pathogens are acquired through the ingestion of a host-derived bloodmeal; thus, the lumen of the gut is the first barrier encountered by imbibed pathogens. During the early stages of infection, microbes come into contact with surrounding midgut epithelial cells which trigger a series of host responses to combat local infection. Specifically, pathogen recognition leads to intracellular signaling and an increase in the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) via the IMD and Toll immune pathways. While …

Beyond The Strong Black Woman: Navigating Resilience And Mental Health Using Social Media For Culturally Tailored Resources, Muchaneta N.M. Chikawa

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Society views the strength of Black women as commendable as it shows positive qualities such as resilience and perseverance. While these traits are characterized as positive, Black women’s survival in American society has heavily depended on their strength, resulting in mental health illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The idea that Black women must exude strength and fortitude through adversity is labeled the Strong Black Woman Schema (SBWS). The SBWS is a race-gender schema that prescribes culturally-specific feminine expectations for Black women.

There are limited culturally-tailored resources for Black women to address mental health at collegiate institutions. As a result …

The George-Anne Daily Deep Dive, Georgia Southern University

George-Anne Media Group: Newsletters & Magazines

No abstract provided.

Predicting Retention, Progression, And Graduation Of First-Time Freshmen Students, Brynn L. Munro, Juliann Sergi Mcbrayer, Antonio P. Gutierrez De Blume, Pamela Wells

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

Currently, roughly one third of college students fit the federal government’s definition of first-generation college student status, meaning that neither parent has earned a baccalaureate degree (RTI International, 2023). This study utilized archival data at an access institution in the southeastern United States in a causal comparative study using binary logistic regression analysis to determine if first-generation college student status, gender, socioeconomic status, and academic preparedness are predictors for six-year graduation rates. Findings from this quantitative study determined that gender, socioeconomic status, and academic preparedness were significant predictors for graduation within six years of matriculation at the institution. A future …

White Girl Wasted: Gender Performativity Of Sexuality With Alcohol In National Panhellenic Conference Sorority Women, Pietro A. Sasso, Amber Manning-Ouellette, Kim E. Bullington, Shelley Price-Williams

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

This narrative qualitative study explored how sorority members negotiated their identities within systems of hegemony with their student communities. Sorority members used women’s empowerment discourse to rationalize how they consumed alcohol, engaged in frequent consensual sexual relationships, and navigated relationships with fraternity men and across their campus sorority/fraternity communities. Implications for practice included harm reduction, sex education, and supportive policies.

2023-2024 Georgia Southern University Women's Swimming And Diving Roster, Georgia Southern University

Women's Swimming Records

No abstract provided.

2024-2025 Georgia Southern University Women's Tennis Roster, Georgia Southern University

Women's Tennis Records

No abstract provided.

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 …

Portraits Of A Rural Georgia High School Stem Program, Jonathan L. Garner, Gwen Scott Ruttencutter, Forrest R. Parker Iii

Georgia Educational Researcher

This research examined school personnel’s strategies and practices responsible for increasing student science proficiency at a certified rural high school STEM program. In the United States, difficulties have developed in adequately preparing students for careers in STEM sectors, especially in secondary education. This trend has led to increased difficulties for high school graduates competing globally for high-paying jobs. Rural schools have been especially susceptible to inadequately preparing their students academically. I used qualitative research portraiture to generate a mental image of the STEM program at the selected high school. I interviewed three teachers and two administrators in a certified rural …

2024 Georgia Southern University Softball Roster, Georgia Southern University

Women's Softball Records

No abstract provided.

Values Of Gifted Specialists As A Professional Identity, Bailey Nafziger, Seth Kaesler

Georgia Educational Researcher

Educators of gifted students (gifted specialists) face unique systematic and personal barriers daily. While programs for gifted students are mandated in most states, including Georgia, implementation choices such as identification processes, delivery models, and teacher training requirements often fall on local agencies and budgets. Gifted specialists must have a strong sense of agency to advocate for their students and programs. This study contrasts the values, beliefs, and attitudes of middle-level teachers who have taught in an honors program and gifted specialists with a gifted teacher endorsement or certificate. The two expert groups were established to contrast how teachers who self-identify …

