Digital Commons Network^™

Electric Ducted Fan Lander, Maggie Waechter

Honors Theses

This report, and corresponding project, addresses the fact that there are not many student experiments with controlling real spacecrafts due to the scarceness of the craft, cost, risk, and finite fuel supply. This project demonstrates the possibility of a classroom substitute for students to understand how landers would operate on planetary bodies. In order to achieve flight from the drone, there were two separate designs produced, the electrical and structural system, that were integrated together to form a full prototype. The performance of the electric ducted fans (EDFs) as well as the batteries were tested to ensure that the components …

Production Of Mrna Vaccine For Influenza, Christina Miller

Honors Theses

The objective of this project is to design a process to produce an mRNA influenza vaccine that serves as an alternative to conventional influenza vaccines, replacing current options with innovative mRNA technologies. Given that older populations are most likely to follow up on immunizations consistently, and the increasing average age worldwide, the market for this project appears to be expanding in the next 80 years. Additionally, experts predict more frequent mutations and outbreaks of viral disease from a variety of factors including globalization and global temperature trends. Rapid response to these viral outbreaks will continue to be as, or even …

How Does Childhood Exposure To Toys And Video Games Relate To Young Adult’S View On Gun Control?, Shelby Wilmot

Honors Theses

The present study investigated the factors influencing support for gun control and attitudes toward gun control restrictions on individuals, specifically violent video games and toys. From the 119 total responses collected, 78 (65.5%) of the participants identified as female, 34 (28.6%) of the participants identified as male, and 7 (5.9%) of the participants identified as nonbinary. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between various independent variables and the dependent variables representing these attitudes. For the dependent variable measuring support for gun control, the model summary revealed a moderate correlation

(r = .610), with approximately 37.2% of the variability …

The Dark Triad, Creativity And Morality, Erin Beers

Honors Theses

The Dark Triad of personality is the combination of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. The associative theory of creativity involves the default mode network of the brain, which is responsible for memory tasks, imagination, and thoughts of self. Since the Dark Triad traits involve inhibitory control and imagination, there is a high likelihood that observed alterations in these processes may be used to predict dark creativity patterns. Malevolent creativity involves using new ideas to complete tasks that will harm others. With creativity not being limited to positive outcomes, aspects of morality are also part of the creative decision-making processes. Morality is …

1st Person Ev With Electronic Differential, Tessa Biondo

Honors Theses

The First Person EV with Electronic Differential for Vehicle Dynamics Analysis project makes a significant leap forward in the exploration of electric vehicle (EV) stability and performance enhancement. Lead by a team of skilled electrical engineering students under the guidance of WMU’s associate Professor Dr. Sandun Kuruppu, this project aims to improve EV stability by optimizing power and torque distribution between wheels using an electronic differential system. The project encompasses the design and assembly of a 1/7^th scale custom electric vehicle, capable of remote control via a first-person view (FPV) camera and modified USB wheel and pedal assembly. The …

A Legal Analysis Of The Competition And Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act Of 2021, Nicholas Owczarzak

Honors Theses

This legal analysis examines the “Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2021” proposed by Senator Amy Klobuchar, which would amend Section 7 of the Clayton Act to prohibit more anticompetitive mergers and acquisitions. Senator Klobuchar and other antitrust law experts disagree with how courts currently evaluate mergers using the Chicago School of Thought, and Klobuchar sought to strengthen antitrust laws which would change the way mergers are evaluated. This bill mainly aimed to create a lower burden of establishing an anticompetitive merger, from mergers that may “substantially lessen competition” to mergers that may “create an appreciable risk of …

Kalamazoo Nature Center Mobile Application, Jacob Tebben

Honors Theses

This project aimed to address the challenge of enhancing visitor engagement and information dissemination at the Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) through the development of an integrated mobile and desktop application system. This initiative arose due to the limitations posed by traditional mobile applications which often become outdated and need to be updated by a dedicated software team. This project was designed for any user of the KNC desktop app to be able to update content on the mobile app, without the need of a dedicated software team.

The mobile application was designed for visitor use, enabling them to access up-to-date …

Veterinarian Perception Of The Impact Of Covid-19 On The Mortality Of Pets, Jason Bainbridge

Honors Theses

The pandemic led to many changes in society, changes that may have affected pets either directly or indirectly from the new way people had to live life. The primary variable of investigation is if the changes were significant enough to affect pets enough to see a trend in mortality. This thesis used a survey, sent out to veterinarians for their perspective, to see the effects the pandemic had on the mortality of pets, as well as any secondary variables. This survey had 38 responses, with 34 being eligible to complete the survey. The survey did not obtain the information of …

Evaluation Of Seizure Recognition And First Aid Training Course And Improving Self-Efficacy Related To Medical Emergencies In Mississippi, Anna Katherine Herrington, Collin Earl Wayne Crawson, Daniel Robert Zuckerman

Honors Theses

Within recent years, there has been increased attention to the growing physician shortage across the United States. This shortage has placed substantial strain upon regions of lower healthcare access, particularly those of rural regions such as much of the state of Mississippi. As rural healthcare providers are placed under more strenuous conditions, they encounter issues of increased patient volume, lack of a trauma team, or adequate transportation to higher-level care facilities. These issues may exacerbate the present inequities in cost of living, access to adequate healthcare, and the distress caused by these concerns. Individuals with epilepsy are one cohort with …

