Digital Commons Network^™

The Dpe Shortage And How To Fix It, Paul Dye

Honors Theses

The following content delves into the current issues surrounding the FAA’s designated pilot examiner (DPE) system, which, while functional, is increasingly strained by growing demand and outdated policies. Through firsthand experience, survey data, and analysis of current practices, the paper emphasizes some of the most pressing problems, including scheduling inefficiencies, inconsistent examiner expectations, manual eligibility checks despite the widespread use of digital logbooks, and a lack of meaningful oversight or feedback mechanisms for both DPEs and CFIs.

A major focus is the outdated scheduling process, which remains largely decentralized and prone to double-booking, cancellations, and long wait times, especially for …

How Certain Is The Continuity Of The Panama Canal And How Will It Affect The Global Supply Chain Industry?, Enmanuel Rodriguez Correa

Honors Theses

The Panama Canal, a critical artery of global trade, is under mounting threat from prolonged droughts, water scarcity, and evolving geopolitical dynamics, casting doubt on its long-term viability. This thesis investigates the continuity of the Panama Canal’s operations amid intensifying climate change, and assesses the broader implications for the global supply chain. As the canal facilitates approximately 5% of global maritime trade and provides billions in annual cost savings to shipping companies, any disruption poses severe consequences for global commerce, economic stability, and trade logistics.

The analysis begins by situating the canal within its historical and geopolitical context, emphasizing its …

A Data-Driven Approach To Smart Shopping: Optimizing Grocery Trips Using Geolocation And Store Inventory Data, Kien T. Giang

Honors Theses

This project presents a data-driven web-based application, Smart Shopping, designed to help customers optimize their grocery purchases based on location and store inventory information. The application allows users to add items to a shopping list and either enter an address or use their browser’s location services to identify nearby stores. It then retrieves product availability and prices from a mock database representing stores at user’s selected locations. The program compares prices across stores to provide users with two optimized options: the cheapest shopping bill from a single store, and the lowest individual item prices across multiple stores. Additionally, the …

The Rise Of Nutrition Misinformation: Impact On The Credibility Of Registered Dietitians In Practice, Sarah Owens

Honors Theses

With the rise of social media usage, misinformation on health and nutrition has increased in the last decade. The consequences of this misinformation by social media users has been documented in research, although the effects of misinformation on registered dietitians (RDs) in the United States have not been extensively studied. This thesis examines how the credibility of RDs is affected by unregulated nutrition information and counseling on social media (e.g. by “wellness influencers") using a qualitative survey of twenty-seven RDs licensed and registered in the U.S. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis methods to determine recurring responses and themes among …

Using Cutting Immersion To Apply Rooting Hormone For Propagation Of Camellia Japonica., Tanner R. Marlow, Richard L. Harkess

Honors Theses

Few varieties of Camellia japonica have a high success rate in rooting cuttings. Once rooted, the subsequent growth rate is slow and differs by variety. This makes the commercial production of Camellia challenging. Previous research on C. japonica propagation confirms that using a basal cut dip in indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is effective in rooting C. japonica. However, basal dip applications can be time-consuming. Foliar applications and total cutting immersion are more efficient methods of rooting hormone application, but they have not been thoroughly tested with Camellia. The objective of this research was to determine the effective IBA concentration applied as …

Effects Of Cytochalasin D On Motor Function In Drosophila, Airyel Noguera

Honors Theses

Actin proteins play an important role in microfilaments, one of the three components of the cytoskeleton of the cell. The actin protein is responsible for cellular functions such as with their role in neuromuscular junctions. The dynamics of these proteins can be further explored with manipulation of polymerization through the treatment of a biochemical drug, Cytochalasin D. This fungal toxin caps the ends of actin filaments, destabilizing them by inhibiting G- and F-actin monomers from binding. Treating Drosophila in their early embryonic stage with this drug after permeabilization can give insights on the importance of actin proteins at neuromuscular junctions …

Pilot/ Validation Of Protocol For An Alternative To Clinical, Morgan Sylvester

Honors Theses

All across the country, Clinical Microbiology laboratories are being consolidated into one location for an entire hospital network10. Though this helps reduce cost and staffing needs, it creates issues for the next generation of Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) trying to find clinical sites to complete clinical practicum rotations to complete the necessary certification processes. To combat this issue, it was proposed that MLS programs create alternative curriculums to offer in place of clinical rotations to reduce the amount of time students need in these rotations from three weeks to one week. This study investigated one alternative with the intent that …

