Digital Commons Network^™

Using The College Choice Model To Examine Why Hbcu Graduates Choose To Attend Pwis For Advanced Studies, Kendall Forde

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine why African American students choose to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for undergraduate and Predominately White Institutions (PWI) for graduate studies. Many college students have extenuating circumstances that influence their decision to seek higher education, specifically, HBCU’s. The study will investigate student influences and objectives of the college decision. Also, understanding institutions influences recruitment, retention, and college choice. The study will explore comprehensive and understanding of African American students of various backgrounds, also, understanding the experience for African American students excelling in their academic, social, and personal lives during their …

An Exploratory Study Of New Teacher Induction In Title I Elementary Schools In Georgia, Emilie Cole Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative exploratory study examines the experiences of induction teachers participating in induction programs throughout Georgia’s Title I elementary schools. Grounded in semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the research investigated how induction programs address educators' unique challenges in high-need settings. Key findings highlight the importance of intentional mentor pairing, scaffolded support structures, and the inclusion of reflective practices to foster professional growth and teacher retention. The study also identifies gaps in existing induction frameworks, including a lack of tailored mentoring for diverse teaching contexts and insufficient clarity in reflective processes. Recommendations are provided to enhance induction practices by incorporating structured …

An Evaluation Of Frank Brown's Free Market, Leigh Ann Mccormick

Theses and Dissertations

Background: This study aimed to conduct an in-depth evaluation of Frank Brown Hall, Free-Market (Food Pantry), within the grant timeframe from January to April 2024. The central objective was to examine the distinct resource demands of students limited to selecting three items each day. By employing careful observation, effective communication, and active listening, we successfully obtained essential student feedback that enhanced our understanding of their needs and preferences, improving the support provided during that semester. Methods: Throughout the grant, data were systematically classified according to the chosen items, the students’ academic majors, and the cumulative number of visits to the …

Stop Suffering For Your Art, Amanda Bryers

Theses and Dissertations

What does the process look like for an actor to disconnect from a circumstance that they take on during the course of a rehearsal or performance? And how does this disconnection process affect the actor’s mental, physical, and emotional health? This project consists of interviews of CSU student actors about their personal experiences in letting go of imaginary circumstances immediately following a performance, rehearsal, or actor’s exercise. The purpose of this project is to determine whether or not actor’s training provides sufficient tools for an actor to disconnect. Interviewees detailed their own personal methods, as well as whether or not …

Listening, Looking, And Learning: An Exploration Of Musical Influence On The Narratives And Characters Of Call The Midwife, Mary Claire Buchanan

Theses and Dissertations

Call the Midwife has distinguished itself among British period dramas through its commitment to telling women’s stories with emotional depth, historical and medical accuracy, and nuanced character development. Unlike many period dramas based in the United Kingdom that center on the aristocracy, Call the Midwife connects the audience with ordinary people, particularly women, navigating life post-World War II and the early days of government healthcare by portraying their struggles, triumphs, and evolving identities. One of the most compelling ways the series achieves this is through its use of music, particularly recurring motifs that signify personal growth and transformation. This thesis …

Innovative Teaching Strategies And Lesson Plans To Support Students With Adhd, Celeste Grantham

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores how creativity, imagination, and problem-solving can be harnessed to improve student outcomes – specifically engagement, motivation, and academic achievement – for students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in elementary classrooms. Rather than conducting a data-driven study, this project draws upon interdisciplinary research from educational psychology, cognitive science, and pedagogy to design inclusive research-informed teaching strategies. The cognitive processes underpinning creativity and imagination – such as divergent thinking, mind-wandering, and creative incubation – are examined as potential strengths often underutilized in traditional classrooms. A comprehensive literature review establishes how these variables interact and influence the learning experiences of students …

Social Media Strategy For The Continuing And Professional Education Program, Kayla Ford

Theses and Dissertations

Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) allows adults to pursue professional or personal development opportunities outside of a college degree. When it came to marketing these opportunities, CPE relied more on traditional marketing from a lack of digital marketing professionals, creating a weak social media presence. To help elevate their social media presence, a social media marketing strategy approach was utilized to improve CPE’s digital presence by setting objectives that focus on engagement, awareness, and as well as a campaign that focuses on the importance of continuing education. Data from research studies and professional articles specializing in digital marketing directed what …

Advanced Placement Classes And Its Racial Gap – Teachers’ Beliefs And Perceptions, Hema Keerthi

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study focused on teachers’ beliefs about Advanced Placement (AP) equity and access policies within the ABC School District in Middle Georgia. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the beliefs held by AP teachers regarding the implementation of equity and access policies and the extent to which these beliefs may have supported or hindered the execution of such policies and procedures. This research employed a mixed-methods design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. The first phase involved an online survey of teachers and counselors in the ABC district in Middle Georgia. The second phase …

