Digital Commons Network^™

Flowing Knowledge: Connecting Education, Watersheds, And Our World, Taylor Lemieux

The Cicadian

The main theme of Taylor Lemieux’s story is the transformative power of experiential environmental education. Through personal memories and professional experiences, she illustrates how hands-on learning in nature fosters curiosity, resilience, and a deep sense of stewardship. Her journey emphasizes that meaningful education goes beyond textbooks—it connects learners to the world around them.

Cicadian Rhythms: The 2024 Cicada Emergence, Farah Davis

The Cicadian

In Cicadian Rhythms, Farah Davis recounts the rare 2024 dual emergence of cicada broods XIII and XIX, which appeared weeks early due to climate change. She explains how cicadas use tree sap and soil temperature to time their emergence, and how warming trends are disrupting these ancient cycles. The essay blends personal observation with scientific insight, showing how even backyard phenomena reflect broader environmental shifts. Davis emphasizes the ecological importance of cicadas and the cascading effects of climate disruption on ecosystems. Ultimately, she calls for greater awareness and stewardship in the face of accelerating climate change.

Anishinaabe Nibiing: Anishinaabe Waterscapes And Canoe Building As Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Jeremy Kingsbury

The Cicadian

This paper explores the cultural, ecological, and technological significance of birch bark canoe (wiigwaasi-jiimaan) building among the Anishinaabe people, emphasizing their identity as an inland maritime society. Drawing on historical accounts, oral traditions, and personal experience as a park ranger, the author examines the intricate process of harvesting materials and constructing canoes, highlighting the deep environmental knowledge and gendered labor involved. The canoe served not only as a vital means of transportation and subsistence—facilitating fishing, wild rice harvesting, and seasonal migration—but also as a symbol of familial and spiritual connection. Through detailed descriptions of material selection and craftsmanship, …

Additively Constructed Plain Concrete Pipes: Structural Performance And Site Implementation, Alireza Hasani, Boshra Besharatian, Sattar Dorafshan

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Worldwide, extrusion-based additive construction of cementitious materials or 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) has gained significant momentum for large-scale construction in recent years. This technology has advanced building construction across the world; however, it is rather underdeveloped in transportation infrastructure construction. This paper addresses major hurdles hindering the wider adoption of 3DCP for unreinforced/plain pipe culvert construction. More specifically, the authors investigated the load-bearing capacity of large-scale pipes under the three-edge bearing (TEB) test. Additionally, the effects of printing discontinuities or seam sections on the structural behavior of 3DCP pipes, and their site implementation considerations as culvert structures were studied in …

U.S. Incentives To Capture And Store Co2, University Of North Dakota. Energy And Environmental Research Center

EERC Brochures and Fact Sheets

Fact sheet on the 45Q tax credit. 45Q was created in 2008 as a tax credit to incentivize the development of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects.

Effect Of Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet On Ldl Cholesterol: A Scoping Literature Review, Joel Gregory Mueller

Nursing Capstones

Background: The whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet includes whole grains, whole plants, unrefined sugars, beans, and legumes. The diet excludes meat, dairy, and added fats. The diet has been popularized by documentaries .The diet claims to lower total and LDL cholesterol to a safe level as both a primary and secondary mode of prevention.

Purpose: Review existing studies to see whether the WFPB diet will lower LDL cholesterol in adult males over a 14 day or more duration.

Methods: A scoping literature review was completed of the University of North Dakota’s library system for keyword combinations. The returned 102 studies were …

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

UND Commencement Programs

UND Summer Commencement program from August 8, 2025.

Investigation Of Wireless Communication Sub-Optimizing Factors And Ai-Based Optimization For Ber Reduction, Lalan Jee Mishra

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing demand for high-throughput, low-latency, and reliable wireless communication has led to significant advancements of cellular wireless technologies since the early ‘80s. However, in dynamic and interference-prone environments—particularly those involving Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)—signal degradation due to pathloss, multipath propagation, co-channel interference, and weather-induced attenuation continues to undermine performance. These factors contribute to elevated bit error rates (BER), inefficient spectrum usage, and unreliable communication links, thereby limiting the practical utility of wireless systems in aerial applications. Traditional mitigation techniques, while effective under certain conditions, often fail to adapt to rapidly changing wireless environments. This shortcoming underscores the need for …

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 …

Demonstrating Co2 Storage In The Pcor Partnership Region And Beyond, University Of North Dakota. Energy And Environmental Research Center

EERC Brochures and Fact Sheets

Fact sheet about the Plains CO₂ Reduction (PCOR) Partnership region and the importance of CO₂ storage.

