Digital Commons Network^™

Striking The Balance: The Relationship Between Government Funding And Nonprofit Financial Health, Mehrnoush Jamshidi

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The nonprofit sector plays a vital role in society, partnering with the government to provide essential services across various fields, including education, healthcare, social services, arts and culture, and environmental protection. Salamon (1987) highlighted the cooperative relationship between nonprofits and the government, where nonprofits contribute expertise and community-based knowledge, while the government offers financial stability. Through this partnership, the government helps address “voluntary failures,” such as philanthropic insufficiency, particularism, and paternalism, which can limit a nonprofit’s ability to serve the public effectively. Given this close working relationship, understanding the financial health of nonprofits is crucial for ensuring …

Latinas In Higher Education: Paving & Weaving Wholeheartedly, Ariela M. Canizal

Dissertations

The deficit model in research has often framed Latinas in higher education through a lens of barriers and challenges, reinforcing stereotypes that depict them as unlikely to succeed in academic spaces. However, Latinas are actively resisting these narratives, weaving their resilience into their stories as they navigate the complexities of higher education, culture, and identity. This study examines how Latina students incorporate cultural background, familial support, and personal agency to thrive academically while challenging systemic obstacles and societal expectations. The research question that guided this study is: In what ways do undergraduate Latina students navigate identity as they experience leadership …

Veteran Reintegration: A Descriptive, Exploratory Analysis Of The Psychosocial Challenges And Enrichment Of Post-9/11 Members Following Separation From Service, Kirsten M. Verkamp

Dissertations

Reintegration into civilian life after military service is a critical transitional period for post-9/11 veterans, with 47-75% reporting challenges. This study aimed to explore associations between psychosocial challenges and enrichment outcomes among post-9/11 veterans. Given there are 18.4 million American veterans and an estimated 200,000 service members projected to separate annually, it is imperative that researchers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders understand the nuanced nature of reintegration.

Network Analysis Of Biopsychosocial Factors Associated With Trauma Exposure: Impacts On Inflammation, Taryn R. Fitzgerald

Dissertations

This study adds to current understandings of the relationship between trauma exposure and inflammation through network analysis of the sociodemographic sequelae that may influence this relationship. A reductive approach has been helpful in establishing the relationship between a pro-inflammatory state and trauma exposure, however understanding of the role of additional factors in this relationship is necessary to better understand how inflammation may serve as a transdiagnostic factor relating to mental health and biopsychosocial variables. 999 trauma-exposed individuals from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), 1994-2018 study at three timepoints (ages 18—26, 24—32, 33—43) were included. …

The Complexities Of Hiring In A Remote Landscape: Examining The Role Of Remote Work Opportunities For Individuals With Criminal Records, Sivasubbarayan Srinivasan

Dissertations

This study examined how employer risk perceptions, beliefs in rehabilitation, and support for second-chance employment influence hiring decisions regarding individuals with criminal records, while also evaluating whether remote work moderates these relationships. Prior research has extensively explored employer attitudes toward ex-offenders in traditional, in-office environments; however, limited attention has been given to how remote work arrangements may alter perceived risk or hiring willingness. Given the expansion of remote and hybrid work models in the United States, understanding whether physical workplace separation reduces stigma or perceived liability is both theoretically and practically significant.

The study collected survey data from 605 hiring …

Development And Evaluation Of A Multiple Sclerosis-Related Suffering Index, Carolyn A. Wilder, Jennifer Gravesa, Salem O. Dehomb, Amanda L. Goodinga, Elizabeth J. Taylor

Dissertations

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disease characterized by complex physical, psychological, and emotional challenges that profoundly impact patients’ quality of life. Despite advances in symptom management, the multifaceted suffering experienced by individuals with MS remains inadequately measured, understood, and addressed. This study aimed to develop and validate the Wilder Multiple Sclerosis Suffering Index (WMSSI), a novel tool designed to quantitatively measure the unique dimensions of suffering in this population.

