Digital Commons Network^™

Shelving Stigma: A Grocery Store Client Choice Pantry Model - A Solution To Food Insecurity In Young Adults Of Marginalized Communities While Eradicating The Stigmatization Of Food Pantry Services, Anna C. Buckley

Honors Theses

An increasing number of young adults, age 18 to 35, are becoming food insecure across America, but disproportionately in urban and people of color communities. However, food pantries have remained a social stigma causing food insecure persons to avoid using a food pantry for hunger relief. Research has shown that the grocery store model for food pantries is most beneficial for staff, while also minimizing the stigma and increasing accessibility for pantry clientele. The purpose of this program proposal is to highlight the feasibility of implementation of a client choice grocery store pantry model at the NY Common Pantry (NYCP) …

Addressing The Accounting Pipeline Leak: Academic And Socioeconomic Barriers To Entry, Retention, And Belonging, Karlene Deng

Honors Theses

Many undergraduate students express an early interest in accounting, yet the actual number who later go on to matriculate into the profession is significantly lower. Despite efforts by educational institutions and the accounting industry to attract students to the profession, accounting programs experience high attrition rates. Using a survey-based approach, this research provides insights into factors that influence students to (1) enter university as declared accounting majors, (2) switch into accounting during their time at university, or (3) leave the accounting program. Additionally, this study examines the role of academic and socioeconomic backgrounds in shaping these decisions. By pinpointing potential …

Western Student Association Structure And Governing Processes: Evaluating Success For Student Government Associations, Samuel Longlet

Honors Theses

The Western Student Association underwent several reforms between March of 2020 and April of 2025. These reforms included expanding its legislative branch both in terms of pure size and internal responsibility and restructuring its executive branch to focus more on building relationships with the administration of Western Michigan University.

The Western Student Association between 2020 and 2025 has become more successful in advocating, allocating, and being a shared governance partner, representing the three executive functions of a Student Government Association.

While the Western Student Association is more successful in 2025 than it was in 2020, the institutional weaknesses of an …

Optimizing A Perfusion-Compression Bioreactor Via Python Integration, Umamah Amer

Honors Theses

Bioreactors are widely used in tissue engineering to support cell and tissue growth under controlled conditions. Perfusion-compression bioreactors, like the one developed in our lab, can be used to replicate the physiological loading of bone on 3D-printed scaffolds. When seeded with osteogenic cells and subjected to mechanical loading, these scaffolds serve as a model to study osteogenesis. To simulate physiological conditions, the bioreactor must apply 1000 compression cycles at forces up to 200 N, three times daily over 14 days. Upon implementation, validation testing and experimental studies exposed several limitations in the bioreactor’s control code. The system was initially programmed …

Evervital Patch: The Design And Development Of A Continuous Cardiac Monitoring Device For Post-Operative, In-Hospital Patients, Abigail Moeller, Jonathan Seid

Honors Theses

In the United States, due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, over 900,000 cardiac surgeries are performed annually, with projections exceeding 1.3 million by 2029. Many post-surgical patients require continuous in-hospital cardiac monitoring, which is typically conducted using electrocardiograms (EKGs). However, traditional EKG systems such as bedside cardiac monitors and cardiac telemetry monitors rely on wired leads that can easily tangle, degrade signal quality, and require frequent readjustments or replacements due to wire breakage, and for the patient, this can cause discomfort from prolonged use. To overcome these challenges, our company, CardioSync, aims to develop a wireless cardiac monitoring …

The Impact Of Marijuana Edibles On Fetal Development In Pregnant Adolescents And Young Mothers, Rachel Doyle

Honors Theses

With the growing prevalence of marijuana use for both recreational and medicinal purposes, this study explores the impact of edible cannabis consumption on fetal development in pregnant adolescents and young mothers. While most existing research focuses on smoked cannabis in adult populations, this review highlights a significant gap regarding the unique risks of edibles among younger, vulnerable users who may perceive them as safer. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study examines the physiological effects of THC in edible form, as well as the social, economic, and healthcare factors influencing its use. Key areas of focus include maternal health, placental …

Spanish Education: Teaching Philosophy Learned From Best Practice And Student And Teacher Engagement., Olivia Anderson

Honors Theses

This honors thesis investigates best practices for teaching Spanish in K–12 settings by conducting qualitative interviews with Spanish teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The study focuses on identifying effective strategies and classroom activities that promote student engagement and language proficiency while examining how teachers continue to develop professionally. Conscious of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ (ACTFL) Five C’s—Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities—the research highlights communication as the central pillar of language learning. Through detailed classroom examples, such as “Mapa del Martes,” student-created cooking videos, and Kagan Strategies, the thesis illustrates how …

