Digital Commons Network^™

The Conscription Imperative: A Philosophical, Paternalist, And Egalitarian Case For Universal National Service, Timothy Wenhsiang Khoh

Honors Theses

Inspired by my experience as a conscript for two years prior to college, this three-chapter honors thesis presents a philosophical justification and proposal for an American implementation of a national service model. This thesis seeks to justify conscription (a) on moral/ethical grounds as a coercive measure, (b) as a paternalistic policy, and (c) on egalitarian grounds. More broadly, my national service proposal contributes to the debate on methods and measures the American government ought to pursue to increase equity and solidarity among an ever-polarized citizenry.

From Shock To Routine: The Evolving Impact Of Shutdown-Related Sentiment On Stock Markets, Yiran Shao

Honors Theses

To address gaps in existing research, this paper selects two U.S. government shutdown periods, 2018-2019 and 2025, as research samples to explore the effect of policy uncertainty on sentiment. This paper primarily analyzes the following two research questions.

First, what is the correlation between government shutdown-related sentiment during the shutdown period and daily market fluctuations? Specifically, can the sentiment index constructed from shutdown-related news effectively predict the next-day stock return during the event period?

Second, does the market have a learning effect? That is, between 2018-2019 and 2025, has the relationship between shutdown-related emotions and market outcomes weakened, shortened the …

Associations Between College Students' Belonging, Classroom-Based Relationships, And Mental Health Outcomes, Ella Grace Will

Honors Theses

Humans have a fundamental need to belong (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). A lack of belonging is associated with negative mental health outcomes, making it important to study student belonging in higher education (Strayhorn, 2019). Classroom-based relationships with professors and peers positively impact students' belonging (Tinto, 1993). The purpose of this study was to evaluate: the relative contribution of professor trust and peer interactions to classroom and university belonging, and to assess the associations between student belonging and internalizing symptoms. Survey data were collected via Qualtrics in September 2025 (baseline) and December 2025 from students in 32 first-year seminars participating in …

External Impacts On Internal Accounting, Maggie E. Boswell

Honors Theses

This thesis examines how external economic, legal, political, and consumer pressures can affect internal operations, accounting, and audit risk, using PepsiCo, Inc. as a case study. The analysis draws on PepsiCo’s annual reports and Form 10-K, company disclosures, government materials, and business and news sources. Attention is given to the Make America Healthy Again initiative, changing health expectations, food regulation, tariffs, and sustainability concerns. The analysis finds that these pressures could increase research and development, production, inventory, legal, and supply-chain costs while also creating opportunities for PepsiCo to expand healthier products and sustainable practices. These operational changes may also increase …

Wild Robots: Humans, Wilderness, And Technology In Becky Chambers’ Monk And Robot Series, Melissa Moore

Honors Theses

As technology advances and the environment deteriorates, the way people view the relationships between technology, wilderness, and humans becomes essential for society to move forward. To investigate perceptions about technology’s place in an environmentally conscious society, this project examines manifestations of wilderness/wildness and technology in Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot series through the lens of ecocriticism. Using Timothy Morton's concept of the ecological thought as a framework for analysis, the circumstances present in the novel suggest that the triangle separating humans, wilderness, and technology has actually collapsed, replaced by an enmeshment of technology, wilderness, and humanity.

Design, Synthesis And Biological Activities Of N-Substituted Phthalimide Derivative, Beaula Mangundah

Honors Theses

Phthalimides are a group of compounds among bicyclic non-aromatic nitrogen heterocycles that have gained recognition for their bioactivity across various fields, notably anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory. This study discusses the synthesis of a novel phthalimide derivative and provides an analysis of its biological activity. It was conducted through a Boric acid Imide synthesis and yielded a successful derivative using hexylamine. The product was evaluated in vitro for antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and anti-inflammatory properties using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion, clotting time, hemolysis inhibition, and protein denaturation assays. It showed mild anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Art And Reentry: A Study On The Role Of Art Programs In The Reentry Of Formerly Incarcerated People, Angelina Paulus

Honors Theses

Arts programs are a well-established method of rehabilitation in prisons, yet limited research has examined the role of arts programs specifically during the post-incarceration reentry process. This qualitative study explores how participation in an arts-based reentry program shapes the emotional, social, and identity-related experience of formerly incarcerated individuals during reentry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five formerly incarcerated men who formerly participated in As We Emerge, a performance-based theater and monologue program offered through EMERGE Connecticut in New Haven, CT. Using inductive thematic analysis, three primary themes emerged: (1) processing emotions, (2) the development of social support and community connections, …

Intradistrict Inequality: Examining Educational Opportunity In Richmond Elementary Schools, Tara Sheehan