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 …

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 …

Technology Integration In Student Affairs Practice: The Remarkable 2 Tablet, Steven Tolman

Journal of Higher Education & Student Affairs

N/A --- Technology Review

Coastal Empire Economic Monitor, 1st Quarter, 2024, Georgia Southern University Center For Business Analytics And Economic Research

Coastal Empire Economic Monitor

Regional Economy Extends Gains

Healthy Regional Growth Continues

U.S. Economy Slows

Regional Forecasting Index Surges Again

The Monster Mash: A Monster Studies Approach To Literature In The University Classroom, Megan L. Bowen

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The Monster Mash is a course proposal for an upper-division undergraduate literature course focused on exploring monsters in literature and building connections between classic and more contemporary texts using high-impact practices (HIPs) with student success in mind. I build on previous work in the field of Monster Studies and introduce my own original monster pattern that prompts students to interpret monsters as they trek through Origin, Separation, Power, Threat, and Diminishment. This pattern highlights commonalities when it comes to the representation of monsters and their stories, allowing students to identify them across texts. I also divide monsters into three categories …

Problems In Chemical Graph Theory Related To The Merrifield-Simmons And Hosoya Topological Indices, William B. O'Reilly

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In some sense, chemical graph theory applies graph theory to various physical sciences. This interdisciplinary field has significant applications to structure property relationships, as well as mathematical modeling. In particular, we focus on two important indices widely used in chemical graph theory, the Merrifield-Simmons index and Hosoya index. The Merrifield-Simmons index and the Hosoya index are two well-known topological indices used in mathematical chemistry for characterizing specific properties of chemical compounds. Substantial research has been done on the two indices in terms of enumerative problems and extremal questions. In this thesis, we survey known extremal results and consider the generalized …

The U.S. Southern Mothers Perspective On Affection, Destiny M. Rose

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative research study utilizes Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory and Kimberlé Crenshaw’s Intersectionality Theory to examine how ten mothers residing in what is identified as the U.S. Deep South (Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina) perceive affection shown to their children by adults outside of their nuclear family. Additionally, this study considers the influence social class plays in how parents in the Deep South navigate and negotiate social and cultural norms when it comes to affection displays shown to their children. Data was collected using thematic analysis to describe how parents in parts of the Deep South perceive affection shown …

Scattering Of Electromagnetic Radiation By Bianisotropic Spheres, Maxwell A. Wallace

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Modern developments in materials science have led to the increased demand for the ability to control electromagnetic radiation at scales smaller than ever. One of the most important areas of research for controlling the manipulation of electromagnetic radiation, has been the studying of novel optical metamaterials, including the most general and complex form, bianisotropic metamaterials (BAMs). With modern developments in nano- engineering, paired with the advancement of more robust theoretical studies of BAMs, the demand for more novel BAM technologies has increased. With the advent of research of unbounded BAM media, as well as the recent extensions of Mie theory …

Effects Of Additions On The Microstructure, Macrostructure, And Mechanical Properties Of Gray Iron, Evan J. Carter

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The iron matrix is a major component of the gray iron (GI) microstructure, which is the transformation product of austenite during solidification. It is generally accepted that the structure of the austenite will impact the final grain structure and thus the properties of GI. Refinement of the austenite grain structure has the potential to increase the strength of GI. Knowledge of controlling austenite grain size with common alloy additions in GI is very limited and is investigated in this research. Utilizing the DAAS heat treatment process, the austenite grain boundaries can be retained and observed directly. The observations were correlated …

Numerical Analysis Of A Novel Elastohydrodynamic Seal For Supercritical Co2 Power Cycles With Experimental Verification, Ali Akbor Topu

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) power cycles outperform conventional thermodynamic cycles regarding the efficiency and equipment footprint because of its unique property of maintaining the density of liquid in the gaseous phase at supercritical state (304.13 K and 7.37 MPa). It has robust use in concentrated solar power, fossil fuel power plants, geothermal electricity, nuclear power, and ship propulsion. To fully utilize sCO2 power cycles, technology readiness must be demonstrated at 10-60 MWe scale, with a working temperature and pressure of 350-700°C, and 10-35 MPa respectively. A crucial obstacle to the full realization of this technology is the absence …