Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Exercise On Mental Health And Well-Being On College Students, Keira Kitzmann

Psychology Student Publications

This paper shows the effects of exercise on mental health and well-being on college students. College students’ mental health is an important issue because it greatly affects their academic success and performance. Overall, exercise can improve the well-being of college students and increase mental health.

How Do Childhood Experiences Influence Risk-Taking Behavior In Adolescence?, Sidney Zimmerman

Psychology Student Publications

This paper explores how positive and adverse childhood experiences influence adolescents’ risk-taking behaviors. It explains that positive experiences often lead to healthy, growth-promoting risks, while adverse experiences can increase impulsivity and unhealthy risk-taking. Overall, it emphasizes that early life experiences shape how young people approach challenges and make decisions during adolescence.

How Does Childhood Trauma Increase The Risk Of Developing Depression In Adulthood?, Ella Heydmann

Psychology Student Publications

Childhood trauma is a common but often overlooked experience that can leave lasting effects on psychological and biological development. Research shows that exposure to abuse or neglect in early life can alter the brain structure, stress-response systems, and emotional regulation, which can increase vulnerability to depression and anxiety in adulthood. Furthermore, evidence suggests that the impact of trauma may reach across generations through behavioral mechanisms. Despite these risks, resilience and protective factors, such as early intervention, can minimize long-term consequences and help promote recovery. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies to reduce the lasting effects of …

Screen Time On Child Development, Mariah Lovro

Psychology Student Publications

This paper focuses on the effects of screen time on childhood developments. It explores different types and durations of screen time and how different areas of child development are afffected.

Emotional Regulation In Adolescents, Its' Link To Social Media, & Potential Solutions, Jace Burke

Psychology Student Publications

This essay discusses emotional regulation in adolescents, and how social media has significant effects on its development. It also goes over potential solutions on how to fix irregular emotional dysregulation, and how society might be able to help prevent or teach adolescents to adapt emotional regulation to the modern digital landscape.

Sensory Processing Difficulties In Children And How It Affects Behaviors And Parental Stress, Brooklyn Hagberg

Psychology Student Publications

This paper looks at how Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects children and their families. It explores how struggles with processing everyday sensory information can lead to behaviors that are often misunderstood, as well as the stress this can place on parents. By increasing awareness of SPD and its effects, we can better support children, ease parental challenges, and help kids feel more comfortable and successful in their daily lives.

How Ptsd And Trauma Affect The Brain, Presley Faris

Psychology Student Publications

How PTSD and trauma affect our brain function and structure. Kids are affected when they have lived through trauma as well.

Does Sleep Duration Affect Mental Health, Aubrey Aaland

Psychology Student Publications

Sleep is a critical component of overall health, yet inadequate sleep has become increasingly common, particularly among young adults and college students. This paper explores the relationship between sleep duration and mental health, with specific attention to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional instability. Not enough sleep can heavily impact an individual's mental health. This paper explores the negative effects of inadequate sleep on psychological well-being, focusing on the correlation between reduced sleep duration and increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional instability. Topics like the importance of sleep, the cycle of sleep and stress, and how it all affects …

Culture-Dependent Characterization Of Microbial Succession And Persistence In The Integrated Lunar/Martian Analog Habitat (Ilmah), Haley Olivia Boles

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines culture-dependent microbial monitoring in a closed lunar/Martian analog habitat, focusing on viable community dynamics relevant to long-duration missions. A standardized sampling and cultivation pipeline was implemented in ILMAH to track microbial succession and persistence under realistic operational conditions. Surface samples were collected across eight habitat zones at five mission timepoints (Days 0, 5, 10, 15, 20) during a 21-day crewed mission. Samples were concentrated post-collection and plated on chromogenic film media to quantify total aerobic bacteria (AC-R), fungi (YM-R), E. coli (EC), and S. aureus (SA). Plates were imaged and enumerated digitally; representative colonies were isolated and …

Resistance Through Policy: Documenting Lgbtq+ Advocacy In Public Education, Rhys Mitchell Fryar

