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"Through A Bourbon Bottle Darkly": Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings And Norton Baskin Discuss Love And Alcohol, Florence Turcotte

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Writing Award Co-Winner Undergraduate Essay: "Surviving But Struggling; The Disillusionment Of Survival Through A Child's Eyes", Samantha Mcconaghy

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature

No abstract provided.

Reforming Public Institutions To Ensure Fairness And Opportunity, Ryan P. Kaufman, Nolan J. Loch, Kim Nguyen, Katie S. Weinstock, Parnika Chintapalli

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

By creating an issue guide, we are able to express our concerns and suggestions for what opportunities there are to address this issue. With a topic about America impacting almost everyone who views the guide, there is going to be someone that learns about how they can potentially make an impact in their community. As a class, we divided each section of the guide into a different group, this way each group was able to do more focused research. We created research papers and created drats to be assembled into the finished product. We learned that these are experiences that …

The Power Of Listening, Chandler K. Elias

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

The purpose of my project was to volunteer at in a healthcare setting which was required for the specific section of LDR 3215 that I took this semester. Key activities that I did were chatting through the online forum with people who needed someone to help them feel supported in challenging moments that they were facing. I learned how big of a difference chatting with someone even just for a few minutes can make in someone’s life. I also how important it is for our mental health to have someone who will listen to us. I am so grateful for …

What Effect Does Helminth Infection Have On An Adult's Immune System?, Shanzida Toha

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

The research question is, how does the prevalence of helminth infections impact the immune system of adult patients? To clarify this subject: How does the prevalence of helminth infections affect the immune system of adult patients? Specifically, can helminth exposure help individuals reactivate T-cells to improve immunity and mitigate TB while providing preventative benefits for metabolic conditions?

This concept suggests that we could explore helminth-based therapies to treat or even prevent metabolic conditions that are precursors to cardiovascular disease. Such a therapeutic approach could be revolutionary, especially for populations without access to costly medications like insulin or blood pressure drugs. …

Love Serving Autism, Zephaniahn Torres

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

My name is Zephaniahn Torres, I am in the LEAD Scholars Academy where my Service-Learning class 3215 is focused on healthcare in the community. My project encapsulates the volunteer work I did with a non-profit organization called Love Serving Autism. This organization focuses on teaching children and adults with autism how to play tennis. This is very beneficial to the kids as they learn vital life lessons as well as engage in physical activity that's fun. I indulged in this service weekly on Saturdays at the UCF Tennis Courts. In my project I discuss my role as a volunteer and …

What Are The Effects Of Resource Accessibility Within Schools? Experiences Of Ucp Volunteers, Subrina Seerattan, Gabrielle Lunden, Sophia Tse

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

UCP Bailes is a charter school for grades K-8 whose mission is Inclusion. They want to create a safe place for students with special needs in the school environment. The agency is an organization of charter schools specializing in education for students with special needs. All of us are volunteers who have helped in the cafeteria. We help prepare meals for lunch. The lunches are from the state, so we must ensure they follow state guidelines. For example, ensure all the kids have vegetables on their plates that are in good portions. If the kids can’t eat the meal, we …

Service-Learning Course, Shanzida Toha

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2024

Reflecting on my service-learning experience, I recognize that I used to judge first-generation immigrants who struggled with English. Over time, I realized this was unfair, as I hadn’t considered their individual challenges. This shift in perspective led me to become more open-minded, seek new experiences, and pursue my passion for helping others through direct patient care. I realized that engaging in leadership-based service learning could enhance my empathy and leadership abilities, which has become central to my personal and professional growth.

Comprehensive Analytics Of Automated Vehicles’ Effectiveness, Benefits, And Crash Severity, Shengxuan Ding

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Automated Vehicles (AV) are increasingly becoming a reality, offering major road safety improvements and advancements through the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS). Although research on AVs is progressing, several key gaps remain. There is a lack of sufficient matched data between AV and HDV crashes to compare their differences, along with a need for more detailed datasets to analyze ADS and ADAS crash severity and assess ADAS safety effectiveness. First, the research investigates overall trends within the AV dataset by utilizing 1,099 ADS, 1,001 ADAS and 35,113 HDV crash data. including ADS (Society …

