Digital Commons Network^™

Deterring Gray Zone Activity In A Strategic Flashpoint: U.S. Freedom Of Navigation Operations And China’S Maritime Militias, Joseph D. Potter

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In today’s complex world, nations often use irregular forces, such as militias, to achieve political goals without escalating conflicts. This study examines how the United States of America uses its Navy’s Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea to influence the behavior of Chinese maritime militias. These militias are involved in activities such as harassment, assault, and other aggressive or deceptive actions. By analyzing data from 2012 to 2024, this research discovered 239 incidents and discovers that these militias reduce their confrontational activities during Freedom of Navigation Operations to avoid direct conflict while continuing their broader objectives in …

Making Peace Among The People: The Development Of Brigham Young's Political Thought And Activity, 1838-1846, Garrett R. Elkins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Brigham Young assumed the role as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1838, as the Church began to face extreme persecutions by the state of Missouri. Although he was a mostly apolitical individual preceding his new role, over the next eight years Young would hold political office and help the Church navigate challenging relationships with local, state, and federal governments. By the time he led the Latter-day Saints to the Great Basin and became president of the Church in 1847, Young had gained significant experience over several years …

Analyzing Sedentism In The Built Environment: A Case Study In Archaeological Geophysics At Boundary Village, Uintah County, Utah, Alix Sofie Piven

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This thesis presents a case study that evaluates the ability of near-surface remote sensing to generate archaeological data suitable to answer questions about human behavior. Specifically, this project assesses the ability of two remote sensing methods, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetic gradiometry to resolve subsurface archaeological features that are markers of sedentism. In this study, the markers of sedentism are features of village sites where their variability is linked to the anticipated and actual length of time spent occupying a domestic site. A comparative dataset was generated to assess how specific subsurface archaeological features would look in GPR and magnetic …

Discovering The True Meaning Of Federalist No. 27, Mckenzie Pedersen-Campbell

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The Federalist Papers are widely known as they helped explain the Constitution and gather support for its ratification. However, what they mean is not always clear. This is problematic, especially when Supreme Court Justices look to the Federalist Papers to help them make decisions. A particularly fascinating example of this problem arose in the case Printz v. United States (1997). Both the majority and dissent argued that their interpretation was supported by Federalist No. 27. That leads to the question of what Federalist No. 27 actually means. By looking at the context surrounding Alexander Hamilton (the author) and previous Supreme …

Death In A Small Town, Christine Cooper

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Today, those who experience the loss of a loved one are far removed from the process of nursing the dying and watching over the dead. These tasks are relegated to professionals with specific education, certifications, and licensing. With advances in medical technology and hospitals in most communities staffed with well-trained doctors and nurses, the process of dying is more prolonged than that of the late-19th and early-20th centuries in rural small towns. Additionally, with the rise of the death care industry family involvement is often limited to choosing a casket and organizing services. In some ways death has become an …

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 …

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 …

A Survey Of Master's Qualifying Exam Practices And Content In Real Analysis, Zachary M. Coverstone

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Graduate programs in mathematics are intended to develop experts in mathematics. As part of a graduate program, many students are expected to engage in a qualifying examination that can serve myriad purposes. This dissertation investigates real analysis qualifying examinations at the master's level through a nation-wide survey of institutions in the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU). This study reveals the practices in administration of real analysis qualifying exams, institutions reported offering traditional, pencil-and-paper exams and generally asked students to prepare individually using previously administered exams. The survey results show that approximately two in three APLU institutions offering master's …

Desert Drowning: A Short Story Collection, Steve Shumway

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

As many young men born in Utah, I grew up Mormon, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While this is not out of the ordinary in this state, my connections within the history of the church were. My grandfather's great grandfather Charles Shumway was one of the first Mormon settlers to cross the plains and settle in what would become the state of Utah. Not only that, he was one of Brigham Young's most trusted lieutenants, instructed to scout ahead of the main wagon trains, and later settle parts of Northern Arizona, where the town …

The Utah Statesman, April 28, 2025, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Environmental Racism: The Role Of Racism In The Unequal Distribution Of Environmental Hazards And Resources In Urban Areas, Acadia Petersen

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

There is a large difference in the number of environmental hazards and environmental resources that people live with depending on their race. This is very damaging as certain minorities are being provided with fewer resources and more polluted areas, leading to worse health outcomes.

There is “A strong association between non-white and poor communities and the location of hazardous waste sites…Studies on air quality have documented that minorities and the poor face higher levels of air pollution than other groups” (Pinderhughes 1996).

Are Logan Police Officers Equipped To Deal With Domestic Disturbances Effectively, Jaden Baugh

Student Research Symposium

If officers do not have proper training to deal with domestic violence, then they become ineffective tools to help the public. We as the public need officers to keep the peace but if there is improper training they are ineffective

Child Protective Services Accountability And Reform: The Role Of Judicial Oversight, Caseworker Training, And Systemic Failures In Protecting Vulnerable Children, Amiah Kuykendall

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

What is the purpose of this project?

▪ Investigate systemic failures

o Research question:

▪ How does judicial oversight influence CPS caseworker accountability in child abuse cases, and what legal measures can be taken to ensure policy enforcement?