Theses and Dissertations

This research examines how educational policies related to LGBTQ+ students are constructed, interpreted, and implemented across federal, state, and district-levels. It asks whether institutional intent reflects authentic commitment to equity or functions as symbolic compliance in politically contested environments. Using Portland Public Schools (PPS) as a case study, the analysis situates the district within Oregon’s affirming policy landscape and the Trump administration’s restrictive federal mandates. PPS has adopted policies, such as Administrative Directive 4.30.061 AD (2023b) and the Gender Identity Support Guide (2023a), to support queer and gender-expansive students; however, it faces a federal investigation (U.S. Department of Education, 2025b, …

Identity Formation Through The Lived Experiences Of Immigrant Muslim High School Students, Badera Muhanna

Theses and Dissertations

The growing number of Muslim students enrolled in U.S. public schools necessitates a more comprehensive understanding of their unique experiences within their educational environments. This phenomenological qualitative study investigated Muslim students' perceptions of their lived experiences in a high school in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. Six Muslim students in their junior and senior years were selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. Through the lens of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this study aimed to deepen understanding of how Muslim students develop their sense of identity and the factors that contribute to this development. The findings revealed that …

Exploratory Study Of Relationships Between Law Students' Well-Being, Academic Success, And Perceptions Of Passing The Bar Exam And Admission, Pamela Shea

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the experiences of law students that impact their perception of being prepared for the Bar Exam and Bar admission. Analyzing the stressors law students face during law school reveals the essential need to incorporate the eight dimensions of well-being into curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities for students to flourish as they prepare for post-graduation success. Using the data from the 2021 Survey of Law Student Well-Being, which surveyed 5,865 law students from thirty-nine ABA-accredited law schools, a three-factor model was created to group students’ concerns into academic and health concerns, social and environmental concerns, and well-being behavioral …

False Memory Susceptibility In Association With Attachment Theory: Effects On Memory Conformity, Rachel Catherine Miller

Theses and Dissertations

False memory research has been an evident topic in various fields of psychological study. Research in this area has important implications in forensic contexts and clinical settings as false memories can result in an array of harmful consequences. To explain individual differences in susceptibility to endorsing false memories of the rare medical procedure known as the voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), the current study extended the findings of Herndon and colleagues (2014). It also examined predictor variables from attachment theory (such as attachment anxiety and avoidance), depressive symptomatology, compliance levels (e.g., use of confederates), and the impact of guided imagery (i.e., a …

The Role Of Attitude Ambivalence In Extending The Theory Of Planned Behavior: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Factors Predicting Influenza Vaccine Uptake Intentions Among Active-Duty Military Parents For Themselves And Their Children, Walter Eugene Carroll

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is a mixed-methods study examining how U.S. military parents form intentions to vaccinate themselves and their children against influenza. The study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the construct of ambivalence tounderstand how attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control influence vaccination decisions within the unique institutional and cultural environment of military life. Quantitative data were collected from 341 military parents through an online survey distributed across more than 50 military-affiliated Facebook groups. Regression models tested TPB constructs, flu knowledge, and social media use as predictors of vaccination intention and ambivalence. Results showed that flu shot …

Examining The Utility Of Haptic Feedback To Improve Pilot Situational Awareness & Performance: A Psychophysiological Approach, Jessica Van Bree

Theses and Dissertations

Pilot situational awareness (SA) has been deemed to be a critical component of flight efficacy, efficiency, and overall mission success. Studies have shown that several incidents and accidents have been the result of level-one SA errors, meaning that members of the flight crew have failed to accurately perceive the elements in their environments. As such, several strategies have been investigated to improve pilot SA. One potential avenue of research is the addition of haptics in to the flight deck. In some studies, the implementation of haptics have shown to improve piloting tasks, pilot safety, and aircraft control. The current study …

Optimizing Virtual Reality User Experience With Balanced Integration Of Quality Attributes, Ananth Ramaseri

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a real-time adaptive framework for mitigating cybersickness and enhancing user experience in virtual reality (VR) environments by dynamically adjusting key visual rendering parameters in response to users’ head movements. Conventional VR systems typically rely on fixed or manually configured settings that do not account for individual motion patterns or varying susceptibility to discomfort, leading to suboptimal usability and degraded immersion. In response, this work integrates software architecture tactics with data-driven machine learning models to proactively manage cybersickness while preserving rendering performance.