Musical Resurgence Phenomenon: A Look Into How Older Songs Are Making Comebacks After Being Featured In Acclaimed Television Shows And Films, Emily Formica

Honors Theses

This study evaluates how and why the showcasing of a song (released before 2012) in a contemporary film or television show (released after 2020), affects the song's overall success. The analysis consists of an exploration of the phenomenon’s effect seen in 9 examples. A mixed-methods approach is used, first conducting a qualitative study of why each song’s feature led to their resurgence. Specific tactics used to connect the song to the multiple aspects of the TV show or film were examined. To supplement the exploration, secondary data analysis was completed by using online databases to determine a song’s numerical charting …

Empowering Mississippi Schools: Training Staff And Students For Effective Integration Of Service Animals In K-6 Education., Micah C. Brouillette

Honors Theses

The purpose of this capstone is to explore the role of service animals in schools and to develop foundational training modules for educators and school staff. The presence of service animals in educational settings is a growing reality, yet many schools lack clear policies and staff training on how to effectively integrate them. This capstone reviews the legal protections surrounding service animals, including federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as Mississippi-specific regulations. It examines the benefits of service animals for students with disabilities, including their impact …

Latino Student Engagement In Rsos At Hcob, Angel Cordero

Honors Theses

Latino students at the Haworth College of Business (HCOB) are significantly underrepresented in Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), raising concerns about inclusivity and engagement within the college’s extracurricular community. This study aims to identify the barriers preventing Latino business students from participating in RSOs, exploring factors such as cultural representation, language preferences, financial constraints, and perceived social inclusion. Using a Qualtrics survey distributed to Latino business students at Western Michigan University, this research collects qualitative and quantitative data to assess their experiences and perspectives on campus involvement.

Findings reveal that many Latino students feel disconnected from existing RSOs due to a …

Lack Of Patient-Centered Care Relative To Evidence-Based Practice In Clinical Diagnosis And Treatment Of Endometriosis In The U.S.: A Review, Piper E. Scoskie

Honors Theses

This scoping review examines the impact of combining Patient-Centered Care (PCC) and Evidence-Based Care (EBC) on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in the United States. In particular, the review aims to (1) examine the body of research from the United States to learn more about the connection between PCC and EBC and their collective impact on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in the treatment of endometriosis; (2) identify the gaps in existing research and practice, specifically regarding PCC procedures, varying patient populations, and longitudinal investigations; and (3) provide recommendation for future research and …

From First Draft To Final Frame: Exploring Storytelling Across Mediums, Lydia Cowan

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the creative adaptation of an original young adult novel into a two-part television screenplay. The story follows Bobbi, a sixteen-year-old girl who is institutionalized after a mental health crisis, as she navigates grief, trauma, and recovery through a voice that is sharp, self-aware, and darkly humorous.

The project consists of eight chapters of prose, totaling 36 pages, and two screenplay episodes comprising 87 pages. The work focuses on how character, tone, and internal voice shift between novel and screen formats. Key themes include mental health, loss, identity, and the use of humor as a survival mechanism. The …

Impact Of Witnessing Intimate Partner Violence For Elementary Age Children: Counseling Recommendations, Makayla Essington

Honors Theses

This literature review explores the significant impacts that witnessing intimate partner violence (IPV) has on elementary-aged children and presents evidence-based counseling interventions to support their healing. Children are not always direct victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, simply witnessing intimate partner violence (IPV) in the home has significant impacts on children, such as emotionally, physically, cognitively, and behaviorally. This literature review highlights the significant impacts of intimate partner violence (IPV) on children’s mental health, including risk of anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and PTSD symptoms. Witnessing intimate partner violence also impacts the physical health of children, including risk for sleep disturbances …

Voting Rights Expansion To Achieve Voting Equity: Comparing Michigan's 2020 And 2024 Elections, Quinn Murphy

Honors Theses

Socioeconomic disparities often correlate with lower voter participation, potentially leading to underrepresentation of disadvantaged communities in policy decisions. Lower voter participation has been partly attributed to restrictive voting laws. In 2023, Michigan enacted legislation to expand voting rights, driven by a citizen-initiated ballot proposal that was overwhelmingly supported by Michiganders. The law expanded absentee voting, required statewide early in-person voting, protected voting rights of military members, and expanded options for providing photo ID to vote. To examine whether these voting rights expansions improved voting participation, particularly in low-income counties, this study examined the relationship between county-level poverty and voter turnout …

Capturing Tradition: The Business, Branding, And Personal Identity Of Senior Portraits In The Modern South, Xenia R. Minton

