Digital Commons Network^™

Preparing For The Habitable Worlds Observatory: Spectropolarimetric Radiative Transfer Models Of Terrestrial (Exo)Planets, Kenneth E. Goodis Gordon

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

The next major step for the exoplanet community lies in the characterization of terrestrial exoplanets, especially when it comes to identifying biosignatures and determining the habitability of these worlds. In response to this, NASA has proposed the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), with the primary goal of searching for and characterizing Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones (HZ) of their stars. However, current characterization strategies that only rely on the unpolarized flux from the planets lose some of the informational content of the observed light and therefore suffer from degeneracies in the calculated planetary parameters. The sensitivity of polarization to the …

"Identity (Change) Is Not A Joke, Jim!": The Role Of Change In Responsible Drinking Identity On Behavioral Change In College Alcohol Interventions, Angelina V. Leary

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Identity has long fascinated humans, and recent research has explored its role in behavioral change. Identity change may explain why some behavioral interventions are more effective than others. This dissertation examined this idea within the context of college student alcohol interventions. While numerous interventions exist for college students, only some appear to yield long-term effects. It was hypothesized that the key differentiator in effectiveness is how an intervention reshapes an individual’s responsible drinking identity. Participants (71.93% White, 59.40% Female) from a Southeastern university were randomly assigned to one of four intervention conditions: Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT), Personalized Normative Feedback (BASICS), …

Project Esperanza: A Pilot Study On Isolation, Belonging, And Hope For First-Generation Latinx College Students, Marangelie Velez

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This study is a two-part manuscript dissertation that explores and assesses culturally grounded strategies to best support first-generation Latinx college students (FGLCS), who often face unique academic and psychosocial challenges. The first manuscript is a conceptual exploration of the intersecting constructs of social isolation, belonging, and hope, and their impact on the well-being and academic success of FGLCS. Thematic analysis revealed the importance of mentorship, culturally relevant content, and opportunities for reflection and community-building. These findings informed the development of a psychoeducational intervention, Project Esperanza. The second manuscript introduces the pilot study designed to reduce social isolation and enhance belonging …

Youth Self-Injurious Thoughts And Behaviors: The Role Of Affect, Interpersonal Stress, And Parenting, Samantha J. Klaver

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) are associated with numerous adverse consequences, including an increased risk of suicide, for youth populations (Castellví et al., 2017; Kiekens et al., 2018). This study developed a more nuanced understanding of the factors associated with SITBs by examining proximal intrapersonal (i.e., daily youth negative affect) and interpersonal (i.e., daily youth interpersonal conflict) factors on youth SITBs utilizing experience sampling methods (ESMs). This study also examined how specific modifiable characteristics (i.e., parent-youth attachment and parental reflective functioning) may moderate these proximal associations. Results from a series of multilevel, mixed-effects negative binomial regression analyses conducted on a …

Thriving Through Turbulence: Exploring Team Resilience Through An Adversity-Centered Lens, Krisztina Szabo

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Although adversity has been a central component of team resilience definitions (Fisher et al., 2022; Raetze et al., 2022), there is little known about how different characteristics of adversity influence team functioning. Drawing from Event System Theory (Morgeson et al., 2015), the dissertation examined the connections between adverse event characteristics (i.e., event novelty, criticality, disruption, duration), team processes (i.e., planning, collective sensemaking, strategy formulation, coordination, monitoring and backup behaviors), and team outcomes (i.e., team performance) in the context of a repeated measures research study. The results indicated that novelty and criticality of adverse events were significantly and positively related to …

The Role Individual Differences And Environmental Factors In Automated Driving Performance, John M. Duany

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of ADHD diagnosis, inclement weather, non-driving-related tasks (NDRT), automation failures, and traffic density on driving performance and takeover performance. This study also examined the relationship between dispositional factors (i.e., trust in automation, cognitive failures, and self-efficacy) and dynamic factors (i.e., mental workload, situation awareness, and situational trust) in relation to automated driving performance. A total of 156 participants were recruited for this study, including drivers with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Each participant completed four experimental drives and two baseline drives. Mental workload, heart rate variability (HRV), situational trust, …

