Digital Commons Network^™

Strategies For Identifying Collaborators: ​Writing & Presenting Collaboratively​, Rachel E. Vacek, Sarah A. Norris

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

A presentation for the University of Central Florida library faculty meeting that highlighted best practices and strategies for effectively collaborating with colleagues on scholarly activities, such as writing journal articles and other publications and presentations.

Mnemonic To Paraphrase A Source And Cite In Apa 7th Edition, Lily Dubach

UCF Created OER Artifacts

This open educational resource illustrates the input-output flow from a prompt typed into ChatGPT 4o (a generative AI developed by OpenAI) to elicit a mnemonic to help students understand how to paraphrase a source and cite it in APA 7^th edition.

Hiss, Ribbit, Vroom: An Examination Of Herpetofaunal Abundance In An Area Surrounded By Anthropogenic Noise, Isabella Berenyi, Genesis Fontanet, Jona Mckinley, Iso Suarez

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2025

Human population is increasing and will continue to do so, which means more wild habitat is altered. Even areas that are designated for preservation or conservation may still experience indirect alteration, such as anthropogenic noise and road mortality. Anthropogenic noise, or noise from people, becomes noise pollution when it disrupts an ecosystem’s functioning. The objective of this experiment was to determine the influence of road noise pollution on the abundance of reptiles and amphibians on a UCF campus wetland. Between the months of January and April of 2025, we performed basic trapping and dipnetting as well as walked transects to …

Raising Cybersecurity Awareness In Central Florida Communities, Jacob S. Freeman

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The threat of cyberattacks is larger than ever. As our lives move further into the digital age, attackers become smarter, learn new techniques, and exploit subtler vulnerabilities. If we want to train a generation that is protected from these threats, it is our responsibility to start educating people early, not just after they enter the workforce.

To do this, I partnered with a non-profit student organization called the Collegiate Cyber Defense Club, better known as Hack@UCF, to teach the UCF student body and others in the Central Florida area about cybersecurity. Our focus was on both understanding modern threats and …

Predicting Superconducting Critical Temperature From Composition-Derived Features: A Transparent Linear And Regularized Regression Study, Md Ahiduzzaman

Data Science and Data Mining

We study prediction of superconducting critical temperature (Tc) from 81 composition-derived descriptors across 21,263 materials. To keep the analysis transparent and repro- ducible, we focus on linear models: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Ridge, Lasso, and Elastic Net (ENet). All models share a single evaluation protocol (5-fold cross-validation with standardized inputs) and are compared on RMSE, MAE, and R2. On this feature set, OLS attains the best cross-validated performance (RMSE = 17.6 K, MAE = 13.3 K , R2 = 0.735), with Lasso/ENet essentially tied next (RMSE ≈ 17.7 K , R2 ≈ 0.734); Ridge underperforms (RMSE = 18.9 K , …

Comparative Analysis Of Lasso, Ridge, And Elastic Net For Variable Selection In High-Dimensional Maize Data, Md Ahiduzzaman

Data Science and Data Mining

In high-dimensional genomic data analysis, traditional linear regression techniques often struggle due to the presence of a large number of predictor variables relative to observations. Penalized regression methods such as LASSO, Ridge, and Elastic Net have emerged as effective solutions by imposing regularization, which helps in managing multicollinearity and enhancing prediction accuracy. This study applies these techniques to the Maize dataset to model the time to male flowering, selecting relevant genetic markers as predictors. Our findings suggest that Elastic Net is particularly effective for high-dimensional data with correlated variables, achieving a balance between prediction accuracy and variable selection. The results …

Change Through Social Media: Sparking Wildlife Conservation One Click At A Time, Bryce J. Fable, Lauren Fitzsimmons, Noshi Kapoor, Anne Reichle, Sara Wise, Robin O'Meallie, Greg Zboch

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

As the natural world faces unprecedented threats, conservation efforts depend not only on research and policy but also on public awareness and engagement. This project partnered with the Zoo Miami Foundation to promote awareness through social media initiatives and interactive educational events at the University of Central Florida.