Honors Theses

The rise of college students starting photography businesses, particularly in graduation portraits, has transformed the creative and entrepreneurial landscape in the South. This thesis explores the senior portrait culture at the University of Mississippi, analyzing its rapid growth through the perspectives of photographers and academic experts in Southern Studies. Grounded in eight years of experience as a photographer, this study examines the evolution of the industry, business strategies, and cultural significance. Through interviews with seasoned senior portrait photographers and Southern Studies professors, this research investigates how regional traditions, social media, and consumer expectations have shaped the profession. By analyzing these …

Deaf Community, Cochlear Implants, And Language Access, Amelia Segroves

Honors Theses

This thesis looks at how getting a cochlear implant can affect a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person’s identity, language development, and sense of belonging. It compares people who see deafness as part of a rich culture (big “D” Deaf) with those who see it more as a medical condition (little “d” deaf). By reviewing studies and articles, the research explores how early exposure to language, school environments, and family choices influence how people communicate and see themselves.

This thesis looks at how getting a cochlear implant can affect a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person’s identity, language development, and sense of belonging. It …

The Use Of Stress Testing In Evaluating Systemic Risk: Lessons From The Global Financial Crisis, Katherine Laws

Honors Theses

This paper examines the role of stress testing as a crucial tool for assessing systemic risk in the financial system, particularly in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. The global financial crisis, which unfolded between 2007 and 2009, exposed significant vulnerabilities within financial institutions and highlighted the inadequacies of existing risk management frameworks. In response, regulators and financial institutions increasingly turned to stress testing to evaluate the resilience of financial systems against economic shocks.

The paper will begin by defining systemic risk and the importance of effective risk assessment strategies. The paper will outline how stress testing can simulate …

The Difference In Financial Literacy Between Students Of The Business College And The Rest Of The Student Body At Wmu, Ivane Mkheidze

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the persistent gap in financial literacy among high school and college students, despite increased emphasis on financial education over recent decades. Drawing inspiration from Lewis Mandell’s studies, including “Financial Literacy: If It’s So Important, Why Isn’t It Improving?”, the research evaluates the effectiveness of financial literacy courses and highlights their failure to produce long-term gains in knowledge or behavioral change. Through a synthesis of academic literature and critique of methodologies, the thesis explores the inefficacy of current teaching models, including overreliance on engagement tools like the Stock Market Game, and the influence of socio-economic factors, motivation, and …

How High School Athletic Directors In Southwest Michigan Paths Differ, Lily Browning

Honors Theses

The world of athletics continues to grow at a rapid rate, athletic directors are at the forefront of the sporting world particularly in high school athletics. So, how does one begin a career in athletic directing. The traditional path has been being a teacher or coach at the school and then moving into the administration portion of athletics. However, that is not the case for everyone and that is why the findings of this study are important to the field. There are not certain paths that get you to the job quicker than others in the world of athletic directing. …

The Impact Of Quiet Quitting On University Students: A Phenomenological Investigation Providing Student Perspectives And Institutional Implications, Molly Caldwell

Honors Theses

This study explored the potential phenomena of quiet quitting in higher education among college students and how they approached their role as a student. The researcher sought to understand if the disconnect observed in current students resembled quiet quitting behaviors and to determine if there was a phenomenon beyond student disengagement. The research questions investigated whether a phenomenon was occurring among college students independent of disengagement, if college students engaged in behaviors indicative of quiet quitting, and if students perceived that quiet quitting had any impact on their educational outcomes such as grades, involvement, graduation, or job prospects. Data collection …

The Effect Of Female Athlete Menstrual Cycles On Their Athletic Performance, Millie Allgood

Honors Theses

Previous research studying the effects of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance has focused on women who do not participate in any athletic activity or participate at a recreational or professional level (Dupuit et al., 2023; Ekenros et al., 2022). Few studies have tested collegiate athletes and those which have examined theoretical effects or psychological impacts rather than direct performance outcomes (Carmichael et al., 2021). It is widely agreed upon that reproductive hormones have broad influences throughout the body including body composition, response to stress, appetite, energy expenditure, and blood-glucose regulation. These factors directly contribute to physiological abilities such as …

Strike Up The Band!: Examining The Marching Arts Activity And Its Relationship To Music Education In America, Harmony Rutherford

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to re-introduce the history of the marching arts activity to the upcoming generations of music educators through a historical analysis that thoroughly examines the marching arts activity from the early twentieth century to the present. This analysis will seek to uncover the musical and visual concepts that contribute best to a well-rounded education in music, as well as personal and professional growth in students. This analysis will also seek to expose the concepts that impair students’ growth, both artistically and personally. The information from this analysis will inform a single arrangement designed for a …

Experiences Of School Based Agricultural Educators At The Middle School Level, Kayla Gossett