Honors Theses

Educational inequality in the U.S. is often discussed across district lines, but differences between schools within the same district are just as significant. This paper examines intradistrict disparities in Richmond Public Schools (RPS) by comparing William Fox Elementary and Broad Rock Elementary. Although both schools operate under the same district, they serve very different student populations and produce markedly different outcomes. William Fox serves mostly White and economically advantaged students, with higher test scores, lower absenteeism, fewer behavioral incidents, and access to a wide range of enrichment programs. Broad Rock, on the other hand, serves predominantly Hispanic and Black students, …

Understanding Parental Perceptions Of Truancy In Connecticut Youth: Identifying Risks And Prevention Strategies, Samantha Villa

Honors Theses

This research investigates Connecticut parents' perspectives on effective strategies for addressing truancy. By examining stakeholder attitudes and beliefs, the study aimed to understand the relationship between perceptions of responsibility for truancy prevention and support for punitive versus non-punitive intervention approaches. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on truancy rates, current legislation and interventions have proven inadequate. This study assessed Connecticut adults' recommendations for truancy policy reforms and explored the potential for community-based interventions to enhance family engagement and reduce reliance on court involvement and punitive sanctions. IBM SPSS was used to analyze an existing dataset from the Tow Youth …

Effects Of Beach Renourishment On Sea Turtle Nesting Success, Caydence Pennington

Honors Theses

Beach geomorphology has a profound influence on nesting animals, particularly sea turtles, whose reproductive success depends on suitable sand conditions and stable shorelines. In many densely populated coastal regions, beach renourishment projects are implemented to combat erosion and protect infrastructure, yet these alterations can also affect sea turtle nesting ecology. This study evaluated the effects of beach renourishment on loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting activity on Longboat Key, Florida, from 2021-2024. Nesting activity, hatch success, and depredation patterns were compared between nourished and reference beach zones to determine whether nourishment had an impact on these events. Nesting …

Effects Of Beach Morphology On Nesting Behavior And Success Of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta Caretta) In South Carolina, Reagan Rutkowski

Honors Theses

Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) rely on sandy beach habitats for successful reproduction, yet nesting success is strongly influenced by physical beach features. This study examines the impact of beach morphology on nest survivorship across six nesting beaches in Horry and Georgetown counties, South Carolina. Three key hypotheses were tested: (1) nests placed at higher elevations exhibit greater survivorship, (2) nests located further from the recent high tide line experience higher survivorship, and (3) overall beach morphology influences nesting behavior and outcomes. Beach morphology variables—including elevation, slope, and nest-to-water distances—were measured at individual nest sites, while survivorship data …

Imagery Intelligence And Presidential Crisis Decision-Making: The Case Of The Cuban Missile Crisis, Codie Mcdonald

Honors Theses

Although the Cuban Missile Crisis was a short period of time relative to our nation’s history, this research has illuminated how much information, tension, and impactful moments lie within each minute; and the fact is, intelligence collection absolutely is a main factor in the de-escalation of the nuclear threat. Without the intelligence collection and production that was completed and given to Kennedy, policy would not be able to be made nearly as easy. Throughout each moment of the crisis, generally speaking, IMINT was able to provide and support the most aid to President Kennedy and his advisers. While the degree …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Amidoximes As Potential Pharmaceuticals Against Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria, Prudence Mange

Honors Theses

The rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the healthcare industry has led to devastating effects in recent years, ranging from increased risks associated with hospital treatment to longer illness duration, which may eventually lead to increased death rates (Naghavi, Mohsen et al, 2024). To combat this ongoing challenge, this project aims to synthesize amidoximes, which are organic derivatives of carboxylic acids with an oxime and an amino acid group. Amidoximes have been utilized in various clinical applications, including antituberculosis medication, hypotensives, antiarrhythmics, antibacterials, and antifungals (J. Chil et al., 2011). -- The focus of this project was to test their antibacterial …

The Moral Crisis Of Maternal Mortality In The Us, Jensen F. Ware

Honors Theses

This thesis argues that the US crisis of maternal mortality is not an unavoidable tragedy, but a moral and policy failure. I argue that maternal well‑being is one of the most important indicators of a society’s overall health. When mothers receive the care, respect, and support they need, it reflects the strength of healthcare systems, the culture, and our commitment to future generations. The continued loss of mothers from preventable deaths reveals a system that fails many women and their families, especially Black women, low‑income women, and those in rural communities. First, I introduce the issue of maternal mortality in …

It’S Still Happening: Conversion Therapy Laws Leaving College Students And More At Risk, Emma L. Mcconnell

Honors Theses

Conversion Therapy is still legal for adults across the United States, and for minors in many states. The laws and case law facilitating or preventing this discredited practice hang in the balance of whichever direction the Federal political climate moves at any given times. Even in states where Conversion Therapy is celebrated as "banned", populations of Americans that include the uniquely vulnerable students at religious universities are still subjected to it. This exploration and policy proposal solution prompts the total ban of Conversion Therapy and explains how a true legislative movement to that aim could begin.

