Digital Commons Network^™

A Stochastic Framework For Hosting Capacity Analysis Of Residential Distribution Systems With Solar Photovoltaic And Electric Vehicle Adoption, Sina Ibne Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

The rise of distributed generation and the electrification of transportation are driving fundamental changes in the electric grid. The growing adoption of electric vehicles and solar rooftops introduces significant uncertainty in demand patterns, posing new challenges for the operation of distribution systems. Residential distribution systems are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of residential solar photovoltaics (PV) generation and electric vehicle charging, as they introduce significant variability and localized stress on the grid. To ensure reliable and efficient operation, utilities must account for the long-term growth of these technologies in their planning processes. While substantial progress has been made in assessing …

Toward An Anthropological Ecocriticism, Grant Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental storytelling has increasingly reckoned with concepts and assumptions about (N/a)ture inherited from the Western intellectual tradition. The late 2010s and early 2020s in particular have seen an explosion of fiction that interrogates the limits of these past ideas. Relatedly, ecocriticism of this period has entered a self-reflexive mode that has sought to deal with its own limitations while offering insights that may prove generative for a more general audience of environmentally minded readers. This project adds to ongoing ecocritical discourse by tracing a series of implicit affinities between the broad traditions of anthropology and environmental fiction through their shared …

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 …

Beyond Artemis: A Framework For Strategic International Cooperation In Space Exploration And Security, Lang Eric Sundby

Theses and Dissertations

The need for a more robust and formalized international cooperation framework has grown from the technological and political developments of both State and commercial actors in the space domain. Existing treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty, have established norms for space activities, and recent agreements, like the Artemis Accords, have advanced additional innovative principles. Despite this progress, these agreements fall short of offering organizational structures for cooperation and methods for legal enforcement. Growing geopolitical competition has led to the formation of new models for China’s and Russia’s cooperation with other States in space, which include the International Lunar Research …

Data-Driven Evalutation And Optimization Of Fishbone Well Configurations For Geothermal Energy Recovery In The Red River Formation, Cedar Creek Anticline, Candace Proksch

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates the geothermal potential of the Red River C interval at the Cedar Creek Anticline and develops a workflow for screening fishbone multilateral designs in a heterogeneous carbonate reservoir. Regional heat-flow and depth maps delineated Cedar Creek as a thermally favorable site and the lower dolomite as the primary reservoir target, supporting construction of a 3D Petrel model that captured the five-member C-interval architecture, petrophysical properties, and temperature field. A multi-stage Particle Swarm Optimization and fast-marching framework used this model to generate and rank fishbone injector–producer configurations, and a line-source approximation combined with a fixed-efficiency Organic Rankine Cycle …

Looking At Teacher Knowledge, Skills, And Dispositions To Create School-Wide English Learning, Grace Elizabeth Allely

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation-in-practice addresses the gap between teacher preparation and the rapidly growing multilingual learner population in U.S. public schools, where one in four students is classified as an English Learner yet only half of states mandate specialized teacher training for this population. Grounded in sociocultural learning theory, the know-do gap framework, and implementation science principles, this qualitative study investigates how the School-Wide English Learning (SWEL) peer coaching model bridges the divide between educators' theoretical knowledge and classroom application. Through focus group interviews with eleven general education teachers who participated in SWEL coaching for at least six months in Minnesota District …

Dynamic Wellbore-Integrity Framework For Post-Blowout Capping Of Offshore Wells, Abdelhakim Khouissat

Theses and Dissertations

In the aftermath of a blowout, a well undergoes a period of unrestricted fluid discharge (de facto primary recovery) followed by pressure buildup after its shut-in, which can adversely impact wellbore integrity. The quintessential example is Union Oil’s 1969 “A-21” well blowout in California’s Santa Barbara Channel, where seafloor-broaching incidents (oil “boilups”) kept taking place from the sides of the well following several failed well-capping attempts, until reservoir depletion eventually allowed a successful shut-in.Analytical and numerical reservoir depletion models are coupled with near-wellbore geomechanics to quantify yardsticks related to the post-blowout discharge utilized to indicate dangers for underground blowouts, in …

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 …

The Impacts Of Hydrometeor Centrifuging On Numerical Simulations Of Supercells And Tornado-Like Vortices, Ronald Stenz