The authors began by studying Zoo Miami’s ongoing conservation projects and the specific environmental pressures faced by endangered species and habitats. To align with Zoo Miami’s exceptional standard of credibility, the team conducted in-depth research that extended beyond the foundation’s website to create material that served to both inform the general public …

Little Learners, Big Impact: Inspiring Ocean Awareness In Young Minds, Carly Chard, Kate Frawley, Eduardo Sanchez

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

Marine pollution is one of the most urgent environmental crises of our time, threatening the health of our oceans, the survival of marine life, and the well-being of human societies that rely on them. Our educational presentation introduced 3rd-grade students to the issue of marine pollution through creative, hands-on learning. Students built recycled fish crafts using everyday materials, played an interactive cleanup game that demonstrated the importance of removing trash and rescuing marine animals tangled in fishing lines, and helped design a classroom mural to serve as a lasting reminder of their efforts. This service-learning project not only helped us …

Generations United: Empowering Seniors Through Service, Joseph C. Neddo, Samantha A. Renda, Eli J. Richard, Adam M. Lease, Athan L. Huskey, Connor J. Buttitta

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

As part of my service-learning experience, I partnered with Legacy Pointe at UCF, a senior living community dedicated to lifelong enrichment. Alongside my team, I helped design and implement resident-centered programs that focused on healthcare transitions, wellness, and emotional support. We hosted Healthcare Talks to educate residents on moving between independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. We also organized Flu Shot Clinics in collaboration with CFP Comprehensive Primary Care to promote preventative care, and facilitated mental wellness activities like memory games and a resident-led outdoor golf tournament.

Working with Legacy Pointe staff, Dr. Burrows’ practice, and faculty …

Amy Zeh High-Impact: Hope Helps, Yvon Mbenza, Anant Ajvalia, Armando Ramirez, Alan Claiman

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The purpose of our project was to volunteer with HOPE Helps, a nonprofit organization that provides community support through its thrift store, food pantry, and outreach events. Our group, Project Pegasus, worked onsite to help sort donations, organize items, and assist in the operation of the thrift store. We coordinated efforts with the volunteer manager and staff, who guided us and made sure we understood expectations and procedures. One of the most meaningful activities involved working alongside staff and other volunteers as coworkers to see how teamwork and common purpose create effective service. A key thing we learned was about …

What Kind Of World Do I Want To Live In?, Gabriel T. Silva

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

Marine Conservation and Restoration is one of the most influential courses through community engagement and class discussion on conservation and restoration strategies. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Walters’ CEE (Coastal & Estuarine Ecology) Lab to plant mangroves and census oysters for restoration projects and to contribute to microplastics research based out of the Indian River Lagoon. Through this course, I gained experience that can be utilized in active research and active restoration through hands-on work both in the field and in the laboratory which will strengthen my academic CV and personal skill development. Engagement with the local …

Improving Pcos Through Movement: A Study On Hiit, Strength Training And Women’S Health, Angela Avdella, Eryka Salta

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

This integrative learning project examined how different forms of physical activity—specifically High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Strength Training (ST)—impact hormonal and physical health in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting 6–15% of women and is associated with insulin resistance, elevated testosterone levels, increased body fat, and long-term risks such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Because lifestyle interventions are key to PCOS management, this interventional study enumerated exercise as a strategy to improve health outcomes.

The study used was a 12-week intervention design in which participants completed either HIIT or strength training …

Association Between Excess Body Weight And Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Incidence, Taylor Parks

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

No abstract provided.

Sir Francis Drake, Pirate Or Privateer, Sarah Green

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

This project explores the early life of Sir Francis Drake and the legacy he left. I will be focusing on how he operated as both a loyal servant to Queen Elizabeth I and a controversial figure in the eyes of Spain and Ireland. Using sources, I examine how his actions were framed as patriotic service, even though they often involved looting and destruction. Some key focuses that I go into are his failed voyages; one with John Hawkins and the Portuguese, and the other focus is the raid on Nombre de Dios. I also look at his role in Ireland …

Enhancing Ulcerative Colitis Care: Combining A Fasting Mimicking Diet With Induction Therapy, Umed Norkulov, Arianna Rivera, Fawaz Qazi

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

This project analyzed a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of adding a Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD) to advanced induction therapy for patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) The study (NCT0405410) was a Phase 3, randomized controlled trial involving 32 active participants. The intervention group (n=14) received advanced therapy plus the FMD, while the control group (n=18) received therapy alone. The primary objective was to determine if the FMD could improve remission rates and biomarkers. The trial found a statistically significant (P=0.05) benefit for the combined treatment group. The intervention group achieved a 57% clinical response rate compared to 38% in the control …

