Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Truly We Speak Podcast - Creative Thesis Project: "Uplifting Faith, Community, And Education Through The Voice Of The People.", Sierra Ward

Honors Theses

This creative thesis has been curated by Sierra Ward, a Sales and Marketing student at Western Michigan University. The intent behind this project was to combine shared interests between Faith, Community, and education to create a podcast, interviewing prominent members of the community, in hopes of inspiring others to “speak truly” and use their voice to evoke everlasting change. A wide range of guest were chosen to have authentic conversations with the purpose of educating the audience about real life situations. The filming of this project started in Fall of 2024 and concluded in the Spring of 2025.

Growing up …

Detection Of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals At The North Haven Water Pollution Control Facility On The Quinnipiac River, Kacey Daly

Honors Theses

The presence of estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was detected using vacuum filtration and solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by methods measured through chemical analysis. This research aims to quantify the presence of estrogenic EDCs in the Quinnipiac River located in Connecticut. Samples from influent, effluent, and downstream river locations from a Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) in North Haven, Connecticut are tested for the presence of estrone and 17α-ethinylestradiol. Findings from the study will provide insight to improve treatment efficiency of EDCs in WPCFs.

Becoming Effie White: A Journey Of Evolution, Aniya Thompson

Honors Theses

This thesis paper is a reflection of Aniya Thompson’s process playing the role of Effie White in the Western Michigan University School of Theatre and Dance production of Dreamgirls. The Dreamgirls’ book and lyrics are by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger. This story is of a young Black female trio whose story brings light to the challenges of the music industry. As their fame grows, they face heartbreak, a shift in loyalty, and blatant exploitation while exploring themes of race, beauty standards and perseverance. Aniya reflects her artistic journey of stepping into Effie’s shoes emotionally, vocally, and …

The Laureate, Brooklyn Hoover

Honors Theses

The Laureate’s mission is to provide undergraduate students at Western Michigan University a medium through which to publish their fiction, poetry, nonfiction, photography, graphic novels, and other creative works. The Laureate strives to be a professional and engaging journal that appeals to all. The 23^rd edition of The Laureate is unique in that, despite having no strict guidelines on themes, mediums, or styles, we found that many students expressed themes of grief, recovery, self-discovery, and new beginnings. Together, these works create a complex story of introspection and reflection.

Co-editors, Grace Cieslikowski and Brooklyn Hoover facilitated the launch of the …

Students For Sustainable Fashion & The Impact Of Fast Fashion, Anne M. York

Honors Theses

This thesis report took a project-based approach, making a change on campus through Students for Sustainable Fashion (SFSF), a club I founded here at the University of Mississippi. My thesis intends to document the establishment process and record the growth of SFSF throughout its last three semesters. SFSF emerged due to a significant challenge identified through casual class conversations, observational thinking, and campus engagement. However, university students are provided with abundant information about fast fashion's detrimental effects, and many feel unable to act due to social pressures, financial constraints, and the influence of fast-paced consumer culture. While students often desire …

The Art Of Craft: An Inquiry Into The Illusion Of Difference, Abigail Cancel

Honors Theses

The art of craft: an inquiry into the illusion of difference is an exploration of why art and craft have been historically separated and the ways in which this idea pervades into the modern world. It touches on the importance of art to society overall, as well as the undeniable significance of craft to the art world.

"Does My Student Need Aac?": Identifying The Factors Influencing Speech-Language Pathologists' Initiation Of Aac Evaluations Through Survey, Charisse Lapuebla

Honors Theses

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods and devices enable individuals to communicate when otherwise unable to communicate fluently and verbally. Introducing AAC to children with developmental disabilities encourages increased communication and speech production (Yuan et al., 2024). ASHA states that there are no prerequisites for AAC use. The authors wholeheartedly agree with this position (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.). However, if no exclusion criteria for AAC use exists, AAC should be considered for each and every student. This is not common practice in the field. Due to the absence of exclusion criteria, the factors that prompt speech-language pathologists to initiate an …

Unearthing The Hidden Transcript In Greta Gerwig’S Little Women (2019), Madison Vath

Honors Theses

In her film adaptation of Little Women (2019), Greta Gerwig expounds upon the subject of womanhood through her version of the character Jo March, specifically with the film’s portrayal of emotions and Jo’s authorship journey. Gerwig peels away the layers of the novel’s public transcript, as stated by anthropologist James C. Scott, centering instead the hidden transcript which suggests that a woman cannot thrive in a patriarchal society without community and connection with other women. The methods for my research include close reading, theoretical frameworks from feminist criticism and anthropology, and the use of secondary academic sources.

