Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Adolescent Attachment In The Relationship Between Trauma And Identity, Ellie Mitova

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Traumatic experiences have been shown to influence identity development during emerging adulthood, a complex developmental period. However, research examining how trauma interacts with adolescent attachment qualities to shape identity processes remains limited. Previous studies have primarily focused on infant attachment styles and their long-term developmental outcomes, leaving a gap in understanding how attachment qualities developed through relationships with parents and peers during adolescence may influence identity development in emerging adults. Additionally, while traumatic experiences have been associated with maladaptive identity processes such as rumination and identity distress, some research suggests that trauma may also contribute to deeper identity exploration and …

Cfd Investigation Of Heat Transfer Enhancement In Pipes Using Gyroid Tpms Structures For Industrial Steam Generation, Alejandro Moreno Escribano

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Industrial heating processes account for nearly 28\% of global CO2 emissions, and fossil fueled boilers predominate in high temperature applications. Industrial electrification can be an effective solution when combined with renewable energy sources. Increasing steam generation efficiency and at the same time maintaining system compactness is a significant challenge in industrial thermal processes. Traditional smooth pipes offer limited heat transfer surface area, which constrains boiling heat transfer performance and reduces the overall efficiency of steam generation systems. Advanced internal geometries have the potential to significantly enhance heat transfer by increasing surface area and promoting fluid mixing. This work presents a …

The Intersection Of Abuse, Child Welfare, And The Law For Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: Gender Violence As An Antagonistic Social Force, Julio Montanez

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Intimate partner violence (IPV)—as gender violence—pits children’s civil rights and women’s civil liberties against each other. To explore this phenomenon, the current work features five (5) studies that aim to understand the systemic consequences of IPV and child maltreatment for victims and survivors of both types of abuse.

• Study 1 is a qualitative-deductive study featuring a directed content analysis of news media pertaining to a trial court case on lethal child maltreatment and IPV.
• Study 2 is a qualitative-inductive study featuring a feminist critical discourse analysis of trial court data on lethal child maltreatment and IPV.
• Study 3 is a …

Revolution In The Age Of Social Media: A Mathematical Model For Information, Dissent, And Stability, Killian Muollo

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Revolutions, defined by Skocpol as rapid transformations in class, state, and/or social structures, are important world events that can cause civil wars, spark international trends, and result in transitions toward democratic and autocratic regimes alike. They are characterized largely by the mechanism of mass mobilization, which is increasingly facilitated by online networks and digital communication. In this dissertation, we investigate such means and outcomes of revolutions as dynamical systems. We construct three models describing separate but complementary aspects of revolution, beginning at the smallest unit of analysis and then moving outward in scope. First, we construct a graph-based model to …

"Time And Place Have Had Their Say": A Digital Historical Context Guide To Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, Anna Kephart Norris

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Harlem Renaissance author, anthropologist, and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) is best known for her 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. As part of the modern American literary canon, Their Eyes Were Watching God is assigned in countless secondary and post-secondary classrooms across the United States each year. Yet students find the book difficult to understand and educators find it challenging to teach due to its dialect, racial themes, and nuanced historical setting. In this paper, I argue that better understanding of Their Eyes Were Watching God's historical context eases these difficulties in reading and teaching the …

Exploring The Role Of Hes4 During Retroviral Infection, Raphael Opoku

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection disrupts immune homeostasis and impairs antiviral defenses, partly by compromising natural killer (NK) cell activity, with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection in rhesus macaques serving as a valuable model to investigate these mechanisms. This research examines the regulatory role of HES4 and its isoforms in NK cell function during retroviral infection, with particular focus on how Notch signaling–dependent regulation of HES4 shapes NK effector responses. HES4, a downstream effector of the Notch signaling pathway, encodes transcriptional repressors central to immune cell differentiation, yet its contribution to NK cell biology remains poorly understood. Using molecular and …

A Theoretical Study Of Molecular Photoionization: Applications To Molecules Of Astrophysical And Atmospheric Interest, Conner Penson

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

This thesis is devoted to the development of the model for total molecular photoionization spectra which is general to diatomic molecules and the application of this model to two benchmark systems, CH and N2, for verification. This model combines multi-channel quantum defect theory, first-principles ab initio molecular calculations, and vibrational frame transformation to accurately model molecular photoionization and electron impact including vibrational dynamics. The scattering data and transition dipole moments for the molecular systems were calculated using R-matrix method through the UKRMol+ codes. A vibrational frame transformation is then performed and multi-channel quantum defect theory is used to calculate closed …