The Complete Picture: Bird Behavior On Fragmented Vs. Intact Oyster Reefs, Sophia L. Mcgarrity, Natalia Knapp-Seale, Gwyn Kirby, Enno Turner, Laura Ramsey

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The presence and health of Florida’s coastal birds rely heavily on the integrity of oyster reefs, which house their crawling and swimming prey items. During this project, we observed bird behaviors across oyster reefs in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) via camera trap footage. The IRL is an important coastal ecosystem that preserves numerous bird species. A previous study in the IRL suggested that live oyster reefs have birds exhibiting more foraging behaviors than on dead reefs, suggesting a need to maintain connected reefs. Our work supports the research of Ph.D. candidate Tara Blanchard, whose work will inform decision-making for …

Lagoon Lessons: Where Science Meets Service Learning, Cori Mcwilliams, Christopher Poulios

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

When we were kids, we were always told to leave someplace better than you found it - maybe it was your room, campsite, or local park. Now, we have taken this lesson as a call to action to restore the Indian River Lagoon. Over the semester, we created and hosted an Oyster City Safari program for elementary schoolers as a part of UCF’s STEM Day, educating 50 students about oyster reefs and their importance for conservation. We also supported faculty and graduate students in their active research projects, and worked hands-on with local restoration leaders in their ongoing conservation work. …

From Weight To Risk: Understanding Obesity’S Role In Diabetes Mortality, Orina V. Thomas

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The goal of the study was to look into the potential relationship between obesity and diabetes-related mortality in the state of Florida. Diabetes is a significant chronic illness that has a wide range of effects throughout the state and is linked to major complications and early mortality. Understanding this association is crucial for guiding public health initiatives because obesity is one of the most significant and avoidable risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

To examine this association, I conducted an ecological correlation study using 2022 data from all 67 Florida counties. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was used …

Home-Based Exercise Programs For Recovery After Tavr, Nikko Marvin A. Zamora, Bailey Mclain, Devrim Yalcindag, Aisha Khurshid, Michael Ortiz, Cheryl Cavaliere

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The project titled “Home-Based Exercise Program for Recovery After TAVR” focuses on improving recovery outcomes in patients with heart valve disease, specifically those who have undergone Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). The purpose of the project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program, with and without Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI), compared to an educational control program. The study aimed to enhance patients’ physical functionality, quality of life, and recovery time after TAVR—an important consideration for older adults who may not be eligible for open-heart surgery.

Key activities included interpreting a clinical trial. To be able to look …

Health-Link Society, Reagan M. Lenihan

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

No abstract provided.

The World Is My Oyster: Restoring Nature, Inspiring Minds, Antonia N. Ferguson

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

Through Service Learning: Marine Conservation and Restoration, I was a co-leader for UCF STEM Day under the theme “Oyster City Safari.” Our team designed interactive games and crafts to teach two groups of 25 elementary students about oyster reef restoration. Students acted as oysters and reef animals, transforming fragmented reefs into whole ones to demonstrate how restored reefs support biodiversity. They also played a species-matching game and created oyster shell necklaces and crowns. These activities encouraged them to see the value of oyster reefs and inspired future stewardship of the environment. I also contributed to seagrass restoration by assisting Coastal …

Divng Deep: Inspiring Young Scientists Through Ocean Exploration, Chloe Lowman, Mia Sims

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

What started as a simple lesson plan grew into an unforgettable journey of inspiring young minds to explore the mysteries of the deep sea. The goal of our service-learning project was to spark curiosity and make a meaningful impact on our community by inspiring the next generation of young scientists. We designed and taught an interactive marine science lesson for fourth graders at Rainbow Elementary School, diving deep into the fascinating world of the ocean’s darkest zones. Through hands-on games, creative crafts, and lively discussions, students explored how extraordinary adaptations help deep-sea creatures survive where sunlight never reaches. We wanted …

Facilitation Of Historic Preservation In Parramore, Aiyana Gross

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

The Parramore Speaks project is an initiative hosted by the UCF Public History Department designed to give agency back to the resident’s of Parramore by putting the preservation of their history back into their hands. Through a collaborated with the City of Orlando, RICHES and the PHC Internship, I had the unique opportunity to be a part of a team dedicated to preserving and sharing the endangered local histories of communities located here in Central Florida. I worked personally with the oral interviews and transcriptions for individuals such as Reggie McGill, Alzo J. Reddick, Walter Hawkins and Paul Perkins, tirelessly …

Exploring Leadership Through The Avenues Of Homelessness And Hunger In Our Community., Kaitlyn R. Aust Ms., Matthew L. Bensey Mr., Moriah C. Boring Ms.