Theses and Dissertations

Supercell simulations capable of resolving a tornado-like vortex (TLV) have typically ignored hydrometeor centrifuging, resulting in the unrealistic buildup of precipitation in the center of TLVs. To improve the realism of numerical simulations of supercells and their resulting TLVs, an algorithm to parameterize bulk hydrometeor centrifuging was incorporated into an idealized cloud model. Simple idealized vortex simulations and simulations of supercells producing TLVs were analyzed to determine the impacts of hydrometeor centrifuging on numerically simulated supercells and TLVs. The inclusion of hydrometeor centrifuging does not appear to directly impact the intensity and duration of supercell spawned TLVs. Although precipitation minima …

Degradable And Tunable Silyl Ether And Silyl Ester Containing Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization, Hyperbranching, And Applications, Vladimir Vladimirovich Zotov

Theses and Dissertations

The development of degradable polymers has emerged as a significant focus within academic research, driven by increasing concerns over non-degradable waste. Previous studies showed the ability to degrade the Si-O-C bond in mild conditions, which was further taken into medical applications. The slow degradation time of the linear polymers and their nanoparticles in mild conditions led us to pursue two different solution paths. In this work we looked at hyperbranched poly(silyl ether)s A2+B3 and A2A’+B3 methodologies and silyl ester containing polymers. Hyperbranched polymers show potential in drug delivery applications as they are capable of loading more of the drug and …

Dynamic Techno-Economic Analysis Of Advanced Configuration Of Chemical Absorption Carbon Capture Technology Integration With Natural Gas Combined Cycle, Akinwale Akinwunmi Akinmoladun

Theses and Dissertations

CO2 emissions from the power sector continue to increase annually owing to global economic growth and the electrification of end-use energy consumption. Natural gas power plants are recognized for their flexibility in ensuring grid stability. The rise in the share of renewable energy sources in the grid has led to part-load operation and reduced capacity factors for fossil fuel power plants. The importance of carbon capture technology (CCT) in reducing CO2 emissions is generally recognized. This study investigates the integration of post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) technology in the power sector as a means of addressing three closely related challenges: first, …

Control Strategy, Multi-Objective Optimization, And Economic Viability For Utility-Scale Wind-Solar-Based Hybrid Power Plant, Shree Om Bade

Theses and Dissertations

Hybrid Power Plants (HPP) that combine wind power plants (WPP), solar power plants (SPP), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) have recently emerged to provide dispatchable renewable electricity, improve the stability of the power grid, maximize use of infrastructure assets, and minimize carbon releases. Nevertheless, regardless of their technical potential, the large-scale application of HPP still encounters many barriers, such as operational complexity, inadequate sizing, and financial viability. To mitigate these issues, this study incorporates three research questions. First, this study introduces a four-layer hierarchical control architecture for coordinating WPP, SPP, and BESS to ensure dispatchable power. Second, a multi-objective …

Seasonal Performance Of Mrms Qpe In Urban Hydrologic Modeling Using Epa-Swmm, Randall Kirk Bagwell

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate rainfall estimation is essential for effective hydrologic modeling, particularly in urban environments where infrastructure must withstand extreme precipitation. This study evaluates the EPA Storm Water Management Model (EPA-SWMM) using MRMS RadarOnly Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE) 1-hour Accumulation as the primary rainfall input for a watershed in Little Rock, Arkansas. The region was selected due to its urban character and the limited availability of radar-based hydrologic studies in Arkansas. 21 storms were analyzed from 2022-2025: 10 in Winter, 7 in Spring, and 4 in Summer. Storms were selected due to their effect on flow. The model was calibrated using February …

The Role Of C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 5 (Cxcr5) On Sex-Dependent Neurobehavioral Changes In The Sub Clinically Sensitized Individuals With Repeated Allergen Exposure, Dilini Vimarshani Ekanayake Ekanayake Mudiyanselage

Theses and Dissertations

Food allergen consumption has been suspected to influence mood and behavior in individuals who are sensitized but tolerant to the food. Using a mouse model of subclinical cow’s milk allergy (CMA), we previously showed that C57BL/6J mice sensitized to β-lactoglobulin (BLG, Bos d 5) exhibited elevated BLG-specific IgE levels even without observable allergic reactions, suggest developing immune responses towards the allergen. We also observed elevated cytokine and chemokine levels, astrogliosis and cortical demyelination along with behavioral changes such as anxiety-like and depression-like behavior after consuming a whey-containing diet for two weeks. Furthermore, we demonstrated the possible immune cell infiltration and …

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 …

Thermodynamic Evaluation Of The Thermal Methane Pyrolysis Process, Chinaecherem S. Okwuonu