The proposed system employs a client–server architecture based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern. We conducted a …

Integrating Cognitive And Visual Scanning Strategies In Flight Instruction: Effects On Student Pilots’ Learning During Approach And Landing, Hyungwoo Jo

Theses and Dissertations

This interdisciplinary study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to advance innovation in aviation education by incorporating eye tracking technology with enhanced performance traceability through visual modeling and comparative feedback. Specifically, the study investigated student pilots’ scanning behavior, cognitive strategies, and proficiency development on a normal approach and landing task by modeling flight instructors’ cognitive behavior. The first research phase revealed statistically significant differences in scanning ratios between 10 flight instructors and 10 student pilots along with substantial performance variation. The result showed that student pilots exhibited excessive outside fixation, often failing to monitor or respond to energy management in …

Understanding Ai Literacy: Implications For Practice​, Devon Olson, Janet Anderson, Sara Westall

Librarian Publications

Presentation from the 2025 Mountain Plains Library Association Tri-Conference, held in Grand Forks, ND. This presentation provides an overview of basic AI concepts and frameworks for AI literacy, discussing the impact of different patron and learner demographics on learner needs, competencies, and instructional strategies.

Cultivating Deia Skills In Open Education Research: The Impact Of Targeted Fellowship Support, Virginia Clinton-Lisell, Jasmine Roberts-Crews

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

In order to conduct effective research in open education, one needs skills in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. To address this need, a DEIA expert provided consultation to the members and mentor of a fellowship for open education researchers. After completing the fellowship, the researchers were asked to complete a survey about DEIA research skill development during the fellowship and their perceived challenges in DEIA research. Fellows (N = 42) across cohorts indicated growth in DEIA research skills during the fellowship. Notably, fellows who received DEIA consultation described more sophisticated development of DEIA research skills than fellows without the consultation. …

Open Access In The Age Of Ai: Rights, Access, And What Comes Next, Brittany Fischer, Meaghan Farrell

Librarian Posters and Presentations

This workshop aims to explain the evolving role of Open Access (OA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scholarly publishing, including how publishers and platforms are using AI technologies. Attendees should afterwards be able to understand author rights in the context of OA and AI and recognize the importance of reviewing publishing contracts. We will also discuss how to use AI tools to discover and evaluate Open Access content, with awareness of the opportunities and challenges posed by AI-generated material.

Financial And Behavioral Health For Helping Professionals, Jeffrey Anvari-Clark

Books

This open access book brings together decades of research and practice on the intersections among financial and behavioral health concerns. By framing financial health as comprised of financial precarity, financial efficacy, and financial well-being, this new addition to the field of behavioral health helps readers understand and address the surge of interest in financial health and wellness from a holistic, psychosocial perspective. The text explores not only how financial difficulties impose hardship on individuals, couples, and families, but also how these concerns shape our feelings, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors and thereby our health. Case examples throughout illustrate the concepts and …

Examining Student Resource Choice, Perception, And Self-Regulation In A Flipped Undergraduate Microbiology Lecture Course, Sarah Sletten

Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

This study examines student resource choice, perceptions, and self-regulated learning (SRL) in preparation for a flipped undergraduate microbiology course. Drawing on Expectancy-Value Theory, the investigation explored whether students prefer video lectures or complete note sets for pre-class preparation, how SRL strategies evolve over time, and the relationship between flipped classroom perceptions and in-class engagement. Data were collected across multiple course units using surveys—including a modified Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire—and analysis of resource selection and classroom participation. The results indicate a strong and increasing preference for slides over video lectures. Additionally, significant increases in higher-order cognitive strategies were observed alongside …

Imposter Phenomenon In A New Library Position, Karlene T. Clark

Librarian Posters and Presentations

This past year, Karlene moved into a reference position and went through a period of self doubt. This presentation will provide resources for others going through transitions at work, including academic resources and ways to calm and reassure yourself.

