Digital Commons Network^™

Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Michigan’S Drowned River Mouths Using In Situ And Remote Sensing Methods, Jillian A. Greene

Masters Theses

Freshwater estuaries are natural contributors to the carbon cycle including production and emission of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), potent greenhouse gases (GHGs); however, estimates of their contribution to regional and global GHG emissions is largely unconstrained. Few studies have examined the quantification and drivers of lake CH4 and CO2 production in the Great Lakes region and how it may differ in response to anthropogenic development. In this study, CH4 and CO2 emissions were measured from three drowned river mouth estuaries (DRMs) along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in 2024. The DRMs exist along a latitudinal gradient ranging …

Investigating Food Web Dynamics Of Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Using A Novel Stable Isotope Approach, Alyssa M. Smith

Masters Theses

Coastal wetlands of the Great Lakes support abundant populations of fish, invertebrates, and vegetation, though the trophic linkages connecting primary production and lower consumers is not well understood in these systems. We implemented a multiple-tracer approach, pairing traditional food web isotope tracers like carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) with total mercury concentrations (THg). We predicted that filamentous algae would be the dominant energy resource in the diet of lower trophic-level invertebrates in the Grand River Estuary, a network of riverine coastal wetlands adjacent to lake Michigan. In addition, we predicted that adding THg as a tracer would improve the resolution …

Effect Of Arm Movement On Lower Body Muscle Contributions To Standing Long Jump Performance, Abigail Douglas

Masters Theses

Previous jumping studies have proven that jumping with arm motion enhances performance compared to jumping without arm motion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of arm motion on the muscle contributions of the lower extremities during the standing long jump using muscle-actuated modeling informed by experimental data. Specifically investigating how arm motion enhances performance at the muscle level and how the muscle contributions of the lower extremities differ in jumps with and without arm motion. Three male and three female participants performed three jumps with arms and three jumps without arms. The longest jumps with and …

Changes In Perspective - A Pov Exercise, Lauralynn Filidoro

Masters Theses

Point of view is an important tool in fiction writing, as is an exploration of how choice of POV affects how a story is experienced by an audience and what to consider as an author when making that choice. Taking the time to study not just the options for point of view, but the profound impact that a thoughtful and considered use of this device can have on one’s writing is not just an exciting endeavor, but an inspiring one.

Gender In Translation: How The Contemporary Bible Is Challenging Androcentric Language In Translation Through Gender-Accurate And Feminist Hermeneutical Lenses, Matthew T. Gennard

Masters Theses

This Thesis surveys the changing practice of gender-accurate translation from the late nineteenth century to the present, with special consideration for the three key principles of gender-accurate translation: Generic ‘he,’ androcentric lexemes, and pronoun substitution. These focus areas are derived from an analysis of the five translation guidelines produced during the late twentieth-century gender-neutral controversy. The loss of individuality when introducing pronominal interchange or the masculine representative hermeneutical lens has left scholars divided on gender-accurate practices. This study surveys the sociohistorical development of the feminist hermeneutical lens and the changing linguistic trends of contemporary language, which challenge androcentric assumptions in …

Pigs For The Dispossessed Goat Demon: Jesus’ Exorcism In Mark 5 And Animal Interest, Michael Joseph Gossett

Masters Theses

This thesis explores how a historical-literal reading of Mark 5:1-20 can be defended against objections that claim Jesus caused or allowed unnecessary animal suffering. Contextual insights gleaned from 2nd Temple Watchers Traditions and Greco-Roman polytheism illuminate plausible symbolic value present in the deaths of the Gerasene swine. The context of Mark 5:1-20 presents a supernatural conflict compatible with Christian theology and rebel angel theodicies. Jesus’ actions concerning the Gerasene pigs are not necessarily unjustifiable examples of animal mistreatment.

Deliberate Lives: A Reassessment Of Post-Wwii American Women’S Agency, Caroline Elizabeth Stewart

Masters Theses

World War II had an important impact on American women’s social and economic roles, helping them gain opportunities and skills which impacted them long after the war. While scholars have debated the exact extent and longevity of the changes, an examination of these women’s lives and the many roles they filled shows their quiet agency in making these post-war decisions. Social pressures and expectations certainly impacted their experiences, but examining their lives shows that many women also showed agency in multiple ways. More recent post-war narratives have acknowledged agency in more rebellious women but have increasingly focused on social expectations …

Tracing חֶסֶד And Ἔλεος: A Prototype Theory And Componential Analysis Of Covenantal Loyalty And Divine Mercy Across The Pentateuch, Septuagint, Targums, And New Testament, Jarritt B. Tadlock