Using Electroencephalography To Predict Metabolic Cost, Jordan Grubb

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a technique used to non-invasively record electrical signals from the brain that can be used to understand how the brain functions and controls movements. EEG, however, is susceptible to recording electrical artifact signals that do not originate from brain activity. Common artifacts that come up in EEG data are generated by eye movements, heart contractions, muscle contractions, motion artifacts, electromagnetic interference signals, and powerline noise. These artifacts are often filtered out of EEG data or reduced to clean the signals and preserve the information from the brain. However, some of these signals may provide useful information about …

Typography And English As A Second Language (Esl) Reading: Impact Of Variable Font Width, Letter Spacing, And Line Spacing On Reading Performance And Experience, Md Mamunur Rashid

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The mixed-method experimental study explores whether basic alterations in digital text formatting can enhance reading performance and experience of reading for the adult English as a Second Language (ESL) populations. Native English speakers are included as a comparison group. The study specifically examines the effects of varying font width, letter spacing, and line spacing on reading speed, comprehension, and self-reported levels of enjoyment and perceived difficulty.

The participants comprise 459 proficient adult readers, split between native English, native Spanish, and native Mandarin speakers. Each participant silently reads a series of 150-word English passages at an 8th-grade difficulty level, with manipulations …

Applications Of Plasmonic Biosensors In Chiral And Achiral Sensing, Aritra Biswas

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Monitoring biological systems is crucial in healthcare, driving the need for reliable and noninvasive solutions. The proliferation of unverified drugs in the market necessitates reliable methods for their detection and identification, especially amidst advancements in pharmaceuticals. Plasmonic biosensors emerge as a great platform for ultra-sensitive detection, identification, and manipulation of biomolecular systems. This dissertation report addresses the critical need for precise detection and monitoring of biomolecules and drugs, presenting innovative solutions through the design of a plasmonic biosensor to tackle challenges in sensitivity, selectivity, and label-free detection and identification. We introduce a robust and tunable, cavity-integrated plasmonic nanopatterned sensor that …

Silencing Stemness Genes In Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells Improve Anticancer Drug Efficacy, Jonhoi C. Smith

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and incurable primary brain tumor characterized by therapy-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Due to the limited effectiveness of conventional chemotherapies and radiation treatments against cancer stem cells (CSCs), there is a critical need for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. Our previous research revealed the significant expression of embryonic stemness genes, NANOG and OCT4, in CSCs, suggesting their role in enhancing cancer-specific stemness and drug resistance. By suppressing the expression of these genes, we observed increased susceptibility of CSCs to the anticancer drug, Temozolomide (TMZ). Furthermore, suppression of NANOG expression led to an accumulation of …

Predicting Post-School Outcomes Of Transition Aged Students With High Incidence Disabilities, Jacob Brewer

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This dissertation explores predictive modeling to forecast post-school outcomes for transition-aged students with high-incidence disabilities, such as Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and Other Health Impairments (OHI). Transitioning from secondary to post-secondary environments is critical for students with disabilities, significantly impacting their independence, self-confidence, and employability (Morningstar et al., 2017; Carter et al., 2021). Through a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) indicators to determine which factors most effectively predict post-secondary enrollment and graduation. Key variables such as parental involvement, socio-economic status (SES), and self-determination skills are analyzed using logistic regression and machine learning techniques, including …

An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study On Usable Cybersecurity And The Behaviorial Effects Of Cognitive Load, Corey Leong

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This study investigated individuals’ behaviors and perceptions, and actions of a cybersecurity event after reviewing relevant cybersecurity content published in a cyber alert. As new technologies are developed and released, humans experience pressure to defend against threats while at work to remain productive and meet desired organizational goals (Chowdury & Skinner, 2019). The first part of the study randomly assigned participants to respond to a pre-questionnaire followed by an intervention, reading a cyberalert. Participants then answered a post-questionnaire that included the identical questions from the pre-questionnaire, in addition to, biographical and career related questions as well. The second part of …

An Examination Of The Effect Of Instructional Facility Size On Student Achievement In The State Of Florida, Paul B. Tweed

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This correlational study used publicly available Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) data on attributes of educational facilities and student performance to determine the degree of correlation between the physical size of instructional space and student outcomes. The sample used in this study comprised sixty-seven school districts in Florida. A quantitative correlational analysis was utilized to compare the amount of instructional space available to each student in a district and student outcomes in terms of district graduation rates and district scores on statewide assessments. A statistically significant, negative correlation was found between per capita instructional space, district graduation rates, and district …