Can You Hear Me Now? Student Perspectives Of 3d Phenomena-Based Science Teaching Practices, Leshea A. Moncrease

Dissertations

This dissertation presents findings of a self-study that investigated how student input, through reality pedagogy, may inform 3D phenomena-based teaching practices. 3D phenomena-based teaching practices are not new, but teachers are trying to determine how to use this framework to meet the needs of all students. 3D phenomena-based lessons use phenomena to drive instruction using core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices. The goal of using 3D phenomena-based teaching practices is to create 21^st century critical thinkers and problem-solvers who engage in scientific habits. The acquisition of student perceptions through the analysis of student interviews, reflective journal …

What Is Your Why? An Exploration Of Why Teachers Remain In The Professsion At An Urban Elementary School In The South., Malikah Bennett

Dissertations

This qualitative research investigates the factors affecting teacher retention at a Title I elementary school in the Southern region of the United States, utilizing Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of motivation and hygiene as a framework. This study seeks to identify intrinsic motivators, such as recognition, professional growth, and a sense of purpose, as well as extrinsic hygiene factors like administrative support, work conditions, and compensation, to analyze their influence on teachers' decisions to remain in the profession. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 10 teachers, all possessing five or more years of teaching experience at Cardinal …

The Impact Of Focused Specific Phonemic Awareness Instruction On English Language Learners In The Kindergarten Classroom, Bethany Brewer

Dissertations

This study is about the impact of focused phonemic awareness instruction on English language learners in a Kindergarten classroom. The gaps in early literacy skills for students entering Kindergarten can create long-lasting deficits for students (NAEP, 2022). The purpose of this study is to determine if the engagement and performance of ELL students changes during whole group phonemic awareness and phonics instruction when taught specific skills in small group. The study took place in a Kindergarten classroom with students who have been identified as English Language Learners through ACCESS testing. This qualitative study used interviews with teachers to determine the …

Student Engagement In Ela Choice-Based Core Curriculum: A Case Study Of The Dramatic Writing For Film, Television, And Theater Course, Brian Thomas Clements

Dissertations

This paper describes a case study examining student feelings towards engagement in choice-based core ELA courses and teacher feelings towards student engagement specifically within the Dramatic Writing for Film, Television, and Theater course offered in the state of Georgia. The context of this study focuses on the impact that student agency, choice, and voice have on student engagement from their own perspective and how Invitational Education Theory connects to this impact and the course itself. The case study examines the course, its students, and teachers in two schools in a large, suburban metro Atlanta school district. Through interviews and observations, …

Using Iready To Support Math Intervention After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Marvin Prather

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to research the use of iReady for assisting in growing MAP RIT scores at STEAM Elementary School. This study will use quantitative methods. An ex post facto research design will be used with a causal-comparative approach, which means that a study will investigate potential cause-and-effect relationships between variables by examining existing groups or conditions that have already occurred, without actively manipulating any factors, essentially looking at “after the fact” to see if differences between groups can be linked to a potential causal variable The study examined the effect of the i-Ready Math program on …

Using Sustained Silent Reading In The Secondary English Language Arts Classroom To Increase Reading Engagement, Hannah S. Burwell

Dissertations

Reading scores have dropped precipitously over the past twenty years, and English Language Arts (ELA) teachers are looking for in-school academic interventions to mitigate this decline. This descriptive case study explored classroom experiences and student engagement with reading in a choice-based Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) program in a high school. The study examines student experiences through Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT). EVT suggests that a student’s engagement with reading will increase when they find the task valuable and believe success is achievable. The study explores how providing students with the independence to select their reading materials influences their experience in class and …

Perspectives On Using Multimedia In Social Studies For Student Engagement In Marginalized Youth: A Case Study, Dorrian Swinger

Dissertations

Abstract

Marginalized youth are currently facing an academic crisis in schools. Research has shown that marginalized youth are statistically more likely to drop out of school and not graduate from high school (defined as the academic crisis in this study). One reason for these high drop-out rates is disengagement in what is taught and how content is delivered in school. When students cannot relate or connect to their studies, it causes disengagement and uninterest in school. The disengagement can lead to a lack of academic success, which creates negative motivation to drop out of school. The more marginalized youth are …

An Endangered Profession: Elevating The Lived Experiences Of Current And Retired Black Teachers In Georgia To Confront Retention Challenges And Reimagine The Legacy Of Teaching, Thelma Sharese Colbert

Dissertations

Black teachers have always played a critical role in shaping the educational journeys and cultural identities of students of color, yet their presence in U.S. public schools continues to decline. This study investigates what compels Black/African American educators to remain in the profession despite systemic barriers, racism, and marginalization. It centers the voices of Black/African American teachers in Georgia, a state with a long and complex history of educational inequity.

