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"En Papel,” Not In Practice: Indigenous Autonomy And The Structural Barriers To Land And Resource Control In Bolivia, Andrew F. Purcell

Honors Theses

This thesis examines why Bolivia’s 2009 plurinational constitution—despite its strong recognition of Indigenous autonomy, collective territory, and prior consultation—often produces rights that remain “en papel” rather than in practice. Based on one month of fieldwork in Tumupasa, Chojasivi, La Paz, El Alto, and Santa Cruz, the study draws on interviews, participant observation, and NGO documents to analyze the structural barriers that prevent constitutional guarantees from becoming enforceable governance tools. This gap between recognition and implementation structures the central research question: why do Bolivia’s constitutional and legal protections for indigenous land and resource rights function as symbolic guarantees rather than enforceable …

Expanding Expanded Access: A Case Of Onc201 And The Ethical Limitations Of Compassionate Use, Ava C. Hutchings

Honors Theses

This study examines the ethical and structural limitations of the Expanded Access program in the United States, with particular focus on its application to terminal pediatric illness. Although the program is intended to provide patients with life-threatening conditions access to investigational therapies outside of clinical trials, its effectiveness in serving critically ill children remains uncertain. This program is analyzed through careful consideration of regulatory review and ethical theory. Key policies governing Expanded Access are examined alongside scholarly discussions of pediatric autonomy and parental authority.

A case study of ONC201, a now-approved investigational drug, is used to illustrate how Expanded Access …

Jtc 26: Building Himself To Be Someone Else’S Inspiration, Whitney Woods

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2026 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

"For Their Effectual Exclusion": Oregon, Racial Exclusion, And Citizenship In The Mid-Nineteenth Century, Riley M. Littleton

Honors Theses

In light of Oregon’s admission to the Union as the only state to receive congressional approval with a racial exclusion clause in its constitution, this project seeks to examine the constitutional and cultural thought that ultimately led to the stamp of approval on the thirty-third state. In the past, Missouri had attempted a similar maneuver, seeking to bar free Black Americans from entry; Congress had not allowed it, believing that the provision violated the U.S. Constitution’s Privileges and Immunities Clause. This project investigates what changed congressional opinion between Missouri and Oregon’s respective times.

In researching contemporary literature to understand local …

How Ai Governance Differs Between Regime Type, Jackson T. Guillou

Honors Theses

This thesis will examine how artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and development differ across political regime types, arguing that governance outcomes are fundamentally shaped by institutional political structures. This thesis will draw on comparative frameworks analyzing democratic and authoritarian systems. This thesis will also include case studies of the European Union, the United States of America, China, and Russia. The study finds that democratic regimes tend to emphasize transparency, accountability, and rights-based regulation of AI. This often results in slow regulation of AI, but it is more ethically legitimate and constrained. In contrast, authoritarian regimes prioritize centralized control, strategic coordination, and …

Beyond Barriers: Understanding The Struggles And Support Systems For English Language Learners In Mississippi Public Schools, Gurkirt K. Sandhu

Honors Theses

English Language Learners (ELL) make up a growing portion of Mississippi’s public school population, yet questions remain about how effectively schools are supporting their academic development. This study explores the structure and implementation of ELL programs in the state of Mississippi, with a focus on how these programs are experienced by those directly involved: ELL administrators, parents, teachers, and former ELL students. By examining both institutional practices and personal perspectives, this study aims to better understand the strengths and limitations of the present Mississippi ELL support systems. This study employed a qualitative approach to gather insights from the above-mentioned individuals …

What Do We Owe A Drowning Coast? Examining Louisiana's Coastal Crisis Through The Lens Of Environmental Justice, Owen M. Plaisance

Honors Theses

This thesis argues that human contributions to Louisiana’s coastal land loss constitute a form of environmental injustice that cannot be adequately addressed through frameworks focused solely on aggregate welfare or distributive fairness. While utilitarian and Rawlsian approaches offer important insights, both are limited in capturing the full scope of harm caused by environmental degradation. In coastal Louisiana, land loss undermines not only economic resources and physical security but also the substantive freedoms required for individuals and communities to live meaningful and culturally rooted lives, while disrupting ecological systems and non-human flourishing. To address these limitations, the thesis develops the Capabilities …

The Influence Of The Federalist Society On Originalism In Supreme Court Opinions, Edoardo Santopuoli

Honors Theses

This thesis will investigate the influence of the Federalist Society on the use of originalism in Supreme Court opinions. To investigate this influence, justices that served on the Supreme Court from 1994 to 2022 are categorized based on whether or not they are affiliated with the Federalist Society. Then using artificial intelligence (ChatGPT version 5.3), ten Supreme Court opinions known to be originalist are used as a baseline for artificial intelligence to know what an originalist opinion looks like. Then, all majority opinions of the Supreme Court from that timeframe are scored from 1-10, with 10 meaning an opinion is …

