Digital Commons Network^™

Targeted Coaching In The Detroit Promise Path: A Thematic Network Analysis Of Current Challenges And Opportunities For Student Success, Maryse Danielle Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The Detroit Promise Program is one of the many college promise programs operating within the United States that offers full college tuition coverage to students within the city who meet certain residential criteria. Detroit’s population has one of the highest proportions of Black and first-generation students and the lowest average socioeconomic class in the country. From the time of the Promise Program’s launch until now it has seen minor improvements in college degree competition rates, but this rate is still low compared to the national average. The Detroit Promise Path, which is an off branch of the Detroit Promise Program, …

Zaasijiwan: An Indigenized Health Communication Framework For American Indian And Alaska Native Communities, Jennifer Wolf

Theses and Dissertations

The Zaasijiwan Framework represents an Indigenized health communication model developed to enhance the cultural relevance, trust, and effectiveness of public health messaging for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. This qualitative study integrated Indigenous and Western public health knowledge to inform the development of the framework. A comprehensive literature review and two rounds of key informant interviews with health communication professionals informed the design of the framework. Findings emphasized the importance of community co-creation and strengths-based narratives, along with other framework elements, in overcoming medical mistrust and improving health outcomes. The final framework offers public health professionals, Tribal, and …

Machine Learning-Guided Discovery Of Metal-Ligand Catalysts For Affordable Green Hydrogen Produced Via Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers, Achouak Benarbia

Theses and Dissertations

The rising demand for clean and sustainable energy sources has underscored the critical role of hydrogen in the global energy transition. However, the widespread adoption of green hydrogen remains constrained by the high cost and scarcity of platinum-based electrocatalysts used in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. This dependence inflates production costs and poses long-term risks related to supply security and scalability. While numerous studies have explored alternative materials, the discovery of efficient and stable non-platinum catalysts remains a major bottleneck due to the vastness of chemical space and the resource-intensive nature of experimental screening. To address this challenge, this study …

Enhancing Green Hydrogen Integration In Distributed Energy Systems, Solomon Evro

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates strategic integration of green hydrogen into Distributed Energy Systems (DES) as a means of addressing three closely related challenges: first, uncertainties in hydrogen supply due to renewables intermittency; second, non-existence of practical, scalable modeling solutions for early-phase DES planning involving Alkaline Water Electrolyzers; and third, a lack of sufficient policy frameworks facilitating mass deployment. Existing hydrogen production models are often too complex for effective use in DES and do not relate stack number, input power, and renewable resource fluctuation. To address this limitation, the paper introduces a new probabilistic electrolyzer sizing method based on cumulative distribution function …

When Fomo Meets The Keg: A Descriptive Case Study Of Binge Drinking In First-Year College Students At The University Of North Dakota, Angie Novak

Theses and Dissertations

Binge drinking among first-year college students is a persistent public health and academic issue, particularly during the transition to higher education. As students gain independence and navigate peer influence and campus norms, many perceive alcohol use as a central part of the college experience. This descriptive case study investigates the personal, environmental, and behavioral factors contributing to binge drinking among first-year students at the University of North Dakota (UND).The study, guided by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), explored how students adopt and reinforce drinking behaviors through peer modeling, social expectations, and institutional culture. Qualitative data was collected through individual interviews with …

Corporate Soft Power Strategy In Shaping Global Influence: A Case Study Of Microsoft, Qiang Qiang

Theses and Dissertations

Soft power, defined as the ability to attract and persuade through appeal and influence rather than coercion, has emerged as a critical component in the arsenal of global corporations navigating the complexities of the interconnected world. This study, using Microsoft as a case, delves into the realm of soft power in global corporations. Drawing upon qualitative methodology, this study aims to uncover the nuanced factors contributing to global corporation soft power prowess. Key areas of investigation include organizational culture and communication, corporate branding, corporate social responsibility, emerging technological applications, global branding strategies, and leadership approaches. Through an analysis of these …

Consumer Satisfaction & Complaint Resolution In The Los Angeles Home Improvement Industry, Aimee Joy

Theses and Dissertations

Home has many layers of meaning as does the term, home improvement. The first and most common way of thinking about home is the structure in which we reside. For decades the American dream has involved home ownership. It is important to understand both the emotional and financial value of having a shelter and structure to call home. Losing this can be one of the most stressful events in life. The fires in Los Angeles County during the beginning of 2025 impacted thousands of people. Individuals, families, and communities were disrupted and forced to rebuild as well as reconsider what …

Culturally Specific Interventions And Indigenous Practices In Correctional And Forensic Settings: A Systematic Review, Jordyne James

Theses and Dissertations

While professional guidelines, legislation and research emphasize the importance of adapting treatment approaches to patient characteristics and culture (American Psychological Association [APA], 2021, 2019; Correctional Service of Canada [CSC], 2013; Canadian Psychological Association [CPA], 2017; Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association [CCPA], 2021), psychological and forensic research and practice related to culturally specific programming lags behind expectations to meet the needs of ethnically diverse clients. Given the continued overrepresentation of minorities within forensic institutions (Aguiar, 2020; Carter & Forsyth, 2007; Hanser & Gomila, 2015; Leguizamo et al., 2018), this systematic review aimed to raise awareness of culturally-specific interventions and Indigenous practices …

Assessing The “Plateaus” Vertical Development Model With A New Likert Scale Instrument, Mark Divine