High School Science Experience For Students With Cognitive Disabilities: A Pilot Study, Cassandra Wychers

Honors Theses

Although education has become more adaptive, inclusive of all students who learn differently including for people with cognitive disabilities, closer examination may reveal that high school science classrooms are still challenging learning spaces. Science is an important part of the school curriculum as it teaches students about engaging in the world around them while also encouraging skills involving evidence, inquiries, and critical thinking. All students are entitled to learn science in their classrooms even if they have a cognitive disability (Apanasionok, et al. 2019). Although there are many complexities to defining disability in the world and in education, this study …

The Effectiveness Of Telemedicine As A Pivotal Tool In Providing Accessible Medical Care, Peyton Wilt

Honors Theses

Telemedicine has emerged as one of the most transformative innovations in modern healthcare, offering new opportunities to bridge long-standing gaps in access, quality, and continuity of care. Rural and underserved communities in the United States face persistent barriers to healthcare, including provider shortages, geographic isolation, limited access to specialty services, transportation challenges, and socioeconomic disparities. These structural barriers often delay diagnosis, disrupt chronic disease management, and worsen overall health outcomes. Telemedicine provides a mechanism to address many of these obstacles by enabling remote consultations, real-time monitoring, follow-up appointments, and access to specialty providers through digital platforms.

This thesis examines the …

Changing Opinions: The Supreme Court After Dobbs, Lora E. Judge

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Holistic Approaches To Lyme Disease Symptom Management, Leah Van Antwerp

Honors Theses

Lyme disease is a multisystem tick-borne infection that can lead to long-lasting symptoms even after standard antibiotic therapy, with Lyme arthritis being one of the most common and persistent complications. Due to limited research on this issue, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will be discussed as a reference for understanding treatment options because it is a similar condition. Since many people continue to experience debilitating pain and reduced quality of life after treatment for Lyme disease, holistic approaches have become increasingly popular for symptom management. This literature review examines three holistic modalities-yoga, acupuncture, and diet modifications- and their effectiveness in alleviating arthritic …

Plant Vs. Animal Protein: Effect On Recovery, Performance, And Long-Term Health, Claudia Stachura

Honors Theses

Protein plays a fundamental role in muscle repair, growth, and athletic performance, which has led to increased interest in how different protein sources compare, particularly as plant-based diets become more common among athletes and physically active individuals. The debate surrounding plant-based versus animal-based protein sources primarily focuses on differences in protein quality, amino acid composition, digestibility, and potential long-term health implications. This paper examines current evidence comparing the effectiveness of plant and animal protein sources in supporting muscle protein synthesis (MPS), resistance training adaptations, recovery, and performance, while also considering broader health and environmental outcomes.

Protein supports muscle growth by …

Russian Cyber Disinformation In Mexico And Spain, Isabella Lafranchise

Honors Theses

Disinformation campaigns are being spread throughout Mexico and Spain by Russia, and these campaigns are among the tools most used by a foreign country to manipulate societies, weaken democracies, and deepen divisions. This research seeks to answer the question: How does Russia use cyber tools to spread disinformation in Mexico and Spain? To address this question, the paper will examine government reports and academic research of recent Russian influence operations. Variables will include the types of cyber tools used, platforms used, the narratives/themes being promoted, audiences targeted, and the political or social outcomes observed. Data will be analyzed using a …

A Study Of The Stratigraphic And Petrological Characteristics Of Section (10,323-10,325 Ft), Prevost 1- 11, Bay County, Michigan, Hajir Al Harthi

Honors Theses

This study presents a detailed petrological characterization of a short core section (10,323-10,325 ft) from the Prevost 1-11, Bay County, Michigan. This work is part of a broader carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) project to determine whether the Glenwood Formation could be an effective confining unit (CU) for carbon dioxide (CO2) injection in the underlying St. Peter Sandstone. The methods used to collect petrological data include standard core description, Xray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thin section microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including backscattered electron (BSE), energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and secondary electron (SE) modes. These …