Und Connect: A Preliminary Overview Of Courtroom Observations And Interviews With Gfdvc Professionals And Representatives, Adam K. Matz, Ashley Fansher, Roni Mayzer, Jackson Archbold, Kambrya Stephenson, Sierra Schartz

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

This research brief summarizes about half a dozen courtroom observations and a dozen interviews conducted with practitioners and court representatives affiliated with the Grand Forks Domestic Violence Court (GFDVC). About 43% of women and 31% of men in the state of North Dakota have experienced some form of sexual, physical, or stalking violence in their lifetime (Smith et al., 2023). Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in the state generally matches that of the broader nation, though the state ranks as one of the lowest in terms of violence against men.

Evaluation Of Wood Treatment Effectiveness Using Thermal Desorption-Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Nafisa Bala, Stephen Fisher, Ben Wallace, Evguenii Kozliak, Alena Kubatova

Chemistry Faculty Publications

A thermal desorption-pyrolysis gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (TD-Pyr-GC-MS) method was developed that enables a comprehensive analysis of preservatives as well as native wood constituents in treated wood. The developed method is based on thermal desorption, i.e., extraction of wood preservatives, followed by pyrolysis to investigate changes in the occurrence of characteristic wood building blocks (e.g., guaiacol derivatives). We implemented combined MS data acquisition (i.e., SITI) consisting of selected ion monitoring (SIM) and total ion current (TIC) and allowing for low limits of detection of preservatives in SIM mode and TIC detection of any evolving species. The matrix detection …

Radiant Love And Knowledge: Near-Death Experiences In Modern America, Carsen Grave

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) are vivid, often transformative recollections of the dying process. Up to 23 percent of surviving critical patients and as many as 88 percent of lucid individuals on their deathbeds report such experiences. Most of these narratives describe an encounter with a radiant “Being of Light,” a godlike figure associated with profound and lasting improvements in well-being and spiritual outlook. Philosopher Raymond Moody introduced a systematic framework for NDEs in his 1975 book Life After Life, where he first labeled and popularized this figure. Since then, scholars have debated whether Moody’s framework described actual experiences or shaped …

Ignition Interlock Devices: Do They Really Help?, Angelise Khoury, Connor Rolland

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

The United States has implemented a wide range of technologies and policies to reduce the amount of alcohol-impaired driving. Some of these include alcohol detection sensors in newer vehicles, ridesharing, DUI checkpoints, Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) bracelets, and more. One widely used technology used to reduce alcohol-impaired driving is the Ignition Interlock Device (IID). The IID is used in lieu of suspending one’s driver’s license after a DUI offense. IIDs are a widely implemented technology that we use today as a method of preventing driving under the influence of alcohol. Although they intend to ensure sober driving and …

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 …

Familiarity Moderates Education Level Of Stigma For Professional Efficacy Of Treating Mental Illness, Jason J. Burrow-Sanchez, Shawnda Schroeder, Thomasine Heitkamp, Brian Urlacher, Sharon Cook, Paula Bennett, Carolina Corrales

Indigenous Health Faculty Publications

Background: About one in five adults in the United States experience any mental illness (AMI) whereas 14.2 million experience serious mental illness (SMI). The perception of stigma among these individuals can be associated with care seeking behavior and treatment adherence.

Purpose: Two factors that mitigate stigma are familiarity with someone experiencing AMI/SMI and general level of education. Heretofore, these factors have not been tested together to determine if familiarity moderates the relation between level of education and stigma of professional efficacy for treating mental illness.

Methods: In fall 2020, an online survey in the state of Utah measured 1,300 adults’ …

Understanding And Managing Parent–Child Well Interactions In The Bakken, Kyoung Min, Xue Yu, Nicholas A. Azzolina, Darren D. Schmidt, Bethany A. Kurz, James A. Sorensen

EERC Publications, Papers, & Presentations

This study proposes actionable strategies to mitigate parent–child interactions and negative production impacts. Key approaches, including wider well spacing, optimized stimulation designs, and refracturing, minimize interference while enhancing recovery efficiency.

Spring Commencement: May 17, 2025, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND Spring Commencement program from May 17, 2025.

Why Bips Mattered In The Past & Will In The Future, Chase Steinbach

Undergraduate Theses and Senior Projects

No abstract provided.

School Of Law Commencement: May 10, 2025, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND School of Law Commencement program from May 10, 2025.

Doctor Of Medicine Commencement: May 3, 2025, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND Doctor of Medicine Commencement program from May 3, 2025.