Honors Theses

A middle school (MS) agricultural education program is the starting point for many students to explore agricultural industries and occupations associated with food, fiber and natural resources (National Council for Agricultural Education, 2002). “Middle school is an important time in the development of agricultural education students and plays an important role in increasing agricultural literacy in our society,” (Jones, Doss, and Rayfield, 2020). MS agricultural programs have been recognized since 1988 (Golden et al., 2014), yet there has been minimal research regarding these programs. This phenomenological study explored the experience(s) of School Based Agricultural Educators or SBAEs and examined how …

Trust At The Polls: Examining Perceptions Of Election Fairness And Voting Intentions, Amy L. Nyary

Honors Theses

Leading up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, concerns about electoral fairness and integrity in democratic institutions became central to public discourse. This study examines how perceptions of election fairness and integrity mediate the relationship between political ideology and voting intentions. While prior research has demonstrated the influence of political ideology and trust in electoral processes on voter behavior (Birch, 2010; Stanziani et al., 2024; Schaffner & Streb, 2002), the mediating role of these perceptions remains underexplored. To address this gap, we collected online survey data from 524 participants, measuring political ideology, voting intentions, and perceptions of electoral fairness and …

An Exploration Of The Use Of Tier I Occupational Therapy Services In An Elementary School, Emilee Schumacher

Honors Theses

This project aimed to explore how and to what extent school-based occupational therapists implement Tier 1 interventions within an elementary school setting. The research involved conducting interviews with occupational therapists and observing their interactions with students to better understand the scope and nature of the services they provide. During the project, several Tier 1 services were identified, with a particular focus on addressing fine motor skills, social-emotional development, and gross motor skills. Several benefits of implementing tier 1 services in the school setting were identified. The challenges school-based occupational therapy practitioners face when implementing Tier 1 services in the elementary …

Using Video Models Plus Feedback To Teach Interview Skills, Zoe Odom

Honors Theses

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is partially characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction. These deficits can be displayed by struggles in developing relationships and social-emotional reciprocity (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). In the context of competitive employment, social skill deficits can impose challenges in securing and maintaining an employment position, with 8.1% of adults with disabilities between the ages of 16-65 unemployed (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). Video-based instruction (i.e., video models and prompts) has been used to teach adults with autism a wide variety of skills up to 100% accuracy, including vocational skills such as …

How Politicians Use Public Relations Strategies To Manipulate The Political Opinions Of Young People, Kylie O’Neil

Honors Theses

With the rise of the internet and social media, politicians have begun to utilize evolving public relations (PR) strategies in the online sphere to sway the political opinions of young people who can or will one day vote. This thesis will analyze these public relations strategies and how they are intended to manipulate the people consuming the content and answer the question of how politicians use public relations strategies to manipulate the political opinions of young people. The data will be collected by monitoring the news as well as social media profiles of multiple politicians on both sides of the …

Artificial Intelligence In The Secondary Classroom: Exploring Teacher Perceptions, Malachi Windemuller

Honors Theses

This qualitative study explores secondary school teachers' perceptions and attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) integration in classroom settings. Through in-depth interviews with educators at three diverse high schools across Colorado, Indiana, and Michigan during Fall 2024, the research investigates how teachers understand, implement, and wrestle with AI technology in their pedagogical practice. The study specifically examines four key areas: school dynamics around AI adoption, teachers' personal use of AI tools, student engagement with AI, and recommendations for new educators entering the field.

Key findings reveal that fear and uncertainty remain significant barriers to AI adoption among educators, particularly regarding its …

Preservation And Integrity Of Laboratory Solutions: Understanding The Impact Of Storage Practices On Chemical Stability And Experimental Accuracy, Azza Al Jahdhami

Honors Theses

Chemical storage methods represent a key matter ignored within labs, educational sites, workplaces, and even households. Many people, including various students and instructors within the chemistry field, are unaware of the proper methods for storing and disposing of common chemicals. This study aims to understand the effects of storage practices on chemical stability and experimental accuracy, dealing with the following questions: What kind of effects result from improper chemical disposal? How can improper storage affect the overall chemical effectiveness? Why is sink disposal of many solutions discouraged, and why is waste container disposal always necessary?

Through a literature review, this …

Investigating Cold Homicide Cases In Michigan: Combining Systematic Research With Experiential Insight, Jaqueline Chavarria

Honors Theses

According to the Michigan State Police (2023), murder/non-negligent manslaughter, commonly known as homicide, is the “willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.” The Murder Accountability Project suggests there could be over 20,000 unsolved homicide cases in Michigan between 1965 and 2023 (2024). Despite the prevalence of unsolved cases, scholarly analysis on the topic is limited. This study examines solvability factors, also known as clearance factors, for cold homicide cases in Michigan by conducting a systematic literature review with news publications. Additionally, this study incorporates experiential insight, offering a holistic exploration of solvability factors. Using a systematic approach, 15 …