Antioxidant Activity Of Pamam Dendrimer Stabilized Ascorbic Acid, Gabriella Srikureja

Honors Theses

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential micronutrient for human health. It acts as an enzymatic cofactor in anabolic biochemical pathways such as the synthesis of collagen, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Unfortunately, this versatility comes at the cost of a high degradation rate both in and outside of the food matrix. Previous research exploring stabilizing aqueous ascorbic acid through Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers found success in reducing the rate of degradation.

To confirm the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid in its stabilized dendrimer complex, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays examined via Cary 5000 UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer found that performing the DPPH assay under aqueous conditions …

Assessing A Possible Effect Of Males' Pheromones In The Phonotaxis Of Female Acheta Domesticus, Addy Rodriguez Velasco

Honors Theses

Acoustic communication in crickets is crucial for reproduction. Females respond phonotactically to the male's call. Prior research evaluating the selectivity of phonotaxis in these females, has focused on females that have been isolated from males from day 1 after metamorphosis. However, assessing phonotaxis in females raised in the presence of males, remains to be done. This study aims to investigate the phonotactic response of female Acheta domesticus that were housed with males prior to testing.

Results indicate that on average, male-exposed females respond phonotactically to a wider range of calls that those females in the control group. These results rule …

Constructing And Confirming The Viability Of Nested Helmholtz Coils As An Education Model For Clinical Mri Systems, Yoel Kim

Honors Theses

Our goal was to construct a viable laboratory model utilizing oscillating compasses as a visual and manipulable analogue for magnetically resonant proton procession in a clinical magnetic resonance (MR) system for students without a strong background in nuclear physics. The constructed model -- which utilized concentric perpendicular helmholtz coils -- was tested for its ability to replicate the 3 central components in the clinical MR system: the main coils, the RF coils and the gradient coils. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate that each portion of the apparatus was successfully able to model its analogue in the clinical MR system, as …

Church As Community: Religiosity And Queer Identity Among Emerging Adults In Adventist Higher Education, Chris N. Ngugi

Honors Theses

How do LGBTQ+ or “queer”-identifying emerging adults attending Seventh-day Adventist Christian institutions of higher education in the United States relate to their religiosity or relationship with religion? Within certain religious contexts (Avishai, 2020; Chiongbian et al., 2023; Lockett et al., 2023), including within the Seventh-day Adventist church (Pew Research Center, 2014), an individual’s LGBTQ+ identity may seem incongruent with commonly held stigmas, norms, doctrines, and beliefs maintained by religious group members and officials. LGBTQ+ identity and religiosity in such contexts are often described through “conflict” and “beyond conflict” theories, principally Cognitive Dissonance Theory and Identity Integration Theory (Rêgo-Moreira et al., …

Religious Fundamentalism, Motivation, And Empathy Towards Sexual Minorities, Nora Martin

Honors Theses

In the United States, political and social opposition to sexual minorities is often associated with high religiosity — in particular, Christianity (Bjork-James, 2019; Toorn et al, 2017; Westwood, 2022). However, the relationship between religiosity and prejudice is complex, with religiosity being both positively and negatively associated with prejudice towards marginalized groups (Laythe et al., 2002; Liht et al., 2011). One aspect of religiosity that is correlated with prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals is religious fundamentalism (Altemeyer & Hunsberger, 1992; Fisher et al., 2017; Laythe et al., 2002). Religious internalization, a related concept, assesses the degree to which an individual ‘adopts’ an …

The Significance Of The Malvinas Issue In The Politics Of President Javier Milei, Reagan Mccain

Honors Theses

This research investigates the Malvinas (Falklands) issue within contemporary Argentinian political discourse, focusing on the rhetoric of Javier Milei, the recently elected president. Known for his populist and provocative style, Milei has surprisingly adopted a more moderate approach to the Malvinas, raising questions about how this aligns with his broader political agenda.