Early Warning Detection Of Gravitational Waves With Sgnl, Megan Norris

Honors Theses

Gravitational waves (GWs) provide a whole new spectrum with which to observe astrophysical events. Multi-messenger observations including GWs are of particular interest, and these are best facilitated by early warning searches of GWs, which are typically aimed at detecting binary neutron star (BNS) mergers. This work provides an introductory overview of gravitational waves and summarizes the origins and basic physical properties of neutron stars and black holes in binary systems, focusing on BNS mergers and the detection of gravitational waves with LIGO using a modeled search. We assess the performance of a new GW search pipeline called SGNL to evaluate …

The Role Of Sustainability In Family And Consumer Science Curricula, Emily Hill

Honors Theses

As climate change intensifies and global food systems face growing environmental pressures, there is an increasing need to prepare younger generations to respond to these challenges. Sustainability education is increasingly recognized as essential for helping students understand the connection between human actions, environmental resilience, and their overall well-being. This form of education already has a foundation in the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) curriculum. This study examines the effects of integrating sustainability lessons into secondary Family and Consumer Sciences food and nutrition courses in a rural Michigan high school. It was hypothesized that if students participate in sustainability presentations and …

Psychological Variables That Best Predict Health Related Behaviors In College Students, Arianna Gamaggio

Honors Theses

The present study examined which psychological factors best predicted health behaviors in college students. The psychological factors that were addressed included anxiety, depression, grit, and psychological flexibility. The health behaviors were examined by using a composite variable that included sleep, diet, and exercise. A total of 265 students participated in the study, but only 174 (μ age = 21) met the criteria for inclusion. Participants completed validated self-report measures such as the GAD- 7 (anxiety), PHQ-9 (depression), Short Grit Scale, Psy-Flex-6 (psychological flexibility), as well as health behavior assessments that measured eating behaviors, sleeping, and exercise habits. Correlational analyses indicated …

The Heterogeneity Of Healthcare And Insurance In The Midwest, William Robb

Honors Theses

Background 
Healthcare varies in each state from labor and capital to the laws governing the state and the finances they run under. United States citizens have criticized healthcare and call for change as the United States lacks a universal healthcare system. Even with a universal healthcare system, there are systematic issues and a financial downturn that need to be addressed even if it were to be adopted. Half of the counties in the U.S. see a shortage in labor and hospitals leading to a desert for both cases. Funding through the government is unstable and lacks clear and meaningful payments …

Characteristics Of Unintentional Injuries In Young Children In Low Socioeconomic Status Families, Annabelle Pederson

Honors Theses

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among young children in the United States, with low-income families being at higher risk. This study examined seven weeks of prospective injury data from 89 caregivers of preschool-aged children enrolled in a Head Start program participating in a randomized controlled trial of a modified home safety intervention. Caregivers completed weekly interviews reporting the injury type, location, severity, pain, and caregiver in charge. Slips, trips, and falls were the most common injuries that occurred, with most occurring in the primary caregiver’s home. Mothers were the supervising adults in over half of the incidents. …

Exploring The Potential Of Martian Agriculture: Assessing Viability And Nutritional Composition Of Plants Cultivated In Martian Regolith, Abigail Ross

Honors Theses

In addition to sunlight and water, plants can utilize a small number of nutrients from the soil to biosynthesize all the materials that are needed for growth and development. However, plants require an environment where they are able to obtain those nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and nitrogen. Environmental factors determine the types and accessibility of nutrients available to plants. Plants then take up these nutrients from the soil to aid in biological mechanisms and the synthesis of important molecules needed for growth and development. Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a vital molecule that is …

A Harmonious Equation: How To Facilitate The Interdisciplinary Nature Of The Arts In A High School Math Classroom, Myah Medendorp

Honors Theses

The education system is constantly evolving and advancing, and the teaching methods should advance along with it. Musical involvement has long been cited as having a positive effect on mathematical proficiency and being an easy way to boost mathematical performance but is most often used in an elementary school setting and the early learning years. Are there ways to use this scientific relationship to boost performance and engagement in a secondary school environment?

This literature review functionalization takes a closer look at this relationship and how it can be implemented effectively in a high school math classroom beyond the young …

Identifying Draft-Worthy Pitchers: A Statistical Analysis Of Northwoods League Performance Metrics, Stephen Tyrpak

Honors Theses

The Northwoods League (NWL) is a collegiate summer wooden-bat baseball league that provides college athletes with an opportunity to maintain and enhance their skills during the offseason while competing in game-like conditions. Although prior research has explored player performance in other summer leagues, such as the Cape Cod Baseball League, academic investigation into predictors of draft outcomes in the NWL remains limited. This study addresses this gap by evaluating whether pitch-tracking metrics collected via Trackman systems can predict a pitcher’s likelihood of selection in the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft and by identifying which performance characteristics are most strongly associated …