Mass Communication Andragogy For Teaching Online Adult Learners, Kelsey Moore, Melony Shemberger

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

Adult learners, or those over the age of 25, are a rising subset of the university population. Additionally, online higher education courses consist mostly of adult learners (Silva, 2018), who find freedom and flexibility with this medium ( James, Swan, & Daston, 2016). While adult learners enter college with rich life and career experiences, they also have families and other responsibilities. This means that their educational needs, expectations, and interests are different from those of traditional college-age students. As a result, an understanding of how faculty could reach online adult learners becomes paramount. The Community of Inquiry Model and the …

The Influence Of Ambient Scent Temperature On Food Consumption Behavior, Sarah Lefebvre, Dipayan Biswas

Faculty & Staff Research and Creative Activity

This research examines the impact of ambient odor on food consumption. The results of a field experiment and five lab experiments show that the presence of a warm ambient odor (e.g., cedarwood) versus a cool ambient odor (e.g., eucalyptus) reduces the amount of calories consumed and also leads to increased choice of lower-calorie food options. This is due to established implicit associations formed from the human body’s innate physiological response to changes in ambient temperature. Specifically, exposure to a warm (vs. cool) ambient odor, influences perceived ambient temperature, which in turn alters food consumption behaviors. The results of this research …

Chemical Regulations And The Effect On Manufacturers, Dustin Smith

Integrated Studies

This paper examines two major regulatory systems chemists and chemical manufacturers must deal with on a day-to-day basis. There are dozens of different sets of regulations that affect the chemical industry throughout the world. Many countries have their own specific rules that govern the chemicals manufactured or imported inside their borders. Specifically, this paper will examine the rise of the European Union’s REACH system, the failure and reform of the United States’ TSCA and finally, the effects these two systems have upon each other.

Opioid Epidemic, Amy Ford

Integrated Studies

Most narcotics and non-synthetic drugs have medicinal values that have helped in treating various conditions in medical practice. Opium is a typical plant that has proved remarkable medicinal values. Opium extracts (opioids) are the most effective analgesics available for tackling pains. Unfortunately, while healthcare and pharmaceuticals exploited the health benefits of the substance, its dirty aspect (addiction) unveiled. As people developed dependence, the pharmaceutical players involved in opioids production increased quantities and enticed medical practitioners to increase prescriptions for the opioid-based painkillers. Consequently, the addiction grew, and healed patients continued the use that has led to widespread overdose and deaths. …

Special Needs Students In Public Preschool, Alexandra Vansickle, Alexandra Anna Vansickle

Integrated Studies

Preschool teachers that teach in a public preschool setting work with a significant amount of students with special needs. There are significant benefits from special needs students being exposed to a school environment at an early age, not just from the therapies provided by the institution, but also by the structure the school setting can provide. Teachers and administration play a vital role in preparing special needs students for the grade school classroom. The research based curriculums, structures, and classroom routines all play a role in the development of special needs children. By students with special needs attending a public …

Validity Of Safety In Schools: A New Era, Amanda Wiseman

Integrated Studies

Providing a safe environment in educational institutions is vital for students to learn. Safety has progressed over time with the development of occupational safety and health standards that were established in the 1970’s. Since then, safety has become more important in our world. It is a responsibility and a duty to protect students, faculty and all people within a school system. There is not a more important endeavor than the welfare and safety of youth and children. Striving to maintain a safe environment for education in all public and private school settings is reachable by implementing occupational safety and health …

Suicide Prevention Methods Within A Modern-Day Society: Focusing On Mental Health In Our School Prevention Programs, Madelyn Ross

Integrated Studies

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents in our current society, but it is a preventable tragedy that often happens to many families within our communities. This paper offers insight of suicide prevention programs within the current mental health system, and the methods used within each program to educate youth on at risk behaviors and warning signs within their peer groups. The prevention programs will also dissect how school staff are handling sensitive cases of students have attempted suicide or considering suicide. Throughout the research, this paper will look at several current prevention programs like: gatekeeper …

Healthcare Progression In The United States Background And Strategy For A Universal Healthcare System, Sean Arthur Niloff

Integrated Studies

The purpose of this research is to focus on the feasibility and implementation of a universal healthcare system in the United States. The research is focused on the areas of historical data, healthcare in foreign countries, political forces, financial assessments, insurance, current healthcare systems, and strategies for developing and implementing a universal healthcare system in the United States.

