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The Implications Of Ferroptosis In Antibiotic Resistance, Marysol Hohl Nov 2023

The Implications Of Ferroptosis In Antibiotic Resistance, Marysol Hohl

Senior Honors Theses

Bacterial infections in the United States are becoming increasingly resistant to existing antibiotic treatments. Due to projected increases in resistance and the recent decrease in novel antibacterials, experts have determined that the United States is in the “post-antibiotic era.” The scientific community has failed to resolve resistance despite the continual discovery of new antibiotic compounds. In the past decade, a novel form of cell death called ferroptosis has been implicated in antibiotic treatment by employing the use of nanotechnology. This literature review will describe the problem of bacterial resistance and demonstrate how current research is pioneering a new age of …


Using Graphic Design To Develop And Promote A Character Development Program, Mia Mummau Nov 2023

Using Graphic Design To Develop And Promote A Character Development Program, Mia Mummau

Senior Honors Theses

There are many out-of-school time (OST) programs such as sports, art, and community clubs. The majority of these programs have been strategically designed to assist with child development. Non-profit organizations, such as OST programs, struggle to gain funding and parental support due to the inability to communicate their message effectively. Branding is key for the programs to capture the attention of children and parents to better communicate core values and positive intentions. This project will assist a football team's character-building program in its communication of the vision, scope, and sequence. This will help gain parent buy-in and donation of resources.


Teaching Students With Adverse Childhood Experiences, Kelsey Bundrick Nov 2023

Teaching Students With Adverse Childhood Experiences, Kelsey Bundrick

Senior Honors Theses

Students in every school and at every grade level have had, or continue to have, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which may be considered traumatic. These experiences inevitably interfere with students’ brain development and learning processes. First, it is important that teachers are informed of the effects that these experiences may have on the lives of their students. Awareness of the problem is the first step toward solving any issue. Second, with knowledge of these findings, teachers must find methods to reach these students. All students deserve an equal chance at a quality education. The purpose of this study is to …


Truth From Fiction: The Apologetic Use Of Christian Allegorical Literature In The 21st Century, Terri Nicole Boutte Nov 2023

Truth From Fiction: The Apologetic Use Of Christian Allegorical Literature In The 21st Century, Terri Nicole Boutte

Masters Theses

Christian allegorical literature is a genre that explores apologetic claims in a unique and creative way. Although this genre has attracted many readers over the years, there is hesitation and reluctancy to accept Christian allegorical literature as a genre that should be used as an apologetic method. Namely, the didactic intent of this genre has caused some critics to question whether Christian allegorical literature promotes critical reading and thinking skills in a way that leads readers to make their own spiritual decisions. Some skeptics believe that sharing theistic truths that are disguised by fictional storylines is a creative way to …


Perceptions Of Vocation, Calling, And Work Among College Students From Union University: A Phenomenological Study, Matthew S. Bowman Nov 2023

Perceptions Of Vocation, Calling, And Work Among College Students From Union University: A Phenomenological Study, Matthew S. Bowman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore perceptions of vocation, calling, and work among junior classification students at Union University. Calling was defined as a transcendent drawing toward a particular path in life, particularly as it relates to work. Vocation was defined in light of its historical and theological roots with a focus on the transcendent drawing toward a way of life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Work was defined as one’s job or career. The theory guiding this study was that of constructivism or social constructivism, which “understands human reality as socially constructed reality” (Berger …


Communication For Personal Relationships: A Qualitative Study On Taylor Swift's Music Videos And Message-Design Logics Theory, Matthew Magliocca Nov 2023

Communication For Personal Relationships: A Qualitative Study On Taylor Swift's Music Videos And Message-Design Logics Theory, Matthew Magliocca

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation focuses on Barbara O’Keefe’s message-design logics theory and Taylor Swift’s music videos on YouTube. The first chapter provides background information and study elements for the project, focusing on the scholarly area of communication, the problem statement, the purpose statement, research questions, and definitions. The second chapter reviews the relevant literature associated with message-design logics theory and music videos on YouTube. The third chapter discusses the dissertation’s methodology, focusing on the study’s approach, framework, setting, instruments, procedures, analyses, and trustworthiness. The fourth chapter features the results of the research questions about Swift’s music videos and message-design logics theory. The …


Solving The Problem Of The Reading Achievement Gap Among Spanish-Speaking English Language Learners In A West Texas Elementary School: An Applied Study, Narichica V. Handy Nov 2023