Purification Of Recombinant His6-Gfp-Preptin Fusion Protiens, Apoorva Kollaram

Theses and Dissertations

Preptin, a 34-amino-acid peptide derived from proinsulin-like growth factor II, has emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate for both Type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. Its dual functionality—stimulating insulin secretion without inducing hypoglycemia and promoting osteoblast proliferation—positions it as a unique alternative to traditional sulfonylureas and osteogenic agents. In this study, we developed a purification protocol for green fluorescent-preptin fusion proteins. These fusion proteins will be used to investigate the functional significance of residues Pro17, Val18, Gly19, Trp27, Lys28, and Gln29 in rat preptin, which shares high sequence similarity with the human form. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed using NEB Q5 …

Understanding Women’S Attitudes Toward Midwifery Practices For Maternal Care In Middle Georgia, Kristen M. Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

Compared to other high-income countries, women in the United States are more likely to die from problems related to pregnancy and childbirth. In Georgia, maternal mortality is particularly acute. Midwifery models of maternal care have been shown to produce positive pregnancy and childbirth outcomes for patients, but these services are underutilized in Georgia. This study sought to identify women’s attitudes toward midwifery, what contributed to those attitudes, and what influenced women in Middle Georgia to seek midwifery services using a qualitative, Grounded Theory approach. Three participants who self-identified as having used a midwife before were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. …

The Comparative Effects Of A Thermal Gradient On The Age And Growth Characteristics Of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Nigricans), And Atlantic Cod (Gadus Morhua), Whitney Hall

Theses and Dissertations

Thermal gradients impact fishes differently, due to variations in ecological niches and physiological adaptations. I assessed the effects of temperature on Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans) and Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) using data from peer-reviewed journals, state records, and fisheries agencies. For Largemouth Bass, I analyzed the relationships between air temperature (MAT_min°C, MAT24hr°C, and MAT_max°C), and growth parameters including maximum length and weight, growth rate (K), longevity, and total length-at-ages 3, 5, and 8 years (TLAge_3,5,8), using least squares regression. Significant correlations were found between all temperature and growth metrics. Positive correlations were found between …

The Impact Of Pre-Kindergarten Programs On Literacy Achievement In Primary Grades In Rural Southeast Alabama Title I Schools, Courtney Sonntonya Thorton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how pre-kindergarten impacts the literacy achievement of students in Alabama Title I schools. This quantitative study employed a causal-comparative (ex post facto) research design to examine the impact of Alabama’s First-Class Pre-K (FCPK) program on early literacy and school readiness, as measured by the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) and the Alabama Early Learning Inventory (AL ELI). The design was selected due to its appropriateness for studying naturally occurring groups and its capacity to explore potential cause-and-effect relationships without researcher-controlled intervention.

The independent variable was Pre-K attendance (attendee vs. …

Addressing Barriers To Preventive Healthcare Access Through Community Outreach In Underserved Populations, Deneisha Sparks

Theses and Dissertations

Access to preventive healthcare is a significant public health challenge, particularly for underserved populations in Muscogee County, Georgia. This project addresses systemic barriers such as transportation, limited health education, and economic constraints, which contribute to health disparities and reliance on emergency room services. Guided by the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework and the Health Belief Model (HBM), the project aims to enhance access to preventive care, improve health literacy and identify barriers to healthcare access.

This program evaluation report examined a community-based initiative that utilized a mobile health unit to improve access to preventive healthcare in underserved areas of …

Flavorful Foes: Assessing Students’ Perceptions Of Processed And Fast Food And Its Health Implications., Soumi Roy Banerjee

Theses and Dissertations

High fast-food consumption is a common public health concern due to its link to a number of non-communicable diseases and mental health, but increased consumption of processed food, rapid urbanization, and changing lifestyles have led to a shift in dietary patterns. People are consuming more foods high in energy fats and free sugars. This mixed methods study was conducted at a college campus in Georgia, to assess knowledge and understanding of the students between the ages of 18 and 22 years about highly processed Fast Food, and its effects on health. Forty student participants were chosen through convenience sampling and …

Why A Healthy Diet Is Important For Women's Health, Halley Doster

Theses and Dissertations

Nutrition plays a critical role in women’s reproductive health, yet many women face barriers to maintaining a balanced diet. This study aimed to examine the relationship between nutritional intake and reproductive health outcomes among women of reproductive age, as well as to assess their knowledge and challenges related to healthy eating. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 50 women at a community health center and analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics and explore patterns through chi-square and regression analyses. Findings revealed that most participants had moderate to low fruit and vegetable intake, and fewer than half …

