Digital Commons Network^™

A ‘Friendly Visitor’ Volunteer Intervention For Hoarding Disorder: Participants’ Perceptions, Susan Noyes, Sarah Van Houten, Elizabeth Wilkins

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Determining and delivering effective interventions for Hoarding Disorder remains challenging, and appropriate resources are often unavailable. To address the need, the Friendly Visitor Program was designed in Portland, Maine, to pair people living with hoarding disorder with a trained volunteer to help with decluttering the living environment. The majority of the trained volunteers were occupational therapy students.

Method: This qualitative research study explored participants’ perceptions in a volunteer program that addresses hoarding behaviors. The study was conducted through an interpretivist, constructivist lens, examining the Friendly Visitor hoarding intervention program through individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine participants, …

Factors Influencing Driving Confidence In Older Adults, Jill Linder, Beth Ann Walker, Elizabeth Moore, Anne Hegberg

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: It has been determined that both confidence and cognition impact driving performance and self-regulation. While it is known that cognitive decline impacts driving safety and that decreases in driving confidence can lead to self-driving regulation, further research is needed to determine whether cognition, demographics, and driving routines are associated with driving confidence.

Method: A non-experimental, cross-sectional design study using a convenience sample of 100 older adults was conducted to determine if individual factors are related to daytime and nighttime driving confidence.

Results: Multiple regression indicated that four variables predicted daytime driving confidence, including cognition, driving at …

Informing Modifications To Social Participation And Navigation (Span) For Adolescents With Social Anxiety Incorporating Pet Dogs, Nicole Porter, Gary Bedell, Jason Getzler, Megan Mueller

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Social anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health challenges of adolescence and profoundly impacts social participation. This study obtained adolescent and parent feedback to inform a future modification of Social Navigation and Participation (SPAN) for use with adolescents with social anxiety incorporating pet dogs.

Methods: The study had two phases: Phase 1 included interviews with adolescents with social anxiety (n = 8) about their social participation experiences, strategies, pet dogs, and thoughts on a proposed intervention to promote social participation; and Phase 2 included on-line survey completed by the adolescents and their parents (n = 14) assessing …

Artificial Intelligence: Analysis And Guidelines For Scholarly Writing, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Role Internships Play In Political Science Education, Madaline Lankford

Honors Theses

This project will explore the critical role internships play in undergraduate education, with a particular focus on political science, by examining the history and impact of Western Michigan University’s Capital Internship Program. The study aims to shed light on the diverse experiences of past participants and conduct comprehensive research into the significance of internships in shaping the academic and professional trajectories of countless students. By delving into the stories and reflections of former interns, this research will provide testimonials that underscore the value of experiential learning. These personal accounts will highlight how internships bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired …

Development Of A Discrete Element Model For Artificial Turf, Justin Rittenhouse

Dissertations

NFL data exhibits a distinct correlation between an elevated lower extremity injury rate and synthetic surfaces. These ubiquitous injuries frequently relate to excessive foot traction (i.e., failure to release causing fracture or soft tissue damage). Consequently, a discrete element model was developed using open-source software to analyze stud traction. First, laboratory data was collected via bench level experiments covering seventeen different testing scenarios. A minimum of twenty-five samples were collected per scenario. Total work, average torque, and maximum torque were used as indicators of stud grip. And the latter two were statistically analyzed for outliers and significant differences. Next, an …

A Comparative Study Of Monolingual And Multilingual Employees, Megan Baldry

Honors Theses

This study examined the relationship between linguistic status and work outcomes including organizational citizenship behaviors and affective commitment, as mediated by communication competence, leader-member exchange, and psychological safety. The study examines nine hypotheses about these relationships, attempting to find differences in relationships between the mediators and outcomes among linguistic groups (monolingual, bilingual, and multilingual).