Solving The Problem Of The Reading Achievement Gap Among Spanish-Speaking English Language Learners In A West Texas Elementary School: An Applied Study, Narichica V. Handy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to solve the problem of low reading achievement among English language learners at Wiley Elementary School in West Texas. A multi-method design was used, consisting of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The first approach involved semistructured interviews with campus administrators, campus teaching coaches, and dual language teachers. The second approach involved conducting a focus group with campus administrators, campus teaching coaches, and dual language teachers. The third approach consisted of a document review of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness reading results. The findings resulted in several recommendations for solving the problem …


Unique Challenges In State Defense Force Chaplaincy, J. Todd Smith Nov 2023

Unique Challenges In State Defense Force Chaplaincy, J. Todd Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the impact and effectiveness of traditional ministry wanes in this current culture, the influence of chaplaincy is expanding and making new inroads into numerous fields, including business, sports, health care, and the military. Chaplaincy’s commitment to pluralism and emphasis on spirituality instead of denominationalism makes it the perfect vehicle for ministry to this seemingly secular population still searching for meaning, purpose, and connection. These chaplains must be well trained for these serious moments in time and the lives of individuals. State Defense Forces are the nation’s least-known uniformed service and, therefore, lack the resources and funding of other services …


The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of African American Female Faculty At Predominantly White Institutions: A Phenomenological Study, Jasmine L. Jackson Nov 2023

The Perceptions And Lived Experiences Of African American Female Faculty At Predominantly White Institutions: A Phenomenological Study, Jasmine L. Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological approach aims to understand the perceptions and lived experiences of African-American female faculty at predominantly White institutions and the strategies used to overcome barriers. The theory guiding this study is intersectionality theory, introduced by Kimberlè Crenshaw, discovering the multilayers of discrimination that women face and providing a template to encourage antidiscrimination. This theory adequately addresses the focus of this inquiry because it highlights the discrimination often experienced by African-American female faculty and the experiences of various individuals from the targeted population. This study's methodology was based on interviews with different African-American female faculty at predominantly White institutions. …


The Impact Of Infectious Disease Education On The Knowledge And Confidence Of Assisted Living Staff, Kathryn Joy Smith Nov 2023

The Impact Of Infectious Disease Education On The Knowledge And Confidence Of Assisted Living Staff, Kathryn Joy Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Infectious disease outbreaks, like COVID-19, often catch much of the world by surprise, including health care workers. Health care workers faced deficits in training, resources, and staffing when responding to the pandemic. Staff of assisted living facilities fared even worse, with limited infectious disease education, infection control policies, and access to and training on personal protective equipment. Assisted living staff must have a protocol in place and have sufficient education on infectious diseases so they are prepared to respond and provide quality care to residents, should an outbreak occur. The purpose of this scholarly project was to examine the effects …


Effectiveness Of Post-Abortion Bible Studies On Self-Forgiveness And Depression, Karen Haaland Hubbard Nov 2023

Effectiveness Of Post-Abortion Bible Studies On Self-Forgiveness And Depression, Karen Haaland Hubbard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pro-choice and pro-life perspectives differ regarding adverse emotional symptoms after abortion. Pro-choice researchers maintain that abortion presents no more risk of emotional distress than carrying an unplanned pregnancy to term. However, pro-life researchers discuss evidence that abortion does increase the risk of adverse emotional symptoms that persist long after the abortion. Since many women seek faith-based interventions, the purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of the post-abortion Bible study, Forgiven and Set Free by Linda Cochrane, in decreasing depression and increasing self-forgiveness. The first research question was, “Does participation in a post-abortion Bible study increase post-abortive …


The Perceived Effectiveness Of Modular Theological Education In An International, Cross-Cultural Environment In Rwanda, Africa, Jonathan D. Mcginnis Nov 2023

The Perceived Effectiveness Of Modular Theological Education In An International, Cross-Cultural Environment In Rwanda, Africa, Jonathan D. Mcginnis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Theological education in an international, cross-cultural environment carries numerous obstacles. Challenges such as language, culture, and resources become overwhelming for the ministry striving to teach and train pastors overseas. Traditionally, establishing Bible schools, universities, and seminaries seemed to be a practical approach. Online education, though growing, is almost non-existent in most impoverished regions of the world. Both models bring challenges and beg the conversation about different options. In-person, modular theological education has been around for quite some time. Yet, there has been little to no research on the effectiveness of the approach to theological education in the international, cross-cultural environment. …