Does Assessment Of Distress Disclosure Enhance Prediction Of Suicidal Ideation In The Three-Step Theory Of Suicide?, Jessica A. Ruiz

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

The three-step theory of suicide (3ST) proposes that suicidal ideation (SI) and behavior develops in the context of unbearable pain and hopelessness (Step 1), low social connection (Step 2) and acquired capability (Step 3 - not assessed in this study; Klonsky et al., 2016). Distress disclosure is one way a person may utilize their social network to mitigate feelings of distress and can be a critical measure of social connectedness. Building on efforts to diversify measurement of social connectedness in the 3ST, a sample of 549 college students (mean age = 19.27, SD = 1.28; 56.6% reporting history of SI) …

First Principles Studies Of Nano-Scale Phenomena At Surfaces: From Characteristics Of Single Atom Catalysts To Molecular Structure Formation, Dave I. Austin

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

The dissertation explores the electronic structures induced by the adsorption of atoms and molecules on surfaces. It focuses on the physical and chemical properties of dispersed metal atom sites on oxide surfaces and the formation of novel molecular structures at hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces. The study uses density functional theory (DFT) calculations to simulate atomic-scale behaviors and aims to contribute to understanding reaction mechanisms and enhancing catalytic activity. Part one investigates the local environments of single platinum atoms on a cerium oxide surface by analyzing their physical and electronic properties. The next part studies the local environments of single platinum atoms …

Assessing The Connection Between Social Media And Ideological Polarization, Joshua Stiekman

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Does the usage of social media make individuals more polarized? Previous studies have shown that political use of the internet does make individuals more likely to politically participate, but little academic work has looked at the dynamic of ideology and the social media usage, despite the increase of social media usage in everyday life. This study uses Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok to see if social media users are more polarized, and which ideological groups are more polarized on social media. Moderates are included to differentiate if there is a difference. This study analyzed data from the …

Feedback-Related Negativity, Reward-Based Learning, And Adhd Symptoms: Preliminary Findings In A Pediatric Sample With Prominent Mood Symptoms, Giulia C. Salgari

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Reward-based learning is the ability to alter our future behavior following a novel reward. Dysregulation in this system has been linked to different forms of adult and pediatric psychopathologies such as mood disorders, for which it has proved to be an important treatment target given its link to broader health outcomes for these disorders. However, more research is needed to better understand its underlying mechanisms in the pediatric population. The current study examined how probabilistic reward learning, feedback-related negativity (FRN; an event-related potential from EEG), and dimensional ADHD symptom severity relate in adolescents with prominent mood symptoms. The final sample …

Exploring The Influence Of Inclusive Middle School Classrooms On Resilience, Character Education, And Life Skills Development In Students With Disabilities, Katherine Bonilla

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This study explored the effects of inclusive middle school classrooms on the academic performance, attendance, and social-emotional development of students with disabilities. Using a quantitative, comparative, and correlational design, the research investigated how inclusion influences these outcomes. The study examined data from 1,198 students, including both exceptional student education (ESE) and non-ESE participants, and gathered teacher perceptions to assess the impact of inclusion on social-emotional learning (SEL). Key metrics analyzed included Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) scores for mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA), attendance rates, and teacher survey responses regarding students' SEL competencies, such as resilience, teamwork, and …

Examining Anxiety And Online Learning Experiences, Charlotte A. Jones-Roberts

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Anxiety is a growing concern across university campuses. University students with anxiety are more likely to experience poor academic performance, disengagement, and attrition in their courses. Anxiety levels among online students can be significant and often more pronounced in online learning environments compared to traditional classroom settings. This dissertation aimed to examine the correlation between anxiety and online courses. Grounded in the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework and its subscales, Teaching Presence, Social Presence, and Cognitive Presence, the aim was to understand how these elements correlate with state and trait anxiety in online courses. This mixed-methods study took quantitative data …

The Experience Of Blind Mothers In Parenting Children With Disabilities ``, Abeer S. Ali

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Blind or visually impaired mothers (BVIMs) raising children with disabilities experience an exceptional set of challenges that have been largely overlooked in disability and parenting research and teacher education. With this study the researcher examined how BVIMs support their children with disabilities in key areas such as behavior management, educational advocacy, caregiving, and accessing resources. Additionally, the researcher sought to understand how these mothers navigate their experiences as they challenge with societal perceptions, institutional barriers, and the daily caregiving demands. The researcher employed a qualitative case study methodology, using in-depth individual interviews and a focus group with six BVIM participants. …