Matrescence, Erin Kunz

The Cicadian

Kunz reflects on her transformation into motherhood, describing the physical, emotional, and psychological shifts that accompany the process known as matrescence. Through vivid memories of childhood and early parenting, she explores the complexities of maternal love, especially for women who did not receive unconditional love themselves. Her rocking chair becomes a symbol of nurturing and endurance, where she gave everything to her children while grappling with her own identity. Erin also highlights the supportive role of her partner, challenging traditional gender norms and celebrating shared caregiving. As her children grow, she mourns the environmental changes that have altered the …

Summer Commencement: August 8, 2025, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND Summer Commencement program from August 8, 2025.

Exploring Open Pedagogy Principles: A Qualitative Study Of Undergraduate Experiences, Staci Gilpin, Stephanie Rollag Yoon, Virginia Clinton-Lisell

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Faculty Publications

Open pedagogy, characterisedby students creating or co-creating artefacts that others may use, offers transformative opportunities for students to move beyond passive learning into active content creation. This qualitative study examines the experiences of 25 undergraduate students who engage with open pedagogy principles, including creation-centred learning, collaboration, audience engagement, and the integration of Open Educational Resources (OER) and Creative Commons (CC) licensing. Using surveys and interviews, we identified three key themes: the importance of real audiences, authentic connections over prescribed collaborations, and rethinking the role of Creative Commons. Findings suggest that open pedagogy enhances student engagement and provides meaningful, real-world applications …

Potential Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On The Practice And Profession Of Speech-Language Pathology: A Working Paper, Manish Rami

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

This paper explores the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the profession of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). AI is widely recognized as a transformative force, presenting opportunities across both service delivery and professional practice in SLP. This paper examines how AI may partially or fully automate and augment key tasks such as screening, assessment, and treatment. It also addresses associated challenges, including data bias and the “black box” problem while advocating for proactive engagement with AI technologies. Finally, the paper posits that AI will reshape the field, serving as a collaborative partner for SLPs, enhancing efficiency, and expanding access to …

Explaining The Feedback Effect In Stuttering: A New Thesis, Manish Rami

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

Conditions such as choral reading, delayed or frequency altered auditory feedback, and masking with noise decrease the frequency of stuttering in people who stutter. This effect is known as the feedback effect. This paper proposes that the speech module mediates these effects. When speech stimuli -as feedback, actively engages the speech module in perceptual processes while the module is in the act of producing speech, the speech module enhances fluency in people who stutter. The characteristics of modules and their implications are considered and some suggestions for investigations are made.

Social Experiences Of Individuals With Autism In Adolescence And Adulthood: A Literature Review, Nichole Dumlao, F. Richard Ferraro

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

This literature review examines social experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during adolescence and adulthood, addressing a critical knowledge gap regarding developmental trajectories and support needs across the lifespan. Despite increased ASD awareness, individuals face persistent social challenges, with research showing concerning rates of isolation. The purpose of this review is to understand how sensory processing differences and atypical gaze behaviors contribute to social outcomes in ASD. As such, three key questions were asked: How do social participation patterns change from adolescence to adulthood? What sensory-based subtypes exist within ASD? How do different gaze behavior patterns relate to …

Development Of A Machine-Learning-Driven Digital Teaching Assistant That Utilises Student Engagement Data To Improve Access To And Success In K-12 Stem Education, Kelly Shreeve, Kathryn Jessen Eller, Michael Cassidy, Beth Price, Brandy Jackson, Anthony M. Perry, Leo Celi, Ismini Lourentzou, Luk Hendrik

Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice Faculty Publications

Student engagement is a key predictor of academic achievement and is closely linked to career awareness, interest, and preparedness. Measuring student engagement during STEM learning is challenging for teachers, given the dynamic and ever-changing nature of these learning environments. Even when engagement data can be collected, leveraging this information to refine and personalise instruction requires significant experience and time. To address this, we are developing Scoutlier EngagEd, a digital teaching assistant that embeds in existing Learning Management Systems (LMS) to automatically and invisibly gather multidimensional data on student engagement and performance during STEM learning. These data are being leveraged to …