Digital Commons Network^™

Barrel-Rides And She-Elves: Audience And Anticipation In Peter Jackson’S Hobbit Trilogy [Note], Janet Croft

Faculty Publications

Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, to the audience that loved the Lord of the Rings films, is an exciting opportunity to revisit Tolkien’s fantastic world and see favorite characters acting out their earlier adventures. The reader of the books, though, is often likely to find the difference in tone between the children’s book and the vastly expanded films jarring. This essay will explore audience expectations, the difficulties of filming a “prequel” after a “sequel,” and issues of “anticipation” in relation to character development.

Long-Term Changes In Ground-Level Ozone And Nitrogen Dioxide, Blake Bixby, Kevin Du, Noah Teske

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Ground-level ozone (O₃) is a secondary pollutant formed through photochemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and sunlight. This study combines satellite observations from NASA OMI with surface monitoring data from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to evaluate long-term changes in NO₂ and ozone between 2005 and 2025. Global NO₂ distributions, Houston monitoring stations, and hourly pollutant concentrations were analyzed to investigate temporal and seasonal variations. Results indicate declining NO₂ concentrations over many developed regions, while ozone continues to exhibit strong photochemical and seasonal behavior.

Analyzing The Effect Of Physical And Chemical Properties On Spectral Absorption Of Hemoglobin, Anna N. Gregorsok, Carl L. Thurman

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Hemoglobin oxygen affinity is influenced by intracellular pH through the Bohr effect, making pH an important regulator of oxygen delivery throughout the body. Before oxygen-binding affinity can be quantified, the optical properties of hemoglobin under different pH conditions must first be characterized. In this study, free hemoglobin was analyzed at five physiologically relevant pH values (6.72, 7.00, 7.33, 7.63, and 7.92), representing conditions ranging from acidosis to alkalosis. Human red blood cells were lysed in hypotonic phosphate solutions, and absorbance spectra were collected using a scanning spectrophotometer. The resulting spectra establish baseline optical characteristics of hemoglobin across physiologically relevant pH …

2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Program, University Of Northern Iowa. Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium Programs

The program for the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center News, June 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Thank you, Leslie
--- Zane joins the IWRC
--- DNR Air Fee changes
--- What does MSEI assistance look like?
--- P2 Green Brewery Certification webinars
--- Energy Efficiency resources
--- Industry News

The Historical Persistence Of Working-Class Culture: How Laborers Created The Ethical Foundation Of Western Civilization, Kenneth Atkinson

Faculty Publications

This article highlights four historical events that shape our present: the world’s first industrial strike in ancient Egypt to protest workers’ health and safety; working-class efforts to improve labor conditions during the Roman Republic and Middle Ages through strikes and the creation of guilds; the social justice activism of the prophets of Western religions (all working-class folks!); and the creation of the selfie and the transition from a culture of character to our present obsession with celebrities and individualism that began during the Renaissance. Each case highlights unique features of working-class culture, working class reactions to societal changes, and the …

Operational Responsibility In Ai Governance: A User-Centric Liability Framework, Zhengyang Chen

Faculty Publications

Who bears responsibility when artificial intelligence systems cause harm? This question has become central to AI ethics and governance. Most existing approaches focus on developers, yet this faces serious practical and theoretical problems. Drawing on tort law, agency law, and philosophy of technology, this paper argues that AI should be understood as an instrument whose outputs remain the responsibility of human operators rather than developers. We call this 'user-centric governance.' Placing accountability with deployers promotes public trust by creating clear lines of responsibility, a concern that governance approaches have often overlooked. It preserves democratic accountability by keeping human actors answerable …

Sesquicentennial Commencement [Program], May 15-16, 2026, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

Contents:

Brief History of UNI --- 2
Board of Regents --- 3
Institutional Leadership --- 3
Ceremony Symbols & Traditions --- 4
Commencement Over the Years --- 6
University Honors Program --- 8
Graduation with Honors --- 8
Legacy Graduates --- 8
Military Science --- 9
Merchant Scholarship --- 9
Outstanding Student Leader --- 9
Commencement Student Speakers --- 9
Purple and Old Gold Awards --- 10
Lux Service Award --- 11
7 p.m. Program --- 13
College of Education --- 15
David W. Wilson College of Business --- 22
10 a.m. Program --- 29
College of Humanities, Arts & …