Exploring The Relationship Between Diet And Mental Health, Emory Layne

Honors Theses

Dietary patterns in Western societies have shifted over the past century due to the rise of food manufacturing and technological advancements. Ultra-processed foods now account for approximately half of the daily energy intake in high-income countries. Similarly, the national mental health crisis emerged in the 21st century and worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes in diet have impacted the gut microbiome, which interacts with the brain through the bidirectional gut-brain axis. Research suggests the concept of the gut-brain axis is a principal indicator of diet’s impact on mental health. However, this area of research is still emerging and requires …

Knowledge Gaps And Personal Experiences: A Qualitative Examination Of Women's Menstrual Health And Birth Control Choices, Danielle M. Jackson

Honors Theses

Women all over the world face significant knowledge gaps and societal perceptions (Mukanga et al., 2023) regarding menstruation and birth control, which impact their understanding of both the physical and mental symptoms associated with these experiences. From a young age, women are often left to navigate these processes without sufficient education or support, leading to confusion, misconceptions, and a lack of empowerment when it comes to managing their reproductive health (Guendelman et al., 2000). The stigma surrounding topics like menstruation and hormonal contraception can further isolate women, making it difficult for them to seek reliable information or openly discuss their …

Family Involvement In Pediatric Occupational Therapy Interventions: A Qualitative Study, Maylee S. Collins

Honors Theses

In recent years, family involvement has increasingly been recognized as a critical component of effective pediatric occupational therapy (OT) interventions. Research suggests that parents who actively participate in OT can enhance a child’s engagement, motivation, and therapy outcomes (Sayers et al., 2021). However, the specific experiences and perspectives of parents and families, particularly regarding how they view their role and the impact of their involvement on therapy outcomes, remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate parental perceptions, challenges, and the perceived benefits of involvement in OT interventions, and adding to the understanding of how family collaboration can optimize therapeutic outcomes …

Body Composition And Self-Image: Exploring The Impact On Exercise Motivation And Behavior, Demitria J. Watson

Honors Theses

This study examines how self-perception and body composition (body fat percentage, lean mass, etc.) influence psychological and behavioral outcomes among college students. The research explores how body composition metrics are related to psychological factors such as stress management, enjoyment of physical activity, and leisure activity, and how appearance scores, as a reflection of self-perception, influence these outcomes. Drawing on a sample of 100 undergraduates from Eastern Kentucky University, data were collected through self-reported surveys measuring body satisfaction, exercise frequency, and motivational factors, alongside objective body composition metrics. Statistical analyses revealed that higher appearance scores were associated with better stress management …

Innoxtract Vs Prepfiler Bta: Extracting Dna From Burned Skeletal Remains, Kaitlin Brown

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the different levels of DNA extraction in thermally altered samples by comparing the InnoXtract and PrepFiler BTA extraction kits. PrepFiler BTA is a DNA extraction kit designed to use for bone samples which uses silica coated magnetic beads to extract DNA from powdered bone. InnoXtract is a specialized kit for bone samples which uses the same silica coated magnetic bead method for DNA extraction. Burned skeletal remains pose a challenge since high temperature exposure denatures the DNA and degrades DNA that can be extracted. For this experiment, porcine femurs were used as …

Determining The Effect Of Physical Activity Level On The Amount Of Trace Dna Deposited On A Non-Porous Surface, Sarah Marsh

Honors Theses

In the field of Forensic Science, trace DNA has been used to help identify potential offenders for a number of years. Researchers have conducted studies into how trace DNA behaves on certain surfaces such as fabric and wood. They have found that surfaces seem to have a significant influence on how much DNA is deposited and persists on the surface. However, no work has been conducted into how physical activity effects DNA deposition. The goal of this research was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and DNA deposition. Seven individuals agreed to participate in this project by providing biological …

The Relationship Between Women's Use Of Birth Control Pills And Their Perceptions Of The Mental Health Effects (Depression And Anxiety) Of The Pill, Andrea Bonano Mendez

Honors Theses

The National Library of Medicine published an article mentioning how hormonal contraception might cause and sustain depression in some patients (Mu & Kulkarni, 2022). Currently, approximately 25% of women ages 15-44 who are currently using a form of contraception rely on the pill as the primary method (Cooper, 2024). However, there is still no definite yes or no answer in terms of whether the use of birth control pills can lead to mental health effects. The objective of this paper is to see what the current perceptions on whether birth control pills have an effect on mental health based on …

Profiling Gene Expression In Epstein-Barr Virus Infected Heart Tissue, Jacob Smith

Honors Theses

The overall purpose of this project is to evaluate active gene expression in heart tissue samples infected by the Epstein-Barr virus. By cataloging active gene expression, one could elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin viral infection’s role in the development of heart pathology. This was accomplished by extracting nucleic acids from homogenized heart tissue samples, employing reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to synthesize cDNA from extracted mRNA), and performing a qPCR to quantify the levels of gene expression from these cDNA samples. The genes explored within this project were: Hsp60, a chaperonin protein involved in mitochondrial stress response; BCL2, an …