The study does not find support for the hypotheses, finding no difference between linguistic groups in either of the workplace outcomes, nor does it find strong support that communication competence, leader-member exchange, or psychological safety mediate the relationship between linguistic status and either of the workplace …

The Effects Of Therapy Dogs On Students, Chloe Romack

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the effects therapy dogs have on students. It begins with a literature review of 17 articles that involve animal-assisted interventions with students and children. The main topics covered include the definition of a therapy animal and how dogs can influence learning, socialization, emotional well-being, anxiety, and depression. It also discusses how dogs can be used in therapy and special education classrooms as well as the major concerns of dogs in schools. Drawing upon the previous research, a survey was sent to school staff in the Paw Paw Public School District. The participants of this study consisted of …

The Effects Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation On Chronic Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Disc Fusion Surgery: A Case Report, Anna Munson

Honors Theses

Background: Current literature is lacking an understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying dysphagia (impairment in swallowing function) that manifests as the result of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). ACDF is a common cervical spinal procedure that, due to its anterior to posterior (front-to-back) approach, risks significant injury to the larynx, which is critical for swallowing food and liquid safely. Furthermore, the general therapeutic approaches available to individuals with dysphagia after ACDF lack specificity of what is being targeted (Ko, et al. 2022). This project is a single subject case report of an individual who underwent ACDF and received neuromuscular …

College Football Success And Its Impact On The Surrounding Community, Local Economy, And Institution Enrollment, Jacob Reynolds

Honors Theses

In the ever-changing field of college football, creating success has always been a top priority for institutions, and if not achieved, it can be detrimental to an athletic department. Success is important to those directly involved in college football, however, not often is it considered how others may be affected by the success or failure of a college football program. The purpose of this research is to determine what impact successful college football programs have on society and those not directly involved in athletics. In determining the purpose, it was important to find what components of society are impacted by …

Effects Of Peer Mentoring On Success And Satisfaction In Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Pilot Study, Rebecca Fraley

Honors Theses

Studying the impact of a mentorship program involving undergraduate nursing students can inform educators of methods to increase student success and decrease attrition in baccalaureate nursing programs. This study aimed to determine if a mentoring session every three weeks between a first semester Bronson School of Nursing (BSON) student and a senior year nursing student increased the confidence and satisfaction of the first semester BSON student. A Student Success Survey (see Appendix A) was filled out at the beginning, middle and conclusion of the mentee students fall semester. The Student Success Survey was also administered to a control group made …

Research Day 2024 Program, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School Of Medicine

Research Day

No abstract provided.

A Petrological Characterization Of The Iutzi Member Of Lucas Formation, Michigan Basin, Moira Burns

Honors Theses

It is thought that most Phanerozoic dolomites form via the replacement of precursor calcium carbonate [CaCO₃] with dolomite [CaMg(CO₃)₂] through a dissolution-precipitation reaction with a Mg-bearing fluid. Although this may be widely accepted, the timing, conditions, settings, and mechanisms associated with the dolomitization process are still strongly debated, resulting in the proposal of various dolomitization models. The association between evaporite minerals and dolomite in the rock record is common and has led many to propose a model genetically associating evaporative fluids and dolomitization. The evaporative model posits as marine fluids evaporate and become more …

Impact Of Snap On Food Insecurity: A Michigan And Indiana Case Study, Cecelia Chapleau

Honors Theses

Food insecurity is one of the most pervasive and concerning problems in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 13 households within the United States was food insecure at some point during 2022 (Rabbitt et al., 2023) Food insecurity occurs when households have a limited ability to access nutritious foods, there is a limited supply of safe, healthy foods, or they are unable to obtain food in socially acceptable ways (Anderson, 1990). Low food security is associated with adverse health outcomes like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and poor mental health, which contributes to the severity of the problem (Thomas …

Gathering Student Voices: A Qualitative Assessment Of Learning And Experiences At Merze Tate College, Bonnie Pfingst

Assessment Grants

This mini-grant proposal seeks funding to gather qualitative data through interviews and focus groups, exploring student learning and experiences at Merze Tate College. Analyzing this data will provide valuable insights for both marketing and quality improvement initiatives. The project aligns with Merze Tate College's commitment to DEI work and excellence in student engagement. A student employee will be hired to assist with data collection and analysis, ensuring student perspectives are directly integrated into the project. The findings will inform strategic decision-making, leading to enhanced marketing materials that resonate with prospective students and improved programs and services that better meet the …

Formative Assessment Of Writing To Improve Exit Portfolios, Anderson Hagler

Assessment Grants

In one semester students will attend six hybrid workshops hosted by the Department of World Religions and Cultures. Each workshop will address the mechanics and components of persuasive writing to assist the department’s graduate students with assigned coursework. Students will read one assigned textbook and assess their peers’ writing samples using rubrics provided by the instructor. Doing so will help to develop a cohort and improve the quality of writing for assigned coursework as well as the final exit portfolio.