How Can The Endangered Species Act Critical Habitat Designation Process Be Revised To Provide Better Protection For Listed Species Today And Under Future Range Shift Scenarios Due To Climate Change?, Matt Kerber

Mary Ann Bolton Undergraduate Research Award

Humans have interacted with the flora and fauna of Earth in many ways throughout our evolutionary history. Whether that be from a place of fascination, or as a resource to be exploited, humans have relied upon the millions of species that share the Earth with them. These interactions have led humans to both destroy and degrade ecosystems, but also to conserve ecosystems so that they may continue to provide their services and intrinsic value. A major shift in exploitation of wildlife began around the advent of industrialization and the acceleration of technological advancement. The ability and rate at which species …

Iowa Waste Reduction Center News, May 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- P2 Green Brewery Webinar #2 Registration
--- Solid Waste Educators Meeting
--- Farewell Interns
--- Energy Efficiency Resources
--- Industry News

Considerations When Designing In Vivo Protocols For Conducting Biomechanical Research Of The Shoulder Joint In Hockey Athletes, Kylie Giesler

Honors Program Theses

While the numbers and details of hockey-related injuries are variable across sources due to variations in sample age, sex, location, and confidentiality of many large hockey leagues, a 2023 narrative review study identified more than 100,000 upper extremity injuries documented in research since 2000. Nearly half of those injuries were to the shoulder with common injuries being acromioclavicular joint sprains, shoulder instability and dislocations, labral and rotator cuff tears, and clavicle fractures. In respect to the National Hockey League (NHL), the highest level of play in ice hockey, 12% of all injuries are to the shoulder, second only to head …

Tradition, Transition, & Identity: Models Of Masculinity In Marvel Superhero Films, Mikey Brown

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

• Media & Film
  • Shapes cultural values, social expectations and ideas about identity
• Marvel Cinematic Universe
  • One of the most influential forces in todays pop culture (Johnson 2012)
• Masculinity & Adolescence
  • Adolescence use media to understand identity & social expectations

Missing Children: The Underrepresentation Of Youth In Mental Health Data, Sammie Mcdonald

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

While research continues to grow, it is apparent that there are still gaps in knowledge. This research was inspired by my ongoing internship at Allen Child Protection Center, where I have seen children left behind for not recognizing an outdated radio during cognitive testing, as well as my experience as a fraternal twin with a 10 year diagnosis gap between me and my brother. This led me to investigate diagnostic disparities in children’s mental health data.

To better understand if children are experiencing mental health diagnosis disparities, I am analyzing 9 waves of data from the Substance Abuse and Mental …

Women's Access To Education: A Global Perspective, Olivia Clausen, Lillie-Kay Colby, Ellie-Lynn Colby

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Access to education for women has been restricted in various ways across the globe throughout history. Many of these restrictions have led to gender disparities in access to work, which pushes women into more vulnerable situations, such as poverty, abuse, or forced marriages. The goal of this research is to raise awareness and knowledge about women’s and girls’ education in South Sudan, given its 93% illiteracy rate among women. According to UNESCO, among the 84% of countries that legally protect the right to education, only 57% explicitly guarantee it without discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender. Education for …

College Student Perceptions Of Death, Shelby Brubaker, Melinda Heinz

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

The purpose of this study was to understand college student perceptions of death. Undergraduate students were invited to participate in a focus group about their perceptions of death. Three focus groups were held and a total of nine students participated, all of whom had majors in the social sciences. All participants were women and approximately 55% were non-religious and 55% reported they were spiritual. Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic approach was used to code focus group transcriptions. Three themes were identified: 1) Family and Religious Influences: One participant said, “I think it is less of how religion has shaped …

Wellness Center, Alisa Friday, Davan Smith, Nikola Szlachta, Favian Zaragoza

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

A wellness center shaped by natural light and gentle biophilic cues creates an inviting sense of calm from the moment visitors arrive. For this wellness center, we wanted to create a welcoming and biophilic space where patients and caregivers can come to a community setting and feel connected to each other. A bright atrium anchors daily movement, while also providing enough spaces for rest. The wellness center blends wellbeing, inclusivity, and ease with architectural elements that tie our concept together.