Characterization And Antibacterial Assessment Of An Isoborneol-Loaded Nanoemulsion, Sharon M. Rodriguez Villacis

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

In the United States, about 35,000 fatalities occur annually due to antibiotic resistant infections. It is progressively becoming one of the largest challenges when treating hospital-acquired infections. This decline in effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics makes it essential to identify, synthesize, and formulate compounds that possess antimicrobial activity against these common pathogens. Isoborneol, a compound that is naturally occurring terpene that can be derived from the Camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora, is known for its antimicrobial properties in traditional medicine and in prior literature. To assess this hypothesis, an oil-in-water (OW) nanoemulsion of isoborneol was synthesized, characterized, and assessed for …

Source Credibility And Chatbots: How Design Factors Impact Chatbot Effectiveness, Kristen M. Schmidt

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Source credibility theory states that the more credible a source appears to be, the more likely one is to believe both true and untrue information from it. In the modern day, misinformation is considered a major problem, particularly with virtual communication, meaning it is essential to study what factors influence a system’s source credibility. Virtual agents are a particularly relevant subject of study given that their source credibility can be impacted by both technological and social factors. Across three experiments, this dissertation utilized a novel chatbot interaction design to test how varying design factors would impact a chatbot’s source credibility …

Masculine Devotion And Moral Decay: The Paradox Of Chivalry In Malory's Le Morte Darthur, Julia Annunziato

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

This thesis investigates how, within Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte Darthur, the concept of chivalry as a literary construct is misunderstood and misrepresented by the knights who attempt to uphold it. Through a close reading of Le Morte, this paper concludes that Malory presents chivalry not as a coherent moral code, but as a paradoxical system that both promotes and undermines the values it claims to uphold. While chivalry is typically meant to emphasize honor, loyalty, and spiritual devotion, Malory’s narrative reveals how these ideals are compromised by structures of masculine competition, performative identity, homosocial desire, and corrupted …

Exploring The Temporal Dynamics Of Gaming-The-System And Self-Regulated Learning Behaviors Within A Game-Based Learning Environment, Cameron E. Marano

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Consistently monitoring and regulating cognitive and metacognitive skills during learning is difficult. As a result, game-based learning environments (GBLEs) have been designed to provide richer learning experiences. They foster self-regulated learning (SRL) skills and offer a way to study learners' interactions within complex environments. Although SRL in GBLEs has been widely studied, large gaps remain. For example, it is unclear how improper or maladaptive regulation in GBLEs signals gaming-the-system, in which learners manipulate features to avoid authentic learning. This phenomenon is widely studied in intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs). Limited research has examined how and when both gaming-the-system and SRL behaviors …

Lucha Libre: Legends Of The Mask, Anthony J. Aguilar

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Lucha libre, also known as Mexican wrestling, is a cultural phenomenon whose history dates to 1933. Every wrestling match pits flamboyantly costumed and masked wrestlers (luchadores), classified as either the good guys (técnicos) or the bad guys (rudos), against each other in choreographed and dramatized battles. Although lucha libre is often seen as campy or “low brow” due to its exaggerated, theatrical style, this perception overlooks the deeper cultural significance and narrative potential inherent in the form. This thesis will explore the cultural evolution of lucha libre as a highly interactive themed ride attraction. By integrating guest participation through custom …

Enhancing The Immersive Experience Through The Diversification Of Operational Costuming, Emma Nevitt

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

This thesis will be a comparative creative project that analyzes current operational wardrobe options within immersive lands, utilizing case studies and applied research, a neutral proposed immersive land will be created with operational costuming options that provides variety to the operational wardrobe that will enhance the immersive guest experience by creating a more compelling environment through wardrobe diversity. This will be achieved through a kit-of-parts approach where staffing will have a small variety of tops, bottoms, headwear, outerwear, and accessories to create a unique look to their own wardrobe while providing narrative insight. Each piece will be designed specifically for …

Un Lugar A Donde No Puedo Volver: Perteneciendo En La Distancia, Alberto J. Alonso