Ten participants, all self-identified Black/African American educators with at least three years of experience, shared their lived experiences through semi-structured interviews, pre-interview surveys, and observational field notes. Participants were recruited …

The Impact Of Flipped Classroom With Active Learning Model Of Instruction In Teaching Stoichiometry In Chemistry Among Black And Brown Students, Lawrence Femi Akintokun

Dissertations

Students pursuing professions in STEM sometimes encounter difficulties in General Chemistry, a semester-long foundational subject. A fundamental subject in this course is stoichiometry, which pertains to the mathematical connections between elements and compounds in chemical processes. This fundamental notion is essential for comprehending advanced chemistry subjects, although it may provide challenges for students because of its dependence on algorithms and prior knowledge. Research has predominantly concentrated on the conceptualization of stoichiometry through models endorsed by educators, rather than on student involvement. This project sought to investigate the interactions of Black and Brown students with essential stoichiometry ideas in General Chemistry …

Determining The Effectiveness Of An Educational Intervention On Self-Management Behaviors Of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes At A Rural Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project, Stacy L. Harvey

Dissertations

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) has the highest mortality deaths, and these are projected to increase over the years. Living with diabetes can be very stressful to manage because of the complexity and required multidisciplinary approach required for effective health maintenance and lifestyle management. Diabetes self-management education programs are essential for improved glucose control and the goal is to help patients improve their lifestyle choices through knowledge of the disease for effective self-management behaviors in the essential areas of diet, exercise, glucose monitoring, medication and cooperation with the diabetes team.

Dying Young, Brianne L. Overton

Dissertations

Death, often perceived as a disruption to daily life, is an inevitable part of the human experience. While older adults may develop familiarity with mortality through the collective experience of personal and familial losses, young adults generally have limited exposure to death. Despite this, young adults, defined as individuals aged 20 to 34, represent approximately 20% of the U.S. population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020), and the mortality rate within this age group has been rising over the past decade (Woolf & Schoomaker, 2019). Death among young adults is often overlooked in societal narratives and medical research, which primarily focus on …

Examining Relationships Between Agile Workplace Practices, Productivity, And Agility In Organizations, Melba Kennedy

Dissertations

A growing interest in agile work practices (AWPs) has emerged in recent years, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and iterative approaches to work. Continuously changing work environments demand that organizations are flexible, adaptable, and can act quickly. Additionally, a highly competent, innovative, and responsible organization can function well as a team (Kamath, 2020). Thus, this research study examines the relationship between AWPs, organization productivity, and agility. The study's findings, which contribute to the literature by addressing the disconnect in research between AWPs' relationship with organization productivity and agility, have practical implications for the academic and research community. This study uses a quantitative, …

Examining Non-Academic Staff's Perceived Value Of Professional Development On Job Satisfaction And Anticipated Turnover In Higher Education, Elnora Lewis

Dissertations

One of the most important assets in an organization is its employees (Chong & Lee, 2017). Developing staff employees is critical in the university setting (Gornitzka & Larsen, 2004), in addition to satisfying and retaining them (Grohnert et al., 2021). Given today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, staff development is more vital than ever in the workplace (Gibson, 2020). Higher education institutions should be concerned about employee's professional development (Gerken et al., 2016), not only academic staff but also non-academic staff. Additionally, organizations should ensure employees are satisfied by offering learning and development opportunities, which can contribute to …

Self-Perceived Employability And Employer Expectations Of Community College Students' Skill Gap In Industry 4.0, Cherri Wells

Dissertations

Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution, is reshaping job competencies and careers through technological integration, impacting global competitiveness, information security, and skill requirements (Jackson & Tomlinson, 2020). This shift has heightened job uncertainties, competition, and the role of institutional policymakers in aligning higher education with labor market demands (Kornelakis & Petrakaki, 2020; Tan et al., 2023 Tomlinson, 2012). However, inconsistencies persist between employer expectations and graduates’ skills, making employability, a graduate’s ability to secure and sustain employment, more crucial than ever (Fugate et al., 2004; Otache & Edopkolor, 2022).