There are many forces at work in the healthcare industry. Political and financial interests are two of the main roadblocks to a successful universal healthcare system and health reform. The research discussed in this piece will provide information and strategies on how …

Why Do Serial Killers Kill, Candace Gillette

Integrated Studies

This study seeks to identify and understand the possible motives of serial killers. The study suggests that serial killers kill because of the impact of exposure to physical abuse, drug abuse, and alcoholism from an early age. Brain injury and mental disorders also play a significant role. Serial killers come from all walks of life and are usually abused in childhood by their parents or someone close to them. They typically show signs early on that they have issues, but those signs often go unnoticed because their families are either ashamed, don’t have the knowledge or resources, or for some …

Minority Healthcare Disparities, Darryl Holmes

Integrated Studies

Healthcare disparities continues to be one of the nation’s most important healthcare challenges to date. For reasons reviewed disparities disproportionally affect minorities and low-income individuals. These individuals are more likely to be uninsured and have higher rates of chronic diseases compared to their counterparts. Surveillance of health status in minority communities explains why this problem in the United States is so important to the future of the country, data shows the number of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States are growing at a fast rate, but structures designed to monitor the health status and disparity factors surrounding this …

The Couch Collective, A Supportive Program To Help Communities Address Youth With Depression, Anne Jakobson

Integrated Studies

The problem of depression and anxiety among the youth of this country is overwhelming. From news reports about teen suicide to statistics regarding the mental health of teenagers, it is obvious that there is an issue. This issue is not just confined to the inner city, it also touches the most rural areas and small towns. Depression and anxiety affect kids from all types of backgrounds. With all the options for treatment, why is there still such a problem?

This paper explains the problem and the causes of youth depression and talks about the need for more creative solutions. Out …

Perception, Conflict And The National Anthem, William Longworth

Integrated Studies

Conflict is an aspect of everyday life. Understanding the factors that influence conflict will lead to better outcomes between two parties in conflict. A greater understanding of conflict can be achieved by examining the conflict involving and surrounding Colin Kaepernick and his protest during the National Anthem. Understanding the role of perception in this conflict will provide insight into what could have been an effective means to achieve Kaepernick’s goals that led to the protest.

National Service Works: A Review Of Federally Administered National Service Programs, Caitlin Szabo

Integrated Studies

National service in the United States permeates through most communities. Despite a significant number of participants, national service programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps are relatively unknown. People understand the concept of the Peace Corps – programs may refer to their AmeriCorps model as the “domestic version of the Peace Corps." National service programs engage individuals in providing services to their communities in exchange for intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Individuals ranging from 18 to 99 join national service programs for a number of reasons, including a desire to “give back” or “make a difference.” People also find national service as …

The Importance Of Immunizations In School-Aged Children, Cortney D. Stutzman Lpn

Integrated Studies

This paper identifies in detail the importance of vaccinations, focusing primarily on the category of school-aged children. All 12 vaccines are discussed individually, recognizing the disease/diseases they are protecting against, benefits of the vaccine, how and to whom the vaccine is administered, contraindications for the immunization, and risks associated with each vaccination. The information used in this project is from a combination of scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles, medical texts, and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It addresses all regulated childhood vaccinations including hepatitis B (Hep B); haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib); diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis …

An Overview Of The Drug Epidemic In The United States With A Focus On Opioids, Cocaine, And Marijuana, Gregg Lincoln

Integrated Studies

The prescription drug epidemic and illegal drug crisis has been at a steady incline for the last few decades. The United States have recently seen a rapid increase in overdose deaths, E.R. visits, and reports of misuse of prescription opioids and drug abuse (Meyer, Patel, Rattana, Quock, & Mody, 2014, p. 380). Part of the problem stems from doctors that write prescriptions for any ache or pain without thought for the potential addiction and destruction that it can cause if not used responsibly (Malinowski, 2018, p. 1032). As of 2016, at least 174 people die every day in the U.S. …