Lee Honors College - Assessing College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes, Anthony Helms, Ajani Wilson

Assessment Grants

The goal of this project is to review the LHC SLOS and accompanying assessment plan and to launch the first data collection from LHC alumni. The Lee Honors College (LHC) created college-wide student learning outcomes (SLO) for the first time in 2019. Due to unforeseen changes in college staffing, the assessment plan for the SLOS has never been implemented. Funding for this proposal would allow the LHC to provide compensation for a WMU graduate student to make the implementation of our assessment plan their sole focus to ensure a smooth transition from design to data collection, storage system and analysis. …

Bcm Assessment Update Application, Marie Moreno

Assessment Grants

This grant application seeks support for the BCM Department to address challenges in teaching professional writing in today’s educational landscape. The plan involves collaborating with the Haworth Communication Center, attending a webinar on teaching underprepared students, creating a workshop for students, and updating assessments in the BCM 1420 curriculum based on the results and experiences. Aligned with university goals, this proposal will empower faculty and students, foster community building, and promote equity and inclusion. It supports students’ retention, academic success, and intellectual and occupational well-being. Emphasizing continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making, the budget covers webinar expenses and workshop coordination.

The Value Of 360-Degree Assessment In Higher Education, Daniela Schroeter, Heather Jach Turner

Assessment Grants

This assessment project aims to examine the value of 360-degree assessment for higher education with the goals of (a) enhancing undergraduate and graduate students' learning experiences and outcomes, (b) developing an assessment toolbox for broad dissemination, (c) fostering curriculum alignment, and (d) contributing to program and unit level learning outcomes assessment while keeping a strong alignment with WMU’s strategic priorities. Funding will be applied toward strategic examination of data derived from exploratory implementation of 360-degree assessment within four School of Public Affairs and Administration courses. Dissemination products include a 360-degree assessment toolbox, presentations and reports, and possible journal manuscripts.

Identification Of Interventions To Elevate The Sense Of Belonging Of Lgbtqia+ Students Of Haworth College Of Business: A Qualitative Study, Ann Veeck, Robert Harrison

Assessment Grants

Sense of belonging has been found to be positively associated with multiple important traits related to student success. Conducted in spring 2023, a survey conducted of Haworth College of Business (HCOB) undergraduate students (n=1,140) found that students who identify as LGBTQAI+ (n=) have a significantly lower sense of belonging at HCOB. The proposed grant will provide funding for a set of focus groups to probe as to why LGBTQAI+ students report a lower sense of belonging and to help identify interventions to elevate the sense of belonging of these students.

Developing A Graduate Program Assessment Plan For The Department Of History, Bill Warren

Assessment Grants

The WMU Department of History's assessment and graduate studies committees propose to develop a graduate program assessment plan. The department has not had an assessment plan for its graduate programs. The department's assessment and graduate studies committees will work together to develop a comprehensive plan to assess a sample of students' written work on an annual basis; conduct annual surveys with students to gauge their satisfaction with the program; and also examine the Graduate Student Annual Activity Reports (GSAARs). The papers, surveys, and GSAARs would then be used to determine the effectiveness of the MA and PhD programs and decide …

Refining The Fashion Merchandising And Design Program Assessment Components, Mary Simpson, Chitra Singh, Zee-Sun Yun

Assessment Grants

To establish a strong and consistent assessment foundation, a program level assessment plan needs to be reevaluated periodically. The overarching goal of this project is to refine the current assessment plan of the Fashion Merchandising and Design program, which includes three components: curriculum evaluation, student learning outcomes, and student exit survey. Particularly, this proposal addresses two main assessment focus areas: i) alignment of the capstone course outcomes and assessments to the program-level outcomes and ii) refining the student exit survey as a tool for program-level assessment. In addition, this project aligns with assessment goals of the program accreditation Textile and …

Probing Shielding Tensor Components Of Amino Acids Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Shiva Agarwal, Sungsool Wi, Michael Famiano, John Miller, Zbigniew Chajecki

Waldo Library Student Exhibits

Amino acids combine to form proteins in living organisms; most are chiral. On Earth amino acids appear only in the L- form, which is likely due to the amplification of enantiomeric excess (ee). However, a small ee for the L-form of amino acids has been observed in meteorites that have fallen on Earth. One possibility for this ee is the effect of antisymmetric components of the magnetic shielding tensor for 14N nuclei in amino acids, which in NMR manifests as the antisymmetric chemical shift (ACS). This can result in preferential destruction of their D-form through interactions with polarized leptons (e.g., …

Collaboration With Lillee One "Sucker Puss", Garald (Gary) Barton Iv

Waldo Library Student Exhibits

No abstract provided.

