Digital Commons Network^™

From Unmotivated To Motivated: Hermeneutic Inquiries Of Experience Of Community-Based Bsw Students In An Innovative Internship Seminar, Hyungjung Shin, Rana Hong, Philip Young P. Hong

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

Providing a pathway for disadvantaged community college students in social work education aligns with the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in social work education. This hermeneutic phenomenological study aims to explore the experiences of an innovative internship seminar incorporating an evidence-based workforce training model, Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP), in a community college-based bachelor’s of social work program in South Korea. Of the 59 students who attended the TIP-infused social work internship seminar course in Spring 2018, 11 students participated in repeated in-depth interviews. The results revealed the themes of perception changes in self, others, and the lifeworld and …

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (Ai) To Strengthen Mtss Within Catholic Schools, Kaitlin Reichart, Adam B. Lockwood, Jessica Pizzute

Education: School of Education Faculty Publications and Other Works

Many Catholic schools face resource challenges that result in limitations surrounding the implementation of multi-tiered systems and support (MTSS). Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a potential tool for Catholic schools to strengthen systems of support. This article explores how AI can strengthen core components of MTSS such as identifying evidence-based interventions, developing progress monitoring tools, analyzing student data, and facilitating personalized instruction. The article also outlines different AI tools available to schools and discusses potential benefits and challenges of leveraging AI within Catholic schools. Future researchers should consider evaluating and analyzing implementation of AI tools within MTSS, specifically how AI tools …

Teaching Transcription For Social Justice In Linguistic Anthropology, Thea R. Strand, Michael Wroblewski

Anthropology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

The careful transcription of socially-occurring speech can be usefully incorporated into undergraduate classes in linguistic anthropology through in-class practice, discussion, and, especially, as a formal assignment. Teaching transcription—a key method for professional linguistic anthropologists—is particularly effective for engaging students in active learning of key disciplinary principles, as well as promoting critical (self-)awareness of, and reflection on, sociolinguistic practice. As students’ written reflections on transcription assignments show, teaching close transcription contributes to deepened understandings of the fundamental characteristics and complexities of human speech, the key roles language plays in social interaction and inequality, and how they might apply these lessons toward …

Jewish College Students' Experiences Of Belonging, Identity, And Inclusion Within Campus Dei Initiatives, Laurence Allen Bolotin

Dissertations

Jewish college students navigate complex identities within higher education, often facing challenges related to antisemitism, exclusion, and the omission of religious identity within many Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This qualitative narrative inquiry explores the lived experiences of Jewish undergraduate students at public universities across the United States, examining their perceptions of belonging and the effectiveness of campus DEI initiatives in addressing their needs. Grounded in Jewish Critical Theory (JewishCrit), this study analyzes semi-structured interviews with 11 Jewish students, identifying five key themes: Belonging and Community, Intersectionality and Identity, Experiences with Antisemitism, Institutional Responses and DEI Initiatives, and the …

The Meaning Of Mission At A Catholic, Liberal Arts College, Ashley Nora Gisiger

Dissertations

This qualitative case study research aimed to uncover how students engage with institutional mission to understand: how the mission of a Catholic, liberal arts college contributes to the development of its undergraduate students and how higher education professionals integrate mission throughout the community. Semi-structured interviews allowed students, faculty, staff, and administrative perspectives to highlight how this work happens at a Benedictine college. Participants highlighted how their experience of mission contributed to their intellectual curiosity, their sense of self through community, and their ability to connect their education to the world at large and beyond their present academic experience. The higher …

Creating A Positive Social-Emotional Learning Environment For Transgender Students: A Post-Pandemic Participatory Action Research, Mark Christopher Maranto

Dissertations

This qualitative research employing participatory action protocols (PAR) engages a limited number of gender minority adolescents (current transgender, nonbinary, and gender-fluid secondary students) and allied staff members at one large Midwestern public high school district. The principal purpose is to improve transgender secondary student schooling experiences. This study extends the current educational discourse on SEL (social-emotional learning) in post-pandemic high schools as far as the commitment to improving students' sense of belonging, growth mindset, resilience, and well-being should be a top priority for all educators. The primary researcher positions all participants as co-researchers to explore ways that could improve the …

Mirrors And Windows: Exploring Queer Identity Representation In Graduate Curriculum, Brody C. Tate

Dissertations

Queer representation in higher education curricula remains sparse, particularly at the graduate level, leaving many students without mirrors to reflect their identities or windows into broader queer experiences. This dissertation explores the extent to which queer graduate students perceive their identities as represented in their academic coursework. Using a narrative ethnographic approach, this study amplifies the voices of queer students, examining their lived experiences in relation to curriculum design, classroom discussions, and institutional inclusion. Framed through Queer Theory and Emily Style’s (1988) “Curriculum as Windows and Mirrors,” this research interrogates heteronormativity in graduate education and highlights the importance of visibility, …

