Seven Properties Of Highly Effective Problems, Thomas Ales, Kevin Peterson, Constantine Roussos

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

In an effort to provide more critical thinking opportunities in their courses, instructors are embracing the power of problem- and project-based learning (PBL). In this paper we address the importance of problem quality when utilizing PBL. We list seven important properties that a high-quality problem should have. We conclude with an example of a problem that possesses all seven properties.

Introducing Flexible Assessment Into A Computer Networks Course: A Case Study, Joe Meehean

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

With overall positive results and limited drawbacks, I have adapted modern pedagogical techniques to address a common difficulty encountered when teaching a computer networks course. Due to the tiered nature of the skills taught in the course, students often fail unnecessarily. Using mastery learning, competency-based education, and specifications grading as a foundation, I have developed a course that allows students with varied skills and abilities to pass. The heart of this approach is the flexible assessment of programming assignments which eliminates due dates and allows students to have their work graded and regraded without penalty. Flexible assessment also defines an …

Combating Chronic Absenteeism: A Practical Approach To Improving Attendance In A Mid-Sized Virginia School Division, Alissa Fraser, Caroline Goddard, Brian Raska, Michael Sidebotham

Doctor of Education Capstones

Chronic absenteeism poses a significant public health challenge in the United States, impacting educational outcomes and student well-being. This research explores strategies to address chronic absenteeism within Client Public Schools (CPS) before and after the COVID-19 pandemic (2015-present). Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates a literature review, quantitative analysis of CPS attendance data, and qualitative insights from focus groups and interviews. Findings reveal disparities among student groups, increased absenteeism post-pandemic, and multifaceted barriers to attendance, including school-related challenges and non-school-related factors. The study underscores the necessity for a unified strategy to track attendance data, consistent implementation of the Multi-Tiered …

Reimagining On-Campus Student Employment As A Foundation For Career Readiness: Student Employment In Virginia Commonwealth University’S Division Of Student Affairs, Jaedda Hall, Mary Lee Magee, Sean D. Mays, Kimberly C. Young

Doctor of Education Capstones

Many undergraduate students participate in on-campus employment while pursuing their academic programs. Increasingly, institutions of higher education recognize student employment not only as a resource to address institutional workforce needs or students’ pressing financial needs, but also to promote students’ overall learning, development, and success. To better understand on-campus undergraduate student employment in the context of Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Division of Student Affairs (DSA), this descriptive study employed a mixed-methods approach using surveys, interviews, focus groups, secondary data analysis, and artifact analysis. These methods were applied to explore the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including undergraduate student employees, supervisors of …

Safe Schools: A Descriptive Study Examining How To Prevent Peer-To-Peer Sexual Misconduct In K-12 Schools, Crystal R. Bell, Kristine Herakovich-Curtis, Elizabeth Terrier, Leah Wiedenhoft

Doctor of Education Capstones

In response to a problem of practice presented by the non-profit Stop Sexual Assault in Schools (SSAIS), this study examines what training and resources K-12 Title IX Coordinators and school administrators need to prevent and effectively address peer-to-peer sexual harassment and assault. Grounded in Improvement Science, we partnered with SSAIS to address a real-world dilemma. Through the theoretical lens of the Social-Ecological Framework, a descriptive study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methodologies to study changes needed to reduce peer-to-peer sexual misconduct in schools. Data were collected through focus group interviews and a Nearpod questionnaire with a national sample. Relying …

A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation Of Chronic Absenteeism Interventions At Caroline High School, Amanda M. Harper, Dana L.G. Chen, Melissa A. Bugaj, William J. Pettus, Patrick H. Simmons

