Digital Commons Network^™

This Body Held Others, Mia I. Pons

LSU Master's Theses

The exhibition this body held others examines the body's invisible depths, the unseen, and its interpersonal memories. These ideas are explored through printmaking, book arts, and papermaking, with a focus on their connection and response to the materiality and nature of the body. Through the examination of my personal archive this work explores the collection, reconstruction, and recycling of imagery. The exhibition explores an unfolding story that examines how the ephemeral and corporeal survival and legacy of self and maternal lineage. These ideas are explored through the exhibitions three sections; emergence, body merger / departure, and the return. The attention …

Models, Agency, And Expectations: A Mixed-Methods Study Of How Character Develops In Middle School, Aaron J. Schwindt

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study investigated how character develops among middle school students at an international school recognized as a "National School of Character." Despite significant investment in character education (CE), a lack of formal evaluation exists, particularly regarding the process of development during the critical middle school years, a period of intense neurological and social change. Grounded in Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), this study aimed to (1) understand how character develops, (2) compare development before and after program enhancements, and (3) assess the program's impact on discipline. Phase 1 collected Character Growth Index (CGI) survey data from students …

Within These Walls, Nicholas J. Roberts

LSU Master's Theses

I was raised to understand home through labor. In the working-class household I grew up in, in rural Southeastern Pennsylvania, value was earned through work, identity took shape through trade, and rest was often an afterthought. That framework was not chosen. It was inherited. And it has not been easy to see it clearly from the inside.

The Exhibition, Within These Walls, examines that inheritance through printmaking and sculpture, using the material and spatial language of domestic construction as both subject and method. Through fragile paper structures that resemble wood but cannot hold weight, a staircase that cannot be climbed, …

Climate Change Attributable Flooding And Post-Disaster Housing Market Dynamics: Evidence From Hurricane Harvey, Kaylynn Larrison

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, yet the social consequences of climate change attributable impacts remain relatively underexplored. This dissertation examines whether flooding attributable to climate change was associated with distinct post-disaster recovery outcomes following Hurricane Harvey in Harris County, Texas. To explore this link, parcel-level flood model outputs are integrated with Harris County Appraisal District parcel data and OpenFEMA records on tract-level flood insurance policies and post-Harvey aid. Response variables are operationalized as change scores to capture differences between pre- and post-storm conditions and outcomes are measured over a five-year post-storm period. Across …

Momentum Space Algorithm For Electronic Structure Of Double-Incommensurate Trilayer Graphene, Kenneth Silver Beard

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Numerical algorithms for computing the electronic structure of incommensurate 2D-materials using ab initio models are critical for predicting material properties and guiding experiments. For bilayers, momentum space and continuum models have been introduced to approximate observables of ab initio tight-binding models using a momentum description, despite the lack of periodicity in the tight-binding model required for Bloch theory. A similar structure has been introduced for double-incommensurate trilayers using a continuum model, where the three lattices are mutually incommensurate. However, this description leads to a four-dimensional lattice space, and numerical convergence of the density of states has been observed to be …

Greedy Algorithms And Matroids, Kiri M. Strack

LSU Master's Theses

In a connected graph with weights on the edges, a minimum-weight spanning tree can be obtained by repeatedly choosing minimum-weight edges while avoiding choosing the edge set of any cycle. This algorithm is known as Kruskal’s Algorithm, although it was first introduced by Boruvka in 1926. Prim introduced an alternative algorithm in which, at each step, the chosen set of edges forms a connected graph. Both of these algorithms make locally optimal choices that eventually yield a global optimum. This thesis considers how these algorithms can be extended to matroids. In particular, it is shown that matroids are exactly the …

Automated Analysis Of Radiation Oncology Incident Reports Using Large Language Models, Nathan A. Dobranski

LSU Master's Theses

Patient safety incident reporting in radiation oncology requires expert analysis that is time-intensive and subject to variability. This thesis presents the development and technical validation of a locally deployed large language model (LLM) system for automated incident report analysis across multiple cancer centers. The system was designed for automated summarization and taxonomy assignment of Radiation Oncology Incident Learning System (RO-ILS) reports, operating entirely on local infrastructure to preserve patient privacy. A two-round, multi-rater evaluation methodology was employed, incorporating 600 total expert evaluations from two academic cancer centers. Round 1 established baseline performance using Mistral 7B and Mixtral 8x7B models with …

Noncontingent Parental Attention Leads To Independent Play And Is Preferred By Toddlers Over Screen Time, Kristen Newell

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Caregivers often rely on screen media to occupy young children during periods when caregiver attention is unavailable, despite evidence linking early screen exposure to adverse developmental outcomes. An alternative approach is to provide high-quality, noncontingent attention (NCA) during play prior to independent activity. Although NCA reduces attention-maintained challenging behavior, the optimal duration of NCA and children’s preference for caregiver interaction relative to screen time remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of varying durations of caregiver-delivered NCA on young children’s independent play, attention-seeking behavior, and preference for NCA compared to screen time. Three caregiver–child dyads participated in a multielement design …

Excavating Building C And Plaza A To Discover Ancient Activities At The Ancient Maya Salt Works Of Ch’Ok Ayin, Belize, Alex J. Broussard Jr.