Elderly Abuse, Jessica Morris

Integrated Studies

The aim of this paper is to inform individuals about the rising issues of Elder abuse. The different types abuse includes mental, physical, emotional and exploitation. Each state has their own regulation surrounding abuse. 1993 All states enacted laws addressing elder abuse. The laws are very diverse with many sections. (Domestic Elder Abuse and the Law

Gerald J. Jogerst, Jeanette M. Daly, Margaret F. Brinig, Jeffrey D. Dawson, Gretchen A. Schmuch, Jerry G. Ingram).

Elder abuse effects many lives across the United States. The lives that it affects are forever changed. Elder abuse …

The History Of Marketing Tools, Their Big Moments, And Their Future, Thomas Smith

Integrated Studies

As technology progresses, the tools people use to market products and ideas change. Starting with one of the earliest forms of marketing tools the newspaper, we have seen how marketing practices change with technology. The newspaper led to catalogs, the radio led to television, then along came the internet creating vast opportunities for marketing. The internet created a revolution of marketing and is in competition with all these other mediums. The internet has also gave birth to new forms of marketing like social media marketing and creating a bigger impact with influencer/word of mouth marketing. Many of the biggest moments …

Disparities In African Americans And Other Races For Hypertension, A. Lewis

Integrated Studies

Abstract

The racial disparity in hypertension has been prevalent among African-Americans for many years. More African-Americans have been diagnosed with high blood pressure than White-Americans. The purpose of this research is to understand why there is such a big disparity of hypertension in African-Americans and whites. Why is hypertension more prominent in African-Americans? There are many factors that lead to hypertension, such as obesity, alcohol, salt-sensitivity, stress, age, genetics and diabetes. The research I have done provides an overview of the causes of hypertension. There are numerous studies and trials being done about racial discrimination against African-Americans. Hypertension is a …

Aging In America, Elizabeth Dillingham

Integrated Studies

For my senior project, I have chosen to discuss in depth the community resources that are available to our aging population. I feel that I have chosen a topic that best fits the criteria for my field of study and is the most appropriate for my personal interest in the elderly, and allocates the significance of this unique literature concerning the well-being of our aging society. My main focal point for this project has two purposes which is to educate and inform the reader that aging in America has many dimensions, and to give them more than just a description …

The Impact Sports Have On Youth Development, Leroy Buchanan

Integrated Studies

When conducting my research it was very easy to see just how big of an impact sports has on middle school youth. Not all children are raised the same. Come from very loving homes while unfortunately some others do not. Some kids have both parents in their lives, some only have one, some may have neither. This is why sports and sports coaches play such a big role in their athletes’ lives. Through sports they can develop social skills, positive self-esteem, behavior skills, and improve their academics. To help prove this, I have evaluated several different research methods to help …

The Other Side Of Socioeconomic Status, Jessica Madding

Integrated Studies

Socioeconomic status is often thought of in the most basic meaning, financial fluidity. While money does buy access to a multitude of educationally relevant experiences and resources, money can not buy things like cultural awareness, peer and social interactions, life experiences or familial support. These things that come secondary in the discussion of socioeconomic status are imperative for educators to be aware of and from educators to seek to confront. There are many educational strategies and supportive actions educators can take to support students who lack in these area.

Inland River Shipyard Safety, Roger K. Shaw

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Shipyard work is a hazardous occupation with an injury rate that doubles construction or general industry. Workers are exposed to constant danger due to the extreme working conditions, confined spaces, considerable heights, and surroundings. On a daily basis, shipyard workers are faced with a multiplicity of hazards that can be a great potential for many injuries due to the environments they are confronted with. Workers are consistently exposed to extreme processes such as welding, painting, and sandblasting that have a direct effect on worker’s health. Though better equipment and special tools have surfaced, many workers are still being injured …

More Than Hygiene, Beth D. Nicely

Integrated Studies

ABSTRACT

The profession of Dental Hygiene from beginning to end is an evolving into an overall health care profession not just oral health care. The history of how hygiene evolved and moving forward to where the profession is today. Each state across the United States has different scope of practice and regulations in which a hygienist is permitted to practice.