Pride Or Prejudice: An Examination Of Queer Content In Florida High Schools, Niamh L. Harrop

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This thesis explores how queer individuals reflect on the presence—or more often, the absence—of queer content in their high school education. Despite increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ people in popular culture and legal reform, formal educational spaces remain largely heteronormative and cisnormative structured from a heterosexual and cisgender standpoint. Through a critical qualitative approach, this study draws on semi-structured interviews with 13 queer participants who attended high school in Florida in the years between the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 and the passage of Florida’s H.B. 1557 (“Don’t Say Gay” law) in 2022. Using thematic analysis, four key themes were …

Examining Educational Inequalities And Driving Science’S Next Generation Forward: Geobus Program Theory Evaluation, Elise M. Lorenzo

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

This study presents a theory-driven evaluation of GeoBus, a mobile science lab designed to deliver hands-on, “fun learning experiences” via a solar powered, technology-rich learning environment brought directly to K-12 students in Central Florida Title 1 schools. While STEM education is widely recognized as essential for promoting equity, many schools, particularly in under-resourced communities, continue to face barriers to accessing meaningful and inclusive science learning opportunities. GeoBus was created in response to this need, offering students an informal learning environment with exposure to geospatial technologies and interactive science content.

Drawing on mixed-methods data, including content from the GeoBus website and …

Hypertension, Diabetes, And Chronic Kidney Disease In Young Adults: Nhanes Data From 2013-2018, Ashly Rodriguez Reyes

Undergraduate Scholarship and Creative Works

Background. Several studies have reported the link between diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and obesity as risk factors for the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD), ultimately leading to renal replacement therapies such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. Although extensively researched in adults aged 55 years and older, CKD remains under-researched for young adults. Despite its emergence as a healthcare concern, limited data exists on risk factors impacting young adults without major comorbidities.

Objective. This research study aims to understand the potential risk factors unique to this population, seeking to guide prevention strategies and improve prognosis in already diagnosed individuals. Additionally, …

Multiclass Cyberbullying Detection Using Advanced Neural Network Architectures: A Comparative Study Amidst The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mahyar Alinejad

Data Science and Data Mining

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital communication landscape has seen an unprecedented rise in cyberbullying incidents. Addressing this critical issue, our study develops and evaluates a novel multiclass cyberbullying detection framework employing several advanced neural network architectures—namely Neural Networks (NN), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM), and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU). Utilizing a balanced dataset created through Dynamic Query Expansion, this research benchmarks the performance of these models in accurately classifying cyberbullying according to specific victim attributes such as age, ethnicity, gender, and religion. Our results demonstrate that LSTM and GRU models, in particular, exhibit superior performance …

Multiclass Cyberbullying Detection Using Advanced Neural Network Architectures: A Comparative Study Amidst The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mahyar Alinejad

Data Science and Data Mining

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital communication landscape has seen an unprecedented rise in cyberbullying incidents. Addressing this critical issue, our study develops and evaluates a novel multiclass cyberbullying detection framework employing several advanced neural network architectures—namely Neural Networks (NN), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTM), and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU). Utilizing a balanced dataset created through Dynamic Query Expansion, this research benchmarks the performance of these models in accurately classifying cyberbullying according to specific victim attributes such as age, ethnicity, gender, and religion. Our results demonstrate that LSTM and GRU models, in particular, exhibit superior performance …

Better Together: Embedding Media Literacy Into Academic Courses, Chereeka Garner

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

In an era where digital information is abundant and often misleading, equipping college students with media literacy skills is more crucial than ever. This lightning talk will provide a streamlined guide to developing a comprehensive media literacy course specifically designed for college students. Attendees will learn about the essential components of the course, including how to design an engaging curriculum, implement effective teaching strategies, and utilize assessment methods to gauge student understanding.