The Impact Of Teacher Burnout On Learning Ability In Elementary Children With Aces, Kassidy Lake Patterson

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) impact individuals both psychologically and physically into adulthood. Children with ACEs often face challenges in learning, emotional regulation, and behavioral outbursts. Consequently, teachers supporting these students may experience Secondary Traumatic Stress and burnout. This examines the relationship between teacher burnout and students' ACEs. Using a mixed-methods approach guided by the Transactional model, the research discusses Allostatic Load and Toxic Stress theories. Teachers in the Waterloo area (n=10) completed the Professional Quality of Life Survey and the Trauma Informed Education Knowledge Survey. Findings indicate that teachers exhibit moderate burnout levels and possess high trauma knowledge, particularly those …

Iowa Waste Reduction Center News, April 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- MSEI Final Day Reminder
--- UNI Day of Service
--- Advisory Board Meeting Recap
--- Industry News

Csbs Kudos, Spring 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Kudos

Contents:

--- Faculty Accolades
--- Retirements - Ken Atkinson, Gregory Bruess, Todd Evans, Mark Grey, James Hall, Wallace Hettle, Mary Losch
--- Promotions - Disa Cornish, Tyler O'Brien, Jayme Renfro, Eran Hanke, Kyle Endres
--- In Memoriam - Mary Louise Franken, John Johnson, Susan Welch, Charlotte C. Wells
--- $1.22 million grant to UNI’s Center for Civic Education
--- University of Northern Iowa receives $2.4 million grant to launch Humanities Hub
--- UNI announces restructuring to strengthen humanities and public service education
--- UNI launches online non-thesis Master of Arts in Geography
--- UNI teacher education program continues to boast …

Uprising, Issue 21 [Spring 2026], University Of Northern Iowa. Northern Iowa Student Government.

Uprising

Contents:

What Came First? --- 10
Nothing --- 20
Playlist --- 22
Eraser --- 23
Physical Media --- 24
Echoes of You --- 34
Think Again --- 35
Blue Jeans --- 36
Asking for an Echo --- 48
Performers --- 50
Another Year --- 60
AI Girlfriend --- 62
Crossword --- 72
2016 Trend --- 73
Behind the Scenes --- 75

Predictors Of Prejudice Towards People With Tattoos, Jordan Smith, Helen C. Harton

Research in the Capitol

Thirty-two percent of Americans have at least one tattoo (Schaeffer, K., 2023), up from 16% about twenty years earlier (Harris Poll, 2003). Despite this growing popularity, tattooed individuals are still viewed more negatively than those without tattoos. People with tattoos are perceived as being less inhibited, less competent, having worse character, less sociable, and more sexually promiscuous (Broussard & Harton, 2018). Tattoos are also one of the few physical characteristics that can be legally discriminated against in workplaces. Fewer than 30% of employers in beauty, hospitality, and office sectors are willing to hire someone with a tattoo. (Zestcott et al., …

20th Annual Research In The Capitol [Program], March 9, 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. University Honors Program. Iowa State University. Honors Program. University Of Iowa. Honors Program.