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the semantic and theological dimensions of the Hebrew term ḥesed and its Greek counterpart eleos through a comparative intertextual and linguistic analysis. Utilizing prototype theory and componential analysis, the study examines occurrences of ḥesed in the Masoretic Text and Targum Onkelos, alongside eleos in the Septuagint and New Testament, to trace the development of divine-human relational language across textual traditions. The findings reveal that ḥesed consistently embodies covenantal loyalty and divine mercy, while its frequent rendering as eleos in the Septuagint emphasizes compassion within a Hellenistic framework. In the New Testament, eleos both preserves and reconfigures ḥesed’s …

Echoes Of Redemption: What Typology Reveals About The Significance Of Isaac In The Aqedah, Jacob A. Lugo

Masters Theses

In this thesis, I outline a problem of logical consistency within the typological interpretation of the Aqedah narrative in Genesis 22. I also attempt to provide a more consistent interpretation that still seeks to remain faithful to the text while recognizing how this account fits into the overall narrative of Scripture.

In times past, the literature on this topic has been saturated with the identification of Isaac as a type of Christ; this is seen most readily in the Early Church Fathers’ interpretation. I also explore other modern readings to demonstrate the multiplicity of understandings that have arisen regarding this …

Don't Say You Love Me, Breanna Dunwell

Masters Theses

Teen dating violence is a silent epidemic that is not talked about enough or taken seriously. This shows that age does not matter when it comes to any type of abuse or harassment – physical, emotional, sexual, stalking, etc. The household that the victim lives in, race, parents marital status, and financial situation do not play a role into who is a victim versus someone who is not. The perpetrator does not care about those kinds of details. They only care about needing to be in control of the other person. Even though this is a snippet, the story shows …

A Diversity Dilemma: A Qualitative Research Study On The Past And Present Racial And Cultural Demographics Of Formal Music Education Students, Destiny Deberry Stone-King

Masters Theses

This thesis study examined the relationship between the preference for popular music, racial identity, and the decision to participate in school music courses and ensembles, aiming to understand how the interaction of these factors influences the demographics of music students. The researcher analyzed previous research on music preference, the history of music education in the United States, commentary on the music education system, and personal accounts of music educators and former music students. The researcher used a historical qualitative research design and meta-analysis to answer three research questions: 1) How does a musician’s racial identity, musical preference, and musical training …

The Apologetic Implications Of Paul's First Missionary Journey, Mark Garro

Masters Theses

This thesis takes a careful look at Paul’s first missionary speech in Acts 13 and the larger narrative of his first missionary journey in Acts 14, asking two main questions: What is Paul saying in his first recorded sermon, and what can the modern church learn from it, particularly when it comes to apologetics and suffering? Through literary and exegetical analysis, this study examines how Paul’s message fits into the broader narrative of Acts, paying special attention to the historical setting, rhetorical flow, and theological implications of the speech. The research is grounded in a wide range of scholarship and …

An Exegesis Of Matthew 18:15-17 And The Hermeneutical Challenges Of Unrepentant Sexual Immorality, Jennifer Morris

Masters Theses

Sexual immorality (πορνεία) is mentioned twenty-five times in the New Testament. In one of the earliest cases of church discipline, Paul addresses a particular example of sexual immorality, namely incest, where a member of the Corinthian church is engaging in consensual sexual relations with his father’s wife (1 Cor. 5, New International Version).¹ Church discipline can be viewed with a negative connotation; however, disciples of Christ understand He rebukes and disciplines those He loves (Heb. 12:6; Rev. 3:19) through His Word (“rebuking” and “correcting” in 2 Tim 3:16).² Thus, the scriptural basis for church discipline practices are the …

Optimizing Sensor Placement For Drone Detection According To A Grid Pattern, António Martinho Do Rosário Marçal

Masters Theses

In applications such as drone detection, it’s essential to place sensors efficiently, not only considering the cost of placement and operation, but also the maximization of the area covered.

This study presents an algorithmic approach to a placement strategy, which can be applied over any arbitrary area by defining the parameters of the grid according to which the sensors will be placed. The problem is framed as a multi-objective optimization task, considering trade-offs between sensor count and coverage.

