Digital Commons Network^™

Lunch Break At Bore Ink., Lee Bezehertny

B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498)

It's been my experience that when transitioning into adulthood, we are conditioned to desaturate ourselves to become more easily digestible for the sake of being taken seriously in corporate settings. My illustrative design work and printmaking in my BFA exhibition focus on the exploration of identity through maturity and how the societal expectations associated with age impact the ways we limit self expression and playfulness as we grow. The exhibition, titled "Lunch Break at BORE INK.," is set in the break room of my fictional office supply company, BORE INK.

I utilize illustrative storytelling, dynamic typography, and the hand-printed production …

Irene And The Buffalo Boys, Matthew C. Best

B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498)

As a creative, music and visual art are constantly intertwining for me. Music is something that has consistently influenced my work, whether it be with evocative imagery, a certain subject, or a narrative. Additionally, themes such as nature, nostalgia, observations on life, and the human experience lay the foundational groundwork for the art I make. Hailing from my upbringing in rural Tennessee, I spent much of my childhood listening to the historic music of Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Loretta Lynn, and Willie Nelson, among others, who’s music often touched upon these very themes. The vivid storytelling of country music; songs …

Earthen Tea Company, Dawn M. Critser

B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498)

To many, tea is more than just a drink; it is a meditative ritual. Earthen Tea Company honors this tradition while blending graphic design with the rhythm of ceramics. Through design and ceramics, the fictional company combines rhythm, form, and tradition through earthy tones and natural materials. The company balances digital and tactile art with traditional and modern aesthetics, inviting viewers to pause and find balance in the everyday.

When creating ceramic forms, consideration is given to how the object will be held and used. Traditionally, chawans embrace Wabi-sabi aesthetics, while everyday tea bowls prioritize comfort and function. Carving organic …

Beyond Remission, Moira C. Johnson

B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498)

In my artistic practice, I delve into the intricate layers of childhood and medical trauma, navigating its impact on my present experiences and highlighting how the lasting effects, both physical and emotional, can be just as painful, isolating, and life-altering as the illness itself. My work merges design, branding, and personal experience by creating service posters, therapeutic products, a website, etc. for a counseling brand that supports people who have suffered from Leukemia or Lymphoma. I use colors that symbolize the illness suffered, balanced with calming tones, and bold shapes that serve as both accents and metaphors.

Graphic design has …

Quiet Times: The Application Of Self-Management To Private Spiritual Practices, Noah Branson

Honors College Theses

A “quiet time” refers to the private spiritual practice of reading the Bible, praying, and meditating on one’s own initiative outside of religious sanctioned events. This study examines the effect of a self-management intervention on establishing and maintaining the habit of a daily quiet time. The study’s hypotheses predicted there would be an increase in quiet time 1) frequency, 2) duration, and 3) overall satisfaction from the baseline phase to the intervention phase. Data was collected via a daily check-in and pretest/posttest surveys, and participants attended an in-person intervention to determine how to apply self-management tactics to their own personal …

Childhood Experiences, Resilience, And Ghanaian Adult Psychological Well-Being, Kadence A. Lewis

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Significant amounts of research exists concerning adverse childhood experiences and trauma (ACEs) and its negative consequences on adult well-being. However, there is minimal research on a concept known as positive/benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), which are circumstances in childhood that provide safety, security, and predictability in the home. It has been shown that BCEs and ACEs have co-occurred in childhood. It is apparent that BCEs have a positive effect in one's life, can counteract negative effects of ACE exposure, and can promote resiliency. These studies have been done with samples across the western hemisphere, however, this study seeks to examine the …

Clinical Education Program For Hair Removal To Reduce Surgical Site Infections, Madison Smith, Dana Todd

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly impact surgical patients and with one contributory to their development is hair removal method, education about surgical hair removal methods is minimal in continued educational programs. The purpose of this project was to provide an educational program that discussed hair removal methods to reduce surgical site infections. The staff was educated on methods for hair removal in surgical patients, recommendations from manufacturers of the product, hospital policies regarding hair removal and governing organizational guidelines. Over two days for a 10-hour shift each day, a poster board and a 15-30-minute presentation then a pre/post-test was …

Examining The Impact Of Widespread Disease On The Economy, Ryan Howell

Honors College Theses

Over centuries, disease has been an instigator of economic change. From the Black Death and the overturning of feudalism to the Spanish flu and its relationship with World War 1, pandemics have a profound effect on the social, political, and economic climate of the affected areas. In 2020, COVID-19 began in Wuhan, China and spread across the world rapidly and unexpectedly. The world economy was forced into a recession with major effects on industries such as airlines, energy, and automobiles. While some industries made smooth recoveries, the pandemic undeniably altered the way business is conducted. The shift between in-person and …