Theses and Dissertations

Natural gas flaring is a persistent challenge which undermines global sustainability and decarbonization efforts as it leads to the waste of valuable energy resources alongside the release of harmful greenhouse gases into the environment. Even when natural gas is utilized through commonly adopted pathways, significant emission of carbon dioxide tends to be realized. Methane pyrolysis offers a promising route in which methane can be decomposed into solid carbon and hydrogen gas with no direct CO2 emissions. However, despite extensive studies of the methane pyrolysis process, a fundamental thermodynamic rationale of the process behavior remains insufficiently explored. This study 1) develops …

Microbial Communities And Host Plants Of Megachilidae In The Greater Grand Forks Area (Ggfa), Sara Margit Wallace

Theses and Dissertations

Although Megachilidae are important pollinators in the United States, there is still much to learn about the health and functionality of these bees. Megachilids are threatened by competition from non-native pollinators and other environmental factors. The species distribution and composition of the gut microbiome in megachilid bees are not well known for the Greater Grand Forks Area (GGFA). My research seeks to answer the questions: what megachilid species are in the GGFA, where are they, and what symbionts are in their gut microbiomes? I collected and identified solitary bee specimens from North Dakota and Minnesota, dissected their gut contents, and …

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. …

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 …

Co2 Storage On Public Lands, University Of North Dakota. Energy And Environmental Research Center

EERC Brochures and Fact Sheets

Fact sheet on how CO₂ can be stored beneath public lands and the role the Bureau of Land Management plays in authorizing and overseeing projects. It includes information on pore space and the differences between dedicated CO₂ storage and storage associated with enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

Comprehensive Library Access For Hybrid And Remote Researchers, Tressa M. Graves

EERC Publications, Papers, & Presentations

As hybrid and remote work continues, special libraries are continually evolving to meet the needs of their communities. This includes remote and hybrid researchers at the University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC). While the EERC is physically located in eastern North Dakota, EERC employees are scattered throughout Mountain Plains Library Association states. Using embedded librarianship principles, the EERC’s Library & Information Services team fulfills complex and time-sensitive information needs by providing creative solutions and building partnerships with researchers.

Who Owns Our Knowledge: Open Access Week 2025, Devon Olson, Rosemary Pleva Flynn, Zeineb Yousif

Librarian Publications

Commemorating Open Access Week 2025, this zine includes educational content on concepts central to open access scholarship as well as games and activities, and comics illustrating reader feedback to works posted on UND's Scholarly Commons.

Leads Data Insights: Affinity Core Value Metrics Summary — Fall 2025, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Summary and analysis of Fall 2025 metrics for the AFFINITY core value of UND LEADS. The document reviews levels of achievement and changes since Spring 2025 for Affinity strategic priorities, including campus environments, workforce retention, first-year experience, athletic excellence, global engagement, and military-friendly initiatives.

Leads Data Insights: Affinity — Fall 2025, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Development Documents

Presentation of Fall 2025 data insights for the AFFINITY core value of UND LEADS. The slides summarize Activity Inventory and UND Today story coverage, compare Affinity progress between April 2025 and January 2026, and review outcome measures connected to belonging, workforce retention, first-year experience, athletics, global engagement, and military-affiliated students.

Leads Data Insights: Affinity Core Value Metrics Summary — Fall 2025, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Implementation Documents

Summary and analysis of Fall 2025 metrics for the AFFINITY core value of UND LEADS. The document reviews levels of achievement and changes since Spring 2025 for Affinity strategic priorities, including campus environments, workforce retention, first-year experience, athletic excellence, global engagement, and military-friendly initiatives.

Leads Data Insights: Affinity — Fall 2025, University Of North Dakota

LEADS Implementation Documents

Presentation of Fall 2025 data insights for the AFFINITY core value of UND LEADS. The slides summarize Activity Inventory and UND Today story coverage, compare Affinity progress between April 2025 and January 2026, and review outcome measures connected to belonging, workforce retention, first-year experience, athletics, global engagement, and military-affiliated students.

"Double Lives," Song Lyrics, Undated, Bill Gessner

Bill Gessner Song Lyrics and Poems

Song lyrics for "Double Lives" by Bill Gessner. Three pages total, including one double-sided sheet of paper. The double-sided pages include typewritten lyrics, with only minor variations. The third, single-sided page has typewritten lyrics, with handwritten notes and revisions, including guitar chords. All pages are undated. The song is about the "double lives" all people lead, including our public vs. private selves and the different lives we lead at home and work.

Temporal Landscapes: Prairie, People, And Place, Eric Castle

The Cicadian

No abstract provided.