Digital Commons Network^™

Centrosomal And Non-Centrosomal Microtubule Networks Coordinate To Drive Nuclear Dynamics In Developing Epithelium, Rashmi Budhathoki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The morphogenesis of developing tissues relies on extensive cellular rearrangements in shape, position, and identity. A key process in reshaping tissues is cell intercalation-driven elongation, where epithelial cells align and intercalate along a common axis. Typically, analyses focus on how peripheral cortical forces influence cell shape changes. Less attention is given to how inhomogeneities in internal structures, particularly the nucleus, impact cell shaping. Here, we examine how pulsed contractile and extension dynamics interact with the nucleus in elongating Drosophila embryos. Our data show that tightly packed nuclei in apical layers hinder tissue remodeling/oscillatory behaviors. We identify two mechanisms for resolving …

Beyond The Benefit: A Multi-Modal Narrative Study Of Black Women's Experiences With Employer-Sponsored Tuition Assistance, Britany Patricia Hamilton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the lived experiences of Black women engaging with employer-sponsored tuition assistance programs, focusing on how social, structural, and identity-based factors shape their educational and professional trajectories. While these benefits are often framed as neutral tools for career advancement, this study examines them through the intersecting lenses of race, gender, and labor, revealing deeper dynamics of access, value, and belonging. Guided by a qualitative narrative inquiry approach, this study employed a multi-modal data collection design involving video diaries, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group. Three participants, all Black women between the ages of 30 and 40, shared their …

Transgender Individuals’ Experiences Of Ruptures And Repairs In Group Psychotherapy, Gabrielle W. Kaufman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the political climate across the United States worsens for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals (Harmon, 2025), it has become increasingly important to attend to the mental health needs of this population (James et al., 2016). Group therapy is a widely used treatment modality that is often more accessible than individual therapy (Burlingame & Strauss, 2021) and provides unique interpersonal opportunities (Burlingame et al., 2016). While it is expected that TGD individuals face unique challenges in group therapy due to their gender identities (Chen et al., 2020), very little is actually known about the experiences of TGD individuals participating …

Surgeon Ergonomics While Performing Total Knee Arthroplasty, Cameron Dahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of the most prevalent hazards to orthopedic surgeons are musculoskeletal disorders with 97% of arthroplasty surgeons reporting procedural-related musculoskeletal pain and 66% of orthopedic surgeons reporting procedural-related musculoskeletal injury [1], [2], [3]. With the annual number of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) on the rise, orthopedic surgeons are taking on larger annual caseloads and retiring later in life [4], [5]. The goal of this study was to quantify postural demand for 11 discrete surgical steps of TKA to identify ergonomically unfavorable positions surgeons experience while operating. Four orthopedic surgeons performed TKA while their motions were recorded using marker-based motion capture. …

The Experiences Of School Psychologists Serving Students With Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Phenomenology, E. Grace Ritchie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a complex experience associated with a diverse constellation of symptoms and challenges. TBI scholars have extensively explored the varying needs of youth in the aftermath of a head injury. Likewise, recent literature details recommendations for school psychological services in support of these students. Such recommendations largely reflect insights drawn from broader TBI and disability research, integrated with the established scope of school psychologists’ practice (e.g., the National Association of School Psychologists Practice Model). Nevertheless, school psychologists’ perceptions of these students’ challenges have been inadequately examined. Such perspectives are likely valuable, given school psychologists’ unique training …

Trainee Countertransference And Competency In Bereavement Therapy: Strengths And Limitations Of The Wounded Healers, Meghan Paynter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Countertransference is a common experience in therapy, happening among clinicians of all stages of their career and the outcomes of this experience hinge largely on how countertransference is managed. Challenging topics, such as grief, only make countertransference harder to manage effectively and the management of this experience improves with practice and time—something trainees have not yet ascertained. Given the pervasiveness of grief as a human experience, also indiscriminate in nature, the experiences of trainees experiencing countertransference are important to understand, including what is experienced, how they experience it, and how it impacts their process and self-perception of confidence and competence …