Identifying Molecular Components Of A Fertility Pathway, Zoë Galvin

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Reproductive failure is a common problem which deeply impacts those affected. Many will, unfortunately, never learn any potential cause for this issue. Treatment for reproductive complications are limited due to the lack of understanding of the molecular pathways associated with fertility, especially due to the limitations placed on studies focusing on reproductive health. Model organisms can thus be used in order to gain a better understanding of the pathways that modulate fertility in multicellular organisms. C. elegans are a common model organism notable for their large brood size, short lifespan, and affordable maintenance. They also share much of their genetic …

Passive Integrated Transponders: An Effective Marking Technique For Individual Identification Of Anaxyrus Fowleri?, Emily Leprell

Honors College Theses

With the rise of fungal disease such as Chytridiomycosis, known as chytrid, causing massive population declines for many species of frogs and toads (order Anura), specific conservation strategies are needed now more than ever. In many cases, being able to mark and identify individuals is a necessary step in developing an effective conservation plan. Individual identification allows researchers to obtain accurate population estimates, which are needed to test the progress and validity of conservation management decisions. However, due to their unique life history, including cutaneous respiration and a dichotomous lifestyle, anurans are among the most difficult wildlife species to …

The Economic Factors Of Suicide, Hogan C. Fox

Honors College Theses

This study examines how macroeconomic indicators influence state‐level suicide rates in the United States and, critically, how those effects differ by gender. Drawing on annual data from all fifty states over 2010–2020, I merge age‐adjusted suicide rates from CDC WONDER with five key economic indicator: real hourly compensation, labor productivity, employment rate, median income, and logged state GD, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. After comparing pooled OLS, random‐effects, first‐difference, and two‐way fixed‐effects specifications, I adopt a two-way, state‐and‐year fixed‐effects model for its superior fit and capacity to control for unobserved heterogeneity. …

Temperature And Density-Dependent Effects On Mole Salamander (Ambystoma Talpoideum) Growth And Life History, Andrew Brown

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Climate warming affects global biodiversity, causing species to alter their life history and trophic interactions. Predicting the effects of climate warming on ecosystem function is a difficult task as the biological traits that lead to these responses are poorly understood and climate warming’s effects on individual taxa can be highly variable. Amphibians serve as excellent bioindicators of ecosystem health, enabling them to act as early-warning sentinels of climate change. Polyphenic amphibians, including many salamander species, are particularly useful models for understanding the ecological effects of global change because morph production is environmentally-induced. Facultative paedomorphosis is a process by which individuals …

Passive Integrated Transponders: An Effective Marking Technique For Individual Identification Of Anaxyrus Fowleri?, Emily Haner

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

With the rise of fungal disease such as Chytridiomycosis causing massive population declines for many species of frogs and toads (order Anura), specific conservation strategies are needed now more than ever. In many cases, being able to mark and identify individuals is a necessary step in developing an effective conservation plan. Individual identification allows researchers to obtain accurate population estimates, which are needed to test the progress and validity of conservation management decisions. However, due to their unique life history, including cutaneous respiration, Anurans are among the most difficult wildlife species to effectively mark for individual identification. In a mesocosm …

Identifying The Factors Affecting The Survival Of Trauma Patients Using Logistic Regression Analysis, Maggie Smith

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Numerous predictors affect the clinical outcomes such as survival status, a binary outcome variable, of patients with physical trauma. Logistic regression is one of the widely used methods to analyze relationships between a set of predictors with a binary outcome variable. In this study, we built a logistic regression model for a binary outcome variable, Hospital Discharge Status (HDS). Predictors included in this analysis are arrival time, age, trauma level, injury severity score, arrival heart rate, arrival blood pressure, length of hospital stay, time from injury to arrival at the BC, patient transfer or direct admittance, mode of transfer, time …

Title: Bending But Not Breaking: An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility And Suicidality In Individuals With Chronic Pain, Adalyn Mcmurray

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Chronic pain is a burdensome condition that has been found to be associated with increased suicide risk, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear (Domenichiello & Ramsden, 2019). The present study aims to examine the role of pain interference and psychological inflexibility in predicting past two-week suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among individuals with chronic pain, with psychological inflexibility explored as a potential moderator. Replicating and expanding on McCracken et al. (2018), this study seeks to enhance the understanding of suicidality in chronic pain populations by using the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (Rolffs et al., 2018), a more psychometrically …

The Way To A Mother’S Heart: A Risk Assessment Tool For The Early Detection Of Peripartum Cardiomyopathies, Leighton Terrell

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Abstract

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathies are a rare, but deadly occurrence among pregnant and postpartum women. Maternal mortality rates have risen over the last few years proving a large problem with the focus on maternal health.