High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

While at Second Harvest, we volunteered at the Mercy Kitchen and the donation sorting warehouse. At the Mercy kitchen we organized boxes of snacks to be sent to after school programs, and we prepared and packaged meals that were going to be sent to schools and families. We also helped around the facility by cleaning the kitchen and washing the dishes. At the donation sorting, we collected large boxes of donated food items, and we sorted them into categories. These items were then sent to the kitchen or straight to families and kids.

We learned valuable servant leadership skills from …

Market Signals And Price Setting: Unveiling Barometric Price Leader In The Hotel Sector, Sung W. Lee, Donna Quadri-Felitti, Ami Sharma, Seoki Lee

Journal of Hospitality Financial Management

This paper introduces the concept of barometric price leadership to the hotel sector, where a leading hotel sets prices that reflect demand and supply trends, guiding other hotels in the market to set their prices. While the significance of competitor-based pricing has been rec- ognized, the strategic influence of such price leaders on rivals' pricing has not been thor- oughly examined. This conceptual study delves into the existing literature to discuss the underpinnings and implications of such leadership, illustrating how prices portray vital mar- ket information. The study argues for the recognition and strategic importance of barometric price leaders in …

An Application Of The Abc Classification To A Comparative Analysis Of Financial Performance: A Case Of Listed Hotels In Thailand, Slisa Bhamornsathit

Journal of Hospitality Financial Management

The hotel industry in Thailand has benefited from an increase in tourism and a growth op- portunity from the free flow of trade and investment in the ASEAN region. This study inves- tigates the financial performance of hotel companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thai- land during the 2011–2022 period. The ABC classification was applied to categorize a sam- ple of hotels based on revenue. The financial performance of the classified hotels was then examined using comparative ratio analysis. The results indicated that high-revenue hotels performed well in terms of profitability; medium-revenue hotels presented high efficiency in asset management, …

Agenda 2025-01, Staff Council

Staff Advisory Council Meeting Agendas

A meeting agenda is a list of the topics that will be discussed during a meeting, along with other details. The agenda is usually shared with participants before the meeting so they can prepare. The agenda's purpose is to give participants a clear outline of what should happen in the meeting, who will lead each task, and how long each step should take.

Editors’ Letter – Repositioning Jhfm For Impact And Global Relevance, Murat Kizildag, Mats Carlbäck, Jessica Vieira De Souza

Journal of Hospitality Financial Management

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Switching Costs In The Triangle Of Complaint Behavior, Satisfaction, And Switching Behavior In The Hotel Context, Talal Abuhulaibah, Lisa Slevitch

Journal of Hospitality Financial Management

The influence of switching costs could play an important role that prevents dissatisfied cus- tomers from switching to another service provider, particularly in the highly competitive hotel market. Drawing on Hirschman’s model of customers’ reactions to service failures (1970), this study investigated the moderating effect of switching costs on the inter-relationships between complaint behavior, customer satisfaction, and switching behavior for hotel guests. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed via Amazon Mechanical Turk and yielded a total of 1,135 responses from travelers who stayed in US hotels and experienced service failures. The results of this study revealed that switching costs did influence …

Advisor And Counselor Perceptions Within A Southeastern State’S Private Institutions: A Qualitative Exploratory Case Study, Thomas A. Range

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

U.S. Black American college students identifying as first generation and experiencing lower socioeconomic status have lagged behind White college students from more affluent families in retention, graduation, and postgraduation metrics. These differences are particularly acute for students attending private, predominantly White institutions. However, there is a gap in knowledge about how student services personnel—whose roles directly impact students’ perseverance toward graduation and their postgraduation plans—are perceived. Many external barriers (e.g., inadequate student support; racial discrimination; counselor, advisor, administrator, and college leadership biases) have continued to hinder success of Black American collegians in private institutions. To focus this study, two guiding …