Dental Hygiene is a profession that has always been umbrellaed under a dentist. Moving through time this is evolving to not always be the case. Some states are even allowing dental hygienist to open their own practices.

Colleges and Universities …

Technology In The Classroom; The New Age Classroom, Amber Embry, Amber Nichole Embry

Integrated Studies

Abstract

Technology in the classroom has transformed the classroom today. Many argue if this change is for the better. Researchers have examined the benefits and possible harm of technology in the classroom. This research paper will discuss the benefits and potential harm technology can bring to the classroom. A few benefits that research has shown is that technology helps student motivation, technology increases classroom behavior, and more resources are available for teachers. In certain cases that we will discuss in this research paper students with disabilities have benefited from the use of technology. A few teachers are fearful of the …

The Effect Of Healthy Workplace Culture, Isaac Vaughan

Integrated Studies

Abstract

This paper is an examination of workplace culture, specifically detailing the characteristics of a healthy workplace culture, dangers of an unhealthy workplace culture, benefits of creating a healthy workplace culture and the strategies available to help make this possible. Also detailed is how a healthy workplace culture leads to increased productivity, as well as improved individual and group well-being for employees.

This paper examines several academic journal articles on a variety of topics related to workplace culture including Emotional Intelligence, Workplace Health Promotion Programs and presenteeism, as well as co-worker dialogues as a strategy for promoting health, personal development …

Benefits Of Early Childhood Education And Family Support, Daisha Best

Integrated Studies

Abstract

There have been misconceptions about the purpose of early childhood education and early childhood centers and how the program is designed. Many people believe that the early childhood education process is easy because young children do not really learn, but simply spend their time playing at early childhood centers. As a result, many people believe they can teach their child without the assistance of an early childhood center but what caregivers don’t know is that there is more to Early Childhood Education than just playing games. Early Childhood Education helps young children give them a head start on giving …

Instructional Technology In Elementary Education, Rachel K. Allen

Integrated Studies

Technology has grown at a rapid rate and its usefulness in everyday life is astonishing. Including technology in elementary education provides students with unlimited resources to better their education and skills that will lead them in life. Research has been done on how useful implementing technology is when students are learning. Including how instructional technology helps students with special needs or learning disabilities, because these students shouldn’t be left behind or feel left out. Teacher attitudes of how they are shaped to teach with technology is an important factor. Ages of elementary students has shown how effective instructional technology can …

The Benefits Of The Affordable Care Act, Melanie Ramage

Integrated Studies

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a health care reform law enacted in March 2010. The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama. The ACA has been the most all-inclusive reform of healthcare in the United States. It is the first time that the government has mandated health insurance. The ACA has significantly expanded public insurance, both Medicare and Medicaid. The government also provides payment assistance for individuals who seek their own health insurance coverage through the health insurance marketplaces. While the poor has benefited the most, the middle class have been forced to make major …

Prescription Drug Abuse In America, Je'vonte Hughes

Integrated Studies

Prescription drug abuse in America is responsible for over 70,000 deaths a year in the U.S. in 2017 and 2018. This issue is the result of Americans misusing prescribed drugs and medicine for personal use and illegal distribution. If started as a teenager prescription drug abuse can become an uphill battle for their later years. This study tackles the issues that are causing these numbers and found that there is a relationship between drug dealers and doctors who write illegal prescriptions and how Americans are getting their hands on these medications. This study also found that depression, lack of work/low …

Hospital Closures And The Impact On Rural America, Misti Minter

Integrated Studies

Abstract

It has been projected that by the year 2020, there will be approximately 120,000 physicians that we will lack in the United States. Smaller town hospital closures are prevalent in the United States. The shortage of physicians in rural communities is on the rise. The number of students interested in a potential medical physician career has become limited. Those that pursue the medical career path are most often not enticed to practice in rural areas. These increasing factors are directly and negatively impacting the average rural community, as quality patient care is compromised. The correlation exists between physician shortages, …