A Guidance Practice Model: Reframing Prevention, Identification, And Treatment Of Trauma-Impacted Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Mark H. Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The experience and exposure of trauma among youth, especially continuous traumatic experiences, poses considerable risks of long-term effects. Moreover, untreated trauma and subsequently negative mental health outcomes, like anxiety and depressive disorders, can negatively impact the psychosocial and academic functioning of students. One population that is generally overlooked regarding mental health in schools are students with intellectual disabilities (ID). This is problematic as this population is at an increased risk of traumatic experiences, such as maltreatment and social exclusion.

Moreover, the comorbidity of trauma and internalizing disorders among students with ID can exacerbate already existing challenges and deficits with social …

Exhibiting Rural Consciousness: A Study Of State And Local Level Governance In Rural Higher Education, Steven J. Skadron

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Evolving economies in Craig and Salida, CO, spurred community interest in joining Colorado Mountain College’s taxing district and bringing the college to their communities. When they sought to join, Craig had a local college embedded in its community that was governed by a state-level board; in contrast, Salida had no local college of its own. The two communities’ pursuit of a locally governed college raised a question about governing boards and whether one type of governing board might serve rural communities better. Using a framework of rural consciousness, this nonexperimental, cross-sectional, quantitative study employed data gathered from a survey instrument …

An Investigation Of Parental Involvement In The Safe Passage Initiative (An Anti-Violence Program), Danielle King

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the issue of parental involvement in Safe Passage, an anti-violence initiative operating within seven Pittsburgh Public Schools. Recognizing the involvement of parents is critical for successful violence prevention, this study explores the barriers hindering meaningful participation and identifies strategies to enhance parent-school-community collaboration.

Utilizing qualitative research methods, the study captures insights from parents, educators, and community stakeholders through a reflective Journey Line activity and focus group discussion. Data collected revealed several significant barriers such as inconsistent communication, limited parental availability due to demanding work schedules, mental and emotional exhaustion, cultural disconnects, and a lack of clarity regarding …

Chew On It: A Pilot Study Of A Multimodal Assessment Of Mastication Protocol, Michelle Catão

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Despite its subconscious nature, deglutition is an elaborate and multifaceted process, contingent on the activation of specific neural pathways and muscles. The inherent complexity gives rise to a wide array of potential complications and difficulties, known as dysphagia. Screening and assessment for dysphagia aid in determining the presence and etiology of swallowing difficulties, providing information that is critical for maintaining and improving the health status of vulnerable populations from the standpoint of nutrition, hydration, and socialization (Dziewas et al., 2017). Previous studies surrounding dysphagia assessment have prioritized formulating clinical protocols to evaluate the nonvolitional stage, often failing to address the …

Illness Terminable And Interminable: A Lacanian Exploration Of Medical Assistance In Dying, Matthew Devine

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

More and more people worldwide are requesting euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide (PAS), or medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Arguments in favor of expanding access to MAiD tend to prioritize the rational, competent, autonomous subject who has the right to make decisions about their body, including their death. Some have argued that this perspective – common in biomedical and bioethical literature – tends to neglect the fact that requests for assisted dying involve a relational structure: a relationship between the subject who requests an assisted death and the Other to whom this request is addressed. After reviewing relevant psychoanalytic approaches to suicide …

An Implementation Study Of Phonological Awareness Assessment Tasks For Literacy Development In D/Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students, Sara Tuddenham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Minimal auditory input can impact phonological awareness skill acquisition in d/Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students. Teachers of the Deaf and speech-language pathologists can assess and instruct DHH students through methods tailored to their needs, but research on effective strategies is limited. This study explores the development and implementation of a linguistically and culturally inclusive set of phonological awareness tasks for DHH students at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD). Tasks investigate phonological awareness in spoken English (i.e., rhyming, sound matching, blending, etc.) and American Sign Language (i.e., ASL parameters) for nine DHH students. Results indicate the feasibility …