A Joint Endeavor: Methotrexate Vs. Jak Inhibitors For Joint Inflammation Reduction In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Madeleine Kennedy

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

This paper investigates the comparative efficacy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors versus methotrexate (MTX) in reducing joint inflammation in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study addresses the critical research question: In adult patients with RA, does treatment with JAK inhibitors or methotrexate demonstrate superior efficacy in reducing joint inflammation? A literature review was conducted analyzing various clinical trials, including phase II and III studies, that evaluated the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors, both as monotherapy and in combination with MTX. The findings indicate that JAK inhibitors, particularly tofacitinib and baricitinib, consistently show superior or equivalent efficacy in achieving American …

Cannabidiol: Anxiety Relief Or Fool’S Gold?, Jase Bakker

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

This literature review evaluates the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for anxiety in adults and adolescents. A systematic search of three databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, EMBASE) yielded 775 articles, with 11 randomized controlled trials meeting inclusion criteria. These studies utilized diverse methodologies, including public speaking tests, neuroimaging, and physiological measures, to assess CBD's effects compared to placebo. • Findings indicate mixed results: moderate doses (300 mg) show promise in social anxiety, while other trials report inconsistent outcomes due to dosing and bioavailability challenges. Limitations such as small sample sizes and variable methodologies hinder definitive conclusions. Further research is needed …

Quality Improvement Of Technical Training Program For Mls/Mlt Hires, Bethany E. Johnson, Allison Waswick, Heather Langerud

Medical Laboratory Science Independent Study Projects

As a pinnacle of clinical support services, the laboratory department plays a crucial role in diagnostic medicine. Given the highly technical and regulated nature of clinical laboratories, training, education and competency are important. Meta analysis was conducted to review several important aspects of a quality training program. These aspects include barriers to effective training and competency programs, laboratory regulatory requirements, current processes for clinical training, continuing education and good laboratory practices. Research into these aspects will help learn how to improve the overall initial training and competency for new laboratory professionals. There is a need to reduce patient safety errors …

The Impact Of Structured Feedback And Evaluation Systems On Clinical Preceptor Performance And Student Satisfaction In Medical Laboratory Science Programs, Kyleen Newman, Mary Coleman, Heather Langerud

Medical Laboratory Science Independent Study Projects

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) students' education heavily relies on clinical practicum experiences to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Knowledgeable clinical preceptors are vital for engaging and inspiring learning and enabling students to interact within authentic clinical environments involving laboratory peers, patients, and healthcare providers. This literature review explores the impact of implementing a structured feedback and evaluation system for clinical preceptors in medical laboratory science (MLS) programs, highlighting its influence on student satisfaction and preceptor performance. The databases utilized for this literature review include PubMed and CINAHL. Due to a profound lack of published literature available additional healthcare …

Benefits Of Succession Planning In Medical Laboratories, Christina Jones, Samantha Peterson, Robert Porter

Medical Laboratory Science Independent Study Projects

This discussion examines the potential impact of implementing a succession plan in the laboratory to reduce survey deficiencies. It highlights the importance of understanding the determinants of quality in the lab, addressing staffing shortages and turnover, and the role of succession plans in improving workplace quality. Quality encompasses various aspects from quality control to quality management. Accreditation and inspection processes, such as those required by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ‘88), play a crucial role in ensuring quality laboratories.

However, frequent turnover, including leadership changes, poses challenges to maintaining quality. The laboratory workforce faces high turnover rates …

Disparities In Gdmt In Rural And Underserved Hfref Patients, Shawn Mcclaughry

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) continues to be a substantial public health challenge, thus optimal management through guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) continues to be vital. Evolving GDMT has established four pillars of first-line optimal treatment with expeditious and maximized titration of established target dosing of pillar medications. GDMT has been shown to decrease mortality among HF patients. Although continuing advancements in treatment efficacy prevail, studies demonstrate that vulnerable populations, particularly rural, Black and Hispanic individuals, exhibit significantly lower rates of GDMT optimization, leading to increased hospitalization and mortality. This literature review evaluates disparities in GDMT implementation among urban, …

The Relationship Between Weather Variablity And Agricultural Land Cover Change In North Dakota (1997-2023) And Its Implication For Future Change, Sabrina Karim

Theses and Dissertations

Climate variability and weather patterns play a critical role in shaping agricultural land use and land cover (LULC), particularly in states like North Dakota, where agriculture dominates the landscape. This study explores the impacts of climatic factors—specifically rainfall, temperature, and Growing Degree Days (GDD)—on agricultural land cover (ALC) changes in North Dakota from 1997 to 2023, with projections for 2033. By combining historical analysis and predictive modeling, the research examines how climate variability has influenced crop dynamics and provides insights into future scenarios. The research uses advanced geospatial tools, including Google Earth Engine, and machine learning techniques such as Random …

Efficacy Of Turmeric In The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis, Mckenna Taylor

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. This is a progressive disease, one that comes from persistent use of one’s joints. Currently, treatment of this disease includes oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, corticosteroid injections, oral and topical analgesics. These medications do have some long-term effects impacting the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and hepatic systems. A literature review was completed using randomized controlled, placebo controlled, and double-blind studies that emphasized the addition of turmeric to the treatment of osteoarthritis and its effects on pain, serum inflammatory markers, and physical functionality. Nine articles were found from …