Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond Survival: Empowering Mental Health Recovery After Acquired Brain Injury, Paige Mackenzie Kozak

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently experience psychosocial and cognitive challenges, including depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and identity changes which can significantly impact rehabilitation outcomes and participation in daily occupations. Despite this, outpatient rehabilitation clinicians may feel underprepared to recognize and address these concerns within their scope of practice. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational onboarding program to support interdisciplinary rehabilitation staff in identifying and responding to psychosocial needs of individuals with ABI, while promoting trauma-informed and patient-centered care.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to examine common psychosocial and cognitive outcomes following …

Holistic Occupational Therapy Approach In Addressing Women’S Health Needs & Access To Care, Lilja Jurva

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: As women across the lifespan experience complex physical, emotional, and occupational challenges related to maternal transitions, mental health needs, chronic conditions, and rural healthcare disparities, occupational therapy is uniquely equipped to address the complex challenges. Services have been proven to be directly correlated to lower incidence of preterm birth, cesarean delivery, low birth weight, excessive gestational weight gain, diabetes mellitus, and hypersensitive disorders, and higher incidence of vaginal delivery. A clear gap for maternal support services was identified in the Grand Forks community through literature review, interviews, and community engagement, leading to the development of NoDak Therapy and Wellness. …

Empowering Caregivers: An Occupational Therapy-Informed Educational Program For Dementia Care In Rural Communities, Maria Lynn Johnson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Hospitalization presents significant risks for individuals with dementia, including increased behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), delirium, functional decline, and reduced occupational engagement (Boltz et al., 2023; Teichmann et al., 2019; Zwingmann et al., 2020). Acute care environments are often overstimulating, unfamiliar, and task-oriented, which can exacerbate cognitive impairment and contribute to caregiver distress. Despite strong evidence supporting nonpharmacological, occupation-based interventions, structured engagement opportunities are rarely integrated into acute care workflows (Burgdorf et al., 2023; Faeder et al., 2023). This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop occupation-based dementia activities for use during hospitalization while equipping formal and informal caregivers with …

Family-Centered Programming For A Rural Midwest Emergency Shelter: An Occupational Lens, Ariel Kathryn Tix

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: After a period of decline in homelessness, a startling trend reversal occurred between 2023 and 2024; there was a 39% increase in families experiencing homelessness in the United States (de Sousa & Henry, 2024). Rural homelessness is less visible and often looks different from urban homelessness, which presents challenges that require a different approach (Brott et al., 2019). Individuals experiencing homelessness have challenges in every area of occupation and could benefit from novel strategies and resources. Challenges include parenting, accessing medical care, obtaining permanent housing, community mobility, and meaningful routine development (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020; Brott et al., …

Regulation Creations: A Trauma-Informed Resource Addressing Sensory And Socio-Emotional Childhood Challenges, Meagan Noel Barnes Pearson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Trauma is ubiquitous and can negatively impact many life outcomes. Though trauma can occur across the lifespan, particular emphasis has been placed on the outcomes of experiences that occur in childhood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as coined by Felitti et al. (1998), pertain to traumatic events that occur before the age of 18, and the correlation between the number of ACEs and poor health outcomes is significant. Children can begin demonstrating unfavorable symptoms upon becoming exposed to trauma. Current literature has illustrated particular differences in sensory systems and social skills for young children. These challenges can lead to hardship …

A Survey Of Student Opinions About A Haiku Writing Assignment, Manish Rami

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

This study examined the instructional value of a haiku writing assignment (HWA) from the graduate students’ perspective via a survey of their opinions. Fifty-eight students wrote and submitted haiku over the course of a semester. A 10-item survey instrument was used to elicit students’ opinions about the assignment. The probability of responses to each of the items on the survey was compared to chance occurrence. Chi-Square tests found that students enjoyed the assignment and the example haiku; they believed that the assignment helped them grasp concepts and be more engaged with the course content; and recommended the use of such …

Winter Commencement: December 19, 2025, University Of North Dakota

UND Commencement Programs

UND Winter Commencement program from December 19, 2025.

Lasting Love: First Sight Or Friends To Lovers, Rylee Lunnie

Psychology Student Publications

This article will explore the origins of romantic relationships, specifically, the “love at first sight” phenomenon compared to gradual love through friendship. This instant attraction, common in literature and film, may feel powerful and convincing, but some psychologists have doubted its accuracy. We’ll look at empirical evidence and psychological theories to perhaps determine whether “love at first sight” or relationships grounded in deep friendships are more likely to create lasting love.

The Negative Impact Sleep Loss Has On Mental Health, Kaden Sayler

Psychology Student Publications

Many teenagers struggle with chronic sleep deprivation due to busy schedules, social media, and late-night habits. Research shows that lack of sleep severely affects adolescents’ mental health, increasing risks of depression, anxiety, poor attention, and impaired brain development. This paper highlights how modern factors like screen time and “social jetlag” worsen the issue, warning that sleep deprivation is a hidden but serious threat to teens’ well-being.