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

“A Place I Cannot Return To: Distance and Belonging” investigates how home is not limited to a fixed place, but instead a reconstruction sustained through memory and longing, which focuses on personal experiences of being away from Puerto Rico. I contribute to this broader dialogue by offering a deeply personal perspective shaped by the complexities of cultural belonging. Through photography, collage, and painting, my art practice reconstructs fragmented visual narratives of lived experience to explore homesickness, nostalgia, and displacement, examining how personal and shared histories become anchors to what continually slips away. Although I can physically return to Puerto Rico, …

Teoría Y Creatividad. La Literatura Como Herramienta Educativa En El Aprendizaje Moderno De Textos Clásicos En El Idioma Español, Isabel D. Simon

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

In the following master’s thesis, literature is studied as an educational tool in the modern learning of classical texts in the Spanish language from both theoretical and creative perspectives. The theoretical framework to be used is based on the hermeneutic theory of Jean Grondin. The study is divided into three chapters, each focusing on a different literary piece. First, the medieval period is examined through Poema de Mio Cid (Cantar de Mio Cid) of anonymous authorship. In the second chapter, the Golden Age is analyzed through Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes. In the closing …

Machine Learning Acceleration Of Micro-Credentialing, Knowledge Gap Remediation, And Micro-Recruiting Of Stem Assessments: From Learner Data To Hardware, Paul Amoruso

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

The growing demand for a skilled STEM workforce calls for adaptive, data-driven education that personalizes learning while aligning competencies with industry needs. This work introduces a multi-layered framework that integrates artificial intelligence (AI), data mining and hardware-aware optimization to support this goal. At its core, the AchieveUp system applies generative AI-assisted skill tagging to digitized assessments, enabling multi-semester tracking of student progress. Analysis across 14 semesters shows that underperforming students were found to benefit most from attending score clarification sessions, a relationship validated by an R² value of 0.83, indicating strong predictive validity between attendance and skill acquisition. To remediate …

'But George Floyd Wasn't A Saint': A Critical Discourse Analysis Pre And Post George Floyd, Raya Berkley-Jacobs

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

May 25, 2020, George Floyd died at the hands of former police officer Derek Chauvin after he placed his knee on George Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. His death sparked outrage, protests, and calls for accountability, justice, and reform. This study addresses the impact of George Floyd’s death as a focusing event that created a policy window under which federal legislation was introduced as a response to his death. Drawing on Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and Social Construction Theory, the study utilizes a critical discourse analysis to test how the death of George Floyd impacted the amount and …

Critical Engagement With Gpt In U.S. History: Full Integration In An Undergrad Setting, Matt Meador

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

This project integrates a custom-trained GPT model into undergrad U.S. History courses to support students in analyzing primary sources, evaluating historical perspectives, and bridging the gap into AI Literacy. Students use AI to generate draft responses, then critically review, annotate, and revise outputs, ensuring that human oversight fosters deeper historical thinking rather than passive acceptance of machine responses.

Baudelaire And Manet Remake, Barry J. Mauer

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

Use AI to remake either a painting from Manet or a poem from Baudelaire (or both!) in any medium: experimental writing, video, poster, song, etc.; the creativity is in your prompt. In addition, write an essay of 4-5 pages explaining and justifying your remake, describing the process and interpreting the results.

Ai & Chemistry, Evelina Jaleniauskiene

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

"AI & Chemistry" is a four-week language-learning project based on the action-oriented approach. The project asks students to complete two main tasks: prepare an individual Ignite talk and a partnered podcast on any subtopic related to the use of AI in chemistry. Beyond language skills, the project additionally aims to encourage students’ collaboration with AI-powered tools and enhance their AI literacy. All project steps are detailed in an additional PDF file. The integration of the project is not restricted to a language course; it can be adapted for any university-level communicative course.

Empowering Digital Fluency: A Course-Based Strategy For Practical Ai Tool Integration In Higher Education, Melissa J. Brooks

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

This course was designed to introduce students to a range of AI tools while enabling hands-on experience in their practical application. Students were required to explore multiple AI tools across domains such as content generation, data visualization, video production, note-taking, and accessibility. The course culminated in a final project where students selected and applied an AI tool (or set of tools) to create a resume, a cover letter, and a presentation about themselves and how they anticipate the use of AI in their chosen Industry. Tools recommended were Jenni.AI, ChatGPT, Slide bean, Canva, Grammarly, Gamma, Synthesia.AI, and Perplexity, Otter.AI. One …

Helping Students Build Artificial Intelligence Literacy Skills By Applying Leadership Theories To Their Career Development, Anthony Edwards

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

In this article, the author describes an assignment where master’s level higher education leadership students use AI to determine how leadership theories and concepts can help them in their careers and evaluate the response.