LSU Master's Theses

Ch'ok Ayin is part of over 110 known ancient Maya salt works surveyed in Paynes Creek National Park, Belize. The salt works are associated with wooden architecture preserved below the sea floor and submerged due to sea level rise. The purpose of the excavations of Ch'ok Ayin Building C and Plaza A was to determine the function of the space based on recovered material remains.  An eleven meter transect was placed in Building C to extend inside and outside of the building to capture activity areas associated with the building. A 2 x 2-meter excavation was placed north of Building …

Comparing The Effects Of Suicide Stigma Reduction Interventions On Adult Help-Seeking Intentions: An Experimental Investigation, Max Stivers

LSU Master's Theses

With relatively few individuals who experience suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors (STB) engaging in formal treatment, one critical aspect of bridging the treatment gap is to reduce barriers to their seeking help (WHO, 2014). Stigma regarding suicide and mental health help-seeking has been identified as a barrier to care, inspiring development of interventions and public health campaigns targeting stigma reduction as a means of increasing help-seeking attitudes, intentions, and behavior (Corrigan et al., 2004). However, because efforts focusing specifically on reducing stigma may fail to address other logistical and psychosocial barriers to engaging with treatment, their broader impact in promoting help-seeking …

Analyzer-Less X-Ray Interferometry With Super-Resolution Methods, Murtuza S. Taqi

LSU Master's Theses

X-ray interferometry provides valuable information on attenuation, small-angle scattering, and differential phase contrast. This multi-modal contrast can aid in many clinical applications, such as lung diseases and breast cancer. However, standard inter- ferometry has an analyzer grating that can increase the dose requirement to maintain the same image quality as a standard X-ray. We propose the use of super-resolution methods for X-ray grating interferometry without an analyzer, with detectors that fail to meet the Nyquist sampling rate needed for traditional image recovery algorithms. Detector phase- steps are used to nominally recover the sampling and iteratively recover the visibility and the …

Recent Wetland Elevation Dynamics In Coastal Louisiana, Usa, Elizabeth Harris

LSU Master's Theses

Coastal marshes globally are increasingly vulnerable to accelerating relative sea-level rise (RSLR), which threatens their capacity to maintain elevation through feedbacks among sediment supply, vegetation productivity, hydrology, and soil processes. Although many marshes can persist under moderate rates of sea-level rise through vertical accretion and belowground biomass production, this resilience is strongly constrained by sediment availability and subsurface processes such as autocompaction and organic matter decomposition. High accretion is often assumed to confer marsh resilience; however, subsurface processes, particularly autocompaction driven by surface loading, can substantially offset elevation gains. Coastal Louisiana experiences among the highest rates of RSLR worldwide due …

Setbacks And Stigmas: The Career Consequences Of Mental Health Treatment For Soldiers In Combat Roles, Micah Mark Marchand

LSU Master's Theses

This study examines how potential career consequences, perceived stigma, and confidentiality concerns influence mental health help-seeking among United States Army Soldiers, with particular attention to differences across Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) categories. Despite the availability of behavioral health services, many service members delay or avoid treatment due to fears that seeking care may negatively impact their careers, including risks to promotion, deployment eligibility, and retention. Guided by Systems Theory, this research explores how interconnected military structures, policies, and cultural norms shape these perceptions and behaviors.

Using a confidential survey design, data were collected from current service members and recently separated …

Exploring Perspectives Of Autistic Individuals And Caregivers On Autism Inclusive Services In Public Libraries, Ayva J. Rose

LSU Master's Theses

Public libraries are increasingly recognized as important community hubs designed to promote literacy, learning, language, family engagement, and inclusivity. Despite this, autistic individuals may experience language, literacy, sensory, and social differences that could impact their ability to participate in literacy-based programming in libraries. Librarians currently report a desire to provide services that not only include but meaningfully support autistic children in their families; however, little research has examined how key stakeholders within the autism community perceive autism-inclusive programming within libraries. This research seeks to explore these perspectives and identify (1) perceived barriers to attending children’s library programs, (2) accommodations and …

Implantable, Sensor-Embedded Vascular Graft Towards Wireless Monitoring Of Stenosis, Nnamdi Dike

