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Honors Theses

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Eastern Kentucky Drowning: Floods And Relief Efforts, Lynsey Joseph May 2026

Eastern Kentucky Drowning: Floods And Relief Efforts, Lynsey Joseph

Honors Theses

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


Pfas Drinking Water Contamination In Madison County, Ky Association With Reproductive Health Outcomes., Jessica L. Stone May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Handmade Vs Ai, A 2d Animator’S Perspective, Leilani Scarambone May 2026

Handmade Vs Ai, A 2d Animator’S Perspective, Leilani Scarambone

Honors Theses

My honors thesis covers various aspects of animation and techniques used by animators to lessen time spent on a project, a brief summary of how AI functions and processes inputs, and finally a simple cross comparison of hand made animation and AI generated products of varying type. Animation with a fast-approaching deadline often requires animation tricks to be able to get the product out in time. I listed a few of the most prominent animation techniques and gave a brief overview of the evolution of 2D animation as it grew towards an easier workflow. 2D animation, even then, takes a …


"Sirens, Safety, And Superheroes": A Children's Guide To Handling An Emergency Crisis, Madison B. Cassity May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Cancer Risk Perceptions And Nicotine Use Behaviors Among Eastern Kentucky University Students, Kassidy Burke May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Two Sides Of The Same Cycle: Understanding The Experiences Of Domestic Violence Survivors And Perpetrators, Avery M. Blevins May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Unlocking Access: Investigating The Implementation Of European Accessibility Standards In European Museums, Katie Hendrix May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Beyond The Game: The Real Impact Of Cte, Leah R. Rennels Ms May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Comparing The Effectiveness Of Neb Precrtm Repair Mix And Nxgen T4 Dna Ligase For Repairing Degraded Dna For Pcr Forensic Applications, Karolena Zvokel May 2026

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Neb Precrtm Repair Mix And Nxgen T4 Dna Ligase For Repairing Degraded Dna For Pcr Forensic Applications, Karolena Zvokel

Honors Theses

This study investigated the comparison between using PreCRTM mix (New England Biolabs) and T4 DNA Ligase (New England Biolabs) to repair degraded forensic whole blood DNA samples for PCR amplification. Degraded DNA presents a significant challenge in forensic STR analysis due to reduced amplification efficiency and allele imbalance. Whole blood samples were extracted, quantified, and artificially degraded using UV exposure. Samples were introduced to multiple treatments, including no damage no repair (NDNR), damage no repair (DNR), PreCRTM repair, T4 DNA ligase treatment, and combined repair approaches. Amplified products were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis, and peak height ratios (PHR) were used …


A.I. And The Law: How Ethical Guidelines Affect The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Legal Work, Andre Asher May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Arete - The Balance Of Nature: A Study And Creation Of Greek Tragedy From The Modern World, Grace Margaret Merrill May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Inbreeding And The Fall Of The Spanish Habsburg Dynasty, Kira L. Kent May 2026

Inbreeding And The Fall Of The Spanish Habsburg Dynasty, Kira L. Kent

Honors Theses

Inbreeding and the Fall of the Spanish Habsburg Dynasty examines how centuries of consanguineous marriages within the Spanish Habsburg family contributed to the dynasty’s decline and eventual extinction. Focusing on the reign and health of Carlos II of Spain, this study explores how dynastic marriage strategies, which were designed to consolidate political power and preserve royal lineage, ultimately produced severe genetic consequences. This thesis analyzes patterns of intermarriage beginning with Carlos I and continuing through the next four monarchs, highlighting the repeated marriages between close relatives. These practices significantly increased the likelihood of inheriting harmful recessive traits. In addition, this …


Perceived Campus Safety And Psychological Flexibility As Moderators Of Posttraumatic Stress And Anxiety Following Indirect Exposure To School Gun Violence, Samara Trout May 2026

Perceived Campus Safety And Psychological Flexibility As Moderators Of Posttraumatic Stress And Anxiety Following Indirect Exposure To School Gun Violence, Samara Trout

Honors Theses

The growing prevalence of gun violence in school settings within the United States, combined with extensive media coverage of these events, has heightened concerns regarding the psychological impact of indirect trauma exposure among students. The present study examined associations between indirect exposure to gun-based school violence and symptoms of posttraumatic stress and anxiety among undergraduate students at Western Michigan University (WMU). A secondary aim was to explore whether perceived safety and psychological flexibility/inflexibility moderated associations between indirect exposure and psychological distress. Using a cross-sectional correlational design, undergraduate students (N = 33) completed a self-report survey containing screening assessments, attention …


Two Genres, One Narrative? A Critical Discourse Analysis Of Gendered Relationships In Top Hip-Hop/R&B And Country Songs (2015-2025), Alyssa A. Yarbro May 2026

Two Genres, One Narrative? A Critical Discourse Analysis Of Gendered Relationships In Top Hip-Hop/R&B And Country Songs (2015-2025), Alyssa A. Yarbro