One of the principal decision variables chosen is the shape of the cell blocks of the grid, for which two different values …

Understanding The Fluid Source During Alteration Of Former Oceanic Lithosphere In The Polygenetic Ingalls Ophiolite Complex, Washington, Usa, Zachary Russell Stevens

Masters Theses

The Ingalls Ophiolite Complex is an ophiolite of Jurassic age in central WA, USA. Much of the complex formed in a supra-subduction zone setting in a back-arc ocean basin during subduction of the Farallon plate beginning 192 Ma. Between formation and obduction, mafic and ultramafic lithologies experienced alteration in the presence of water, which previous studies inferred to be seawater. Previously published δ¹⁸O and δD data from the Ingalls indicates isotopic depletion possibly caused by interaction with meteoric water at current latitude (~47.5 °N). The current study reports new δD, δ¹⁸O, and Δ ′¹⁷O measurements from mafic and ultramafic lithologies …

Producing A Map Of Political Advocacy – Locational Difference And Interconnectedness In West Michigan Lgbt Advocacy, Samuel J. Darnell

Masters Theses

This study examines, through a qualitative lens, the influence of a local environment upon the operations, messaging, and perspectives of individuals within LGBT advocacy organizations and broader LGBT advocacy efforts. This was achieved via analysis of in-person and verbal interviews with individuals involved in the operation of these advocacy organizations. Interviews were analyzed with a focus on political perception, organization structure and history, funding sources, and challenges faced in operation such as political conflicts or harassment. Initially focusing on a comparison of the advocacy environment of Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, the study expanded to several neighboring towns that hosted advocacy …

Investigation Into Intraocular Pressure Distribution Via Computer Aided Engineering (Cae), Madison Maureen Hinman

Masters Theses

The leading cause for irreversible blindness and vision loss is glaucoma - an eye condition associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Increased IOP is also seen during other pathological conditions like spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), and non-pathological conditions as when playing a wind instrument. The study aimed to describe the influence of different vitreous cavity size as well as vitreous fluid viscosity on the IOP as measured at the back of the eye on the retina. Improved understanding of eye pressure transmission can aid in a better understanding of eye diseases. The experiment conducted included cavities of varying size and …

Apologetic Response To The Timing Contradiction In The Synoptic Gospels, Oluwaseun Ebenezer Agboola

Masters Theses

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, commonly known as the Synoptic Gospels, serve as the primary sources for understanding the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For centuries, Christians have treated these accounts as sacred and authoritative texts that shaped doctrine and devotion. However, despite their theological significance, the Synoptic Gospels present challenges when examined from a historical and literary perspective. One of the most debated issues is the apparent discrepancies in the timing of the crucifixion of Jesus. While the Gospel of Mark states that the crucifixion was at the third hour (9 a.m.), Luke emphasizes …

Immersed In The Fantastical: Creating Timeless Fantasy Realms And Stories, Kirk Kraft

Masters Theses

The first section of the thesis, my artist statement, discusses my purpose as a writer, what drives me to improve, how I hope to create lasting stories that will outlive me and how this will contribute to becoming a Christian scholar. The introduction will include when I discovered my love for writing and what inspired me to become a storyteller. I’ll briefly discuss my writing process, ideas, imagination and the power of feedback. The discussion will move to my desire to create memorable stories with staying power, similar to Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, deep diving into my …

Curses & Versus: A Soldier's Life In Verse, Robert M. Haynes

Masters Theses

Every life is complicated. Since the Fall of Man, humans have used art to probe the tumult of the living and give meaning to the dead. The challenge comes when an artist must capture brief moments that define their work or explain the force that impelled their creations. What follows is my attempt to harness five aspects that contributed this work, the process of writing it, and its significance to the wider literary world. The snapshots presented stand on their own and do not require the others to make sense. However, when taken together they present the whole of a …

Crown Of Thorns, Sarah Mellas

Masters Theses

Crown of Thorns is a proposed historical fiction series. Set in France on the brink of the 1789 French Revolution, the story speaks to themes of belonging, brokenness, abuse, forgiveness, and navigating through trauma and impossible choices. A challenge that a writer can face when seeking to craft an emotionally resonant series for the small screen is in building a genuine audience connection. This thesis and creative manuscript for the series pilot episode, The Spurning, focuses on exploring and demonstrating the importance that authentic characters render in building audience connection between viewer and series developed for television or streaming networks. …

The Influence Of Wisdom Literature On The Epistle Of James, Erik Swartzwelder

Masters Theses

The epistle of James is considerably unique within the canonical setting of the New Testament. Its distinct nature is at least partially responsible for the polarized nature of its reception. The same characteristics that created the appeal of the epistle of James have also left it susceptible to criticism. Critics of the epistle have targeted its style, content, and lack of gospel message. A proper understanding of the influence of wisdom literature on James and his letter will alleviate many of the critical ideas of James. One does not need to look far to see the evidence of this influence, …

Brexit And The Devolution Of Uk Settlements: A Qualitative Case Study Of The Socio-Political Factors And Consequences Of Brexit On Scotland, Deborah Erioluwa Adeniji