Attacking Diabetes One Day At A Time, Kyla Duncan

Theses and Dissertations

The "Attacking Diabetes One Day at a Time" initiative targets the growing concern of public health, type 2 diabetes, among under-reserved communities. This comprehensive care program emphasizes the importance of prevention through education, improving lifestyles, and access to care. Based on insights from the Self-Care Management Theory, this initiative seeks to provide individuals with sound, culturally tailored strategies that reduce disease risk and help them manage healthy lifestyles. Major components include educational workshops, and resource navigation. The success of this program, from community engagement through evaluation on a phased implementation plan, is guaranteed. The expected outcomes of this work will …

Prevalence Of Hypertension Among Low-Income Individuals In Muscogee County Columbus, Georgia, Amelia K. Fallah

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the prevalence and predictors of elevated blood pressure (BP) among 409 low-income adults in Muscogee County, Columbus, Georgia—a population disproportionately burdened by hypertension. The findings reveal that elevated BP is significantly more prevalent among African Americans (71.4%) compared to non-African Americans (27.1%), highlighting the role of racial disparities influenced by systemic inequities, healthcare access, and chronic stress. Gender differences were modest, with females exhibiting a slightly higher prevalence (77.9%) than males (76.7%), potentially due to age-related hormonal changes post-menopause. Older adults (50+ years) represented most of the sample and showed significantly higher hypertension rates, consistent with established …

An Analysis Of Coal Ash Pollution In The State Of Georgia, Mick W. Etchison

Theses and Dissertations

This social science paper will explore the factors contributing to the prevalence of coal ash in specific regions of Georgia and its impact on local ecosystems and human health. It provides an analysis of the current environmental and political issues surrounding the containment and spread of coal ash throughout the State. Coal ash is primarily found in the central, southwestern, and northeastern regions where coal-fired power plants and coal ash storage sites are located. The paper will then discuss the political, economic, and legal reasons behind the lack of effective regulation and mitigation of coal ash spread. Coal ash illustrates …

Social Reproduction And Teen Pregnancy: A Comparative Case Study Of Six Rural Georgia, E'Nariel Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Teen pregnancy remains a persistent public health concern in the United States, with rural regions experiencing disproportionately higher rates compared to urban areas. This study examines adolescent pregnancy in six rural Georgia counties between 20125 and 2024 using the framework of social reproduction to understand how structural, socioeconomic, and cultural forces shape reproductive outcomes. Despite national declines in teen birth rates, rural regions of Georgia continue to exhibit elevated rates due to entrenched inequalities, limited access to comprehensive reproductive health services, and inconsistent sed education policies. Social reproduction theory provides a lens to understand how intergeneration disadvantages such as poverty, …

Correlations Between Parasocial Tendencies And Self-Esteem Among Romance Readers, Evelyn Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The present study evaluated the correlations between romance readership and paralove strength, as well as paralove strength with self-esteem. With the popularization of the romance genre, previous qualitative studies have shown that readers of romance books receive mood benefits from consuming these novels, as well as social benefits that they apply to their real-life relationships. Additionally, low self-esteem has been shown to have a major effect on relationship satisfaction and the perception of rejection with real-life relationships, but not parasocial relationships. The researcher hypothesized that as romance readership increased, so too would paralove scores, and that as paralove scores increased, …

How Do School Counselors And School Social Workers Support High School Bullying Victims: A Qualitative Exploratory Case Study, Dalentina N. Robertson

Theses and Dissertations

Bullying and student aggression are increasing in public high schools. Bullying and cyberbullying are a safety concern, and victims of bullying have shown a decline academically and emotionally. Additionally, high schools need increased support with bullying behaviors. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to explore school counselors’ and school social workers’ insights and perspectives regarding the support they provided to bullying victims in two school districts in rural Georgia. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory was the framework used to focus research on understanding how environmental systems influence an individual’s development. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from a purposeful sample of …

Cultivating Mindsets And Transformative Practices Of Beginning Alternative Certified Teachers: A Teacher Perception Study, Rodney Keith Wilkerson

Theses and Dissertations

The shortage of qualified teachers in the United States has been a persistent issue for decades. The number of qualified candidates to fill teaching vacancies has fallen short as the number of teachers needed to educate today continues to increase (Carothers et al., 2019). Traditionally, teacher preparation programs were the primary source of certified teachers. However, these programs have been decimated by declining student enrollment and by criticisms that they do not meet the needs of prospective teaching candidates today (Darling-Hammond, 2020). In recent years, the shortage has become even more acute, with some regions facing severe teacher shortages (Carothers …

Autism And The Delay Of Diagnosis In African American Communities, Kiara Loud

Theses and Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability accompanied by a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. ASD can affect anyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity (CDC, 2025). Individuals with ASD tend to have issues with various challenges and strengths regarding how they learn, think, and solve problems. Some children with ASD have repetitive patterns of behavior, restricted interest in activities, and difficulty in communication and social interaction.