Objective

The objective of this intervention was to aid providers in diagnosing peripartum cardiomyopathies early before detrimental damage could be done to the hearts of these women.

Methods

In this quality improvement project, the need for a peripartum cardiomyopathy risk assessment survey among patients in small, rural area of Western Kentucky was determined.

Results

Using the 22 surveys that were collected, 36.4% of patients were …

Interventional Education Program Improves Family Nurse Practitioner Students' Knowledge Of Heart Disease Prevention Practices: Lead With The Heart Dnp Project, Ava Hatfield-Lomache

Steeplechase: An ORCA Student Journal

Heart disease is a major clinical problem in the U.S. today, and it continues to be costly to American lives, healthcare expenditures, and the U.S. economy. Heart disease prevention is key to affecting positive change. The Doctor of Nursing Practice project was designed to create awareness and an education-based platform for heart disease prevention. The heart disease interventional educational program was delivered to students enrolled in a university’s family nurse practitioner program. The project included a pre-test survey, a podcast series, a post-test survey, and a handout. The project focused on heart disease prevention methods, causes, and disease processes associated …

Virtual Visions, Emma Nelson

B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498)

Virtual Visions

I have always believed art should be enjoyable for all audiences. Often when we watch a show or movie, the art and design that goes into producing them goes underlooked. Creativity doesn’t just live in a gallery, it exists in everyday life.

When I first became interested in creating art, I immediately focused on character design and conceptual work. Watching TV shows and movies as a child inspired me to start creating my own characters with backgrounds and personalities. This in turn helped me to create their visual elements through illustration. I studied Star Wars concept artist Ralph …

Student Perceptions On Career Decision Making Skills In Relation To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Emily G. Oliver

Honors College Theses

The Covid-19 pandemic had major ramifications on all areas of the professional world as well. As mandatory quarantines and shutdowns were implemented, the negative effects were widespread and everyone was impacted. People from all different career fields faced unforeseen circumstances that caused anxiety about their income and workplace stability. With all of these changes in the world, students who were in high school and first years of college still had to make a decision about their future and what they wanted to do for an occupation one day. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on …

Identifying The Factors Affecting The Survival Of Trauma Patients Using Logistic Regression Analysis, Maggie Smith

Honors College Theses

There is a broad interest among researchers and clinicians in identifying factors affecting clinical outcomes of patients with physical trauma. Numerous factors affect Hospital Discharge Status (HDS), one of the main binary outcome variables of trauma patients. Logistic regression is one of the widely used methods to analyze relationships between a set of predictors with a binary outcome. In this study, a logistic regression model is built for HDS. Predictors include arrival time, age, trauma level, injury severity score, arrival heart rate, arrival blood pressure, length of hospital stay, time from injury to arrival at Billings Clinic (BC), patient transfer …

A Likely Story: The Differing Narratives Between The Anglican And Catholic Presentation Of The Reformation, Cecilia Broxon

Scholars Week

The story of the Anglican reformation is often simplified to the result of King Henry VIII's desire for a divorce; however, this paper argues that it was a complex and prolonged process marked by differing Anglican and Catholic narratives. By exploring primary sources, including letters and interviews, as well as secondary analyses, this paper discusses misconceptions surrounding the Reformation, such as its speed and primary motivations. It further examines the formation of early Anglican doctrine and the contrasting presentations of the Reformation, revealing instances of resistance, the destruction of Catholic art, and the mistreatment of churches, which are frequently downplayed …

Bending But Not Breaking: An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility And Suicidality In Individuals With Chronic Pain, Adalyn Mcmurray, Dr. Michael Bordieri, Phd

Scholars Week

Chronic pain is a burdensome condition that has been found to be associated with increased suicide risk, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear (Domenichiello & Ramsden, 2019). The present study aimed to examine the role of pain interference and psychological inflexibility in predicting past two-week suicidal thoughts among individuals with chronic pain, with psychological inflexibility explored as a potential moderator. This study also sought to replicate and extend McCracken et al. (2018) and enhance the understanding of suicidality in chronic pain populations by using the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (Rolffs et al., 2018b), a more psychometrically sound measure …

Ai's Hidden Influence: The Silent Manipulation On Youth, Moni Dronavalli

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Do Chaperones Promote Protein Splicing?, Christopher Powell, Christopher Lennon Dr