Participants will be able to:

Understand the importance of media literacy within the broader context of information literacy and its impact on college students’ ability to navigate digital …

Living In Fear: Be Empathetic (Life)-Tool Kit, Desiree A. Díaz, Heather Peralta, Samantha Stephenson, Danny Hernandez, Geraldine Luzincourt, Syretta Spears, Ann Marie Parker, Trysten Altamirano

Nursing Handouts, Tools, and Other Documents

Open source materials to immerse learners in rural and public health experiences are needed to ensure the new work force is equipped to care for a variety of people in differing circumstances. Public health remains a vital yet underemphasized component within healthcare education, specifically nursing education. This often limits opportunities for students to develop the skills necessary to become strong advocates for equity and systemic change. A

This project emerged from a commitment to provide experiential opportunities replicating the communities we serve. A Empathy Walk and LIFE Clinic (Díaz et al., 2025) was created as a strategy designed to engage …

Ucf Libraries 2025 Faculty Research Showcase, Jasmine George, Patrick Green, Joe Bizon, Kristine Shrauger, Ying Zhang, Renee Cole Montgomery, Rachel Trnka, Mary Rubin, Min Tong, Arielle Petrovich, Jeanne Piascik, Sai Deng

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Libraries’ Faculty Research Showcase is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the scholarly achievements, research, and creative work of library faculty.

The 2025 Showcase features eight engaging presentations covering a diverse range of topics:

• Jasmine George – Student Engagement Initiatives Around Florida Academic Libraries

• Jasmine George & Patrick Green – Student Wellbeing at the Library

• Joe Bizon, Kristine Shrauger, Ying Zhang & Renee Cole Montgomery – Roadmapping Leganto Successfully

• Rachel Trnka – Florida Library History

• Mary Rubin – Escape the Ordinary: Escape Rooms as Active Learning Magic

• Min Tong …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Literacy: A Necessity In Modern Language Education, Samarnh Pang, Engheang Nol, Kimkong Heng

Journal of English Learner Education

This article aims to discuss the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in the context of an AI-driven world and argues that it is a necessity in modern language education. The article answers a few questions, focusing on why AI literacy matters for language students and educators, what AI competencies should be promoted, and how AI literacy can be effectively integrated into the curriculum and instruction. The article also brings to the fore key considerations for implementing AI literacy in language education. These considerations include providing support to students and teachers to navigate the complexity of AI use, offering AI …

Enhancing Educational Outcomes For English Learners: The Role Of Culturally Responsive Teaching And Professional Development In Texas, Elisa Garcia, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

The increasing population of English learners (ELs) in Texas public schools requires a focused approach to their education. This article explores the challenges faced by ELs, including the risk of misplacement in educational programs and the need for culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. Drawing on recent research, the article highlights the importance of professional development (PD) tailored to the unique needs of ELs. Effective PD programs should prioritize cultural and linguistic awareness, collaborative learning opportunities, and strategies for differentiated instruction. The article also discusses the significance of engaging parents and the community in supporting ELs. By implementing these recommendations, …

Everything Is Bigger In Texas: English Learners And The Difficulty Within Assessment, Identification, And Program Development, Gloria A. Avila, Kristi L. Santi

Journal of English Learner Education

This report explores the critical components of effective program placement for English learners, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment and identification processes to ensure appropriate placement. It highlights the rapid growth of the EL population, particularly in the state of Texas, and underscores the importance of developing tailored educational programs that meet the unique needs of English learners. By examining current practices and identifying key areas for improvement, this paper aims to enhance the academic and linguistic outcomes for English learners, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Transforming K-12 Classrooms: Ten Essential Strategies For Cultural Responsiveness, Sandra Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Regina Reber

Journal of English Learner Education

Across the United States, in K-12 classrooms, diverse student populations continue to increase, challenging educators to meet student cultural, linguistic, and academic needs. The study examined the best practices related to culturally responsive teaching (CRT) strategies to better meet all students' needs. A qualitative approach was used to collect data from licensed K-12 educators in New Mexico and Colorado. The findings revealed three essential themes: culturally responsive pedagogy, the positive impact of CRT, and the creation of physical spaces to support inclusivity. The findings revealed the significance of building strong relational capacity, encouraging collaboration, supporting multilingualism, and creating effective physical …

Transforming Future Classrooms: Exploring Mainstream Candidates’ Self-Efficacy, Amanda Nelms