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

Honors Theses

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

The Effects Of Therapy Dogs On Students, Chloe Romack

Honors Theses

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

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

Honors Theses

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

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

Honors Theses

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

Examining Confidence In Scientific Literacy Amongst General Biology And General Chemistry Students, Amy Sullivan

Honors Theses

Scientific literacy is a term used to describe a person’s ability to understand scientific concepts, read and write those concepts, and link those concepts to situations outside of the classroom in order to make informed decisions in their daily lives. This research paper details a study observing how scientific literacy confidence varies among general biology and chemistry students at the University of Mississippi. The goal of this research is to determine if students in general biology and chemistry classes will have similar self-reported confidence in their science literacy. This research took place at the University of Mississippi amongst Biology 160/161 …

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

Honors Theses

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

The Mitre And Crown: The Relationship Between The Church And Crown In Norman-Angevin England, 1066-1215, Isaac Copeland

Honors Theses

From the Norman invasion in 1066 to Magna Carta in 1215, the balance of power between the Mitre and the Crown in Norman- Angevin England shifted from being defined through personal relationships to being defined by charters. This shift occurred due to a cycle of conflict and cooperation between Church and Crown, and during the periods of peace, kings, archbishops, and popes created models that delineated boundaries of power between the Church and the Crown. Over a century and a half, four functioning models emerged: the Crown-led Personal model created by William the Conqueror and Archbishop Lanfranc from 1066-1089, the …

Princess Proportions & Perceptions: Disney’S Deterioration Of Young Girls’ Self-Esteem, Marah Krick

Honors Theses

Animated children’s media is becoming increasingly thinner, particularly as society demands continually smaller waists in the ideal female body size. The present study is focused on analyzing the origin and effects of abnormally small waist-to-hip ratios in animated Disney Princesses on a younger, primarily female audience. Exposure to these unrealistic body standards may result in internalization that leads to body dissatisfaction, as well as a drive for impossible thinness that results in disordered eating, mental health concerns, and suicide ideation. Adolescents and preadolescents are particularly at risk, due to daily entertainment screen time nearly tripling since 1999. While the risks …

In The Garden Of Skincare: Exploring The Benefits And Regulations Of Botanical Ingredients, Sara L. Cook

Honors Theses

With the rising consumer demand for more natural skincare products, botanical ingredients have become more prevalent in skincare products. Skincare products with botanical properties are being preferred over those with chemical properties due to their biological origins. However, there are debates as to why botanical products are being used widespread and if they are safe to use. The safety of ingredients within cosmetics is observed by multiple regulatory systems throughout the world. These regulatory systems oversee making sure that each ingredient is extracted and purified before being incorporated into a cosmetic or skincare product. One goal of this project was …

The Effects Of A Mindfulness Intervention On Ameliorating Premenstrual Hedonic Eating Patterns In College-Aged Females, Nicole R. Palmieri

Honors Theses

Background: Young women in college are susceptible to weight gain from a myriad of factors to include environmental and hormonal influences.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a mindfulness intervention on food craving behaviors in women in the luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle.

Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study using repeated samples one-way ANOVA and qualitative data to examine pre-intervention and post-intervention changes in cravings and mindfulness.

Results: 23 participants completed the intervention and study-related requirements pre-intervention and post-intervention. There was a trend of mean decrease in FCQ-T scores (124.83 ± …

The Ultimate How-To Guide: Addressing Sustainability In Fashion, Corinne R. Campbell

Honors Theses

Every year, the pollution in our world increases but few people have addressed this issue. Between the culture of consumerism, little to no recycling, and lack of education, it can feel difficult as a regular person to make a difference. However, it is not impossible. As the consumer, the general public has the ability to enact change. While sustainability in the fashion industry may seem unattainable, making progressive changes in the manufacturing and buying process of clothing will make fashion more eco-friendly over time. With the proper education and guidance, anyone can make more sustainable fashion choices without going outside …

“You Just Haven’T Found The Right Person Yet.”: A Study Of The Relationship Differences Between Asexual And Allosexual Individuals, Faith M. Conway

Honors Theses

Asexuality is an underreported and scarcely researched group. This study aimed to determine relationship and relationship goal differences between asexual and allosexual individuals. Using 134 responses to a Qualtrics survey, the current research found only one self-identified asexual individual and five total Asexuality Identification Scale identified individuals. Results showed little difference between Allosexual and Asexual relationships and relationship goals. There was a significant difference between the realization of an identity different from heterosexual and the self-claiming of an identity name.