Effect Of Histidine Tag On The Enzymatic Activity Of Pseudolysin And Its Interaction With The Streptomyces Metalloprotease Inhibitor (Smpi) Protein, Adewale Adeboye Adewole

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pseudolysin (PLN) protein is a major virulent factor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. PLN belongs to the family of zinc-dependent metalloproteases. It is naturally inhibited by a smaller protein called streptomyces metalloprotease inhibitor (SMPI), secreted by Streptomyces nigrescens. Previous and current studies demonstrate that the interaction between PLN and SMPI offers unique mechanistic insights for drug development against infections caused by P. aeruginosa. This study investigated the effect of N-terminal Histidine (His) tag on the enzymatic activity of PLN and its interaction with SMPI. His-tagged PLN and SMPI proteins were expressed in bacteria and purified by affinity chromatography …

Exploring The Self-Efficacy And Experiences Of Caregivers Using Thickened Liquids To Manage Pediatric Dysphagia, Jaimee E. Conmy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pediatric dysphagia affects 1 in 37 typically developing children under five, with increased prevalence in at-risk populations. Thickened liquids are often used as an intervention despite limited evidence supporting their effectiveness in the pediatric population. Caregivers play a critical role in managing their child’s dysphagia, yet their experiences, self-efficacy, and challenges with thickened liquids remain underexplored. This mixed-methods study surveyed 57 caregivers of children on thickened liquid diets, to assess their self-efficacy, education, perceptions of effectiveness, and overall impact on their quality of life. Findings highlight gaps in caregiver training, concerns about preparation, and benefits and/or challenges experienced by caregivers. …

Collecting The Strands: A Psychoanalytic Study Of Hair-Pulling In Women, Jacklyn Corsitto

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigated compulsive hair-pulling (i.e., trichotillomania) in women from a psychoanalytic perspective. The assumption, from a psychoanalytic viewpoint, is that the symptom of hair-pulling serves meaningful, and multiple, psychical purposes that should be analyzed rather than immediately removed, as would be the case in the current gold standard of treatment—behavioral therapy with habit reversal training. This behavioral modality leaves little to no room for exploring the historical, relational, symbolic, and emotional dimensions of hair-pulling. This dissertation fleshed out these dimensions and investigated what hair-pulling was doing for the individual, what its function or purpose was, and, indeed, what ideational …

Healthy And Successful Aging Outside The Closet: How Outness And Social Support Relate To Health And Aging Concerns, Jessica Segal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ability to disclose an LGBTQ+ identity is a significant part of many queer lives. A person’s outness can often be tied into their social support whether through their network or available resources. This study investigated how outness, social network, and access to resources relate to older LGBTQ+ individuals’ concerns regarding their care and their aging. A secondary data analysis was conducted using survey data from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The results showed that an increase in one’s social network indicated a decrease in aging-related care concerns; an increase in access to resources indicated a decrease in …

Identifying The Experiences And Perceptions Of School Psychologists On Racial Disparities In Autism Spectrum Disorderidentifying The Experiences And Perceptions Of School Psychologists On Racial Disparities In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anna Marie Paolicelli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper investigates the experiences and perceptions of school psychologists who identify as experts in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding racial and ethnic disparities in ASD identification. Utilizing a convergent embedded mixed-methods design grounded in Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR), the study explores how school psychology practices may have contributed to recent changes in ASD outreach and assessment, as well as persistent disparities, particularly for Black children with co-occurring intellectual disability (ID). Thirteen credentialed school psychologists with extensive experience in diverse educational and clinical settings participated in semi-structured interviews and binary survey items. Findings reveal perceived progress in ASD awareness and …

Centering The Medical Student Perspective In A Mixed-Methods Evaluation Of The Holistic Admissions Process At A Mission-Driven Institution, Brenda L. Liszka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods research explores the influence of a holistic admissions process on medical student enrollment at a mission-driven institution. The study quantitatively measured the impact of various admissions touchpoints on enrollment decisions and qualitatively investigated the experiences of students underrepresented in medicine based on their race or ethnicity, first-generation status, and medically underserved backgrounds. Individual interviews, guided by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, were used to understand participants' sense of belonging and esteem throughout the process. The findings inform an improvement agenda aimed at creating a responsive and inclusive admissions process that supports diverse student bodies and addresses national public health …