LSU Master's Theses

Arteriovenous (AV) grafts are commonly used to provide vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease. Despite their widespread use, AV grafts are prone to complications such as stenosis and thrombosis. Early detection of these conditions remains challenging with current monitoring methods too costly or insufficient. This work presents the design, fabrication, and validation of an LC pressure sensor embedded within a model AV graft to enable real-time monitoring. The proposed system integrates a parallel-plate capacitive pressure sensor with a spiral inductor to form an LC circuit embedded within an elastomeric graft wall. The Ecoflex 00-30 dielectric layer …

Movable Bed Physical Model Investigation Of Bed Level Changes Caused By River Sediment Diversions, Hayden Cole Franklin

LSU Master's Theses

Since 1932, due to human and natural processes, over 2,000 square miles of Louisiana’s coast have been lost. River sediment diversions have been proposed as sustainable options to combat land loss. These projects, like the proposed Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, are designed to deliver sediment-rich Mississippi River water into nearby bays and estuaries, helping build and maintain land. However, river sediment diversions may alter river hydraulics and sediment transport, potentially inducing upstream degradation and downstream aggradation. Using the Lower Mississippi River Physical Model (LMRPM), this study quantitatively analyzed bed level changes as well as hydraulic conditions associated with the proposed Mid-Barataria …

Machine Learning Based Models For Simulation And Analysis Of Bulk Earth Melt System, Abin Shakya

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Understanding the segregation of bulk Earth melt systems into metallic (core) and silicate (mantle) phases under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions is central to modeling Earth’s interior, yet relevant experimental and computational studies remain limited. This work develops a machine learning–based simulation pipeline that iteratively couples first-principles (quantum mechanical) calculations with neural network training to generate high-fidelity force fields. Using major-element Fe–Mg–Si–O melt systems, with and without H and N, as testbeds, we demonstrate that this framework enables large-scale molecular dynamics simulations at near first-principles accuracy. We further introduce a sequence of phase identification methods, progressing from statistical binning of elemental …

Exploring Sequential Technical Practices Towards Skill Development And Musical Expression In Violin Performance And String Pedagogy Methods, Erin Kim

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation proposes the Erin Kim System, a pedagogical framework designed to support sequential technical development and musical expression in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of violin performance. This system examines how structured technical progression, guided repertoire sequencing, and a nurturing learning environment with the teacher and parents can foster skill acquisition and long-term musical engagement among violin students. Musical enjoyment and inspiration serve as primary motivators for learning, particularly when students are encouraged to work toward performing aspirational repertoire such as the Sibelius Violin Concerto. By organizing repertoire and supplemental exercises in a clear step-by-step process, this system enables …

The History, Development, And Continual Evolution Of The Percussion Theatre Genre, Steven L. Wimberley

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

During the twentieth century, artists in every discipline sought to create new, original art that would both challenge societal norms and expand their respective art to new extremes. This expansion in contemporary music saw the emergence of electronics, chance elements, “found sounds,” speaking, acting, and physical gestures. As we continue through the twentieth century, we also see the onset of the percussionist as an independent musical artist and a desire for original music for percussion. The intersection of these new developments created what is known as percussion theatre.

Percussion theatre can be broadly defined as a genre of musical composition …

Extremal Connectivity In Graphs And Matroids, Yiwei Ge

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Connectivity is a central theme in both graph theory and matroid theory. This dissertation investigates extremal connectivity in graphs and matroids, with emphasis on unavoidable structures and minimal connectivity phenomena.

Chapter 2 introduces cycle-contraction minors of graphs and investigates their structural properties. We establish a connection between cc-minors and induced subgraphs via graph duality. The main result gives an unavoidable-families characterization for cc-minors of sufficiently large loopless $2$-connected graphs.

Chapter 3 studies super-minimally $3$-connected graphs, namely $3$-connected graphs that have no proper $3$-connected subgraphs. We establish extremal bounds on structural parameters of these graphs, including the minimum number of degree-$3$ …

Circuits And Enumeration Problems For Matroids, Christine H. Cho

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation is a collection of work concerning the structure and enumeration of circuits and other distinguished sets in a matroid. The Tutte polynomial, recognized as the universal deletion-contraction invariant in matroid and graph theory, is a natural starting point when considering enumeration problems for matroids. The main result in Chapter 2 generalizes a theorem of Dean Lucas concerning the Tutte polynomial and its behavior under rank-preserving weak maps. This generalization provides an avenue for comparing the numbers of circuits, bases, rank-k flats, and hyperplanes of a matroid containing an element given two distinct, yet related, elements.