Just War Theory And Coercive Non-Proliferation: Ethically Evaluating Nuclear Prevention Efforts, P. Walker Jacklin

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the ethics of coercively addressing non-nuclear states who are attempting to acquire nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons pose a serious danger on a global scale, so ethical analysis should balance these consequences with the coerciveness of state intervention. Just War Theory provides a useful framework that balances these considerations.  Using the criteria of Just War Theory, this thesis examines two 21st century non-proliferation operations: Operation Orchard and Operation Midnight Hammer. I find that Operation Orchard fails the criteria of Just War Theory, while Operation Midnight Hammer satisfies the criteria. Making this determination is ethically risky, however, because our …

Applied Accounting Perspectives: Case Studies In Theory, Regulation, And Practice, Zoe Justice

Honors Theses

This document includes two semesters of casework completed under the instruction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson in ACCY 420. These case studies were designed to expose accounting students to more applicable research to their field of study that will help them in their future careers. This document includes a total of eight case studies, spanning various topics in the accounting field. Most cases were completed in a group, with a few being completed individually. For each case, the topic was researched thoroughly using online resources and a solution was proposed or observations synthesized. During the second half of the course, my …

Beyond The Numbers: A Patterson School Of Accountancy Practicum, Olivia R. Mardis

Honors Theses

This practicum comprises six case studies that explore a range of accounting topics. While each case stands independently, the work collectively emphasizes the interpretation of financial information. Although financial statements may appear to some as a series of abstract figures, accountants are trained to understand and apply the “language of business,” transforming numerical data into meaningful insights that inform decision-making.

The first case provides an objective analysis of a company’s Form 10-K, focusing on interpreting financial statements and using that interpretation to evaluate performance and guide decisions. The second case examines the Corporate Transparency Act, analyzing its intended purpose, potential …

Ready: Piloting An Inclusive Higher Education Program For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At The University Of Mississippi, Emily R. Davis

Honors Theses

The University of Mississippi is currently one of the few SEC schools that does not offer an inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs). An initiative to bring inclusive higher education to Ole Miss began as a passion project led by Honors College student Bailey Beaird and continued through 2024. Bailey worked diligently to research and design a model for implementing a four-year inclusive higher education program (IHEP). Ultimately, the decision was made by the administration to postpone advancement of a four-year program due to limited campus resources and concerns surrounding long-term sustainability. Instead, the …

Exploring Real-World Accounting Problems Through Case Studies, Molly Clark

Honors Theses

This thesis is made up of six different accounting case studies completed both individually and collaboratively over two semesters in Accy 420 under the guidance of Dr. Dickinson. These case studies required in-depth research on the topics and reflection on how accounting concepts apply to real-world business situations. In the fall semester, a variety of case studies were assigned to help broaden understanding of relevant accounting topics such as regulatory issues and financial reporting. In the spring semester, students were placed into groups to do research on the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and evaluate its potential impact on an …

Neuroprotective Effects Of Estradiol And Genistein And Interactions With Aromatase Inhibitions Post Cerebellar Lesion In Male Zebra Finches, Grace E. Thompson, Anthony P. Irovic

Honors Theses

Across vertebrates, peripheral and brain-derived estradiol (E₂) promotes neuroplasticity. After injury, E₂ can be derived locally from testosterone via aromatase (AROM), an enzyme that is upregulated in glia at the site of neural injury. E₂disrupts testicular function and elevates cancer and stroke risk, primarily via binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ER α). Genistein (GEN), a phytoestrogen, is similar to E₂ but binds preferentially to estrogen receptor beta (ER β). It may offer neuroprotection without adverse effects of E₂. We used adult male zebra finches (ZF) to model neuroprotective effects of E_{2 …}

Financial Reporting, Strategy, And Legislation: A Study Of Post Holdings And Relevant Accounting Topics, Noah Harkins

Honors Theses

This thesis examines multiple areas of financial reporting, business strategy, and legislation. This was performed through a series of case studies completed in Accounting 420, where the purpose of the class was to apply accounting concepts to real-world business situations. The cases cover multiple areas of financial reporting, including asset theory, 10-K analysis, audit risk assessment, corporate legislation, business strategy, data analytics, economic policy, and professional leadership. The main analysis focuses on Post Holdings, with supporting cases involving Tyson Foods, the Corporate Transparency Act, Thomas Sowell, Ronald Reagan, and broader accounting theory.