Honors Theses

For this research, I examined how gendered relationships are depicted in the lyrics of 55 top-charting Hip-Hop/R&B and Country songs from the past decade (2015-2025). I employed Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis to examine how song lyrics use language to reproduce or challenge dominant ideas of gendered relationships. My analysis identified three prominent themes within the lyrics: Respect, Commodification, and Regret. Songs within the Respect category were characterized by these of romance, affection, and non-sexual intimacy. The commodification category included songs that had dominant themes of objectification, sexualization, and depicting individuals as disposable or interchangeable goods. The songs in the …


Sense Of Belonging And Self-Efficacy Of Women In Stemm At The University Of South Alabama, Emilie Dedeaux May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Targeting The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation To Improve Depression And Anxiety In Parkinson's Disease, Brock Renicks May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Gis-Based Trail Accessibility Assessment At Lime Hollow Nature Center, Ashley Siergiej May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Exploring Social Emotional Learning Competencies In Middle School Theatre Education, Katherine J. Mullins May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Expanding The Vocabulary Of Staff Notation By Notating The Vocal Instrument, Ryan J. Berry May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Equal Protection Under The Law: Constitutionality Of Current And Proposed Anti-Lgbtq+ Legislation In Tennessee And Its Potential Impact On Business, Henry J. Kalla May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Exploring The Impact Of Poverty On Financial Literacy: The Role Of Parental Education In College Student Financial Behavior, Zoe Williams May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Romantasy's Inevitable Lasting Legacy, Devon T. Gibson May 2026

Romantasy's Inevitable Lasting Legacy, Devon T. Gibson

Honors Theses

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


The Culture Of The Convent: How Recruitment Shapes Success In Religious Life, Elizabeth A. Minneci May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


The Ethical Imperative To Shift Toward A More Equitable Literary Education, Eleanor L. Bryant May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Friend Or Foe? The Benefits And Risks Of Llms In Cybersecurity, Niklas P. Dobler May 2026

Friend Or Foe? The Benefits And Risks Of Llms In Cybersecurity, Niklas P. Dobler

Honors Theses

The rapid growth of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their continuous increase in capabilities have affected many professions and people. Due to advancements in areas such as coding and data analysis, they are now also being utilized in Cybersecurity. Recent research has examined their use in many different areas such vulnerability detection in code and analyzing network traffic. With this rapid growth, most organizations around the world are eager to advance faster than their competition, with limited considerations for the potential harm and risks these tools could bring. Some research has been conducted on malicious uses, but as the benefits …


Implementation Of A Droplet Interface Lipid Bilayer System For Electrical Characterization, Olivia J. Ziemer May 2026

Implementation Of A Droplet Interface Lipid Bilayer System For Electrical Characterization, Olivia J. Ziemer

Honors Theses

Lipid bilayers are the fundamental structural framework of cell membranes, providing cells with both protection from the environment and interaction with the surrounding environment. Experimental investigation of lipid bilayers and embedded protein channels often involves the formation of an artificial membrane within an electrical circuit. The focus of this project is to implement and verify the functionality of a lipid bilayer characterization technique known as the droplet interface bilayer (DIB), with emphasis on cost-effective system design. To achieve this, the amplifier and software from the ELEMENTS black lipid membrane (BLM) kit were repurposed to reduce the cost of implementing a …


Transformation Efficiency And Gfp Expression In E. Coli, Jessica H. Hobbs May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Toward An Understanding Of Social Marketing’S Influence On Alcohol-Related Behaviors In College Students: Health Promotion Strategies For College Campuses, Lily K. Richards May 2026

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

Honors Theses

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


Salt-Dependent Purification Of Green Fluorescent Protein Via Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography, Katie L. Collins May 2026

Salt-Dependent Purification Of Green Fluorescent Protein Via Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography, Katie L. Collins

Honors Theses

Green fluorescent protein, GFP, is a widely used fluorescent reporter, and its purification provides a clear model for studying downstream bioprocessing. This thesis investigates how binding-buffer salt strength affects GFP retention and elution during hydrophobic interaction chromatography, HIC, by comparing three conditions (1.0×, 0.8×, and 0.6×). GFP-expressing E. coli were lysed and clarified, and the lysate was purified on HIC columns; collected fractions were evaluated qualitatively under UV illumination to track fluorescence distribution. Results showed a salt-dependent trend in which higher salt improved retention and shifted fluorescence toward later elution fractions, while reduced salt weakened hydrophobic interactions and increased earlier …


Community Resilience And Response To Salinity Gradients In Streams Flowing Into Biscayne Bay, Florida, Sebastian M. Jimenez May 2026

Community Resilience And Response To Salinity Gradients In Streams Flowing Into Biscayne Bay, Florida, Sebastian M. Jimenez

Honors Theses

Salinity is a shaping force of aquatic biodiversity, and ongoing climate change and unsustainable water-management practices are causing salinity-induced stress across coastal ecosystems. Meiofauna are small (45-1000 μm), taxonomically diverse aquatic invertebrates that are vital to ecosystems and highly responsive to environmental disturbances, making them ideal for assessing the effects of changing salinities on community structure. This study investigated how meiofaunal biodiversity (ASV richness, Faith’s phylogenetic diversity, and community composition) responded to natural salinity gradients along streams flowing into Biscayne Bay, South Florida, which is a region particularly vulnerable to salinization due to sea-level rise, altered hydrology, and watershed modification. …