Doctor of Education Capstones

This mixed methods program evaluation examines interventions targeting chronic absenteeism at Caroline High School, where being absent for 10% or more of the school year impacts student success. Combining student surveys, parent interviews, and a staff focus group, the study identifies absenteeism trends and evaluates interventions related to student attendance attitudes and behaviors. Findings indicate these interventions have significantly reduced chronic absenteeism, with emphasis on positive reinforcements. The research illustrates absenteeism's complexities, which then in turn require diverse strategies that address both individual student and systemic factors. This Capstone offers insights and recommendations for tackling chronic absenteeism and aims to …

Bottling The “Secret Sauce”: Capturing The Heart Of The East End At Peter Paul Development Center, Melissa E. Abban, Melissa Buckley, Marie Garrenton, Latonja Y. Wright

Doctor of Education Capstones

Peter Paul Development Center (Peter Paul) submitted a Request for Assistance (RFA) to obtain support from a Virginia Commonwealth University Doctorate of Educational Leadership (EdD) Capstone team with documenting programming and principles and evaluating them consistently. To address this request, the team analyzed the context and problem of practice through document review, empathy interviews, partner discussions and site visits. The literature review helped the team design and conduct research, fieldwork, and data analysis to support Peter Paul in standardizing procedures and programs, fostering a culture of institutional knowledge, and effectively communicating impact to stakeholders. The team used a Convergent Parallel …

Transforming The Route 228 Corridor: A Safe And Connective Approach, Michael Boeh

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This capstone plan centers around the Rt. 228/19 intersection and surrounding corridor located in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. In spite of recent projects, the intersection continues to convey feelings of danger and a lack of safety. This redesign project will utilize SketchUp to demonstrate how safety and connectivity can be prioritized and made a reality for the Rt. 228 corridor.

Best Practices For Community Outreach For The Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot, Callie B. Houghland

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

The purpose of this plan is to understand best practices for community outreach for the VERP program and provide materials to aid future outreach efforts. This plan has five parts. First, this plan will review characteristics that contribute to housing vulnerability, such as race or number of children, and consider which vulnerabilities should be prioritized in outreach. Then, this plan will identify how VERP grantees are currently conducting community outreach and who is being served through the program. Next this plan will look to understand who is missed between those who are most vulnerable and who are actually served across …

Social Invention For The Common Good: A Community Land Trust-Based Model For Affordable Accessory Dwelling Units, Adelaide Alexander

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

Executive Summary

Vision: High-quality, affordable ADUs address the housing crisis and foster racial and economic justice for residents of the Richmond region

Key Research Findings

Of MWCLT’s 95 properties, 80 are suitable for the addition of ADUs and another 6 may be suitable, subject to property-specific analysis and permissions.

Richmond now allows ADUs by right in all residential districts, so ADUs could be developed as infill projects or as part of subdivisions in the City.

In Chesterfield and Henrico, developing ADUs as affordable rentals will be most feasible as part of subdivision, rather than infill, development.

Estimated rents for a …

Growth In Appalachia: Downtown Revitalization Strategies For Covington, Virginia, Tucker L. Keener

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This plan was created for the City of Covington, Virginia which is located in the Western part of the state in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This plan aims to identify the goals and desires of local community members and business owners that prioritize economic growth in the downtown core. The City of Covington has many great assets, and the goal of this plan is to leverage these assets to assist with downtown revitalization. Recommendations in this plan relate to ideas of enhancing downtown, creating and strengthening anchor institutions, and create downtown as a tourist destination.

Health-Based Urban Design And Planning Interventions; Maximizing Harmony, Vitality, And Wellness In Hopewell, Virginia, Suzanne K. Yeats

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

Urban planners as practitioners work to create a more progressive future while simultaneously redressing the past. This tension is found in many cities, including the City of Hopewell, Virginia where city planners, managers, economic developers work passionately for positive change. In Hopewell, there has been almost no population growth since 1970 and existing health outcomes are alarming. In every determinant of health category (medical, psychological, or social), this city falls below the state and national average. This health-based urban design and planning intervention capstone challenges the status quo by flipping the paradigm and placing the health of all residents first …