Research in the Capitol Programs

Program of research presentations given at the Capitol by students from the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, March 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Welcome, IWRC Advisory Committee
--- Growing Iowa’s Composting Movement to National Leadership
--- Diane Albertson Memorial Scholarship
--- P2 Green Brewery Webinar Registration is Now Open
--- Potential Hazards of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Landfills

Experimental And Computational Study Of Nearly Half-Metallic V2coga, Parashu Kharel, Caden Sadler, Ty Porter, Cole Brown, Mohd Anas, Paul M. Shand, Pavel V. Lukashev

Faculty Publications

Here, we present the results of a combined computational and experimental study of electronic, magnetic, and structural properties of V2CoGa, a Heusler alloy that exhibits high spin polarization values in an ordered crystal structure. Our calculations indicate that this compound crystallizes in an inverted cubic structure. The magnetic alignment is ferrimagnetic, due to the anti-aligned magnetic moments of two vanadium sub-lattices. The calculated magnetization value for the ordered structure is 1.97 μ B/f.u. at the equilibrium lattice constant of 5.898 Å. Our calculations indicate that V2CoGa in its ordered crystal structure retains high spin polarization values of around 90% under …

Theoretical And Experimental Investigation Of Magnetic Order In Mn2ptin, Parashu Kharel, Caden Sadler, Salar A. Ghumman, Mason Pulse, Alec Venner, Mohd Anas, Paul M. Shand, Pavel V. Lukashev

Faculty Publications

Here, we present the results of a combined computational and experimental study of magnetic and structural properties of a Heusler compound Mn2PtIn. In particular, we analyze the effect of biaxial strain on tetragonal distortion and magnetic properties of this alloy. It is shown that the ground state of this material corresponds to tetragonal symmetry, with possible non-collinear magnetic alignment. At the same time, our calculations indicate that this system may also exhibit ferrimagnetic alignment of magnetic moments. Analysis of exchange couplings indicates that ferrimagnetic alignment is more likely to be realized in practice. The interplay between these two magnetic phases …

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, February 2026, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Cedar Rapids Linn County SWA Wins Award
--- Energy Savings Made Simple: What is An Energy Audit?
--- New IEDA Grant Helps Rural Grocers Power Up
--- Dan Nickey Gets Thermography Certified
--- You’re Invited to UNI Day of Service
--- Minor Source Emission Inventory
--- IStorm 26
--- Industry News

Comparing The Cognitive And Physiological Effects Of Traditional And Virtual Reality Exercise In Overweight/Obese Adults: A Pilot Study, Emma Kelsey, Greta Ness, Grayce Bjugan, Darci Wiseman, Terence Moriarty

Faculty Publications

Research suggests that overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) have an elevated risk of cognitive decline. Although exercise is recommended to improve both physical and cognitive health, adherence is often low in this population. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging strategy that may enhance exercise engagement. This pilot study compared the effects of traditional (TRAD) cycling and VR-based exercise on cognitive performance and prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation (O2Hb). Eleven adults (M = 6, F = 5; BMI: 31.1 ± 2.8 kg/m²; VO2max: 30.4 ± 5.7 mL/kg/min) completed a VO2max test and two 16 min moderate-intensity cycling …

Adverse Experiences Of D/Deaf Individuals, Lily Buchholz

Graduate Research Papers

With over 1 million people making up the Deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States, this population faces Adverse Childhood Experiences and intimate partner violence at rates higher than the hearing population. D/deaf people experience adversity specifically related to their inability to hear, including discrimination and daily microaggressions. Researching the adverse experiences of the D/deaf population allows for greater awareness to better serve them in professional settings. Clinicians using this information can provide more trauma-informed services, schools can create healthier and safer learning environments for D/deaf students, and D/deaf communities can support each other through connection and …

General Music Methods’ Effect On Sel Development: A Review Of Literature, Tessa M. Hansen

Graduate Research Papers

In an increasingly digital world, the demand for social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom has become a priority for holistic student development. While music education is often cited as a tool for emotional growth, there is a lack of synthesized research examining how specific, established music pedagogies facilitate these competencies. This literature review investigates the intersection of five foundational music methods–Orff-Schulwerk, Kodály, Suzuki, Dalcroze, and Gordon’s Music Learning Theory (MLT) – and their impact on the five core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Findings indicate that the Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály methods provide robust frameworks …

Iowa Journal Of Communication, Volume 58, Number 1, Fall 2026 [Download Entire Issue]

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.