The Atlantic, Angelica Olivo, Abbey Reich, Anna Scheppmann, Sofia Miliotto, Azalea Hofmann-Strate

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Lowell’s letters to Sedgwick portray two people with extremely different tastes and views on poetry, and even what exactly they considered poetry to be. Lowell’s letters to Sedgwick are infused with her voice, and charisma, and her strong belief in her work—especially that of free verse, modern and imagist forms of poetry. Whereas Sedgwick despite also having a passion for poetry had a favor for a more traditional sense. Lowell often commented that her poems would probably not be published with quips at Sedgwick's choice of poems he chose to take and how he chose to describe them. However, they …

Tensions Within Digital Whisper Networks: The Role Of Social Media In Framing Narratives Of Sexual Misconduct On University Campuses, Sophie Rose Maday

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Whisper networks have long served as informal communication channels for warning individuals about perpetrators of sexual misconduct, particularly in environments where survivors face barriers to formal reporting. With the rise of social media, these networks have expanded beyond private conversations, transforming into public platforms that challenge institutional responses to sexual violence. This study examines the role of anonymous, student-driven social media pages in shaping perceptions of sexual misconduct on university campuses. Through both qualitative and quantitative analyses of Instagram profiles from ten U.S. universities, we explore how these whisper networks validate survivor experiences, advocate for policy changes, and critique institutional …

Promoting Wellbeing & Quality Of Life Through Behavioral Support: My Internship Journey At Misericordia’S Pep Program, Brionna Brown

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This URES presentation describes an overview of my internship at Misericordia's PEP program, Personal Effectiveness Program. It describes my daily activities and how I overall learned that importance of empathy and connection in the field of psychology.

The Disparity Of Mental Health Education In Urban Areas, Abagaell Diaz

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

In urban areas that are outside Chicago itself, there is a lack of education on mental health and the services that are provided near them. During this internship, it was brought to my attention that the hard working people of Joliet do not know how important it is to value your health at the mental level. Many of the patients I have encountered do not see the need for weekly sessions or ignore professional advice. However, with a certain patient I have seen that change is happening within the younger generations.

The Other-Race Effect In Racial Minority Infants, Emily Pawelko

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The other-race effect (ORE) refers to perceptual biases favoring own-race faces over other-race faces, emerging by nine months of age. Studying the ORE is crucial, as it may shape the development of social categories and contribute to racial biases, prejudices, and stereotypes throughout childhood and adulthood. Multiple factors influence the ORE, including community diversity, language exposure, and social experiences. Research suggests that infants raised in racially homogeneous environments are more likely to exhibit the ORE than those growing up in diverse settings.

A key limitation of existing ORE research is its predominant focus on majority-race infants, leaving a gap in …

Addressing Gender Disproportionality Within Michigan Special Education Programs, Katlyn Ploss

School of Education Capstone Projects

Disproportionate representation in special education is defined as when members of a social group (race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.) have a higher likelihood of meeting eligibility criteria to receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). While special education disproportionality ratios for race and ethnicity are monitored through annual data reporting in accordance with federal and state policies, gender disproportionality ratios are not currently required to be monitored. According to Michigan annual data reporting, 34.96% of students receiving special education services are female, whereas male students make up 65.04% of the special education population (MI School Data, …

Depression, Anxiety, And Suicide Among Adolescents: Sex Differences And Future Perspectives, Giovana V.R. Toro, Paula Arias, Alejandro De La Torre-Luque, Jonathan B. Singer, Natalia Lagunas

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

Depression and anxiety are two disorders that significantly increase the risk of suicidal behavior. The disparity between females and males in the prevalence of these disorders becomes more pronounced from adolescence onwards. Specifically, risk factors associated with suicidal behavior in adolescent females are often linked to anxiety and depression, whereas in males, these behaviors are more frequently associated with other types of disorders, such as disruptive behavior. Furthermore, there are notable sex differences in the efficacy and acceptance of treatments aimed at preventing suicidal behavior. This review examines the sex differences in the relationship between depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal …

Optimizing Parasport: A Comparative Study On Experience And Perception Variance Across Practiced Models, Aidan Crawford

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Organizations that provide sport for people with disabilities (referred to as parasport) have evolved significantly over the past century, with various models shaping the experiences of athletes with disabilities. Previous research examining parasport has mainly looked at participation barriers and individual outcomes of physical health or psychological well-being; however, little research has examined how different organizational models of parasport influence athlete experiences and perceptions. The purpose of this study is to examine three distinct models of parasport--mixed participant approach (MPA), segregated disability sport (SDS), and adaptive sports (AS)-- to assess their potential in providing equitable, enjoyable, and health-promoting experiences for …