Under What Conditions? A University Pathway Program Evaluation, Michael Burke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As U.S. universities face a declining domestic applicant pool, commonly referred to as the “enrollment cliff,” international student recruitment provides a practical strategy for offsetting domestic enrollment shortfalls. One such strategy for increasing international student enrollment is through the establishment of university pathway programs that grant conditional admission to international applicants who fail to meet English language proficiency requirements but are otherwise academically admissible. As a baseline program evaluation, this study utilized a quantitative methods approach employing logistical regression analysis to determine if incoming standardized English language proficiency test scores, English as a Second Language (ESL) course GPA, and student …

Sociodemographic, Neighborhood-Level, And Health-Related Factors Associated With Progression To Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Chart Review., Angela Godwin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for patients with Class 3 obesity. However, of individuals who start the bariatric surgical process, only about half undergo surgery. Factors associated with completion, including race, have been described; however, consistent evidence on obstacles remains to be identified.

Objectives: To explore variables based on the Social Ecological Model (SEM) that may be related to bariatric surgery completion.

Setting: A large, private hospital with a Bariatric Center of Excellence in New York City

Methods: This retrospective chart review utilized data from adults who established an initial bariatric surgery visit from April 1, 2012, …

Describing Latent Tuberculosis Infection And Treatment Completion In Virginia: A Social Determinants Of Health Approach, Amber N. Harmon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection is a key strategy in tuberculosis elimination nationally and globally, there is a limited understanding of the general prevalence of latent tuberculosis as well as factors related to successful treatment. This dissertation describes the known landscape of latent tuberculosis in Virginia and explores possible factors related to latent tuberculosis infection treatment through three manuscripts. The first manuscript, Chapter 1, outlines the overall proposal for this dissertation research in the style of a National Institute of Health grant proposal. The second manuscript, Chapter 2, describes the current understanding of the factors related to latent …

Adding Varying Degrees Of Performance Feedback Components To The Taped Problems Intervention, Alyson C. Honaker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Math fact fluency, the ability to quickly and accurately solve one-digit by one-digit math problems, is a common challenge for many school-aged children. Difficulties with fluency often lead to reliance on inefficient strategies, hindering progress in more advanced math skills. Evidence-based interventions like Taped Problems Intervention (TPI) have demonstrated effectiveness in improving math fluency. However, research suggests incorporating behavioral components such as Performance feedback (PF) and goal setting/reinforcement (GS/R) may enhance its effectiveness. The present study used a multiple-probe across-task design to evaluate the effects of three variations of TPI on the subtraction fluency of five elementary students in a …

Exploration Of The Cultural Beliefs, Values, And Practices Of African American/Black Women Or Birthing Persons Regarding Postpartum Depression: A Focused Ethnography, Stephanie Jacobs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most prevalent perinatal mental health illness in women, affecting approximately 10% to 20% of all women in the United States, and a disproportionately higher number of African American women. The aim of this study was to explore the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression.

Research Question: What are the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African American/Black women or birthing persons regarding postpartum depression?

Methodology: A focused ethnography was chosen for this study and consisted of semi-structured interviews. Data was transcribed and analyzed …

The Application Of Macrophage-Targeted, Anti-Inflammatory Celecoxib Nanoemulgel For Nerve Regeneration In Peripheral Nerve Injury, Lu Liu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) refers to damage to the nerve located outside the brain and spinal cord. PNI is commonly caused by a physical accident (trauma) or medical operation^{1, 2}. The impact on the quality of life of PNI patients is directly correlated to neuropathic pain, resultant depression, and increased stress². Even after recovering from the PNI, patients still experience phantom pain and lose the ability to work due to the loss of tactile sensory or motor function^2-4. However, unlike damage to the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nerves can regenerate because macrophages clean …