This study analyzes public statements from Milei from the presidential campaign to the present, analyzing them in the context of Argentinian politics and his political ideology. Javier Milei reframes Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the Malvinas by shifting public frustration away from the territorial dispute and toward criticism of …

Tracing Pharmaceuticals In Produce: Their Presence, Effects, And Consumer Perspectives, Savanna N. Crooks

Honors Theses

As prescription pharmaceuticals increasingly infiltrate agricultural systems, their unmonitored presence in produce products raises critical concerns about environmental contamination and human health risks. Using a mixed methods approach, combining a literature review and anonymous survey, the presence, fate, and transport of PCs in produce products, potential health effects, and consumer knowledge and perspectives were evaluated. It was found that the presence of PCs spanned across all classes of PCs and were present in locations among all types of environmental media, especially those used for agricultural production. Water contamination was shown as the primary source of transport that led to the …

Advancing Inclusivity: The Case For Change In Law Enforcement Training Regarding Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities And Autism, Sarah Stendel

Honors Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are two neurodevelopmental disorders that, while different, can overlap for some individuals. ASD can present itself in difficulties in areas such as communication, processing of senses, and restricted and/or repetitive behavior. ID can present itself in ways such as difficulties with social skills, reasoning, problem-solving, and processing information. This honors thesis began from the thought that both ASD and ID may make any encounter with law enforcement officers more challenging as compared to law enforcement interactions with neurotypical individuals. In fact, research referenced in this thesis project shows that police officers frequently …

Fantasy Orientation Of Media Consumption In Childhood And Creativity In Adulthood, Jordyn Martin

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between the fantasy orientation of media consumption during childhood and creativity in adulthood. Creativity is a valuable skill to nurture in children because of how it influences creative problem-solving and supports well-being throughout their lives. Previous research has shown that fantasy play can be beneficial to the development of creativity, and as media-based activities become increasingly prevalent in modern play, it is important to investigate whether this has similar benefits to typical pretend play. It was hypothesized that higher fantasy orientation of media during childhood would predict higher levels of …

Play With Purpose? Examining How Structured And Unstructured Play Shape Learning And Behavior In Elementary School, Izabela Gaworski

Honors Theses

This study explores various factors that impact elementary students' academic performance and behavior in Kentucky classrooms, with an emphasis on the effects of structured and unstructured breaks. This research analyzes key challenges and opportunities within the state's education system by examining the influence of physical activity, different types of play in classroom environments, structured/unstructured activity procedures, and instructional methods and perspectives on student outcomes. Surveys were distributed to educators from urban, suburban, and rural schools across Kentucky. Educators shared their perspectives on student engagement, classroom behavior, academic achievement, and the effectiveness of different instructional strategies through structured and unstructured play. …

Visual Storytelling In Video Games, Michael P. Mclaughlin

Honors Theses

Every year, new top-hit video games are developed. Some are highly praised by critics, while others receive more mixed reviews. Among the factors that lead to these ratings is the plot/story elements. As more video games are published their focus on story elements has faded, overshadowed even, by newer graphics and jaw dropping mechanics. My Thesis and Project aim to show how games are a phenomenal medium that conveys complex stories with more engagement than most other mediums and resurface the importance of story development in games in the future.

The Unique Advantages And Disadvantages Of Film Production In The Rural Southeast, Brayden Shouse

Honors Theses

This article aims at uncovering the unique advantages and disadvantages to film production in the rural southeast. It does this in two ways: by conducting interviews with film production professions who have experience with film production in the rural south and by looking at outside sources of information related to the topic. This article then connects the two and finds that many of the outside sources strengthen the claims and opinions made by the film professionals. Some of the claims made by these professionals with backing by outside sources include: stereotypes about the rural south are prevalent in films and …

The Lara Croft Effect: The Sexualization Of Women In Video Games And Its Impact On Violence Against Women, Madeline G. Bowen

Honors Theses

Abstract

While violence against women is frequently associated with pornography consumption, this study expands the conversation by examining the broader media landscape, specifically, the impact of sexualized portrayals of women in video games. As gaming becomes increasingly mainstream, young audiences are routinely exposed to hypersexualized content that may shape attitudes toward gender and sexuality. This research investigates the relationship between the consumption of sexualized video game content and pornography use, as well as their combined influence on attitudes toward women and gender-based violence. Utilizing a survey distributed through online forums, gaming communities, and flyers at Eastern Kentucky University, the study …

Navigating Peril: The Impact Of Modern-Day Somali Piracy On Global Shipping Industries, Rachel A. Morton

Honors Theses

This thesis addresses the issue of modern-day Somali piracy and the impacts it has had on the global shipping industry. As a persisting problem in the 21st century, piracy has had dramatic effects on the global economy, with billions of dollars being spent in reaction to the crisis. Piracy has become a resurging problem in recent years, and it is essential to understand the logistical and financial implications of piracy in the past so that the problem does not persist.