From Myths To Mastery: A Progressive Ai Literacy Course Using The Clear Framework And Authentic Problem-Solving, Laura J. Mcneill, Sierra Cantrell

Teaching Repository of AI-Infused Learning

"Digital Minds: Your AI Adventure Begins" employs a 14-week progressive scaffolding approach that transforms freshman students from passive AI consumers into critical collaborators through weekly hands-on experiments with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Adobe Firefly. Each week features structured "AI Questions" that connect course concepts to students' lived experiences, combined with practical activities like creating Gemini GEMS projects that encourage students to investigate AI myths and cross-reference external sources in real-time. The course culminates in collaborative AI-human projects addressing real community problems, with ongoing peer evaluation and reflection that emphasizes critical thinking and ethical reasoning over technical outputs.

From Concept To Community: Building And Sustaining Communication Research Labs, America L. Edwards, Matthew J. A. Craig, Hannah E. Jones, Chad Edwards, Autumn P. Edwards

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

This essay explores the conceptual, practical, and relational foundations of building and sustaining communication research labs. Drawing on early models of research teams, we argue that contemporary labs function as living systems that integrate research, teaching, mentorship, and community engagement. The essay outlines practical considerations for creating and maintaining labs, including recruitment, infrastructure, leadership succession, and digital presence, while emphasizing the importance of flexibility and autonomy. Rather than viewing labs as static organizational units, we position them as relational ecosystems that evolve through connection, shared purpose, and adaptability across time and institutions. Ultimately, this work encourages scholars to view lab-building …

Making The Invisible Visible: Cultivating Contexts For Equitable Workloads, Andrea Carlile

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

Women make up the majority of degree earners and most of those teaching at higher education institutions. Yet, women are not advancing to the highest ranks. How female faculty receive credit for their work may account for the discrepancy in women advancing to the highest ranks. This single-institution case study explored institutional practices and policies as they related to workload satisfaction and rewards for female faculty. Following the framework from the Faculty Workload and Rewards Project, FWRP, the case used the constructs of equity-minded faculty workloads to shape the analysis. Three themes emerged in the analysis: context matters, transparency practices, …

Complete Volume 42

Journal of the Association for Communication Administration

This is the complete Volume 42 of the Journal of the Association for Communication Administration.

Ucf Libraries Annual Report 2024-2025, John C. Hitt Library

Libraries' Documents

Annual report for the UCF Libraries for the year 2024-2025

What Fuels The Badge: College Students’ Beliefs On What Motivates Officers, Riya N. Patel

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

Today, a large, increasing gap in trust exists between law enforcement officers and civilians. Although law enforcement officers may possess a “rescue personality” (e.g., being a highly dedicated risk-taker with a desire to help), they are feared by some civilians (Salters-Pedneault et al., 2010; Wynveen et al., 2007). Still, many officers choose more positive motivators for pursuing their career, including factors such as job security, benefits, and the desire to help others (Schuck, 2020). To better understand this, this study surveyed 198 undergraduate students at the University of Central Florida who completed a survey measuring their perceptions of the motivators …

Disinformation Detox: Media Literacy As A Tool For Student Empowerment, Chereeka Garner

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

In today’s digital environment, information flows faster than ever and a lot of it is inaccurate, biased, or deliberately misleading. Media literacy is essential for academic success and informed citizenship. Media Literacy Essentials, a pilot module in the UCF Libraries’ information literacy program, provides strategies for improving media literacy.

Dual Or Full Immersion - What Do Wida Access Scores Reveal Might Work Best For Primary Grade Ell Students?, Charla D. Chailland, Lori Gumbert-Harris

Journal of English Learner Education

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the academic performance of primary-grade English Language Learner (ELL) students attending Dual Immersion programs compared to their ELL peers in Full Immersion programs. This Indiana study employed a quasi-experimental design for non-equivalent control groups and analyzed three years of WIDA ACCESS assessment scores in reading, writing, and Overall English Proficiency. Archived test results from ELL students who attended one of 12 qualifying Dual Immersion programs were compared to the scores of ELL students who attended one of 12 comparable Full Immersion programs. Results were analyzed by grade level (K-3) and demographic …