Digital Commons Network^™

Projects In Lighting Design And Technical Direction, Hannah Rose Whorton

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

A report of realized lighting design, projection design, and technical direction theatre projects.

The Art Of Engagement: Personal Connections, Innovative Practices, And Goal-Driven Language Motivation, Margrit Staiger

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This portfolio includes the author’s personal experiences, practices, and perspectives for teaching languages, all refined and revitalized during her time in the Master of Second Language Teaching program at Utah State University. The author’s teaching perspectives have been informed by her experiences teaching French to primary, secondary, and university students, as well as by courses taken throughout the program. The following consists of three main pieces: the author’s teaching philosophy, an overview of research and practical applications of Game-Based Learning, and finally, research on factors that influence continuation of Arabic, French, and German in a university program.

Beyond The Basics Motivation And Assessment In Sustaining Arabic Learning, Laila Eissa

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This portfolio presents the teaching philosophy, examples of teaching approaches and techniques, and a research project of the writer for the Master of Second Language Teaching at Utah State University (USU). It highlights collaboration with colleagues and faculty in Second Language Acquisition research, providing an overall overview of the entire experience. The research in this portfolio explores the theories behind language teaching and assessment through two sections: first, the teaching philosophy, and second, hands-on experience section. The third section focuses on the main research paper, which examines the motivational factors influencing students in Arabic, French, and German classes to continue …

Climate Prediction As An Adaptive Force-Multiplier: Reasons For Hope In A Rapidly Changing World, Matthew D. Laplante

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

It's not unreasonable to feel pessimistic about our future under climate change. But "believing the science" doesn't require you to accept that we are headed toward apocalypse. It is true that human-caused climate change is real, it is underway, and our societies face many increased risks because of it. But that's just part of what climate science tells us about our future world. This same field is responsible for the recent and rapid development of tools and techniques that permit the identification of patterns in our oceans and atmosphere that will aid us in making increasingly accurate predictions about climate—the …

Electromagnetic Sensor Sampling Volumes And Water Content Calibration In Coarse-Textured Porous Media Using Layered Mixing Theories, Chieh Yun Chang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Measuring soil water content is crucial for various applications, such as agriculture and environmental monitoring. Scientists use sensors that rely on electromagnetic waves to estimate soil water content by measuring the dielectric of media. However, factors, including the frequency of the sensor's measurements, soil particle size and distribution, and the soil's electrical conductivity, can affect the dielectric measurements and, consequently, the accuracy of the water content estimation. To improve the accuracy of electromagnetic-based sensors, it is important to calibrate them properly and understand their sensing volume to ensure the use of an appropriately sized calibration container. In this study, we …

Game Changing Education: Empowering High School Stem Teachers To Teach Engineering Using Games, Leslie Brown

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In response to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) released in 2013, there was a nationwide push for K-12 schools to include engineering concepts in science classrooms. However, there is an overall lack of teacher preparedness and training towards engineering topics as shown by common engineering misconceptions. To improve this issue, I initiated a qualitative study to describe the strategies and attitudes of high school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers that have implemented game-based, engineering activities into their classroom. Game-based learning is an instructional framework that utilizes game-like elements in a classroom and was used in this study …

Strategies For Increasing Methane Removal In Methanotroph Bench-Scale Systems For The Production Of Ectoine, Jaden Storrer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Anthropogenic methane emissions contribute to the greenhouse gas profile which is the chief cause of climate change. One significant source of methane emissions is biogas produced from bacteria in wastewater facilities and landfills. Methane rich biogas has the potential to be valorized into high value bioproducts by using methanotrophs (microbes that use methane as their primary carbon source). Methylotuvimicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z was selected for this study as it can generate ectoine when grown in highly saline environments. Ectoine has been proven to have many benefits such as it prevents protein denaturation, it has hydration properties, and is a UV protectant. …

Effects Of Light Intensity On Algae Biofilms In Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactors (Rabr), Joshua D. Wintch

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

There is a growing need for economically and ecologically friendly wastewater treatment processes. Utilizing natural algae biofilms to remediate excess nitrogen and phosphorus from municipal wastewater is a treatment technique of academic interest. Utilizing natural algae in rotating algae biofilm reactors (RABR) is a potential engineering application of algae biofilms for municipal wastewater anaerobic digestor effluent treatment. The ideal reactor operation would use sunlight as the light source for algae growth, however, there is little academic research on algae biofilm growth productivity across natural sunlight light intensity ranges. This research seeks to understand the relationship between rotating algae biofilm reactor …