How Does Social Media Influence Gen Z'S Perception Of American Politics?, Payden Dalley

Student Research Symposium

This study examines whether social media influences Gen Z voters depending on which app they use and their political affiliation. Specifically, it explores how social media platforms shape perceptions of the American political system by analyzing survey responses from Utah State University students regarding the most recent election. Understanding this influence is crucial, as social media plays a central role in shaping political information, particularly for young voters. The findings will help determine whether social media can be used in future elections and which platforms are the most reliable for each party. Given the limited research on the role of …

From Vulnerabilities And Concern To Action: How Perceived Climate Vulnerabilities And Concern For The Great Salt Lake Desiccation Shape Utahns’ Migration Intention, Mufti Nadimul Quamar Ahmed

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Pinkwashing Palestine: Exploring The Perceptions Of Utah College Students, Addison Fish

Student Research Symposium

The United States' role in the escalation of the Israeli occupation of Palestine has become a subject of heated political debate, especially on college campuses.

• This project investigates college students’ perceptions of pinkwashing and Israel

• Aims to understand how their perceptions affect their stance on the occupation

• Goal is to provide insight into how we can understand and critically engage with pinkwashing narratives and support Utah-local advocacy movements, as well as broader political campaigns in the U.S

Religious Trauma And Young Adults: What Is Their Perspective?, Ethan Lefevre

Student Research Symposium

How does religious trauma influence young adults' perspectives on organized religion and spirituality?

Nontraditional Legal Service Providers (Nslps) Can Increase Access To Justice, Brookelyn Harvey, Emma Blanscett

Student Research Symposium

Individuals who have lower incomes have minimal access to quality legal services. USU's Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) co- created with lawyers, social workers, and other professionals a new initiative, the Community Justice Advocates (CJA) Program.

Effects Of Cbt For Anxiety On Sleep Quality (A Proposed Study), Brin Bement

Student Research Symposium

Good sleep has consistently been associated with good mental and physical health, yet nearly 1 in 5 Americans report sleep disturbances. Sleep-related problems (SRPs) are highly comorbid with anxiety, and the two variables have a bidirectional relationship.

How Has Lgbtq+ Representation In Media Influenced The Perceptions And Identities Among Both Lgbtq+ And Non-Lgbtq+ Individuals Ages 18-24?, Miki Beckstrom

Student Research Symposium

The modern era has allowed for a new age of storytelling. As our society continues to diversify, the question we must ask ourselves, how is the media we consume reflective of our society? Internet discourse surrounding representation of race, sexuality, and gender have continued to infiltrate our community and be a topic of contention. This study hopes to explore both the positive and adverse effects that LGBTQ+ representation in media can have.

How Do The Implications Of A Juvenile's Surroundings Genuinely Affect Them And Their Upbringing?, Ramon Ramirez

Student Research Symposium

Traditional theories assume that socioeconomic status and residential mobility in a neighborhood are linked to criminal behavior, but the findings showed that variations in ethnic composition didn’t have a significant effect.

Digital Audience: The Bystander Effect On Social Media, Riley Carlisle

Student Research Symposium

In the United States, cyberbullying is a massive problem that shows no sign of slowing down. - Cyberbullying effects 46% of teens aged 13-17 (Vogels, 2022)

- We are more connected than ever before

- Cyberbullying will only increase as we become more connected over social media

How Are Mental Health Professionals Impacted By Their Personal Religious Beliefs Within A Client-Interaction Setting?, Olivia Kenney

Student Research Symposium

Understanding how mental health professionals’ personal religious beliefs influence client interactions is important to ensuring ethical, productive, and effective care.

Soc 3110 Presentation, Eduardo Valles

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

What do you think is the percent of inmates in jails/prisons that have a mental illness?

Urban Green Space And Violent Crime Rates: Urban Green Spaces Promote Safety, Wellness, And Community Connection, Athena Degroff

Student Research Symposium

• Some studies suggest that well- maintained green spaces can deter crime by fostering community interaction, increasing natural surveillance, and reducing stress- related aggression.
• However, other research indicates that poorly maintained or isolated green spaces may provide opportunities for criminal activity.
• Understanding these patterns is essential for designing safer cities.

Did Covid-19 Change How Adolescents Connect? Analyzing Social Media's Role In Post-Pandemic Relationships, Tessi Hurst

Student Research Symposium

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly increased social media use among adolescents, altering the way they formed and maintained relationships. As in-person interactions became limited, social media platforms played a crucial role in shaping social behaviors.

Existing research highlights the shifts in friendship quality, mental health and social interaction patterns, revealing both positive and negative effects.

Creative Inequality, Ginger Anderson

Student Research Symposium

Does an art degree define success? Some of the world's most famous artists never set foot in a classroom. However, formal training often provides essential technical skills and industry connections. So, is artistic success about raw talent or learned expertise?

The Need For Gender Equity In Outdoor Adventure Sports: The Impact Of Gender Disparities On Women In The Outdoors, Suzanna Stegelmeier

Student Research Symposium

What obstacles do women face when participating in outdoor adventure recreation?

Domestic Violence Against Women, Mckaye Didericksen

Student Research Symposium

Types of Abuse

• Physical Abuse
• Physical Violence
• Emotional Abuse
• Non-Physical Behavior
• Financial Abuse
• Control Financial Situation
• Sexual Abuse
• Partner Controlled Sexual and Physical Intimacy in the Relationship
• Often non-consensual and forced