Introducing Just Competition Theory: Christian Realist Strategic Risk Management In Great Power Competition, Jason A. Byrd Nov 2023

Introducing Just Competition Theory: Christian Realist Strategic Risk Management In Great Power Competition, Jason A. Byrd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

How can a Christian Realist approach shape United States security policy to manage strategic risk during Great Power Competition? This work finds that Just War Theory, in particular jus in bello (behavior in war), is a common method used by Christian Realists to determine actions and manage consequences in war; however, it is not optimal for the challenges posed in Competition. A complementary structure uniquely applicable to actions below the threshold of armed conflict is needed. This argument is manifested through Just Competition Theory or jus in contentione. In a complex environment of Great Power Competition, principles of jus in …


A Qualitative Study Of Music Therapy's Effectiveness On Treating Ptsd, Shariee Jones Nov 2023

A Qualitative Study Of Music Therapy's Effectiveness On Treating Ptsd, Shariee Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study in this qualitative research described how music therapy has been beneficial to the treatment of trauma survivors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The research in this study consisted of six participants and previous research to show how music therapy has been effective in treating PTSD. The six participants were individually interviewed based on their prior experiences with music therapy from Board Certified Music Therapists. For years, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs have used music therapy to treat trauma survivors with complementary and alternative medical treatment. Several studies have been done on music …


College-Level Foreign Language Instructor's Perceptions On The Incorporation Of Mobile Technology Devices And Their Learning Applications In Curricula: A Collective Case Study, Bellisa Reichelt Nov 2023

College-Level Foreign Language Instructor's Perceptions On The Incorporation Of Mobile Technology Devices And Their Learning Applications In Curricula: A Collective Case Study, Bellisa Reichelt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand the integration of mobile technology devices (MTDs) and their learning applications (apps) into foreign-language curricula by foreign-language instructors at two colleges in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, which examined how self-efficacy affects college-level foreign language instructors’ integration of MTDs and their learning apps into foreign language curricula. In this project qualitative case study design was used to explore and investigate the issue of having limited technology knowledge and skills to integrate MTDs and their learning apps into foreign language classes. A …


Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Undergraduate Transfer Students At Faith-Based And Religiously Affiliated Institutions: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Amanda Nicole Davis Nov 2023

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Undergraduate Transfer Students At Faith-Based And Religiously Affiliated Institutions: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Amanda Nicole Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of undergraduate transfer students at faith-based and religiously affiliated institutions in the United States. Thus, in order to explore this phenomenon, the central research question directing the present study was: What are the lived experiences of undergraduate transfer students at faith-based and religiously affiliated institutions in the United States? The two theories guiding this study were Astin’s theory of involvement and Tinto’s theory of engagement, as they explain the relationship between institutional fit, involvement, and feelings of belonging. This study employed a transcendental phenomenological design and included …


Motivation In Student Retention: A Phenomenology Of Non-Traditional Undergraduate Students In Online Learning, Jasmine Monique Reynolds Nov 2023

Motivation In Student Retention: A Phenomenology Of Non-Traditional Undergraduate Students In Online Learning, Jasmine Monique Reynolds

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology study was to understand the experiences of non-traditional undergraduate students taking online courses at a public or a private university in Virginia. The self-determination theory, which guided this study, explained the motivated behaviors of intrinsic and extrinsic needs that affect the determination in non-traditional students completing a task. Self-determination theory provided the theoretical framework to answer the central research question for this study as well as the sub-questions: (1) What are the lived experiences of non-traditional students while taking online courses at a public or private university in Virginia? (2) What influences non-traditional students …


The Perspectives Of Ghanaian Political Leaders And Citizens Concerning The Development And Implementation Of The Ghana Vision 2020 Development Plan, Kwame Aduhene-Kwarteng Nov 2023

The Perspectives Of Ghanaian Political Leaders And Citizens Concerning The Development And Implementation Of The Ghana Vision 2020 Development Plan, Kwame Aduhene-Kwarteng

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative research case study is to collect, investigate, and assess Ghanaian citizens’ and political leaders’ perspectives and viewpoints regarding the success or failure of Ghana Vision 2020 and the challenges facing developing nations. The study used a descriptive approach to examine Ghana’s Vision 2020 and the country’s development challenges using a descriptive methodology and primary and secondary sources. The 105 participants for the study included 65 males and 40 females living in Ghana. The theoretical framework of this study are modernization, globalization, and dependency theories. To that end, the study set out to investigate the question: …