Exploring The Utilization Of Benefits And Participation Experiences Among Immigrants And Refugees In Wic Program: A Mixed-Method Study, Melissa Murillo Timoschenco

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Food insecurity is a critical issue globally and in the United States. The USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aims to address this by improving the nutrition of low-income pregnant women and children. However, immigrants and refugees, who are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, often encounter barriers to accessing WIC benefits. This study aimed to: i) evaluate how immigrant and refugee families in Utah utilize WIC benefits, and ii) explore their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improving the program. This mixed-method study combined surveys with 116 participants and in-depth interviews with 25 participants. Surveys were …

The Impact Of Absolute Education On Young Voter Turnout, Reagan Roark

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

American civic education continually proves to need attention and reform. This research evaluates whether implementing specific teaching strategies at the high school level impacts a student's future political participation; specifically, to more clearly outline whether a high school level civics curriculum directly impacts a student's likelihood to cast a voting ballot in midterm and presidential elections within six years of graduation. This paper aims to understand better if teaching and/or education reform is effective in helping future generations and the democratic fate of our country. In this study, we measure the current state civic graduation requirements compared with the state's …

Novel Horticultural Approaches For Reduced Gravity And Controlled Environment Agriculture, Sarah Elizabeth Schreck

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 achieved the first successful moon landing, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration. This historic moment effectively ended the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, and since then, countries around the world have continued to advance their space programs. While the space race has evolved, the next major challenge lies in sending humans to Mars—a journey that could take 6 to 9 months each way, presenting numerous challenges, including the critical issue of nutritional sustainment for the crew.

This thesis addresses key aspects of a broader effort to support …

Challenging Behavior In Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs, Samantha J. Nercesian

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Inclusive postsecondary education programs – higher education programs that are specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities – have grown exponentially in the last 10 years. With this growth has come the emergence of several barriers to inclusive postsecondary education admission and completion. Given the relatively short time inclusive postsecondary education programs have existed, only a small amount of research has looked into barriers that prevent graduation from inclusive postsecondary education programs. One barrier in particular has received little to no attention from researchers – challenging behavior. Challenging behavior is a construct that includes socially inappropriate behaviors, which may harm …

A Voice For Unity: The 1947 Freedom Train And Collective Memory Of The American Revolution, Joseph Lewis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

One element of American Revolution memory is how united the colonists were during the Revolution. Many subsequent political groups, such as the American Heritage Foundation (AHF), utilized this idealistic collective memory to advocate for unity and legitimize their agendas. Through the 1947 Freedom Train, the AHF shaped and reinforced a unified, idealistic, national heritage to unite Americans against the perceived threats of communism, disloyalty, and disunity at home, partially by framing the American Revolution as a united endeavor. Some Utahns and Americans at large, while supporting the pro-capitalist message embedded in the train, applied its message to support the protection …

Changing Climate, Changing Minds: Social Media's Role In Shifting Climate Change Beliefs, Rachel M. Clarke

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study explores how social media messages influence individual beliefs, attitudes and behaviors related to climate change. Despite widespread exposure to social media, there is concern about its effectiveness in shaping beliefs and actions regarding climate adaptation and mitigation. Research indicates that many people in the United States show limited concern for climate change, underscoring the need for targeted communication strategies. By designing and implementing a survey experiment with random participants within the United States, this study examines how sharing first- person experiences of climate-related hazards on social media affects opinions about climate change, in comparison to traditional third-person news …

Women’S Evolving Roles: Gender, Authority, And The History Of Latter-Day Saint Patriarchy, Zachary Brady

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This project aims to further understand contemporary women’s issues within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by answering three questions. 1) What social and doctrinal factors have influenced the development of patriarchal structures within the LDS Church, and how have these factors evolved? 2) What are the current leadership and decision-making roles available to LDS women, and how does church membership feel about them? 3) What ideas exist for progress in gender equality and women’s leadership? This discussion provides relevant historical context, outlines current issues regarding LDS women’s authority challenges and theological interpretations, and numerous proposed solutions from …

Declining Democracy Amid Historical Legacies: Democratization Across The Maghreb, Jacob Sagers

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Institutions and security forces are vital in determining democratization’s success or failure, but how do they interact with civilians to counteract, or support, existing regimes? Hopes for a fourth wave of democratization were dismantled over the past decade as the Arab uprisings have had inconclusive results, posing a threat to the ideological basis for U.S. foreign policy and Western states' legitimacy. Broad economic and Western foreign policies applied worldwide over the past few decades have also been ineffective at supporting this process and producing sustainable democratic transitions. But what specifically about these factors in the Maghreb gave way to Tunisia’s …

