Digital Commons Network^™

Behavioral Biases In Investment Decision-Making: Evidence From Short-Term Trading Behavior During High-Volatility Market Events, Jayden A. Shwed

Honors Theses

This study examines how behavioral biases influence short-term trading behavior during periods of high market volatility. While traditional financial theory assumes that investors act rationally, real-world market behavior often reflects the influence of psychological factors. Rather than treating behavioral bias as a single market force, this thesis compares how different biases appear across distinct market environments. Using an empirical, case-study-based approach, this study evaluates three recent market episodes: the COVID-19 market crash in 2020, the GameStop meme stock surge in 2021, and the rise of NVIDIA during the artificial intelligence boom from 2023 to 2024. Historical price and trading volume …

Invisible Fallout: Economic Health, Environmental Injustice, And The Social Legacy Of The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Isabella G. Bailey-Sims

Honors Theses

This paper examines the long-term impacts of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) in western Kentucky, framing its legacy as a form of “invisible fallout” in which economic growth was accompanied by delayed environmental and public health consequences. Established in the early 1950s, the plant served as a major economic driver, providing stable employment and transforming the regional economy. However, its operation involved the handling of radioactive materials and hazardous chemicals, leading to environmental contamination and occupational exposure risks that were not fully disclosed during its active years.

Drawing on epidemiological studies, environmental reports, and socioeconomic analyses, this study identifies …

Why Did Pikeville Blow Up That Mountain? Post-Evaluation On Public Projects In The United States, Gavin Cantrell

Honors Theses

Public project evaluation in the United States follows that projects are developed with constant checks and measurements to ensure that budgetary expectations, efficiency expectations, and output expectations are being met consistent with what was approved for the project. However, post-evaluation (also known as ex-evaluation) is not mandatory for constructing a project. Post-evaluation is a systematic approach of assessing and evaluating a project after its completion. Evidence suggests that there is no standardized system of post-evaluation across the branches of government, nor is there one that measures success. The logic model can fill this gap in post-evaluation. The logic model is …

Eastern Kentucky Drowning: Floods And Relief Efforts, Lynsey Joseph

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the impacts of repeated flash floods in Eastern Kentucky, focusing on the flood events of 2022 and 2025, to understand how environmental conditions, disaster policy, and socioeconomic factors have shaped the community vulnerability and recovery in the region. This research is relevant due to the increased frequency of extreme weather events that have had disproportionate effects on rural and low-income regions. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effectiveness of federal disaster response programs like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and to analyze these systems compared to community-based recovery efforts. This was done using a …

Pfas Drinking Water Contamination In Madison County, Ky Association With Reproductive Health Outcomes., Jessica L. Stone

Honors Theses

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, manmade chemicals used since the 1950s in a wide variety of consumer products. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as PFAS, have been linked to an increase in hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate, decreased fertility, decreased sperm count, genital malformations, and early puberty. This study utilized a mixed methods approach, including a literature review, a survey consisting of surface water and drinking water analysis, and a spatial analysis of public cancer data. Analyzed cancer data stratified by Kentucky River lower subbasin versus the remainder of the sectors, resulted in three significant p-values, …

"Sirens, Safety, And Superheroes": A Children's Guide To Handling An Emergency Crisis, Madison B. Cassity

Honors Theses

A children’s book was created highlighting the roles and responsibilities of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers in the prehospital setting. The book addresses the concerns and hesitancies that children may have when approached by EMS in the event of an emergency. This includes strategies about how children should manage and react in a situation if they must call 9-1-1 themselves. In addition to EMS related research, a literature review was conducted to analyze sources on how to effectively write a children’s book (what makes a child most interested, how to keep them engaged, etc.). This thesis will also articulate the …

Cancer Risk Perceptions And Nicotine Use Behaviors Among Eastern Kentucky University Students, Kassidy Burke

Honors Theses

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including vaping devices and oral nicotine pouches, has increased among adolescents and young adults. Although often marketed as safer alternatives to cigarettes, emerging evidence suggests these products may still pose significant health risks, including potential contributions to cancer. Despite this, many college students perceive them as low risk. This study examines cancer risk perceptions and nicotine use behaviors among students at Eastern Kentucky University, focusing on perceptions of cigarettes, vaping devices, and oral nicotine pouches, as well as how these perceptions influence behavior. It also explores sources of health information and the …

Two Sides Of The Same Cycle: Understanding The Experiences Of Domestic Violence Survivors And Perpetrators, Avery M. Blevins