The Influencer Effect: Exploring The Persuasive Communication Tactics Of Social Media Influencers In The Health And Wellness Industry, Deborah Marie Deutsch Nov 2023

The Influencer Effect: Exploring The Persuasive Communication Tactics Of Social Media Influencers In The Health And Wellness Industry, Deborah Marie Deutsch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With the emergence of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, social media influencers (SMIs) have been a growing source of information in the health and wellness industry. Through their creative, informative, and appealing content, SMIs have the innate ability to reach and attain a large following on social media platforms. The purpose of this study is to ascertain an understanding of the persuasive tactics employed by SMIs in the creation and dissemination of information in the health and wellness industry. Using the theoretical framework of Aristotle’s Rhetorical Appeals and Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm, this qualitative study seeks to examine …


A Correlational Study On The Influence Of Teacher-Student Relationships On Teachers’ Math Self-Efficacy And Mathematical Anxiety In Students In Lower Elementary Grades, Erica M. Bates Nov 2023

A Correlational Study On The Influence Of Teacher-Student Relationships On Teachers’ Math Self-Efficacy And Mathematical Anxiety In Students In Lower Elementary Grades, Erica M. Bates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to discover the influence of teacher-student relationships on teachers’ math self-efficacy and math anxiety in first through third-grade students. This research was significant since the results inform and guide educational training, evaluations, and classroom management. This study was composed of 13 teachers and 84 students in the first through third grade classrooms in a Mid-Atlantic State. Teachers completed two surveys: Teacher-Student Relationship Scale and the Self-Efficacy for Teacher Mathematics Instrument. Students were surveyed concerning their math anxiety using the Math Anxiety Questionnaire for Children. Data analysis was conducted by using Pearson correlation …


Church Leadership Personalities: A Comparative Study Of The Personality Components Of Senior And Executive Pastors, Christopher Sean Conrad Nov 2023

Church Leadership Personalities: A Comparative Study Of The Personality Components Of Senior And Executive Pastors, Christopher Sean Conrad

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative correlational research was to understand the relationship between the personality components of Senior and Executive Pastors. This study collected data in a quantitative form using a personality assessment called The Birkman Method. The data was then analyzed to understand the relationship between the personality types of Senior and Executive Pastors. Research was needed to understand the relationship of personality types of Senior and Executive Pastors. Research questions derived from the problem statement and research purpose are presented as they provide the structure for the dissertation. These questions led to the gathering of information related to …


The Therapeutic Church, Isidro Morell Nov 2023

The Therapeutic Church, Isidro Morell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project aims to develop Nexus Point Church as a therapeutic environment. The Therapeutic Church environment is a supportive community, one member to another, ministering to each other empathetically, not service dependent or a dispenser of services. It is “Pew Neighbor” supportive and crisis intervention ready. The Therapeutic Church provides a therapeutic environment that heals interactively in spirit, mind, body, and relationship to improve the quality of life for the church member and those seeking help. This project identifies members as “Pew Neighbors” due to the proximity and continual closeness shared with those within the church community. Pew neighbors serve …


A Phenomenological Study Of Academic Nurse Educators' Experiences During The Transition From Bedside Nurse To Academic Nurse Educator, Dara L. Lanman Nov 2023

A Phenomenological Study Of Academic Nurse Educators' Experiences During The Transition From Bedside Nurse To Academic Nurse Educator, Dara L. Lanman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of nurses who have recently transitioned from the healthcare environment to the role of an academic nurse educator at a large, for-profit private nursing college in the United States. The research questions were written to understand the lived experiences of these nurses through the lens of the Schlossberg transition theory. I used criterion sampling to select participants who were novice nurse academic educators. The participants were 18 novice educators within their first five years of teaching in the classroom setting at a large, multi-state, private, for-profit …


A Phenomenological Study Of Middle School Teachers' Experiences With Cross-Curricular Learning, Emily R. Holloway Nov 2023

A Phenomenological Study Of Middle School Teachers' Experiences With Cross-Curricular Learning, Emily R. Holloway

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of cross curricular academics through teaming for middle school teachers within central-western Virginia. The theory that guided this study was the experiential learning theory, which supports active teaching and learning through experiences, not lectures of independent content, allowing experiences to build on previous knowledge. The study discusses the perspectives of 12 middle school teachers in rural, central-western Virginia who teach one of the main academic core contents of reading, math, science, or social studies. The central research question asked, what are the lived experiences of middle school teachers …