Anticipating The Fall Line: A Plan For Equitable Trail-Oriented Development On Commerce Road, Eric King

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

Once completed, the Fall Line trail will provide a 43-mile active transportation route through Central Virginia from Ashland to Petersburg. Three miles of the trail’s alignment follow Commerce Road in Richmond’s Southside. As Manchester continues to undergo rapid change, trail-oriented development (TrOD) offers an opportunity to accommodate growth and transform the industrial corridor into a mixed-use destination as envisioned by the city’s master plan. While TrOD within the study area represents both economic and community development, relatively low residential property values and median incomes within surrounding neighborhoods warrant proactive measures to mitigate potential displacement pressures. Drawing from precedents set by …

Tension Between Construction And Conservation : Dutch Gap Conservation Area Park Access Design, Colleen Campbell

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

The goal of this plan is to create a site-specific design as well as investigate the best practices to use to aid in mending the tension between conservation and construction especially in conservation areas. This comes in response to legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2019. Using literature, expert surveys, and public input a design will be created to aid the public in accessing the Dutch Gap Conservation Area. Many challenges are present in conservation areas and this plan will help to address which challenges are most important as well as the best way to mitigate these challenges. …

Assessing Impact: Equitable Community Development, Rose M. Lewis

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This plan explores strategies to advance equitable community development outcomes and enhance the understanding of impact analysis to improve economic well-being and quality of life across the Fifth District. By examining historical and current community development practices, along with relevant laws, regulations, and policies, the plan identifies actionable recommendations to address systemic inequities and foster inclusive growth. Grounded in Asset-Based Community Development and Equitable Development Planning principles, the approach emphasizes leveraging community assets, fostering collaboration, and promoting cultural competence to create sustainable frameworks for impactful development.

To address challenges in measuring outcomes, the plan introduces the Community Development Impact Self-Assessment …

Expanding Equitable Housing Through Rezoning: Strategies For Land Use And Future Development Within Richmond, Kevin Costanzo

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This paper serves as a critical component of the City of Richmond's extensive initiative aimed at comprehensively understanding and reforming its zoning regulations. Focusing on housing market conditions at both municipal and census block levels, as well as conducting individual neighborhood case studies representing diverse contexts within Richmond, it draws upon primary documents such as Richmond's master plan (Richmond 300) and the Department of Housing and Community Development's housing plan "One Richmond." The methodology involves thorough documentation and analysis of neighborhood-specific impacts of zoning regulations, utilizing the Pattern Book as a foundational resource. The content encompasses an examination of urban …

Wayfinding For All, Yosssera Bouchtia, Serra De Arment, Mahesh Jonnalagadda, Jada Wright, Julie Arendt, Cynthia Myron

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

Quest 2028 challenges us to nurture an institutional culture of care. Team Affirmation supports robust digital wayfinding to ensure accurate information for all members of the VCU community, including those with disabilities. This project collects data about accessible facilities on campus and includes a survey on wayfinding needs, such as accessibility beyond wheelchair accessibility, gender-inclusive facilities, wellness resources, and map iconography to ensure comprehensive data collection and meaningful engagement that informs wayfinding at VCU.

Vcu Health & Wellness Fair, Aamir Khan, Lexie Lewis, Abby Matulewicz, Fahim Thawer, Hannah Turazzo, Malorie Burkett

GEHLI - 2026 VCUL Team Project Publications

This project proposes the creation of a VCU Health and Wellness Fair, in partnership with both academic campuses, VCUHS, and local community organizations. With over ten health science degree programs available at VCU, our institution is well-positioned to lead a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing community health and well-being. By leveraging the expertise of our students and faculty, we aim to address key health concerns and promote preventative healthcare and wellness practices.