Establishing Methods For In Vitro Static Culture Of Gut Microbiomes For Nutritional Intervention Studies, Jeremy Mathew Case

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Lipid oxidation products (LOPs), which form during high-heat processing of oils common in Western diets, are known to cause inflammation and cellular damage. While LOPs have been implicated in exacerbating colitis and promoting colon tumorigenesis in mouse models, their direct impact on the gut microbiome remains poorly understood. This capstone project aimed to develop a low-cost in vitro protocol to culture the mouse gut microbiome under anaerobic conditions, enabling future investigations into the direct effects of bioactive dietary compounds such as LOPs. The study also assessed whether viable microbial communities could be recovered from fecal samples stored at -80°C. Fecal …

The Art Of The Duo And The Value Of Collaboration, Rebecca Farmer

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The Art of the Duo and the Value of Collaboration explores the duo as a laboratory for understanding the collaborative process between musicians and non musicians focusing on three central points. First, this project is a means to showcase and broaden my skills as a composer. Second, this project demonstrates my understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of common and uncommon instrumental pairings. Third, this project explores interdisciplinary collaboration. This project resulted in a public lecture recital featuring six duets I composed for various instruments: violin, bass, percussion, saxophone, voice, and piano.

I studied works by Debussy, Bartók, and Paganini, …

Ghostlight: A Fargedy, Ethan Thomas Shaw

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Frequently, throughout art media, artists rarely venture from realism. With the stylistic tools and artistic innovations made over the last 150 years that venture past realism, it is time for artists everywhere to take the next big step and begin the ombre of style and genre within works, challenging society in new ways. The goal of this project is to research the function and effect of different genres and styles within theatre and find what is required to successfully communicate them both textually and within a production. This includes reading and researching plays, theatre history, and the influence/evolution of style …

Creating A Stat2 Knock-Out Rat With Crispr/Cas9 Using I-Gonad, Isabella Dejesus

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Through the use of genetically modified animals, a more holistic understanding of physiologic responses to various diseases and pathologies can be obtained^7,19. The STAT2 gene encodes a protein called Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 2 and is an excellent target for genetic manipulation due to its essential role in type I and III interferon signaling pathways¹¹. A member of the STAT family of transcription factors, this protein is directly involved in mediating cellular responses to various cytokines and growth factors, particularly those related to the innate immune response¹¹. While the STAT2 signaling pathway …

State Legislature Demographics And Anti-Transgender Legislation, Sophie Christensen

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Starting in 2015, anti-transgender bills have been introduced in state legislatures in exponentially increasing numbers, with a sharp uptick in 2020 and numbers that nearly doubled every year since then. These bills concern a wide variety of issues, from sports participation for transgender adolescents to drag bans to restrictions on bathroom usage. This paper finds that only a small percentage of the bills are passed into law, indicating that passing laws is less important to legislators than introducing bills. Given these intentions, this paper seeks to analyze the demographic makeup of chambers that introduce and pass these bills to understand …

Reimagining Utah’S Block: Walkability As A Housing Shortage Solution, Jordan Taft Sheppard

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Utah, like much of the United States, is experiencing a housing crisis driven primarily by a shortage of available housing. Rising home prices, increasing infrastructure costs, and restrictive zoning policies have limited the supply of varied housing options, forcing many families into unsustainable housing and transportation patterns. While conventional development patterns have focused on outward expansion, this approach requires costly infrastructure investments and perpetuates car-dependent communities. This study explores an alternative solution—leveraging existing walkable urban land to accommodate growth more efficiently and sustainably.

Using a 15-minute city framework, this research identifies 2,528 acres of highly walkable land in Cache County, …

Survey Of Insect Pests On Cut Flowers In Utah, Elliot Roberts

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Cut flower production is a relatively new industry in the state of Utah, gaining momentum by 2020. However, little research concerning management of the crops and their pests has been conducted. One issue producers face are insects that harm the plants in ways such as feeding damage and transmission of diseases. Currently, it is unknown which insects target different species of cut flowers in Utah. Morphological identification of genera and species is often difficult or impossible because of the small size of many of the insects and minute differences between species. This project uses PCR and DNA sequencing to identify …

Domestic Challenges, Cultural Factors Driving Ecuador's Authoritarianism Acceleration, Benjamin F. Berlin