Honors Theses

Domestic violence has been a prevalent concern throughout society for many years but has recently begun to cumulate awareness from policymakers, people in the community, and individuals in service professions. There have been various changes made to the way that we define and understand domestic violence which has further led to the need to explore and educate on this concern. This paper aims to understand the experiences of both survivors and perpetrators that led to such violent circumstances. This creates a more multifaceted understanding of domestic violence and aids in implementing effective resources to both prevent and intervene in violent …

Unlocking Access: Investigating The Implementation Of European Accessibility Standards In European Museums, Katie Hendrix

Honors Theses

Individuals with mobility limitations are limited to utilizing facilities that provide mobility adaptations, such as: elevators/lifts, automatic/easy to open doors, ramps, sufficient maneuverable space, benches, etc. To address this equity need in Europe, the European Committee for Standardization published and implemented the European Standard for accessibility and usability of the built environment (EN 17210) in 2021 which outlines accessibility features that all European Union (EU) countries are recommended to follow. The goal of this research is to investigate how the European Standard regulates the EU infrastructure and analyze its impact on infrastructures for those with mobility impairments. This project presents …

Beyond The Game: The Real Impact Of Cte, Leah R. Rennels Ms

Honors Theses

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is very new in the world of sports medicine and the clinical features and symptoms of CTE are wide ranging. Some of these features include: executive function decline, memory problems, depressive episodes, behavioral changes, and mood swings. The affected populations include contact sport athletes, military veterans, and physical abuse victims. Continued research in the field has also broadened the scope of its effect. CTE research can affect sports administration, medicine, and even legal fields. Sports administration and medicine can both make advancements to protect our contact sport athletes and medicine can even help people with similarly …

A.I. And The Law: How Ethical Guidelines Affect The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Legal Work, Andre Asher

Honors Theses

Artificial intelligence is a quickly growing industry that is beginning to integrate itself into various aspects of our lives. Regarding the legal portion, the American Bar Association has an extensive set of ethical guidelines which, although they themselves do not hold any disciplinary weight, have been adapted to many state grievance committees where sanctions can be imposed. The use of AI in the legal field has introduced a whole new set of ethical concerns, which the already existing rules of professional conduct must now adapt to. Looking at the ABA’s ethical rules 1.1: Competency, 1.3: Diligence, 1.5: Fees, 1.6: Confidentiality, …

Arete - The Balance Of Nature: A Study And Creation Of Greek Tragedy From The Modern World, Grace Margaret Merrill

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the gender roles in ancient Greece through a creative lens. It aims to reach an understanding of the inequalities between men and women. Some of these inequalities involve women’s rights, abortion, and divorce. The main goal of this project is to reveal the discrimination women faced in ancient Greece. Once this is accomplished, I will then use the research to create a play inspired by the traditional Greek tragedy format. This play addresses controversial topics of the time and how individuals would have approached them. While there is ample research into the focus of my topic, there …

Sense Of Belonging And Self-Efficacy Of Women In Stemm At The University Of South Alabama, Emilie Dedeaux

Honors Theses

Despite decades of calls and initiatives to diversify science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) disciplines, females are still more likely to leave STEMM career paths compared to their male peers, which is often depicted as a 'leaky pipeline'. Females in STEMM often report greater social alienation, greater selfdoubt, lower sense of belonging and academic satisfaction due to a mismatch in values in STEMM disciplines. STEMM values have traditionally been normed by cisheteronormative, white, male ideologies . While extensive research has focused on the barriers females experience in STEMM that reduce sense of belonging , less research has focused on …

Targeting The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation To Improve Depression And Anxiety In Parkinson's Disease, Brock Renicks

Honors Theses

The aim of this study is to observe the outcomes of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This study will primarily look at changes in depression and anxiety, as these symptoms are often comorbid with Parkinson’s Disease. Transcranial direct current stimulation is a non-invasive, very low-intensity form of electrical stimulation of the brain. It is being increasingly used as a form of treatment for Parkinson’s Disease and depression and anxiety, however the literature is ambiguous, showing mixed results throughout various studies, with no standardization of tDCS administration. To determine the effect of tDCS on …

Gis-Based Trail Accessibility Assessment At Lime Hollow Nature Center, Ashley Siergiej

Honors Theses

Outdoor recreation, such as hiking, is an important component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in regions such as Central New York where natural areas are abundant. Hiking trails provide opportunities for people to connect with the environment, making it important that individuals of all abilities can access and experience these spaces. However, many environmental and physical factors can influence the difficulty and accessibility of hiking trails. This study evaluates trail accessibility at Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland, New York using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field-based data collection. Field observations were collected along the Art Meadow Loop and …

Exploring Social Emotional Learning Competencies In Middle School Theatre Education, Katherine J. Mullins