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 …

A Space Propulsion Concept Based On Inertial Confinement: Exploring Nuclear Fusion Utilizing Polywell Geometry, Preeti Nair

Theses and Dissertations

Nuclear fusion propulsion represents a promising solution for future interplanetarymissions due to its high energy density and potential for continuous power generation. However, existing fusion propulsion systems face significant limitations, particularly in achieving stable plasma confinement. The Polywell concept, introduced by physicist Robert Bussard in 1985, offers advantages through its compact, polyhedral geometry that is wellsuited for spacecraft applications where mass and volume constraints are critical. Despite these advantages, Polywell designs have encountered stability challenges in maintaining the electric potential well over time. Plasma instabilities induced by magnetic fields disrupt containment and reduce fusion efficiency, limiting overall performance and scalability …

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 …

Impacts Of Intensifying Wildfires On Boreal Forest Ecosystems: Exploring Forest Regeneration, Wildlife Habitats, Carbon Storage, And Engineering Solutions, Mckenzie Belle Schewe

Theses and Dissertations

Wildfire activity across Alaska’s boreal forests has intensified in severity and frequency in recent decades, altering one of Earth’s most significant sources of carbon sequestration (Pan et al, 2011). This thesis examines how wildland burns influence post-fire carbon sink capacities and vegetation recovery near Fairbanks, Alaska. Three fire sites were selected to represent distinct successional stages: the 2006 Parks Highway Fire, the 2013 Stuart Creek 2 Fire, and the 2022 Clear Fire. Each site was evaluated through a combination of remote sensing analysis, LiDAR-derived canopy height data, and field measurements collected within each burn perimeter, developing a replicable framework for …

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, …

Cross Cancer Toxicogenomic Modeling Of Arsenic Exposure Identifies A Four Gene Signature For Lung Cancer Risk, Joshua Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations

Arsenic is a naturally occurring carcinogenic element linked to DNA damage via reactive oxidation and epigenetic alteration that is ubiquitous throughout nature and has been associated with oncogenesis in the lungs, bladder, skin, and liver. Lung Cancer is both the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and the deadliest, comprising approximately 12.4% of all cancers globally and contributing to more human cancer death than any other condition, with roughly 90% of cases arising due to tobacco smoking, which exposes the user to arsenic trioxide and synergistic carcinogenicity when exposure includes both smoking and consumption of arsenic-contaminated drinking water. A novel set of …

Thermal Desorption-Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method Development For The Determination Of Wood Preservatives, Nafisa Bala

Theses and Dissertations

A thermal desorption-pyrolysis gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (TD-Pyr-GC-MS) method was developed, enabling 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 a combined MS data acquisition (i.e., SITI) consisting of selected ion monitoring (SIM) and total ion current (TIC), allowing for low limits of detection of preservatives in SIM mode and TIC detection of any evolving species. The matrix detection limits …

Of Birds And Beef: Expanding The Knowledge Of Rotational Grazing Systems On Grassland Bird Productivity In North Dakota, Taylor James Linder

Theses and Dissertations

Cattle grazing is one of the main economic contributors driving grassland ecosystem existence across the landscape. Cattle grazing can impact a variety of aspects of grassland ecosystems functions, including which wildlife species use them and in what ways. Given the drastic declines in grassland passerines, it is especially important to understand how different grazing practices affect critical population metrics such as reproductive success, clutch size, and number of fledglings. There is a wealth of research on grassland passerine reproductive in response to grazing systems throughout North America; however, most of the existing literature studies more traditional, longer rotational (LR) grazing …

Integration Of Fluorescence Imaging And Advanced Analytical Techniques For Reliable Contamination Detection, Mahsa Aliee

Theses and Dissertations

Effective surface contamination detection in food processing and healthcare environments is hindered by the limitations of visual inspection and ATP bioluminescence testing, both of which struggle to identify thin, transparent, or spatially irregular organic residues. These constraints contribute to inconsistent hygiene verification and create a need for objective, scalable, and real-time detection methods capable of operating under variable environmental conditions.

This dissertation develops an integrated framework that combines UV-induced fluorescence imaging with advanced analytical techniques to improve contamination detection reliability. A UV/UVC fluorescence imaging system was engineered with synchronized pulsed excitation (275 nm, 365 nm, 405 nm), adaptive exposure control, …

Differential Photometric Analysis Of Exoplanet Candidates Toi-1362.01, Toi-2290.01, Toi-6010.01, And Toi-6324.01, Samantha Buck

Theses and Dissertations

To maximize the science return from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), the TESS Follow-up Observing Program (TFOP) was created to network scientists and observatories to conduct follow-up observations of potential exoplanets. As members of TFOP-Subgroup 1, we observed four exoplanet candidates: TOI-1362.01, TOI-2290.01, TOI-6010.01, and TOI-6324.01 using the University of North Dakota Space Studies Observatory. The TOI observations were conducted from 31 October 2024 – 15 November, 2024 UTC. AstroImageJ software was used to perform differential photometry and, if a transit event was observed, determine orbital parameters and physical characteristics. Each of the target’s light curves was modeled and …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Prairie Soundscape, Rebecca J. Romsdahl

The Cicadian

This series of soundscapes represents dawn and dusk. Morning Cacophony was recorded at 6:00 AM, May 2023 on the Tympanuchus Reserve near Crookston, MN — a rare remnant prairie never plowed. Voices of the prairie: sedge wren, bobolink, greater prairie chicken, sandhill crane, red-winged blackbird, clay-colored sparrow. Night Chorus was captured at 2:00 AM, June 2024 on restored grassland at Bluestem Preserve near Moorhead, MN — once farmland, now thriving prairie. Nocturnal symphony: whip-poor-will (song + warning call), coyotes, treefrogs, grasshopper sparrow, soft wind, gentle rain.

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.

Where The Earth Meets The Sky, Ashlyn Ed Herron

The Cicadian

A reflection of finding one's place in an ecosystem that raised them, and a long overdue love-letter to the prairies

Introduction To Our Inaugural Issue, Lacey Anderson, Mary Moroney-Fernandez, Giovanni E. Whyte

The Cicadian

No abstract provided.

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.