Redefining Beauty And Boundaries: The Evolution Of Mac Viva Glam’S Pr Campaign As A Case Study In Shaping Dei Discourse Amid A Changing Political Landscape, Abigail Kennedy

Honors Theses

The relationship between diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) in the beauty industry and the emergence of anti-DEI laws nationwide is examined in this thesis. Using MAC Cosmetics' Viva Glam campaign as a case study, this research highlights how public relations tactics in the beauty industry have traditionally supported inclusive values, embracing representation across lines of color, gender, sexual orientation, and health. On the other hand, new legislative initiatives in states like Florida, Texas, and Kentucky demonstrate a burgeoning political movement that seeks to eliminate DEI initiatives in public institutions and education. This thesis examines the ramifications of such through a …

Observations From The Void: A Lament For Earth, Seth Petersen

Honors Theses

The Earth is a world full of art and many different forms of expression. Puppetry is a medium that has been used for hundreds, or even thousands, of years as a way to breathe life into objects. Through the use of both shadow and hand puppets a performance was created to follow the script of a written poetry collection. This collection of poetry was written from the perspective of an alien observer as they watch Earth from light-years away to determine if they are a threat to the universe. To figure this out they look at various aspects of humanity …

The Safeguard Of The Church: An Examination Of Early Church Creeds, Chloe T. Estravillo

Honors Theses

This research project examines the role of early church creeds as a safeguard within the ancient church and the modern church to fight heresy that was prevalent within the culture. It investigates the historical context of the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, emphasizing how these creeds were used to drive out heretical beliefs such as Gnosticism and Arianism. This study argues that while these creeds successfully clarified and summarized the core doctrines of the Christian faith and drive out heretical teachings, they did not fully achieve lasting unity among the church and Christian groups. The study shares the important …

Health Amongst Pilots, Becoming Aware And Solving The Problems: A Quantitative And Qualitative Narrative Analysis Of Pilots, Kelsi Howard

Honors Theses

Pilots of all calibers from commercial to cargo are one of the world's leading factors to economic growth, political dominance, and personal satisfaction amongst individuals, so why is there not more health opportunities for this group of workers? There is hardly any mention of a pilot's physical health, most of the articles when posted are based around a pilots mental health, with little to no concern for their physical health. This could primarily be due to the fact that airline pilots have a fear of being at risk of losing their medical license. Meanwhile others are in search of information …

Connect 2 Cope: Stress And Coping Strategies Associated With University Honors Students, Anna R. Rodgers

Honors Theses

Coping and connecting are two things that college students don’t take a course in but are essential qualities they will need beyond their time in the university, in both work and life. This research sought to understand how students at Southern Illinois University, with special focus on Honors students, experience stress and view connection as a coping mechanism. It gives insights into sources of stress, including pressures that are external to university life and impact student mental health. The participants included SIUC Honors Students and SIU Non-Honors Students. I was also able to ask each group of students their perceptions …

Be Ready For What's Next: A Reflection On My Internship With Kpmg, Megan L. Bundren

Honors Theses

During my audit internship with KPMG in Dallas, I had the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge from the Patterson School of Accountancy to real-world client engagements across a variety of industries. I participated in substantive testing, financial statement tie-outs, depreciation analysis, and internal control evaluations, which deepened my understanding of audit standards and procedures. My training at KPMG’s Lakehouse in Orlando and use of tools like KPMG Clara Workflow and Microsoft Excel’s DataSnipper enhanced my technical skills and audit efficiency. I also gained insight into global collaboration through KPMG’s Global Delivery Center in India. Through engagements such as Seaport Entertainment …

Walking In Town: A Study Of Walkability And Its Impacts On Students At Eku, Emma Garland

Honors Theses

This project explores the current state of walkability in Richmond, Kentucky, with a specific focus on connectivity between Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and essential services in the surrounding community. Utilizing the PRECEDE-PROCEED model as a planning framework, the study combines secondary demographic health data as well as

primary data collection—including student surveys and a walkability audit using a modified Delaware Walkability Assessment Tool—to assess pedestrian infrastructure, access to amenities, and safety concerns. Findings reveal a lack of continuous, safe, and accessible walking routes, limiting physical activity and contributing to broader health disparities. Based on these findings, two primary evidence-based interventions …

The Effect Of Binaural Beats On Recognition And Recall, Meredith Brown

Honors Theses

Binaural beats, the playing of a different frequency in each ear that the brain perceives as one, have been tested with recognition and recall in forms of simple memory tasks. However, there is a lack of investigation on binaural beats' effect on recognition and recall in more complicated ways of these forms. A relationship between these would be beneficial and additive to the field of music and memory as a significant effect could indicate a place in education for binaural beats. It is hypothesized that binaural beats will have a positive effect on higher forms of recognition and recall. Participants …