Life After Discharge: Predicting Longitudinal Trajectories Of Community Integration And Global Functioning In Black Individual With Traumatic Brain Injury, Chimdindu Ohayagha

Theses and Dissertations

The onset of traumatic brain injury (TBI) begins a chronic health pathway that contributes to various impairments and comorbidities across the lifespan. Common consequences of TBI include mental health issues, cognitive impairments, and reduced functional independence, all of which impact how an individual integrates into their community. Community integration is a primary goal for rehabilitation after TBI. Studies show that racially/ethnically minoritized individuals have a higher incidence of TBI, higher rates of mortality, and report poorer functional and community integration outcomes. Limited studies have explored longitudinal outcomes of community integration in a Black-only sample of individuals with TBI. Additionally, no …

Functional Monitoring For Run-Time Assurance Of A Real-Time Cyber Physical System, Matthew W. Gelber

Theses and Dissertations

As cyber-physical systems (CPS) become more integrated into everyday life, the security of these systems must also be considered during their development due to their ever-increasing importance. With the growth of physical components in the system, more autonomous control requirements, and increased dependence on proper functionality, verifying system safety and correct operation becomes increasingly difficult. CPS have become more complex through the combination of additional hardware and the resulting interconnected software in many layers, each requiring unique security solutions. One example of such a safety-critical CPS embedded system is the Flight Control System (FCS) of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). …

The Patient Experience Of Language Discordance And Interpreter Services In The Emergency Department, Keri L. Baker

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Clear communication is critical to the interaction of a patient and medical provider. For non-English speaking patients, language discordance, described as the lack of proficiency in a shared language, with the medical team results in a poor patient experience and poor patient outcomes. The predominant solution to language discordance is the use of interpreter services, however these services are underused in the emergency department (ED). Studies examining underuse of interpreter services have primarily focused on the clinician and little is known about the patient’s influence on the use of interpreter services.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Spanish-speaking …

Investigating The Ultrafast Dissociation Dynamics Of Energetic Materials Using Femtosecond Time-Resolved Mass Spectrometry, Jacob M. Shusterman

Theses and Dissertations

Shock initiation of energetic materials produces cations and anions that can contribute to initial endothermic chemical reactions which lead to detonation. Hence, knowledge of the initial dissociation pathways of ionized energetic molecules is important for advancing the understanding of initiation mechanisms and meeting longstanding goals of the Department of Defense. Despite their potential importance, these transient charged species are difficult to detect in detonation experiments and are often ignored in molecular dynamics modeling of shocked energetic materials. However, the technique of pump-probe femtosecond time-resolved mass spectrometry (FTRMS) paired with complementary theoretical calculations can be used to elucidate initial unimolecular dissociation …

Graph Coloring Reconfiguration, Reem Mahmoud

Theses and Dissertations

Reconfiguration is the concept of moving between different solutions to a problem by transforming one solution into another using some prescribed transformation rule (move). Given two solutions s₁ and s₂ of a problem, reconfiguration asks whether there exists a sequence of moves which transforms s₁ into s₂. Reconfiguration is an area of research with many contributions towards various fields such as mathematics and computer science.
The k-coloring reconfiguration problem asks whether there exists a sequence of moves which transforms one k-coloring of a graph G into another. A move in this case is a type …

Considering Personal And Professional Identities: The Collaborative Experiences Of School Speech-Language Pathologists, Imani Evans

Theses and Dissertations

My three-paper dissertation explored the interrelatedness between two critical issues in special education: interdisciplinary collaboration and sociocultural identity. I examined both through the perspectives of one discipline of specialized instructional support personnel (SISP). In the first paper, I conducted a systematic literature review examining the current empirical evidence on speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) collaboration in schools. A key takeaway from the literature review was the need for qualitative research to better understand the depth and breadth of collaborative experiences. In the second paper, I utilized an exploratory qualitative design and pilot data to discuss school-based SLPs’ shared collaborative experiences, identifying common …