Enhancing Personal Writing Using Artificial Intelligence: Does Creativity Influence The Usability Of Artificial Intelligence Interfaces?, Anna Buttell, August Decz

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Creativity, the ability to use imagination to solve complex problems (Kupers et al., 2018), is essential for prosperity. Many questions remain about how AI affects human creative capacity and control (O’Toole, 2024). In this study, we will evaluate whether human creativity impacts the creativity of AI generated text. Using performance-based measures of intelligence and creativity, we will assess human creativity and apply Semantic Distance methods to evaluate essays written with and without the assistance of a static AI model (Reilly, Jamie, et al., 2022). This will allow us to examine how human-AI collaboration impacts the output from AI.

Caregivers’ Verbal And Nonverbal Input On Spanish-English Bilingual Children’S Word Learning, Nikki Tsolakidis, Anmol Patel

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

We examined the relation of caregivers’ verbal and nonverbal input on bilingual children’s word learning. 45 caregiver-child dyads (Female=17) were video-recorded (75-minutes). At child-age 18-months (M=18.68; SD=1.12), caregivers’ non-verbal input was coded as communicative hand/head movements (gestures). Caregivers’ verbal input was words used and verbal responses to children’s gestures. At child-age 24-months (M=36.90; SD=0.66), word learning was calculated as words produced (video-recorded, caregiver report). Analyses showed caregivers’ nonverbal input was related to children’s Spanish words (p < 0.05). On-going analyses examine the relation of caregivers’ verbal input on children’s words.

Exploring Attentional Mechanisms Of Speech-Gesture Integration Across Development, Lisa Gallo, Elizabeth Wakefield

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Gestures are hand movements that accompany speech and convey information. They can support communication and learning, but not everyone benefits equally. One factor may be the ability to integrate gesture with speech. This study examines the role of visual attention in speech-gesture integration across development using behavioral measures and eye tracking. Thirty adults and thirty 6- to 10-year-olds will watch videos of a narrator gesturing while speaking and answering questions. Analyses will explore attentional mechanisms underlying integration. Findings could inform educational strategies, optimizing learning through gestures, especially as children's reliance on visual attention differs from adults.

Lgbtq+ Consumer Perceptions Of Authenticity And Rainbow-Washing In Advertising Content, Ethan Winograd

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This study focuses on patterns in LGBTQ+ representation in advertising content in order to best understand how to represent LGBTQ+ individuals and avoid rainbow-washing. Content analysis of television and digital advertisements featuring LGBTQ+ representation was conducted to understand demographic trends in LGBTQ+ representation. Attention was placed on external and contextual cues illustrating what tools were being used to communicate LGBTQ+ representation and trigger identity salience within consumers. Data suggested variance in identity and race, with most samples incorporating contextual cues, suggesting brands should incorporate more variety in representation for age, as well as mix of contextual and explicit cues.

How Language At Post-Intervention Predicts Psychological Outcomes: An Exploratory Analysis Of Language Trends Using Liwc-22, Bradley W. Orzada, Kirby Knapp, Zuzu Trottier, Colleen Conley

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Mobile technology-delivered interventions (mTDIs) are effective for improving psychological symptoms in adolescents and young adults. However, little is known about what factors predict these benefits from mTDIs. Using data from an RCT that demonstrated the benefits of the app Headspace, the present study examines the extent to which participants’ language during an exit interview, analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, predicts quantitative wellbeing outcomes. Expected results are that linguistic variables will predict the extent to which a student experiences prolonged benefits from the intervention. These results would bring greater insight into how linguistic factors predict psychological outcomes in mTDIs.

The Highest Stakes Data Visualizations: Climate Change Data, Nabeha Sajid, Kathryn Glasgow, Shaquan Coombs

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This study examines how design elements of data visualizations affect attention and urgency toward climate change. Specifically, we focused on climate crisis data visualizations, adjusting the position of key takeaways and manipulating images to amplify the message. Our experimental conditions enabled us to show how viewers interpreted the climate data visualizations and how viewers engaged with the visualizations. In our study, we utilized eye-tracking technology to gain insights into how participants process information while observing the impact on viewer attitudes via surveys. The outcomes help us recommend the best ways to present climate change visualizations to capture viewers' attention.

Parents’ Risk And Protective Factors Within Immigrant Preschool Families: The Role Of Parental Experiences On Youth Socioemotional Development, Sara Gilchrist

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been extensively studied, research on positive childhood experiences (PCEs) is emerging, particularly in the context of immigrant families. This study examines the socioemotional adjustment of low-income preschoolers. We hypothesize that preschoolers’ well-being is positively associated with protective factors and negatively related to risk factors, with stronger associations among immigrant families. Preliminary findings indicate significant correlations between parents’ PCEs and preschoolers’ socioemotional competencies. Acculturation stress and negative caregiving were associated with preschoolers’ reduced well-being. Research suggests that parents’ past experiences influence socioemotional development. PCEs appear to be a protective factor for both parents and children.