Piracy in Somalia, is ultimately a result of state failure, demonstrated by the lack of government effectiveness and scarce employment …

Delulu Is The Solulu: The Role Of Social Media In The Spread Of Misinformation About Autism Spectrum Disorder, Shelby L. Collett

Honors Theses

Social media has become a platform many use to connect with others and to learn and spread new information. However, concerns have been raised regarding the general population’s media literacy skills. These concerns have only grown as more and more people use social media to share information about mental and neurodevelopmental disorders that may not be entirely true. As misinformation regarding mental disorders has grown, as has self-diagnosis rates, particularly for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Little research exists on how adept college students are at discerning between accurate and inaccurate information, especially when it comes to ASD. The purpose of …

The Weight Of Feeding The World: Stress In Kentucky Farmers, Natalie Tolle

Honors Theses

Agriculture work (farming, fishing, and forestry) is one of the most stressful jobs, with one of the highest suicide rates among all major job occupation groups. The stress that farmers face is often out of their control, stemming mainly from weather and financial concerns. This topic has been researched extensively in many countries around the world, however, research and literature are lacking in the United States, and specifically in the state of Kentucky. This study aimed to investigate the stress that Kentucky farmers face, how they cope with that stress, if it impacts their mental health, and how social support …

The Design Report: How Image Generative Artificial Intelligence Is Changing The Culture Of Design?, Katelyn M. Walker

Honors Theses

The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is reshaping the global culture of visual communication professions by automating design and design-thinking, causing an acceleration in the already-shifting values which favor profit, speed, and cost effectiveness over human expression. As the accessibility of GAI models is integrated into creative spaces, opportunities within the profession are beginning to diminish causing introductory and junior level design positions to be highly competitive and out of reach for many beginner designers’ reach. Additionally, GAI is causing the homogenization of global culture and values, ultimately reinforcing the ideas of capitalism. The result has been a …

“Left, Right, Your Left”: Marching Towards Equality In The U. S. Army, Zachary C. Creekmore

Honors Theses

The United States Army has transformed from a force shaped by exclusion to one striving for inclusion. This thesis explores the Army’s ongoing journey toward equality, focusing on how historically marginalized groups—such as racial minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals—have fought for and gained the right to serve. It examines the impact of these changes on the Army’s structure, culture, and institutional identity.

Guided by four core questions, the research investigates: How have protected groups gained equality, and how has that affected the Army? Are all soldiers treated fairly under current policies? Should individuals once disqualified for mental health conditions be …

The Impacts Of Maternal Mental Health On Fetal Development, Kaitlyn R. Tudor

Honors Theses

Depression and anxiety are among the most prevelent mental health disorders affecting women during the perinatal period. While often diagnosed postpartum, conditions such as postpartum depression and generalized anxiety disorder originate during pregnancy, affecting fetal brain and body development. This liturature review explores the distinct and combined impacts of prenatal anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for early detection and comprehensive care. It also examines predisposing factors, diagnostic tools, and interventions used to manage these conditions. Furthermore, the review considers how intersecting social factors- such as race, low socioeconomic status, education, culture, and barriers to healthcare- contribute to disparities in …

The Evolution Of Ems: Chauffeur To Clinician, Allie L. Lamb

Honors Theses

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are young and developing. These agencies provide pre-hospital care to individuals in communities across the United States. Despite their prevalence, research on EMS and its history is lacking. This study tracks the evolution of EMS in the United States by outlining its history, investigating major events during its life span, identifying major positive or negative influencing factors on its evolution, and conducting a survey to analyze the thoughts of the modern provider. The outline of the evolution of EMS exemplifies the evolution of the provider, which leads to the primary question. Are EMS providers clinicians? The …

I Lost My Grandmother’S Hanbok: A Thematic Series Of Paintings Exploring Of The Loss Of Culture In A Mixed-Race Korean American Home, Cadance G. Thompson

Honors Theses

Mixed-race individuals feel conflicted at their place in American society. They fit in with their cultural heritage, but also their American heritage. This creates a split where they may identify more with one or the other. This may be due to the lack of diversity where they live, the desire to fit in, or lack of participating in their own culture. This series of paintings explores the self-identification of me, a mixed-race Korean and White woman from Appalachia. The acrylic paintings explore themes of self-identification and cultural heritage with the goal of determining which group I identify with more. The …