Redesign, Evaluation, And Validation Of A Commercially Viable High-Resolution Melt Based Mixture Screening Tool, Chastyn Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Analysis of evidentiary samples containing DNA from multiple contributors (“mixtures”) is a time intensive process for a forensic analyst and one where the contributor nature of a sample is not revealed until the end of the traditional forensic workflow. Often, at this stage, retesting or additional testing of mixture samples may not be possible, particularly if the DNA collection device did not preserve the DNA well enough; consequently leaving only trace amounts of a contributor’s DNA present. Thus, a new collection device that would allow for the increased preservation/integrity of evidentiary samples as well as a method that would allow …

The Effect Of Local Anesthesia When Used In Dental Restorative Cases Under General Anesthesia On Control Of Postoperative Comfort, Elizabeth S. Kleefisch Dds

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose:

To determine the effect of local anesthesia on postoperative comfort in patients undergoing dental care under general anesthesia.

Methods:

This study was modeled as a double-blinded randomized control trial. Patients included healthy children under the age of 6 years scheduled for restorative dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA). Patient behavior was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) or other pain score and postoperatively using the Parent’s Postoperative Pain Measure (PPPM). Intraoperatively, participants followed a standardized general anesthesia protocol and were given either local anesthetic (LA) infiltration using 2% Lidocaine 1:100,000 Epinephrine by …

The Influence Of Flavor On The Abuse Liability Of A Heated Tobacco Product And Its Feasibility As A Menthol Cigarette Substitute, Augustus White

Theses and Dissertations

Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) purport to expose people that use cigarettes to fewer of the harmful or potentially harmful constituents of tobacco while still delivering reinforcing amounts of nicotine (Auer, Concha-Lozano et al., 2017). An exemplar of the HTP class, IQOS, and its three varieties of “HeatSticks” have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “Modified Risk Tobacco Products” (MRTP). However, as the FDA is planning to ban menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes, questions remain regarding whether characterizing flavors should be permitted in HTPs (FDA, 2022e). New evidence regarding HTP abuse liability (i.e., the likelihood …

The Role Of Sleep And Social-Ecological Supports In The Association Between Racial Discrimination And Cardiometabolic Risk In Black Youth, Jelaina R. Shipman-Lacewell

Theses and Dissertations

Black youth are at an increased risk for poor short and long-term cardiometabolic health, including obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Racial discrimination and poor sleep are theorized as key factors contributing to cardiometabolic health. While adult studies support sleep as a pathway through which discrimination is associated with health, there is a critical gap in our knowledge of this pathway in youth. Socio-ecological supports may protect Black youth against stressors, including racism. However, studies of the protective nature of these factors in Black youth have primarily focused on psychological and behavioral outcomes. Thus, the current study built upon previous …

Living The American Dream? College Experiences Of Undocumented Students In An Era Of Rising Xenophobia And Political Turmoil, Sandra Y. Ting Ph.D.

Theses and Dissertations

This research study sought to deepen the understanding of the journeys of undocumented and DACAmented college students in an era of escalated xenophobia and political unrest. Three noteworthy themes emerged from the sentiments expressed by participants. The experiences they described included: 1) the turmoil of undocumented status eliciting unique and empowering demonstrations of resourcefulness, creativity, and self-advocacy, 2) motivation and stress from their respective citizenship statuses existing as two mutually dependent facets of a unified whole, 3) a community of support from other undocumented and/or DACAmented peers as a necessity for wellbeing. These critical outcomes culminate in the conditioning to …

Relations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Substance Use In Adolescents And Emerging Adults: The Moderating Role Of Exposure To Community Violence And Community Support And Community Recognition, Kiara Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Due to historical and current systemic racial inequities, African American adolescents and emerging adults living in low-income urban communities bear the burden of higher rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and exposure to community violence. Both exposure to ACEs and community violence are linked to higher levels of substance use. However, limited research exists on how exposure to community violence exacerbates the association between ACEs and higher frequencies of substance use in adolescence and emerging adulthood. There is also a need to understand how community-level protective factors may weaken the relations between ACEs and higher rates of substance use. The …