Servant Leadership Within The Haitian Churches In The Northeastern United States Of America, Marie M. Felix-Paul Nov 2023

Servant Leadership Within The Haitian Churches In The Northeastern United States Of America, Marie M. Felix-Paul

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study assessed potential solid abstract ways to empower Haitian Christian leaders by applying the concept of servant leadership to safeguard a productive church system in the Haitian American Christian community. A phenomenological approach is defined as “A study that attempts to understand people’s perceptions and perspectives relative to a particular situation” (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 119). A phenomenological study seeks to answer the question, “What is it like to experience such and such?” (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 119). Therefore, the phenomenological design was considered to better understand Haitian leaders’ awareness about servant leadership. The findings …


The Effects Of Motivational Messages On The Mathematics Anxiety Of Preservice Elementary Education Majors, Eric William Bryant Nov 2023

The Effects Of Motivational Messages On The Mathematics Anxiety Of Preservice Elementary Education Majors, Eric William Bryant

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the effects of motivational messages on the mathematics anxiety of preservice elementary education majors. A quantitative, quasi-experimental posttest nonequivalent control group design was used. The attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction model of motivation and control-value theories provided direction for this study. Sampling methods included convenience and voluntary response sampling of preservice elementary education majors in nine intact sections of required college mathematics courses. The number of participants sampled was 32. Participants in the treatment group watched supplemental videos embedded with motivational messages that covered concepts in the enrolled course. Participants in the control group watched supplemental videos …


A Phenomenological Approach To Explore The Lived Experiences Of Virtual Employees' Socialization And Organizational Identification, Zachary D. Kostusyk Nov 2023

A Phenomenological Approach To Explore The Lived Experiences Of Virtual Employees' Socialization And Organizational Identification, Zachary D. Kostusyk

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Virtual work has been increasing throughout the years with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating that growth. However, the effects of virtual work remain, leaving much to be known about what experiences virtual employees have with their organization that lead to diverse outcomes. This qualitative phenomenological study explored how virtual employees experienced organizational socialization and organizational identification early in their organizational tenure. The theoretical framework for this study used Blau’s (1964) social exchange theory (SET) and Tajfel and Turner’s (1979) Social identity theory (SIT). Data from 13 participants’ semi-structured interviews were analyzed by the researcher using Heidegger’s (1889–1976) interpretive hermeneutic spiral along …


Grantmaking Decision-Making Of A Philanthropic Foundation Funding Community Colleges And Community College-Focused Intermediary Organizations: A Case Study, Tanya Wightman Giovanni Nov 2023

Grantmaking Decision-Making Of A Philanthropic Foundation Funding Community Colleges And Community College-Focused Intermediary Organizations: A Case Study, Tanya Wightman Giovanni

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, single-instrument case study was to discover and understand how philanthropic foundations decide to fund community colleges by exploring the perceptions of the decision-making processes of the leadership team. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Cohen et al.’s garbage can model of organizational choice. Semi-structured interviews were used to engage with persons identified as members of the leadership team, decision-makers, and board of directors for the philanthropic foundation. The interviewed study participants were asked open-ended questions related to the central research question, ‘What are the decision-making processes of philanthropic foundations when deciding to fund …


The Aging Population And Masking Requirements: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Tiffany M. Mioduszewski Nov 2023

The Aging Population And Masking Requirements: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Tiffany M. Mioduszewski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study is to understand the lived-experiences of individuals over 60 years old. This study was done to specifically understand psychological effects of adhering to protective measure put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pandemic can be described as a global epidemic that has the ability to spread to other continents. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted thousands of people worldwide. There have been multiple preventative measures put in place for individuals to follow to reduce the spread of the virus. The mandates vary depending on the country and state in which an individual lives …


How Eagle Public Schools' Gifted Program Works As A System: A Case Study, Casey Rae Ward Nov 2023

How Eagle Public Schools' Gifted Program Works As A System: A Case Study, Casey Rae Ward

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Learners who are gifted often underachieve due to various issues related to how they are served in their gifted programs. The purpose of this qualitative single-instrumental, embedded case study was to describe how the components of the gifted program of Eagle Public Schools, a small suburban school district in northern Virginia that recently implemented a new talent search approach in its gifted program, work together as a system to address the problem of underachieving gifted learners. The study sought to answer the central question: How do the components of Eagle Public Schools’ gifted program work together as a system? The …