Honors Theses

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a method of education in which students are taught to grow in multifaceted ways. Students learn and grow as more than just students in their respective subjects, they grow in emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal skills as well. SEL is not always easy to incorporate into teaching practices, but it tends to lend itself well to a theatre education setting. In a middle school specific setting, SEL and theatre-based activities yield positive results in student competencies both in and out of the classroom. In this research, through comparative analysis and reflective inquiry, I aim to …

Expanding The Vocabulary Of Staff Notation By Notating The Vocal Instrument, Ryan J. Berry

Honors Theses

The aspects of vocal music performance that are often the most engaging, expressive, and creative cannot be conveyed with the established vocabulary of staff notation. Consequently, discussion of artistic choices is limited to oral or written-word formats that are neither internationally interpretable or widely shared. This research proposes a remedy by creating notation symbols for the larynx, tongue, and formants so the movements of a singer's instrument can be described in staff notation. These symbols, along with the International Phonetic Alphabet, were applied to four performances to highlight specific artistic choices. Additionally, this paper discusses the history of vocal sheet …

Equal Protection Under The Law: Constitutionality Of Current And Proposed Anti-Lgbtq+ Legislation In Tennessee And Its Potential Impact On Business, Henry J. Kalla

Honors Theses

In recent years, the Tennessee General Assembly has become a battleground of sorts for bills attempting to police the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. Multiple laws that impact LGBTQ+ citizens have sparked debate as interested parties on all sides seek to clarify the scope of equal protection, religious freedom, and free expression in this evolving age. Federal law has statutes in place that prohibit discrimination against individuals based on certain protected characteristics, but sexual orientation or transgender status are not explicitly among them. The states have interpreted this ambiguity as providing them the freedom to pass their own civil rights legislation …

Exploring The Impact Of Poverty On Financial Literacy: The Role Of Parental Education In College Student Financial Behavior, Zoe Williams

Honors Theses

Many college students experience financial stress, yet financial hardship is often explained as a simple lack of financial knowledge. Recent research suggests that how students are socialized around money may matter just as much as what they know. In this study, I examined whether parental education, specifically first-generation college status, changes the relationship between household income and financial health among undergraduate students at a regional public university in the southeastern United States. Participants included 204 undergraduates recruited through the university research pool. Students reported household income (categorized as < $50,000 or >$50,000), first-generation status, and financial behaviors. Financial literacy was measured using an …

Romantasy's Inevitable Lasting Legacy, Devon T. Gibson

Honors Theses

The “romantasy” subgenre of YA literature has become influential for its novel combination of romance and fantasy as well as its popularity on Booktok, the book-based subsection of the popular social media app, Tiktok. This connection has become somewhat infamous in popular culture and has been underresearched due to how recently both concepts became significant forces within the publishing industry. This thesis argues that romantasy is a novel and lasting YA subgenre that is not dependent on Booktok to maintain it. The analysis of Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015) and Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing (2023) …

The Culture Of The Convent: How Recruitment Shapes Success In Religious Life, Elizabeth A. Minneci

Honors Theses

Catholic nuns in the United States have experienced a substantial decline in membership, with an 80% decrease in new members from 1965 to 2023 (CARA, 2023). Sisters impact their communities in a multitude of ways, often through education or volunteerism efforts (CCUSA, 2026; Levin, 2011; Sisters of Mercy, 2025). Previous research on Catholic nuns has not qualitatively explored Catholic nuns’ recruitment efforts, with most research providing quantitative data insights (CARA). Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify the recruitment methods convents utilize to identify pain points and avenues for improvement. Seven religious sisters were recruited for this study. …

The Ethical Imperative To Shift Toward A More Equitable Literary Education, Eleanor L. Bryant

Honors Theses

Choices governing canon formation have material, emotional, and intellectual consequences. Within canon formation, authors of different social identities, consistent with macrosocial power differentials, are unequally valued and shape cultural consciousness about which texts are aesthetically and intellectually valuable. It’s important to recognize canon formation as a process of unequally distributing cultural capital and knowledge production. The strategies and imperatives outlined here are basic first steps toward utilizing the classroom as a site to counter misogyny, racism, classism, colonialism, and homophobia. This project aims not only to deepen understanding of the sociological conditions of canon formation but also to impose an …

Transformation Efficiency And Gfp Expression In E. Coli, Jessica H. Hobbs

Honors Theses

Genetic transformation of bacteria is a foundational technique in molecular biology and biotechnology, enabling the introduction and expression of foreign genes for research, industrial, and educational applications. This thesis investigates the transformation efficiency and green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in Escherichia coli using the pGLO plasmid system, with the primary objective of supporting the development of a graduate-level laboratory course focused on bioprocess engineering and molecular biotechnology. The pGLO plasmid contains a GFP reporter gene regulated by an arabinose-inducible promoter and an ampicillin resistance gene that allows for selective growth of transformed cells. Competent E. coli HB101 K-12 cells were …