Masters Theses

This paper takes a real in-depth look at the United Kingdom’s position in the geopolitical landscape before and after one of the most crucial votes in the nation’s history, namely the Brexit vote of 2016. To bring clarity to those who may be new to UK politics, it is important to note that Brexit is an abbreviated term for Britain’s exit, or departure, from the European Union (EU). This paper explores the position of the United Kingdom, or Britain, in the world before and after its departure from the European Union. Throughout the course of this paper, the following questions …

A Tragedy And A Miracle: Trauma Medicine During The U.S. Civil War, Maxwell Bailey

Masters Theses

The Civil War, in many ways, hangs in the balance between the modern and premodern, with some historians calling it the first modern war, and others calling it the last pre-modern war. This historical dilemma extends to battlefield trauma care, where the modern and the archaic exist hand in hand. While the Civil War did not represent the birth of modern trauma care, it is certainly where modern American trauma care was conceived. The advancements in the medical field during this time prepared the way for germ theory to truly develop trauma care into a modern medical science. The groundwork …

I Came To Fulfill The Law: ΠληρόΩ As Used In The Discourses Of Jesus, Ethan Lunik

Masters Theses

One of the central questions of the church with respect to Christian orthopraxy, or right living, concerns the relationship between the Christian and the Old Testament (OT) Law. Historically, the church has not obeyed many commands clearly laid out in the OT, such as observing a seventh-day Sabbath, the dietary laws, and other laws that perhaps are viewed as cultural more than didactic. Christians understand the OT to be inspired Scripture, and these commands to be genuine orders of God, so the question of why the church has historically ignored these commands is easily raised. While answers to this question …

In A Flash: A Study Of Flash Fiction’S Ability To Create Complete And Meaningful Stories, Morgan A. Lomax

Masters Theses

In In a Flash: A Study of Flash Fiction’s Ability to Create Complete and Meaningful Stories, I seek to prove that despite flash fiction’s extreme brevity, this relatively new sub-genre of fiction is capable of producing fully delineated stories with powerful messages, especially messages that align with a Christian worldview. To do this, I first examine the various definitions and complex history of flash fiction. Then, through the critical literary lenses of formalism, structuralism, and reader response theory, I analyze the different ways flash fiction uses the following eight narrative elements to create stories within specific examples of flash fiction: …

Changes In Rfi Values Of Omomyid Mandibular Molars In Response To Climatic Shifts, Hannah Vanooteghem

Masters Theses

Molar anatomy reflects the functional demands of food mastication, and dental topography provides a quantitative method for evaluating how molar structure relates to dietary niche. Relief index (RFI), a dental topographic measure, has been successfully used to infer diet in extant and fossil mammals. This study tests two hypotheses regarding mandibular molars of early Eocene omomyids: (1) There is an association between changes in omomyid RFI values of first and second mandibular molars and changes in climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) from Wa0 to Wa5, and (2) The first and second mandibular molar RFI values of omomyid species are significantly …

Bridges And Mirrors: An Examination Of How Empathy Is Illustrated Through The Elements Of Quest Stories, Faith A. Rendles

Masters Theses

Stories are a gift. From generation to generation, in different cultures, through wars, festivals, pandemics, across dinner tables, and over a vast expanse of other connection points, stories have been a way for human beings to connect and empathize with each other and themselves. Quest stories specifically have been a mirror and bridge of life through the call to step out of the ordinary into courage, facing trials with bravery, and being challenged to practice empathy through the path that we walk. Through quest stories, readers learn to be aware of the moments on their journey that they are not …

Poland: A Forgotten Ally, Juliana Rose Pettis

Masters Theses

World War II created a significant change in Polish History. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact rendered Poland torn into two sections. Hitler occupied the western side, while Stalin overran the eastern side. The two dictators split Poland in September 1939. It was the only country singled out for such a destiny. In response, the Poles created the Polish Underground. This government utilized asymmetrical warfare to fight against the Nazi occupation and assist the West. The Poles assisted continuously throughout 1939 to 1945, but their fight for independence resulted in the partitioning of Poland and the beginning of Joseph Stalin’s communization of Europe. …

The Southern Strategy: A Study Of Southern Voter Change, Nickolas Jay Owens

Masters Theses

The American South was a political stronghold for the Democrat party until 1972. The Democrat hold over the South began to slip in the 1950s and 60s, due to Democrats embracing liberalism and Republicans embracing conservatism. In 1972, President Richard Nixon implemented the ‘Southern Strategy,’ a political strategy that appealed to Southerners through social conservatism and economic freedom. This election broke the South’s loyalty to the Democrats and flipped the region’s vote. Throughout the following decades version of the ‘Southern Strategy’ have been used by Democrats and Republicans alike, showing that Southern voters gravitate toward socially conservative and economically populist …