Designed Memories: How Can The Built Environment Affect Memories, Jared Schneider

Capstone Projects

Memories have served as a fundamental conduit for transmitting history across generations, whether shared around a dining room table or by the flickering flames of a campfire. These memories serve as our bridge to the past, offering invaluable lessons from prior experiences. The process through which information is transformed into lasting memories is known as encoding.

Encoding, in essence, relies on our sensory faculties, encompassing taste, smell, touch, vision, and hearing. These senses enable us to capture and preserve information within the intricate framework of our brains. An exploration of the individual strengths and weaknesses inherent in each sensory modality …

Consumerism To Community: Bringing Main Street To The Suburbs, Constantina Mead

Interior Design Capstones

The decline of traditional shopping malls poses a significant urban development challenge. This research endeavors to explore the transformative potential of repurposing defunct shopping malls into vibrant, community-focused mixed-use developments. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these spaces, both within the mall buildings and the surrounding properties, can serve as catalysts for the betterment of communities, emphasizing revitalization, social cohesion, and sustainable urban living, while redefining v role in modern urban environments. By reconceptualizing the role of the present-day mall, this study aims to inspire new opportunities for the revival of neglected urban areas, ultimately fostering …

Unblocked Re-Imagining Incarceration By Restructuring The Cell Block, Carlee Castle

Interior Design Capstones

Prison cell blocks, often overlooked as monolithic structures of confinement, conceal a rich tapestry of complex social environments. This study delves into the interplay between the architectural and interior design of cell blocks and the individuals who reside within them, highlighting the profound impact of built elements on the promotion of privacy, independence, and collaboration among cellmates.

Incarceration, by its nature, places inmates in close proximity, fostering interactions that range from cooperation to conflict. However, the prison environment is not equivalent in different countries, and the layout of cell blocks varies widely. By examining these variations, it becomes evident that …

Stones Have Personalities Too, Grayce Sprecksell

Interior Design Capstones

The natural environment is a system we as humans can learn from. We after all, benefit from the system of nature, it is the idea that there are three groups who inhabit the built environment, that is flora, fauna, and human. By working together, we create a circular approach to sustainable development. What it means to be self-sufficient is to work alongside nature and what it has to offer. Creating a built environment that benefits all four tiers of sustainability can create a circular approach to sustainable systems that will benefit all three groups who inhabit the built environment.

Biomimicry …

Emotionally Responsive Design: Shaping Spaces + Engaging Senses, Colleen Harmon

Interior Design Capstones

This research project delves into the intricate and symbiotic relationship between the human body and the built environment, with a particular emphasis on the transformative influence exerted by a nuanced integration of various textures. The primary focus revolves around the profound impact that these textures have on shaping sensory experiences and spatial perceptions within interior spaces.

The study employs a comprehensive exploration of tactile, visual, and auditory sensations, seeking to unravel the intricate ways in which intentional textural choices contribute to the overall design of architectural spaces. Beyond a superficial understanding, the research takes a deep dive into the collective …

Embarking On A Maritime Retirement - Re-Imagining The Retirement Experience, Carolynn Hoezee

Interior Design Capstones

In a constantly changing landscape of retirement options, retirement livingon cruise ships has emerged as a compelling alternative addressing several prevalent challenges in contemporary retirement communities. This research evaluates opportunities and concerns of retirement housing on a cruise ship or maritime setting.

The complex and ever-changing needs of older adults often go unmet in traditional retirement communities. There are a lot of adults who are retiring and the cost of retirement continues to increase.Retirement can cause health issues in older adults and a lot of people lose their identity when they retire.Current mainstream retirement communities face many issues, such as …