Breaking The Stigma: Integrating Psychology And Therapy Approaches In Modern-Day Video Games For Mental Health And Well-Being, Sabrina A. Thompson

Honors Theses

This review presents a comprehensive exploration of the positive psychological effects of video games, challenging prevalent negative stereotypes. It explains how video games contribute to the cognitive enhancement of problem-solving abilities and improve working memory. Moreover, the emergence of Video Game Therapy is discussed, highlighting its potential as an extension of traditional therapy by providing a virtual platform for individuals to confront and manage complex emotions in a controlled setting. Additionally, video games are shown to enhance well-being by fostering self-determination, empathy, social interaction, and stress relief. Notably, beloved titles like The Legend of Zelda are cited as prime examples …

Addressing The Cultural Mistrust Of The U.S. Healthcare System: Creating And Illustrating A Bilingual Children's Book, Ximena Patino Enriquez

Honors Theses

This thesis delves into the healthcare disparities faced by Latino Spanish-speaking populations in the United States and proposes multifaceted approaches to address these inequities. Drawing on empirical research and critical analysis, the paper explores the roots of cultural mistrust, systemic discrimination, and language barriers that may hinder access to quality healthcare for Latinos. Through a review of literature, the thesis underscores the detrimental health outcomes experienced by these communities, particularly concerning chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it examines the role of children's literature in shaping attitudes towards healthcare from an early age, emphasizing the need for accurate …

Fueling Success: How Effective Supplier Relationship Management Affects Automotive Supply Chain Performance, Alexa M. Dickenson

Honors Theses

Since the invention of the first automobile, more than one hundred and thirty-six years ago, the amount of people owning or traveling via automobiles has grown substantially. Over time, the automotive industry has continued to grow into a massive organization delivering vehicles to consumers everywhere. To understand how the automotive industry has evolved over the years, one must look at the various aspects that go into creating the parts needed for each vehicle. Understanding how effective supplier relationships affect supply chain performance begins with buyers who can efficiently select adequate suppliers. Once a buyer can do so, they then must …

The Influence Of Race: College Students’ Sense Of Belonging At Their Predominantly White University, Jaelyn Barker

Honors Theses

Racism, underrepresentation, and anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) movements are current, ongoing battles on college campuses across the nation, specifically at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and universities. This study will examine the influence of race and other relevant factors on undergraduate students’ sense of belonging on their college campuses by understanding how students define and use race to shape and change their lives. The researcher created and distributed an original survey to undergraduate students at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), collecting a total of 466 responses. The study found that race, divided by white and nonwhite categorizations, did not have a …

The Gendered Room And The Lock On The Door: Women Writers And The Patriarchy In Virginia Woolf’S A Room Of One's Own, Lauren Kelley

Honors Theses

This thesis analyzes the life of Virginia Woolf and her foundational feminist text, A Room of One’s Own (AROO) to understand women’s need for control in their journey to become Authors through Woolf’s requirements of “500 a year and a room with a lock on the door.” It discusses the significance of becoming a capital A Author and how authorship impacted women’s lives in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and even twentieth centuries. Through a summary of Woolf’s historicizing of women writers’ struggles this thesis investigates the impact these struggles had on how women wrote—often resulting in anger and anonymous authorship. Through …

Play Like A Girl! A Then And Now Comparative Analysis Of Title Ix In Collegiate Athletics: An Oral History Collection, Gretta Gunn

Honors Theses

Title IX in collegiate athletics aims to provide female athletes with the same opportunities as their male counterparts, through equal resources, financial scholarships, viewership, etc by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender. This is accomplished through certain compliance standards and a Three Prong Test. However, the results of a literature review show that Black female athletes, female coaches and administrators, and male athletes whose sport has been cut still don’t receive fully equal opportunities. Through the creation of an oral history project with the William Berge Center and Special Archives at Eastern Kentucky University, personal stories and experiences related …

Death And Drugs: Exploring Grief And Addiction Among College Students, Alexis B. Kelly

Honors Theses

Grief and addiction are typically associated with death and drugs. However, there are many types of non-death losses and behavioral addictions that are overlooked in research and daily living. The experiences of grief and addiction affect everyone, often at many points in their lifetime. College students are at particular risk for these factors, as many changes are occurring in their environment during these years. This research aims to explore the impact and relationship of grief and addiction on college students. The main hypothesis is that grief and addiction are positively correlated with one another. To study this, a survey was …

Environmental Justice: Assessing The Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On Drinking Water Quality In Kentucky, Morgann K. Rowe

Honors Theses

Poor water quality can lead to adverse health effects, and having access to clean water is essential to overall health. There are many possible sources of water contamination, and it is important to properly maintain water to ensure that it is up to standard. Socioeconomic status (SES) may influence drinking water quality, and marginalized populations may be the victims of disparities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and violations can be issued if water standards are not met. Previous research suggests low-income non-white populations may experience higher water violations. Rural …

What Are The Barriers? An Examination Of College Students' Perspectives On Mental Health Care Utilization, Isabella Robbins

Honors Theses

This study delves into the perceptions and experiences of college students regarding the utilization of mental health services at a university in the central Appalachian region of the United States. Focusing on understanding barriers to help-seeking, perceived stressors, and preferences for mental health resources, the research aims to inform strategies for enhancing mental health support on campus. A total of 91 undergraduate students completed an electronic survey at Eastern Kentucky University, providing insights into their attitudes towards seeking professional help, perceived stressors, and factors influencing help-seeking behavior. Contrary to expectations, demographic factors showed no significant correlation with willingness to seek …