Toward An Understanding Of Social Marketing’S Influence On Alcohol-Related Behaviors In College Students: Health Promotion Strategies For College Campuses, Lily K. Richards

Honors Theses

Alcohol use among college students remains a persistent public health concern, influenced by a complex interaction of social, environmental, and behavioral factors. This literature review examines the prevalence of alcohol consumption in college populations, the associated short-term and long-term health consequences, and the role of social norms, peer influence, and environmental context in shaping drinking behaviors. Research consistently demonstrates that alcohol use is deeply embedded within college culture, where normative misperceptions and peer dynamics contribute to increased consumption. (Perkins, 2002; Borsari & Carey, 2001; Hingson et al., 2017). In addition, environmental factors such as alcohol availability and targeted marketing further …

The Effects Of The South Chattanooga Mentorship Program On Elementary School Children, Ana G. Morris

Honors Theses

This research study examines the impact of mentorship within the South Chattanooga Community Center’s after-school program, with a focus on elementary-aged students. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how one-on-one mentorship affects students’ academic development, behavior, and social-emotional learning. The program operates as a cost-free, five-day-a-week initiative designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for children who may lack consistent guidance outside of school. Using observational methods and direct interaction with students (quantitative and qualitative), this study examines mentorship influences key skills, including regulation, communication, relationship-building, and literacy abilities. It suggests that students who participate in the …

(Human)Ities In The Field Of Business, Emma M. Bitting

Honors Theses

Business is often seen as a field driven by numbers, but it is fundamentally powered by shared narratives, such as branding and mission statements. Increased optimization and efficiency has resulted in industries stripped of their humanity, leaving professionals interpersonally deficient. In an increasingly competitive workforce, one’s humanity has become a primary differentiator from the competition (artificial or otherwise). The division between the humanities and business has become a professional liability apparent to any observer, yet it is rarely addressed as the systemic failure it has become. This very divide increasingly hinders progress, rather than serving as the specialization of fields …

Bottles, Butterflies, And Biomass: Recycled Glass Sand, Microbial Additions, And Herbivory Effects On Milkweed Growth, Kealey Skinner

Honors Theses

Plant-soil-microbe interactions are integral components of ecological networks and drive ecosystem function from the bottom-up. Whereas herbivores regulate ecosystem function from the top-down, having opposing and potentially complementary effects on ecosystem function. My thesis sought to understand how below-ground microbial communities contribute to herbivore preference and plant biomass across varied soil substrates. My thesis asked: how do substrate and soil microbial communities influence herbivore preference and plant biomass accumulation on swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)? To address this question, seedlings of A. incarnata were sown in 2.5 cm wide × 10 cm deep pots filled with either natural beach sand or …

Comparative Investigation Of Bacterial Adhesion On Medical Device Thermoplastics, Dev V. Mehta

Honors Theses

This project will focus on determining if differences in bacterial cell wall composition influences adhesiveness to thermoplastic materials used to construct patient orthotic splints. Bacteria with decreased adhesion are unable to remain bonded to orthotic splints, increasing its ability to transfer to a patient’s wound, leading to an infection. Antibiotic resistant bacteria used in this investigation included gram-positive cocci vancomycin-resistant (VRE) Enterococcus faecalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and gram-negative rods extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each test bacterium is a major pathogen causing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Saline, artificial perspiration, and ascites fluids were used to determine the …

Determinants Of Hypertension Awareness And Control In Kenya: A Secondary Analysis Of National Survey Data, Alexander K. Davis

Honors Theses

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are prevalent and pose a major concern as the current healthcare systems are oriented primarily towards communicable diseases. The largest contributor to CVDs, hypertension, is a significant issue in Kenya, a model LMIC. Based on previous studies in this lab, high rates of hypertension are present in the region of Kasigau, Kenya. Kasigau is a small region within Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. Traditional risk factors are not necessarily predictive of hypertension in all regions of Kenya. This study aims to address the lack of tested risk factors for hypertension in Kenya and …

Utilizing Brain Computer Interfaces That Interact With A Virtual Keyboard, Skye Lilienthal

Honors Theses

A brain-computer interface (BCI) can allow someone to utilize electrical signals in their brain to complete tasks using a computer. BCIs can help people take advantage of technology to type without the need for a traditional keyboard setup. This paper used the OpenBCI Mark IV to test the effectiveness of non-invasive BCIs with dry electrodes within the OpenViBE P300 Speller. This paper shows how to use the P300 speller through a setup pipeline. Results indicate that electrode placement affects P300 accuracy and that areas related to visual processing improve accuracy, suggesting that P300 signals can be detected within OpenBCI Mark …