The Conspiracy Of All Theories, Kassidy Serek

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Most conspiracy theories are seen as a joke and are typically laughed at, but no one usually considers the real cause behind why they are made in the first place. One of the leading causes of conspiracy theories found is believed to be anxiety and/or paranoia, but does social influence have a bigger effect on them or is it mostly internal? I will be sharing findings on what possible causes are behind conspiracy theories and how do conspiracy theorists so confidently use science denial. How do these theories get so crazy and why does it tear so many people apart.

Do Individual Differences Impact How A Child Learns From Gesture?, Leah Curtis

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Gestures are hand movements that accompany speech and express information. Research suggests gestures support learning in various domains, but not all individuals benefit equally. This study examines how individual differences, such as working memory, prior knowledge, and the propensity to see gesture as meaningful, shape learning outcomes from seeing versus doing gestures to learn the concept of linear measurement. We focus on measurement because it is a pillar of early math education that many children in the U.S. struggle to master. Our results will have implications for how gesture can be used most effectively as a teaching tool.

A Voice For The Most Vulnerable: Child Victims, Megan Nowezki

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation will dive into risk factors, misconceptions, and varying definitions of child maltreatment. Over the past 3 months, I have worked alongside investigators at DCFS, where I have aided in the process of investigating cases and providing services to victims and families. I hope that by the end of this presentation, people will have a deeper understanding of successful intervention methods and recognize the importance of reporting suspected abuse. Finally, I hope to inspire everyone to reflect on their current outlook on this topic and ensure that their actions and beliefs do not contribute to society's tolerance of abuse.

Hinduism Through The Ages, Pranathi Peddinti

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This presentation will explore the overall trends in Hinduism from the Early Vedic Age to the modern day. Expert interviews, peer-reviewed scientific articles, and primary resources were used to gather data and make connections. The focus of this presentation is the changes in the Hindu population’s growth, immigration patterns, and practices. This experience has led to a deeper understanding of Hinduism overall, its evolution, and what the future may hold.

How Do You Study: Measuring Effects Of Background Stimuli On Reading Comprehension, Joshua Tait

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This study examined how auditory and visual stimuli affect reading comprehension. Participants, randomly assigned to auditory, visual, or control conditions, completed two reading comprehension tests. The auditory condition featured instrumental music, while the visual condition used a Minecraft parkour video, mimicking “sludge” content—a social media trend featuring primary and secondary visual stimuli. Results showed no significant difference between auditory and control conditions, although the control group significantly outperformed the visual condition. Future research could investigate more diverse or larger sample groups. This study contributes to findings on sensory stimuli in academic tasks and highlights directions for future exploration.

Allp North American Review, Marley Fletcher, Kaitlin Murphy, Justin Brown, Ashley Staszak, Addelyn Vana

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

This is a collection of letters showcasing the correspondence between poet Amy Lowell and editor Elizabeth Cutting. Through these letters, we understand how artistic movements are not only built on theory or aesthetics, but also on collaboration, mentorship, and personal connection. By showcasing these letters with minimal editorial intervention, we invite readers to experience modernism not only as letters on a page, but as emotional, personal, and evolving conversation. This collection serves as a reminder that literature is as much about relationships as it is about texts.

Girlforward Mentor Internship Experience, Amelie Malone

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

GirlForward is a community of support dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for girls who have been displaced by conflict and persecution. Girls ages 14 to 21 who identify as immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers are served by GirlForward. Amélie Malone worked as a GirlForward Mentor Intern for the academic year 2024-2025. The Mentoring Program engages girls in "4W" activities (Wellness, Wisdom, Wallet, and World) by matching them with female community mentors. As a mentor intern, I tutor girls, organize safe space events, go on home visits to meet their families, and manage volunteers. GirlForward hours for girls to hang …

Encouraging Exploration: How Facilitation Supports Children's Stem Talk In Museums, Neva Lang, Milla Metlicka Bs, Catherine Haden Phd

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Our research is aimed at understanding educational practices that can support children’s early STEM learning in informal educational settings, including museums. Program design and facilitation strategies used by museum staff can promote conversations about STEM concepts (Mohabir et al., 2021) and provide opportunities for increased parent-child engagement while tinkering (Letourneau et al., 2021). Our study examines how family engagement in an orientation provided by museum staff at the outset of a tinkering activity, as well as facilitation as families engaged in tinkering might support children’s STEM talk during and after a tinkering activity.