Journal of English Learner Education

The nationwide shortage of teachers is having a profound impact on schools across the country. In addition, many teacher candidates are entering the profession without adequate preparation to effectively work with MLs, potentially exacerbating challenges faced by this student population. One innovative approach to teacher preparation is the implementation of Grow Your Own (GYO) programs. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on GYO programs by focusing on the self-efficacy of secondary mainstream teacher candidates in teaching MLs. This mixed-methods study collected data throughout a course centered on research-based instructional practices for MLs. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test …

The Use Of Phonics With Adult Ells At The Beginner Level, Jose V. Torres

Journal of English Learner Education

This study examines the work of Jose V. Torres, author of the Level 1 beginner adult ELL textbook I Want To Learn English, to evaluate the effectiveness of phonics instruction in literacy development for adult English Language Learners (ELLs). Drawing on data from two primary sources—(1) textbook-based assessments focused on students’ ability to distinguish between long and short vowels, and (2) CASAS outcome scores collected under controlled conditions at Baltimore Community College—this research addresses a significant gap in the literature on adult ELL literacy acquisition. Specifically, the study investigates the impact of explicitly integrating phonics instruction into a contextualized curriculum …

Promoting Critical Ai Literacy Through Online Video-Based Discussion, Mazid Ul Hasan, Janet Mannheimer Zydney

Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository

Video-based discussions can foster critical AI literacy by focusing on the potential benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations of using AI in education. The discussion may include video presentations with real-world examples about AI's advantages and pitfalls, synchronous discussions on video platforms, and asynchronous discussions that allow students to post answers through video. Prompts such as whether AI's benefits outweigh its costs or vice versa may bring in nuanced discourse, promoting a critical outlook toward AI among students.

Censorship Is Still A Drag: Lgbtq Materials And Programming Under Siege In Libraries, Jason D. Phillips, Jordan Ruud, Kestrel Ward, Amanda Melilli

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The presentation Censorship Is Still a Drag explores the escalating challenges facing libraries as they strive to uphold intellectual freedom amid rising censorship efforts targeting LGBTQ+ materials and programming. Drawing from the book Censorship Is a Drag: LGBTQ Materials and Programming Under Siege in Libraries, the presenters—Jason D. Phillips, Jordan Ruud, Kestrel Ward, and Amanda Melilli—offer a comprehensive overview of the legal, political, and institutional pressures threatening inclusive library practices. Through case studies and firsthand accounts, the presentation examines the impact of both external censorship and internal resistance within libraries, and introduces the concept of “queer battle fatigue” to …

Susan Stanford Friedman, Christine Froula

James Joyce Literary Supplement

No abstract provided.

Genetic Joyce, Emma-Louise Silva

James Joyce Literary Supplement

No abstract provided.

Irish Environmental Humanities, Emily Reiff

James Joyce Literary Supplement

No abstract provided.

Joyce, Emotion, And Belonging, Jason Parks

James Joyce Literary Supplement

No abstract provided.

Modern/Traditional/Radical, Shantam Goyal

James Joyce Literary Supplement

No abstract provided.

Albert L. Altman: A Political Model For Leopold Bloom, Shelly Harder

James Joyce Literary Supplement

No abstract provided.

Radio Empire, Alex Fabrizio

James Joyce Literary Supplement

No abstract provided.

Public Health Simulation Infused Program (Pship) Toolkit, Desiree A. Díaz, Mindi Anderson, Francisco Guido-Sanz, Peggy Hill, Samantha Stephenson, Heather Peralta, Syretta Spears, Geraldine Luzincourt

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Project Narrative

PURPOSE AND NEED

Purpose: Priorities set forth by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) are addressed in the proposed simulation program in an effort to meet curricular needs and foster care to the medically underserved in Florida, further exposing students to public healthcare needs. Interprofessional (nursing and social work) and intraprofessional (undergraduate nurse and Nurse Practitioner [NP]) instruction is essential in the simulation-based education (SBE) program, promoting important content on identifying risk factors and health assessment of the medically underserved community (MUC) (Education Priority 2, §831). Coordination of medical care is a vicarious learning opportunity for all …