The Lived Experiences Of Diverse Caregivers Of Children With Disabilities Participating In Out-Of-School Time Activities, Vanessa Spero

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of parents, family members, and caregivers of youth with disabilities from diverse backgrounds who participate in out-of-school time (OST) activities. This study acknowledged the low employment rate for people with disabilities and the potential for OST activities that utilize positive youth development (PYD) frameworks to increase life skill development to increase employment opportunities. Qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology and photo-elicitation methods were used to engage six caregivers in a series of one to three interviews. These results were analyzed with three major themes and nine sub-themes identified. The identified themes and …

Supporting Online Student Success Via Online Instructor Best Practices, Tori Jayne Taylor

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Fully online learning provides flexibility students appreciate but can be impersonal and socially isolating. Students can experience lower achievement and more frequent course withdrawal because they struggle to connect to the content, instructor, and other students. Twelve experienced general education instructors from a large university were interviewed to understand how they notice and support students who are at risk of underachieving or failing fully online courses. Interview data were triangulated using course content analyses from two of the instructors’ online courses. Thematic data analysis was guided by the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework.

Instructors in smaller courses use a variety …

Elementary General Education Teachers' Beliefs About Inclusive Practices In General Education Classrooms In The Cayman Islands, Tracey Ann Trail

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Research indicates that teachers' beliefs are pivotal in shaping their inclusive practices. However, there is a dearth of local research on general education teachers’ beliefs about inclusive practices in the Cayman Islands. This qualitative study aimed to fill this gap by understanding the beliefs of general education elementary teachers about inclusive practices in general education classrooms in the Cayman Islands. This encompassed their beliefs about inclusive education, supporting student learning and participation, and their self-efficacy beliefs about implementing inclusive practices. Data about the teacher’s beliefs were collected using two semi-structured interviews with nine general education elementary public elementary school teachers. …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Impact Of Anti-Woke Legislation On Higher Education, Brittany Knowles

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The events immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic, to include the uptick of hate crimes against Asian-Americans and the murder of George Floyd had a profound impact on public awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion issues. Where initially it appeared, public perception was supportive of the work- in recent years it has come under increasing scrutiny particularly within the academic space. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work specifically anti-racism has become increasingly polarizing. The decline in public perception of DEI work was marked by the use of simplified catchphrases like woke agendas and CRT in reference to schools. With then presidential …

Dual Coalitions Or Dueling Coalitions?: A Comparison Of Single-Issue And Dual-Issue Statewide Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault Coalitions In The U.S., Shannon Sokolowski

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) are critical social issues requiring a large scale national response. In the U.S., federally designated statewide DV and SA coalitions are nonprofit organizations that play a critical role at the national, state, and local levels. Once individual social movements, DV and SA advocacy coalitions have merged at higher rates in recent decades. Efforts to achieve economic sustainability may drive the decision to merge or reform. However, nonprofit organizations have a double bottom line, needing to consider financial and mission-related performance. With economic uncertainly rising, it is critical to understand the impact that forming …

Program Evaluation Of Behavioral Health Training: Using The Retain Model, Kris J. Toscani

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This study investigated the effectiveness of gamification elements introduced into a well-established behavioral health in-person professional training. The gamification elements were designed with the RETAIN Model and Rubric and intended to increase team member engagement by increasing Relevance, Embedding a fictitious medical-themed story, creating opportunities for knowledge acquisition and Transfer, Adapting the content to the job functions of the participants, creating an Immersive experience in which the team members were fully engaged in the medical mystery, and repetitively applying gameplay concepts to efforts to create a Naturalized learning experience. The methodological approach to assessing …

Empathy In Digital Healthcare, Michael R. Powell

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This dissertation investigates how the rapid expansion of telehealth, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has reshaped clinician-patient interactions, with a focus on the role of empathy. Telehealth has broadened access to care and introduced new efficiencies, but it also presents distinct challenges in fostering the deep emotional connections traditionally associated with in-person consultations. By exploring how empathy is mediated through digital platforms, this research offers valuable insights into how empathetic connections can be supported, though not fully replicated, in virtual healthcare settings. Through a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with healthcare providers, the study examines both the barriers …