According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of ASD 1 in 100 children diagnosed with Autism. Additional data supplied by the CDC states that the number of children with …

Mental Health Trends Among African American High School Students, Alexis Heard

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescent mental health is a major public health issue in the U.S., with African American high school students facing a rapidly worsening crisis. While all youth show increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality, African American adolescents are at greater risk due to systemic racism, socioeconomic inequality, community violence, and limited access to culturally responsive care. Few national studies have examined mental health trends among this group. This study (1) examines 2011–2021 trends in persistent sadness/hopelessness, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts among African American high school students; (2) explores gender differences; and (3) compares these patterns to national …

The Relationship Of Preschool Variables To Kindergarten Early Literacy Skills, Michele Davis Thomason

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the impact of Pre-K experiences on kindergarten early literacy skills in Alabama. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was utilized to analyze assessment data from My Teaching Strategies AlaKiDS and Renaissance STAR Early Literacy for kindergarten students in a rural Alabama district. The students were divided into three groups for comparison: students who attended Alabama First Class Pre-K, those in private programs using the Abeka curriculum, and students with no formal Pre-K experience. The dissertation utilized Vygotsky’s constructivist theory to assess the influence of early educational environments on the cognitive development through scaffolding and the Zone of …

The Role And Impact Of Forensic Evidence In The Prosecution Of Homicide Cases In The U.S., Afrah Dakhilallah A. Altubait

Theses and Dissertations

The role of forensic evidence in the criminal justice process is an important topic that is significant from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The present study is dedicated to a critical analysis of the role of this evidence in the U.S. criminal justice process with a focus on its significance in homicide cases. Specifically, this dissertation examines the implications of using DNA and fingerprint evidence for convictions in U.S. homicide cases by analyzing the role of DNA and fingerprint evidence in the prosecution of “hot” and “cold” homicide cases, discussing the main ways in which forensic evidence assists with prosecuting …

Energy Systems Optimization Techniques In The Oil And Gas Industry With Special Attention On Oil Field Reciprocating Compressors, Sean Jainarine

Theses and Dissertations

The oil and natural gas exploration and production industry is undergoing rapid growth, resulting in an increased number of operational wells and heightened potential for air emissions from oil and natural gas sources. Within production sites, compressors play a pivotal role and are often regarded as the "heart of a manufacturing plant" in the oil and gas sector. These crucial devices are designed to compress air or other gases to pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. Gas compression is typically achieved using devices with rotating blades or cylinders featuring reciprocating compressors while are essential for operations demanding high-pressures in small packages. …

Psychopathology, Symptomology, And Treatment In Offspring Of Holocaust Survivors: An Integrative Systematic Review, Lauren Grace Escobar

Theses and Dissertations

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the symptomatology, psychopathology, and treatment of offspring of Holocaust survivors (OHS). A comprehensive search was conducted in PsycINFO, PILOTS/PTSD, and Scopus for studies published between 1990 and 2024. Inclusion criteria required peer-reviewed studies, reports, books, literature reviews, and meta-analyses written or translated into English that reported on symptomatology and treatment for OHS. From an initial yield of 2,532 articles, 119 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that OHS demonstrate significantly higher levels of symptomatology and psychopathology reported in nine clinical classifications. Psychodynamic treatment was the most commonly found treatment modality for OHS, …

The Efficacy Of Trauma-Informed Treatment For Undocumented Latinx Immigrants With Manifestation Of Trauma Symptoms: A Systematic Review, Daniel Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

This systematic review provides a narrative synthesis of the trauma symptom manifestation in the undocumented Latinx immigrant population, how acculturation impacts trauma symptom manifestation, and what interventions have been shown to be effective in treating trauma symptoms with this population. Using specific search terms, the PsycINFO and Scopus databases were searched. After a review of the full-text, a total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that undocumented Latinx immigrants present with trauma symptoms associated with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), somatic symptoms, and symptoms associated with …

Understanding The Mentorship Experiences Of Underrepresented Minority Stem Leaders, Elias Saade

Theses and Dissertations

There is a growing need to diversify the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce to better address complex societal challenges and drive innovation. However, persistent disparities limit the retention and advancement of underrepresented minorities (URMs) as leaders in STEM. Mentorship has emerged as a promising practice to address these challenges, yet a gap in the literature remains regarding the impact mentorship had on URM STEM leaders’ personal and professional development. This study responds to that gap by exploring the lived experiences of URM STEM leaders and their perceptions of how mentorship shaped their career development, psychosocial growth, and identity …