Rural Roots, Academic Roads: Exploring College Persistence Among Rural Students, Misty Wilburn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the financial and social challenges faced by first-generation college students from rural backgrounds as they transition from K-12 to four-year regional institutions. Using quantitative analysis of secondary data from the class of 2024 at a selected institution, this study examines factors influencing graduation rates and financial aid needs. Key metrics include geographic origins, high school backgrounds, academic assistance, and financial support. By highlighting these challenges, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the structural and social barriers that first-generation rural students encounter.

Enumerating Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) Concentrations And Evaluating Optical Brighteners As A Potential Indicator Of Human Wastewater Contamination In La Nana Bayou, Banita Creek, And Their Tributaries, Nacogdoches, Texas, Swastika Acharya, Matthew Mcbroom, Yuhui Weng, Yanli Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

La Nana Bayou was added to the Texas 303(d) list in 2000 after it failed to meet water quality standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for primary contact recreation due to elevated Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels. E. coli is a bacterial species commonly found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals. It serves as an indicator of fecal contamination in freshwater, though its presence alone cannot identify the contamination source. Optical brighteners (OBs), chemicals found in laundry detergents, cleaning agents, toilet papers, and clothing, are unique to human wastewater. This study aimed …

Examining Parent Accommodation Of Anxiety And Irritability In Preschool-Aged Children., Anna Olczyk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety and irritability are common developmentally normative emotions in early childhood, yet are also related to risk for psychopathology in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Parenting behaviors, including parent accommodation, may influence this risk. Parent accommodation is the parent modification of child/family routines and/or avoidance of activities to reduce child distress and has been documented widely in the anxiety literature. Although some research has examined parent accommodation of anxiety in preschool-aged children, most research has investigated accommodation of anxiety in clinical samples of school-aged children. Further, despite high rates of co-occurrence between child anxiety and irritability, research on parent accommodation of …

Peer Functioning And Risk For Co-Occurring Adhd And Anxiety Symptoms In School-Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional And Longitudinal Analysis., Helena F. Alacha

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background. Youth with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have higher rates of anxiety in comparison to their peers without ADHD. Children with co-occurring ADHD and anxiety exhibit a unique clinical presentation that poses challenges to both assessment and treatment. Consequently, children with comorbid ADHD and anxiety experience increased impairment, and often have poorer long-term outcomes than children with either ADHD or anxiety alone. Preliminary evidence suggests that different psychosocial phenomena commonly experienced by children with ADHD—such as peer functioning—may increase susceptibility to anxiety. Considering that children with ADHD encounter a range of peer difficulties, the present study proposed and evaluated different …

Assessing Medical Decision-Making Capacity: The Importance Of Patient Values., Emilee M. Ertle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A medical decision-making capacity (MDC) assessment is the assessment of an individual to determine whether they can make their own medical decisions or if a proxy decision maker must make care decisions on their behalf. These assessments are necessary when individuals experience cognitive impairments which limit their ability to think through complex medical decisions. Best practice for MDC assessments is a growing area of research, with no standard approach to guide assessment planning. The current study builds upon the field’s knowledge of capacity assessments by investigating 1) what methods and measures clinicians utilize in capacity assessments, 2) what factors influence …

Dementia Caregiving Styles: Characterizing Dementia Caregivers Via A Novel Framework., Darby M. Simon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As dementia rates increase, effective family caregivers are crucial to meeting the increasing demand for dementia care. However, dementia caregiving is a demanding experience, and caregivers have varying strategies for providing care, leading to positive and negative outcomes and appraisals of their caregiving experience. Limited research explores this relationship, and extant work is qualitative with no clinical measure. This study adapted a pre-existing framework/measure from a different caregiver population (parents) to explore a) if the same framework applied to both caregiving populations and b) the associations between the styles and psychological well-being and other caregiving variables. Exploratory Factor Analysis tested …