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Using the Cultural Topography (CTops) methodology, this paper provides insight to US policymakers into the cultural factors, combined with current domestic challenges, that are driving Ecuadorians toward authoritarianism. The CTops methodology requires practitioners to conduct primary research on a specific group, which is the population of Ecuador in this paper. To conduct this research, cultural texts and artifacts such as newspaper articles, monuments honoring national heroes, websites and blog posts, and many others were analyzed. Secondary research and an evaluation of current operational realities were also used to inform this paper. Once considered an “Island of Peace,” Ecuador is in …

Critically Assessing Normative Methods And Their Limitations In Managing Crowding Within Parks And Protected Areas, Glendon R. Vansandt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Visitor experiences in parks and protected areas are shaped by a variety of environmental, managerial, and social factors. To ensure that visitors enjoy their time in these spaces, management agencies often adopt guidelines to establish acceptable levels for different aspects of these experiences. One of the most selected factors is perceived crowding, which reflects how crowded visitors feel in a given area. When perceived crowding exceeds desired levels, it can significantly diminish visitor satisfaction.

This thesis presents two studies aimed at identifying the shortcomings of the management of perceived crowding. The first study conducts a comprehensive literature review that identifies …

Development Of The Sexual Mindfulness Measure For Abstinent Persons, Kaitlyn Zito

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Sexual wellbeing plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing physical, emotional, social, and even spiritual aspects of life. One key factor in sexual wellbeing is sexual mindfulness, or the ability to be aware and accepting of one's sexual thoughts, feelings, and sensations. While previous research has focused on sexual mindfulness in romantic relationships, little is known about how it applies to abstinent individuals. To address this gap, I developed a 16-item validated measure of sexual mindfulness specifically for abstinent individuals: the Sexual Mindfulness Measure for Abstinent Persons (SMM-AP). This tool adapts key elements from the Five Facets of Mindfulness …

Optimizing Nutrient Recycling To Achieve Zero–Discharge Management For Controlled Environment Agriculture, Noah James Langenfeld

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) allows for human control of one or more environmental factors affecting crop production. Optimizing nutrient management in such systems allows for translation and predictions of sustainable management strategies in the field. These systems will be used to supply fresh food as public and private space agencies are planning to send humans to the Moon and Mars in the near future. Food resupply becomes increasingly difficult as the distance from Earth increases. Plants can be grown off-Earth as a food source, but their growth must be carefully managed to ensure long-term sustainability. I describe a model used …

Effects Of Plant Biostimulants On Onion Growth And Production Under Greenhouse And Field Conditions, Prakriti Nepal

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The escalating impact of climate change on agricultural production underscores the need to investigate sustainable crop enhancement methods. This research explores the use of plant biostimulants to grow onion (Allium cepa L.) under varying environmental conditions. In the initial germination and greenhouse screening, seven biostimulants were tested on ‘Vaquero’ onion seeds: three bacterial products (Continuum, Spectrum DS, and Tribus Original), two mycorrhizal products (Mighty Mycorrhizae and Myco Apply), one seaweed extract product (Seaweed), and one product containing humic acid (Huma Pro 16). Mighty Mycorrhizae, Continuum, and Myco Apply supported faster germination, while seeds treated with Spectrum and Seaweed took …

Understanding The Impact Of Colloidal Calcium Phosphate On The Ph Variation In Cheddar Cheese During Early Stages Of Aging, Rachel Lindstrom

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The Cheddar cheese industry has recently observed variation in the pH of their cheese during the early stage of storage. This variation may be due to the addition of the faster acid producing thermophilic starter culture Streptococcus thermophilus which was recently introduced into the Cheddar cheese making process. This starter culture may impact the calcium buffering properties of the cheese due to more retention of the insoluble calcium (INSOL Ca) within the cheese. To investigate this problem, we studied how insoluble calcium affects cheeses with pH ranging from 4.8 to 6.6 and found that INSOL Ca was positively correlated with …

Caregiver Implemented Standardized To Individualized Behavior Analytic Toilet Training Package For Autistic Preschoolers, Jessica A. Osos

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Autistic children often face challenges with toilet training and may benefit from a more structured and systematic approach compared to methods used for neurotypical children. While research and literature in this area has shown that behavior analytic toilet training packages can lead to increasing successful urinations and reducing accidents for autistic children, limitations such as not including caregivers as the individuals implementing the package, unsustainable sit schedules, and lack of acceptable levels of checks for accurate data collection and implementation of procedures highlight the need for refining of implementation oversight and examination of updated toileting procedures without the use of …