The research process used throughout the thesis consisted …

Optimization And Dynamic Control Of Acetone Production From Isopropyl Alcohol, Thomas W. Wasson

Honors Theses

This paper investigates the optimization and dynamic control of acetone production via catalytic dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol. Optimization was conducted using steady-state Aspen Plus modeling with product specifications of 30,000 metric tons per year of 99.9% pure acetone by weight. Dynamic modeling of the feed preparation and reaction portions of the process was conducted in Aspen Plus Dynamic. Through optimization efforts the primary economic factor, net present value (NPV), was increased from $(126.6) million to $(83.2) million, representing a $43.4 million increase. This was primarily accomplished through a switch to low temperature catalyst, optimization of reactor dimensions, pressurization of key …

The Rise Of Realism And The Search For Justice In 19th Century Literature, Isabella R. Clark

Honors Theses

This thesis follows parallel legal and literary arcs towards “Realism.” While these two movements do not have the exact same timeline, they both characterized the 19th century. This thesis intertwines the literary shift towards writing that more closely resembles reality with the legal realist aim at a justice that more closely relates to its society. As we look at three novels from the 19th century, we will see how the change in literary form relates to a change in legal philosophy as the popular literary style and goal was later formalized by the law. In our study of each novel, …

Storytelling As A Pedagogical Tool For Improving Memory In Lectures, Sydney E. Rutter

Honors Theses

The purpose of the study was to examine if utilizing storytelling in lectures caused a positive effect on students' memory over a week-long period. Storytelling has been used as a mnemonic device to improve memory, however its benefits have not been experimented much in higher education. In this study, 53 undergraduate psychology students were placed into two groups: traditional lecture or storytelling lecture. Students then watched the lecture they were assigned, both lectures discussed the ASURE model. A week later, students returned and took a 17 question memory test. Results indicated that students who watched the storytelling lecture performed significantly …

An Analysis Of Accounting Topics Through Case Studies, Nathan J. Hilzinger

Honors Theses

This thesis discusses and evaluates various contemporary accounting topics and issues through five different case studies in both a group and individual setting. These cases are intended to give students an opportunity to research a broad range of topics and get an in-depth view of different companies, economists, and current events relating to accounting and broader business topics. Through this process students are required to use their financial accounting knowledge gained from previous classes, critical thinking skills, and continue to develop their writing skills in both an educational and professional capacity. The content of this thesis is largely derived from …

The Myth Of The Italiani Brava Gente In Cinema Since 1945, Bradley P. Reimer

Honors Theses

The myth of the italiani brava gente has been intertwined with cinema since the end of the Second World War. This thesis aims to examine the ways in which these movies, from neorealist classics to disregarded comedies, are influenced by this myth.

By analyzing thirteen films of both Italian and American origin, clear trends begin to emerge between the socioeconomic state of Italy and the ways in which the myth is manifested on the silver screen. When Italy emerges from the war a rebuilding country, the films focus on the futility of war and the evil of Nazi Germany. During …

Unequal Paths: Experiences Navigating The U.S. Naturalization Process And The Role Of Education, Cecilia Rayburn

Honors Theses

This study examines how educational attainment shapes immigrants’ experiences with the U.S. naturalization process, with a focus on how education influences confidence, access to resources, and the ability to manage bureaucratic demands. While the legal requirements for naturalization are standardized, the ability to navigate them varies widely across individuals. Applicants’ experiences reveal that the U.S. naturalization process is often more complex and unequal than it may appear. This research was conducted through five semi-structured interviews with naturalized citizens of varying levels of higher education. These interviews explored participants’ experiences with the application process, including their preparedness, access to support systems, …

The Proportionality Trap: Why Retributivism's Core Principle Falls Short, Neely C. Kiihnl

Honors Theses

The notion that punishment should “fit” the crime dates back to legal retribution’s origins. Retributivism posits that offenders deserve punishment matching the severity of their crimes, lending intuitive appeal over utilitarianism, which critics argue ignores moral wrongdoing by focusing solely on social benefits like reduced harm.

Yet Adam Kolber’s work exposes proportionality’s vagueness: it raises more problems and questions than it solves. In the first section of this paper, the concept of proportionality is explored in more depth. The second section, led by Kolber’s critiques, casts doubt on the stability of proportionality. Finally, in the third section, I propose a …

How Ux Design Shapes Brand Perception In Digital Environments Among Gen Z, Adriane R. Arinder

Honors Theses

This study examines how user experience (UX) design shapes brand perception among young adult consumers, with a focus on digitally active individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. Drawing on a review of academic and industry literature, qualitative data from a focus group of seven University of Mississippi students, and quantitative data from a survey of 153 participants, this research argues that intuitive, accessible digital experiences function as a form of brand communication that significantly influences how users evaluate the companies behind them. The study conceptualizes UX through four primary dimensions: usability, navigation clarity, interaction efficiency, and accessibility. Findings …

Neither Academy Nor Convent: Reconciling Religious And Feminist Readings Of Mary Astell, Hannah E. Brown