Chapter 3 addresses …

Gas Lift Valve Operation Under Elevated Pressure And Temperature Conditions, Pedro O. De Melo Flores

LSU Master's Theses

Gas lift valves are critical components in artificial lift systems, and their performance directly influences well unloading efficiency and long-term production. Current industry models used to correct valve opening and closing pressure for temperature rely on assumptions that have not been extensively validated against experimental data. This study experimentally investigates the opening and closing behavior of injection pressure-operated (IPO) gas lift valves under controlled elevated-temperature conditions. A load rate test bench was modified to include a heating system capable of maintaining valve temperatures up to 220°F. Five gas lift valve designs from multiple manufacturers were tested over a range of …

Exploring The Well-Being Of Students: Mental Health Symptoms And Help-Seeking In Students With And Without Disabilities, Delaney M. Havrylkoff

LSU Master's Theses

Students with learning-related disabilities (LRDs) are a growing population in schools worthy of more holistic attention. This vulnerable population often receives support for their academic needs, while their mental health needs tend to get overlooked or untreated. Students with LRDs often face more negative experiences (e.g., lower academic performance, bullying, and peer victimization) in school compared to their peers without disabilities. As a result, they may experience higher levels of mental health issues. The purpose of this study was to examine the mental health status and service utilization of students with LRDs in schools compared to their peers without disabilities. …

Effects Of Static Ankle Stretching On Balance And Gait: The Roles Of Age And Parkinson's Disease, Taylor M. Gauss

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The focus of this dissertation involves the effects of static ankle stretching on balance and gait in adults of different ages and with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A brief introduction in Chapter 1 precedes a detailed literature review in Chapter 2, in which we identify gaps in research on balance and gait following ankle stretching and explain why ankle stretching may serve as a predominant strategy for improving motor performance in aging and PD populations. In Chapter 3, we present the first study identifying whether muscle group selection or stretch duration influences balance in young adults. Results showed that longer durations …

2024-2025 Ecei Annual Report, Cynthia Dicarlo

Early Childhood Education Institute Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Who Let The Werewolves Into The Manuscripts: Written And Pictorial Representations Of Werewolves In English Manuscripts, Allison Slowiak

LSU Master's Theses

The werewolf – a fictional figure that transforms from human to wolf – serves as a compelling example of how medieval thought shaped ideas about identity and transformation. The motif of the werewolf, present in a small corpus of works from the tenth through the fourteenth century, emerged to explore the limits of change while also comparing the likeness of humanity to its animal counterpart. This paper explores medieval literature - Beowulf, Bisclavret, Biclarel, and Melion – from both French or English descent to offer overlapping and contrasting thoughts about human likeness to wolves. The manuscripts - The Nowell Codex, …

A Standard Notation System For Beatbox And Vocal Percussion, Andrew W. Bass

LSU Master's Theses

Every instrument in the cannon has a standard notation system. Even percussion, with its hundreds of instruments, has a system of notation that can be understood. With that being said, Beatbox/ vocal percussion does not have a standardized notation for its music. As a beatboxer myself, when I perform, I often have to either create my own part to perform or I have to listen to a recording of a previous performance of a piece. In the rare occasion when there is sheet music, it is often not clear. Pentatonix is currently the premier A Capella group and when I …

In The Realm Of Dreams: The Feminine Imagination In Music, Katie Scarlett Ellender

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This project examines selected works by Clara Schumann, Rebecca Clarke, and Lili Boulanger that contain representations of night, dream, and mythology. These composers were influenced by the prevailing artistic movements during their lives, including German Romanticism, Impressionism, and Symbolism, which emphasized nocturnal landscapes, supernatural beings, and liminal states. Descriptive analysis and performance recommendations are provided for selected Lieder by Clara Schumann, Rebecca Clarke’s Morpheus, and Lili Boulanger’s Nocturne. Particular emphasis is given to how each composer uses night, dream, and myth imagery as expressive frameworks that inform decisions on harmonic language, level of cadential resolution, motivic repetition and transformation, texture, …

Just City And Racialized Media: How A Non-Profit Provokes Policy And Fights Criminal Injustices, Isabella L. Wollfarth

LSU Master's Theses

This study explored the intersection of racialized media narratives, nonprofits, and penal policy through a case study of Just City, a nonprofit criminal justice organization located in Shelby County, Tennessee. Through the lens of Just City, this study explored how nonprofits resist racialized media narratives regarding crime and how in turn this contributes to penal policy reforms. This is accomplished using a thematic analysis to draw larger conclusions from coding Just City’s Instagram and through extensive interviews with Just City staff and local Shelby County and Tennessee politicians. These methods are guided by framing theory, an ideological framework that explains …

A Pretraining-Based Framework For On-Device Training Of Imu-Based Locomotion Mode Detection For Wearable Active Exoskeletons, Muhammad Tahir Khan

LSU Master's Theses

Active exoskeletons are being developed to support human movement in physically demanding industries such as construction. For these systems to work effectively, they must be able to correctly identify the user’s current activity. This process is known as locomotion mode detection and plays an important role in selecting the appropriate control parameters for exoskeletons. Many existing approaches use inertial measurement units (IMUs) to recognize these activities and have shown strong performance. However, most of these methods depend on large amounts of labeled data collected under specific conditions. As a result, they often do not perform well when applied to new …