Scholars Week

Intervening proteins (inteins) are translated within host proteins and removed by protein splicing. Inteins are abundant in the microbial world and are often found within essential genes involved in DNA replications, recombination, and repair. Recent studies have made efforts to understand conditional proteins splicing, whereby intein removal and subsequent host protein activation is regulated by environmental factors. However, within the cellular context, factors influencing protein splicing are still largely unknown. In this work, we probe whether the chaperonin system GroEL/ES promotes protein splicing in vivo. Chaperonins, a family of chaperone proteins, help proteins fold under normal and stressed conditions. …

Impact Of Seed Priming On The Growth Of Okra Seedlings., Vinukonda Kranthi, I.P. Handayani

Scholars Week

Seed priming is a vital pre-sowing technique that enhances germination, seedling vigor, and crop performance. This study examines the effects of electric, magnetic, botanical, and chemical seed treatments on the okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) variety Phule Vimukta. Conducted in a controlled laboratory setting using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications, the experiment evaluated germination percentage, root and shoot length, seedling vigor indices, and biomass accumulation. Treatments included magnetic fields (2–12 mT), halopriming with NaCl₂, Osmo priming with KH₂PO₄, and botanical extracts from Tulsi, neem, and curry leaves. The results showed significant differences among treatments. Magneto-priming at 12 mT for …

Contributions Of Biochar And Biofertilizer On Food Scraps Composting, Kabita Budthapa, I.P. Handayani Dr, Shova Shrestha Dr

Scholars Week

Food scraps have contributed significantly to environmental problems. Because of its substantial effects on the environment, the economy, and society, it has become a major global issue. This research was conducted at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Lalitpur, and was meant to find ways to shorten the composting period using biofertilizers and biochar and study their impacts on the compost nutrients. The experiment involved seven treatments with three replications: T1 (Control), T2 (EM-1), T3 (Prarhamva decomposer), T4 (Biofertilizer KM), T5 (Biochar 400 g + Biofertilizer KM), T6 (Biochar 800 g + Biofertilizer KM), T7 (Biochar 200 g) with 5 …

Comparing Thermal Imaging Of New York City From 1988 To 2025, Amelia R. Slaton

Scholars Week

My project compared the urban heat island effect on New York City from 1988 to 2025. After looking at the risks associated with the heat island effect on local life I compared Landsat 5 imaging from 1988 and 1989 to Landsat 9 imaging from 2025 to find any differences between the thermal output of New York City. I then used images from both inner and long island area of New York from both time periods. As well as, the reason for New York's large thermal output compared to other surrounding areas and what the city is doing to combat the …

Improving The Rates Of Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnosis By Increasing Provider Knowledge About Testing, Lauren Cunningham

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

There has been a significant increase in sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates since 2021. Though this issue is nationwide, rural providers require education regarding testing, screening, and transmission of disease processes. The infections with the most significant increase are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. The purpose of this project was to provide education to providers regarding local STI statistics, in addition to when to and not to test for sexually transmitted STI infections. Education was provided to three Advance Practice Nurse Practitioners about disease signs and symptoms, transmission, and local STI statistic rates. STI testing rates were observed three months prior …

The Way To A Mother’S Heart: A Risk Assessment Tool For The Early Detection Of Maternal Peripartum Cardiomyopathies, Leighton Terrell

Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Abstract

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathies are a rare, but deadly occurrence among pregnant and postpartum women. Maternal mortality rates have risen over the last few years proving a large problem with the focus on maternal health.

Objective

The objective of this intervention was to aid providers in diagnosing peripartum cardiomyopathies early before detrimental damage could be done to the hearts of these women.

Methods

In this quality improvement project, the need for a peripartum cardiomyopathy risk assessment survey among patients in small, rural area of Western Kentucky was determined.

Results

Using the 22 surveys that were collected, 36.4% of patients were …

Predicting Capture And Survival Probabilities Of The Arizona Tiger Salamander: A Comparison Of Capture-Recapture Models, Brittney Nelson

Scholars Week

Capture-recapture models are essential tools for estimating population dynamics in ecological studies. A fundamental component of these models is the capture history matrix, which records individual detection over time and serves as the basis for estimating survival and capture probabilities. This presentation explores three statistical approaches to these estimations: the Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) model, the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) for CJS, and the Bayesian CJS model. The CJS model provides a likelihood-based framework for estimation, and the HMM CJS incorporates latent states into the model to account for uncertainty in detection. The Bayesian CJS extends this same analysis by integrating prior …