This study aims to conduct a sequential explanatory mixed-method study by …

Female Leaders In Intercollegiate Athletics: A Design-Based Mixed Method Study Focusing On Female Leadership Development Through Strengths-Based Training, Abby Weber

Dissertations

Historically, women endured challenges obtaining leadership roles in male-dominated industries, specifically sports. Despite Title IX's intent to promote gender equality, the number of female leaders in sport leadership positions unintentionally decreased as the number of female athletes increased, reducing female mentor visibility (Acosta & Carpenter, 2014; LaVoi & Dutove, 2012; Taylor & Wells, 2017; Tibbetts, 2020; Walker & Bopp, 2010). The low number of female mentors available negatively impacted future sport career aspirations by female student-athletes (Levi et al., 2023; Swim et al., 2021). Recurring gender stereotypes continued to impede women's leadership opportunities, as society viewed leadership traits as inherently …

Unraveling The Antiviral Mechanisms Of Bat Cells: Processing Of Genomic Rnas By Dicer In Bat Cells Limits Sars-Cov-2 Replication, Iyanuoluwani Owolabi

Dissertations

Bats are reservoirs for numerous viruses that cause serious diseases in other animals and humans. Several mechanisms are proposed to contribute to the tolerance of bats to these pathogens. This study investigates the response of bat cells to double-stranded RNA generated by SARS-CoV-2 replication. Here, we found the involvement of Dicer in the processing of viral genomic RNAs during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Examining RNA sequencing of infected cells, small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-like fragments were found derived from viral RNAs. Depletion of Dicer showed a reduction in these RNAs and an increase in viral loads suggesting unlike other mammals, bats may use Dicer …

Perceptions Of Choral Diction Curricula, Caitlyn Dixon

Dissertations

This study proposed to provide in-depth insights into the current status of the efficacy of diction curricula, as well as to seek ways for enhancing the curricula to better support a culturally diverse musical experience. 21st century choral music encompasses languages and music from all over the world. While this diversity is crucial to the idea of a global choral community, it necessitates choral conductors to be scholars of diction, which includes creating the appropriate sounds for a given language. For a conductor to confidently perform in global languages requires skills, resources, and tools. This study examined the diction coursework …

The Bass Clarinet Works Of Jonathan Russell And Pedagogical Guide Of Extended Techniques Used In His Compositions, Heather Chelsea Gering

Dissertations

Jonathan Russell is one of the most prolific composers and performers of the twenty-first century and has made significant contributions to the bass clarinet repertoire. An interview was conducted with the composer to yield information on his background, education, compositional process, and his thoughts on the techniques he has written. This dissertation provides a pedagogical guide to extended techniques found within Jonathan Russell’s bass clarinet compositions. This guide is based on the works of Russell, books, videos, blogs, articles, and my own personal experiences regarding the techniques required to properly perform Russell’s works. The study demonstrates written examples and explanations …

Abel Inversion Comparison Of Geant4 Simulation And Ozone Production Using Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy In Nitrogen/Oxygen Mixtures In The Presence Of Alpha Radiation, Sidney John Gautrau

Dissertations

The effects of radioactive materials on atmospheric gases have been a topic of interest for years. Radioactive materials ionize the surrounding air, and subsequent reactions lead to molecules such as ozone and nitrogen oxides. The presence of these species above background levels can be used as a marker for radioactive materials which has desirable defense applications like remote detection of radioactive materials. The molecules created in the presence of radioactive materials have been quantified in literature using G-values, which is the number of molecules of a product produced per 100 eV of deposited energy. In this work, Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy …

Exploring Contributions Of Partnerships Between Employers And Disability Organizations On Recruitment, Hiring, Training, Retention, And Accommodation Of Individuals With Disabilities In Mississippi, Peter Oluwadare Kalejaiye

Dissertations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provides equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities (IWDs) by prohibiting discrimination in employment. However, one out of four IWDs face discrimination in employment in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Additionally, despite establishing the Office of Disability Employment Policy and enacting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to help integrate IWDs into the workforce, IWDs face barriers to equal and equitable employment (NASEM, 2017). Previous studies recommend partnerships between employers and disability organizations (DOs) to provide employment opportunities and benefits for IWDs through recruitment, hiring, training, retention, and …

The Digital Incorporated Worker Narrative: A Mixed Methods Study Of Digital Capital, Work Selection, And Outcomes In The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Tracie King

Dissertations

Digital technology permeates society and industry, making digital-ready workers necessary for firms of all sizes as a firm seeks competitiveness in the market (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; de Ruyter et al., 2018; Gorski et al., 2022; Karaboğa, 2023; Kim et al., 2017; Qureshi Zia, 2019). Firms seeking digital-ready workers face a complex digital divide that creates a worker shortage (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; Karaboğa, 2023; Qureshi Zia, 2019). This study aims to describe workers' work selection, work experience, and outcomes in a complex digital society.

Most digital divide research focuses on the individuals excluded from owning, accessing, and having skills …

Federal Telework Intensity, Perceived Organizational Support, And Perceived Supervisor Support As Predictors Of Affective Commitment In A Post-Pandemic Environment, Jamaris Moore

Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many governments to transition to non-traditional work such as telework (Lunde et al., 2022). However, in a post-pandemic environment, federal agencies required their employees to return to the offices (Office of Management and Budget, 2021), which led employees to agency hop, looking for more accommodating work arrangements (The Committee on Oversight and Accountability, 2022). Therefore, the researcher sought to determine if telework intensity (TI), perceived organizational support (POS), and perceived supervisor support (PSS) predicted employee organizational commitment (OC). The researcher used a quantitative correlational cross-sectional survey to assess 202 federal employees from two Department of Defense …

The Effect Of Implementing A Development Program Using Mental Imagery On The Time To Master Psychomotor Skills, Randal Agee

Dissertations

Psychomotor skills development programs that use mental imagery have been demonstrated to help individuals acquire psychomotor skills (Anu et al., 2020; Seymore-Walsh et al., 2020; Toth et al., 2020). The commercial trucking industry is presently experiencing a global shortage of qualified truck drivers (American Trucking Association, 2019; Staats et al., 2017). One reason individuals are avoiding or leaving careers as commercial truck drivers is the time spent away from home (Staats et al., 2017). A couple logistical strategies have been developed to improve the situation (Mittal et al., 2018; Prime Inc, 2024); however, for the solutions to be sustainable, the …

Examining The Moderating Role Of Work Modality On Employees’ Engagement And Perceptions Of Inclusion, Eric Shapiro

Dissertations

In the evolving landscape of work, organizations increasingly adopt diverse modalities, including on-site, remote, and hybrid arrangements. This quantitative correlational study examines the relationship between work modalities, employee engagement, and perceived inclusion, with a focus on the moderating role of work modalities. Recognizing employee engagement as a key driver of organizational performance and perceived inclusion as essential for well-being and innovation, survey data were collected from 402 employees across multiple industries. Results revealed a strong, positive correlation between perceived inclusion and employee engagement (r = 0.789, p < .001). Work modality significantly moderated this relationship, with hybrid workers experiencing a weaker inclusion-engagement link, while remote workers showed no significant moderation effect. Additionally, on-site workers demonstrated a robust inclusion-engagement relationship. Hybrid workers reported higher perceived inclusion scores, though engagement levels remained consistent across modalities. These findings underscore the need for tailored inclusion strategies to optimize employee experiences and enhance organizational effectiveness. This study provides actionable insights for fostering inclusive workplace cultures and improving employee well-being in modality-diverse environments.