Evaluating Advanced Aerial Firefighting Technologies For Effective Implementation In Central Appalachia, Milo M. Heidkamp

Honors Theses

This thesis evaluates emerging aerial firefighting technologies, including training systems, aircraft-based sensing and surveillance systems, and unmanned aerial systems for effective implementation in Central Appalachia, and even more specifically, Eastern Kentucky. Due to the lack of municipal and state-owned manned aerial firefighting (suppression) aircraft, it was concluded that UAS and Multi-mission-capable sensing aircraft were the most practical for implementation. Two different proposals for the implementation of these technologies are made: One for the implementation of sensing and surveillance equipment on state-owned aircraft, and one recommends the widespread implementation of UAS for state and municipal fire protection agencies. By conducting a …

Diel Patterns Of Biogeochemical Indicators In Tidally-Dominated Creeks, Juliana Calderone

Honors Theses

Marshes and swashes are vital environments as a controlling barrier between land affected by various pollutants and the ocean. Eutrophication and the effects of this process can be detrimental for the areas experiencing it. I am interested in ways areas that have little contact with human interactions compare to areas that are heavily urbanized, and whether either of these locations is at a higher risk for eutrophication. Using spectrophotometry and fluorometry, I analyzed samples collected from the relatively undeveloped and restricted-access locations of Waities Island Beach and Dunn Sound monthly for dissolved nutrients, and chlorophyll. At the time of sampling, …

Closing The Gap In Pre-Law Preparation: Founding A Pre-Law Club At Ole Miss, Nicolantonio Prentosito

Honors Theses

Attending public school from kindergarten through 12^th grade in a struggling Ohio school district, I experienced the inequities in the public education system from a young age, particularly with tests like the SAT that can have a major impact on our futures. After becoming a National Merit Finalist, I wanted to help even the playing field for students from poor districts like mine by founding a non-profit, Scholar Power, to offer free PSAT, SAT, and ACT education and preparation.

Starting college, I recognized similar inequities with the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and the pre-law process in general. As …

Murray Grading Method: Impacts On Student Self-Efficacy, Stephanie E. Handford

Honors Theses

Pre-existing assessment methods in engineering lack the ability to ensure student mastery of material, simulate real world situations, and often have ambiguity in the valuation of grades. The goal of this study is to eliminate or reduce those shortcomings by evaluating the effectiveness of a modified no-partial-credit assessment method, the Murray Grading Method. Historical data alongside an introductory statics course cohort provided data for how the Murray Grading Method impacted student grades, course opinion, self-efficacy, and study methods. The Murray Grading Method demonstrated little to no changes in course grade averages while significantly improving the lowest grades, thus increasing the …

Fear Of Pain In Migraine: Psychological Factors In Perceptions Of Headache Triggers, Sarah Basha, Todd Smitherman

Honors Theses

Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide, with substantial societal and personal burdens. Psychological factors, particularly fear of pain, may influence migraine experience by impacting perceptions of headache triggers. This study investigates the relationship between fear of pain and perceived triggers in individuals with migraine. A sample of 2,959 young adults meeting diagnostic criteria for migraine completed a structured diagnostic interview and self-report measures of fear of pain, headache-related disability, and beliefs about headache triggers (which stimuli triggered headache, most important triggers, and likelihood of developing a headache upon exposure to the most important trigger [trigger potency]). Linear …

Taking Everything Into Account: An Accumulation Of Real-World Accounting Case Studies, Sydney Baumgardner

Honors Theses

Accountancy 420, Independent Study, pushed students enrolled into the class to delve further into accounting than they had ever before. During this course, several independent case studies were completed, as were several group case studies. The following cases are presented chronologically. At the end of the spring semester, our knowledge cumulated into a final project exploring business establishment in the state of Mississippi, which was presented to esteemed state officials and academics. This project necessitated research and the creation of hypothetical financial statements for our imagined company. This presentation fulfilled the requirements of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Throughout …

Applied Accounting Concepts: A Case-Based Approach, Thomas David Graham

Honors Theses

This thesis, developed over two semesters of Accountancy 420, presents a series of case studies exploring diverse aspects of financial reporting and economic development. The fall segment examines key financial and regulatory issues, beginning with the mechanisms behind Chinese companies gaining U.S. stock exchange listings through shell companies (“The China Hustle”). It continues with an analysis of presidential authority in discretionary military spending, focusing on U.S. aid to Ukraine, and concludes with an investigation into the growing relevance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) disclosures in corporate reporting.

The latter part of the thesis centers on economic development, beginning with …