Honors Theses

Mary Astell is frequently interpreting through competing frameworks: as either a feminist advocate of women’s rational autonomy or a religious conservative committed to Anglican orthodoxy. This division reflects a broader tendency in Astell scholarship to separate her intellectual, moral, and theological commitments into distinct and often conflicting domains. This paper argues that such fragmentation is not grounded in Astell’s own philosophy but is instead the result of interpretive assumptions—particularly the view that intellectual autonomy and religious obedience are incompatible. By examining Astell’s account of reason, education for women, and spiritual development, this paper demonstrates that these elements form an integrated …

Ccr5 Sulfopeptide Library And O-Glycosylated Amino Acids As Chemical Tools For Probing Chemokine Receptor Recognition, Mostafa Mohammed Mohammed Ali Eldeen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chemokine-receptor interactions play a central role in immune regulation and disease pathogenesis, particularly through CCR5, a receptor engaged by chemokines such as CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5. Post-translational modifications of the CCR5 N-terminus—including tyrosine sulfation at positions 3, 10, 14, and 15, and O-glycosylation at serine 6—critically modulate chemokine recognition and selectivity. However, the impact of specific sulfation patterns on chemokine binding and the synergistic effects of combined sulfation and glycosylation remain incompletely understood. This thesis presents a two-project chemical approach to systematically investigate CCR5 post-translational modifications. In Project 1, a comprehensive 16-member library of CCR5???? sulfopeptides representing all possible combinations …

A Revised Quantifier Variance And Its Implications On Vagueness, Isaac Alexander Huling

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper argues that the Special Composition Question has no substantive answer, not because compositional talk is empty but because the physical structure it tracks does not have the form that would privilege a unique answer. The argument accepts Sider’s methodological premise that the world must provide structure beyond description if ontological vocabulary is to mean anything, and deploys that apparatus against his specific application of it to composition. Constraint processes among a system’s parts – the forces and interactions that hold rigid bodies together, maintain organisms, bind solar systems – satisfy every condition Lewis required of reference magnets. They …

Murdoch's Metaphorical And Mystical Moral Metaphysics, William Jade Langley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this project, I explain the mysticism found in Iris Murdoch’s The Sovereignty of Good, emphasizing what the illustrative thought experiments and metaphors are meant to explain. To do this, I introduce her understanding of G. E Moore’s moral realism and compare this with how Bertrand Russell understands mystical intuition and revelation. Then, to understand how we can still do moral philosophy when morality is fundamentally mystical, I compare Murdoch’s usage of metaphor with that of Victoria Welby, who also takes metaphorical understanding to be crucial to our understanding of the world. Though Welby goes further than Murdoch in saying …

Media Framing Of Peace And Justice In Post Conflict Societies: Rwanda And Colombia In Focus, Ahmer Anwar Khan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates how traditional journalism frames peace and justice in post-conflict societies, using Rwanda and Colombia as comparative case studies. It explores the role of media in shaping public discourse around transitional justice, reconciliation, and national healing. The findings indicate that Rwanda’s media adopted a justice-first framing, emphasizing accountability and moral restoration through mechanisms such as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the Gacaca courts. In contrast, Colombian journalism during the 2012–2016 peace negotiations with the FARC guerrilla group prioritized peace-first framing, portraying dialogue and reintegration as essential to ending decades of violence. These divergent approaches reflect …

Secondary English Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding The Impact, If Any, Of Shifts In The Emphasis Of History Education On Students’ Comprehension Of Literature, Bailey J. Poole

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored secondary English teachers’ perceptions of the emphasis on history education and its perceived impact on their students’ comprehension of literature. This research used an interpretivist approach and a conceptual framework shaped by schema theory and constructivism to understand whether teachers perceived a shift in the value of history education, how they described such shifts, if any, and how they responded instructionally to those shifts, if necessary.

Data was collected through six semi-structured interviews with 11th and 12th grade English Language Arts teachers from public high schools in Mississippi, each with a minimum of ten years teaching …

Disturbances In A Convergece Zone: Artisanal Fishers And The Making Of The Nearshore In Northern Coastal Peru, Leigh Shattuck Rodi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This project seeks to study how artisanal fishers in northern coastal Peru interpret and respond to environmental change provoked by three sources of harm: climate change, overfishing, and contamination. Drawing from six and a half weeks of ethnographic fieldwork among artisanal fishers in Lobitos, Peru, this paper foregrounds the concept of the nearshore assemblage to highlight the ever-shifting relations between humans and marine ecologies that constitute littoral and oceanic worlds. Artisanal fishers utilize discriminatory, non-mechanical methods to fish in a protected section of Peru’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Fishing livelihoods in this space were previously possible because the convergence of …