Theses and Dissertations

This research project will focus on the assessment of the Five Plateaus (Plateaus) vertical leadership development model with a newly constructed Likert Scale instrument. Part one of the research project was a pilot study to create a simple, internet-based instrument. The scale, comprised of 100 questions and completed in 30 minutes, assesses participants' self- perceived stage of development as presented in the Plateaus vertical development model. The instrument was designed to capture the experience of participants and to overcome limitations of existing assessments by mitigating the subjectivity of sentence completion instruments, as well as to enhance efficiency and reliability. The …

Polarization And Civil Discourse In America: A Case Study Of Respectful Dialogue As A Moderating Influence On Generation Z, Liane Weintraub

Theses and Dissertations

Animosity between opposing political parties is longstanding, but the phenomenon is now acutely pervasive and dangerous. Today, polarization is further fueled by social media algorithms that create echo chambers, limiting discourse about diverse viewpoints. Consequently, polarization has become pernicious and threatens the founding principles of American democracy. This dissertation considers the roles of free speech, civility, and social capital in the US polarization problem. Through an exploration of historical scholarship on virtue, ethics, and civility, the study seeks to identify actionable tools for promoting civil discourse. The dissertation investigates Generation Z (Gen Z), focusing on intergenerational differences, the role of …

Assessment And Treatment Outcomes Of Women Experiencing Miscarriage And Pregnancy Loss: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Hanieh Fakhrai

Theses and Dissertations

This systematic review examined the assessment tools, mental health outcomes, supportive resources, and intervention strategies related to women experiencing miscarriage and pregnancy loss. Despite affecting 10-20% of recognized pregnancies, the psychological impact of miscarriage is often overlooked in healthcare settings. Following PRISMA guidelines, 18 studies published between 2010-2021 from diverse international contexts were systematically analyzed. Findings revealed significant mental health consequences, including depression (prevalence 31-48.8%), anxiety (2.4-61%), and PTSD symptoms (14.7-43.9%). Risk factors for adverse outcomes included previous mental health conditions, history of infertility, multiple pregnancy losses, and difficulty finding meaning. Women identified helpful, supportive resources, including internet forums, sensitive …

Rewriting The Climb: How Black Women Leaders Illuminate The Gaps In Organizational Advancement Efforts, Leslie Williams

Theses and Dissertations

As another generation of Black women enter the workforce (Gen Z being the most recent as of this writing), organizations face a critical opportunity to reimagine how they identify, develop, and elevate leadership talent. Despite decades of progress in gender equality, Black women remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles. While organizational programs, such as mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development initiatives have aimed to close this gap, their effectiveness in advancing Black women remains inconsistent and under examined. This qualitative study examines to what extent organization programs and initiatives address or fail to address the unique barriers faced by Black …

Best Practices For Supporting Homeless Youth Achieve Academic Success, Abeni Elizabeth Carr

Theses and Dissertations

California has amassed a vast and growing population of homeless people. There exists a need to discuss the more significant generational impact that homelessness presents for students in secondary schools and to develop strategic planning to dismantle cyclical homelessness. Currently, there is an alarming trend in the number of youths who are experiencing homelessness. While much research in the past observed families experiencing housing instability, there are also burgeoning patterns of youth who are enrolled in high school, yet are becoming homeless due to running away from home. Both nationally and in California, youth are running away from their families …

Cultivating Ethical Leadership In Middle Management: A Qualitative Study Of Formative Experience And Organizational Support, Cha Vang

Theses and Dissertations

Why is ethical leadership foundational for middle managers, especially in complex organizational settings? This study investigates the foundational factors that shape how ethical leadership emerges among middle managers. Through a qualitative phenomenological approach, cross-sector interviews revealed that ethical leadership is not defined by position but is shaped by identity, relational support, and experiential growth. Middle managers act as ethical interpreters, translating organizational values into action where ambiguity and pressure are highest. It is imperative that middle-management leadership cultivation is grounded in identity awareness, relational accountability, and intentional development, minimizing dysfunction and strengthening ethical resilience in complex organizational systems.

Mentorship: The Impact On Defining Identity For Women Veterans After The Military, Brenda V. Lemas

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential impact that mentorship can have on women veterans to achieve success and define their identity after the military. This study examined women's veteran stories: self-identity, personal narrative, challenges, personal and professional development, physical challenges, sources of motivation, and purpose by addressing their needs as they transition into the civilian sector. Interviews were conducted with a diverse group of 15 women veterans to gather data. This group of women veterans were in different life stages during their transition from the military. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for further investigation and …

Current Trends In Assessment Training At Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs, Darcy Perrin Darrell

Theses and Dissertations

Psychological assessment is a fundamental competency in clinical psychology doctoral training, yet inconsistencies persist in the content and structure of assessment education across programs. This study aimed to evaluate current trends in psychological assessment training at American Psychological Association (APA) accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs, with particular attention to the implementation of the APA Guidelines for Education and Training in Psychological Assessment in Health Service Psychology. Utilizing a nonexperimental, descriptive design, the study analyzed 85 syllabi submitted by 58 programs, as well as publicly available curricular information. A rubric was developed to assess the extent to which course syllabi reflected …

The Effects Of Exposure To War & Attachment Disruption On Children Of War Leading To Negative Mental Health Outcomes, Chantal Daley

Theses and Dissertations

Children of war tend to endure abuse, witness deaths, killings, and sexual violence, and are also often coerced into committing violent acts. They are subjected to exposure to war-related traumas and as a result often become displaced from their primary caregiver and attachment figure and this relationship is disrupted. The primary aim of this systematic review was to explore the negative mental health outcomes in children of war into adulthood following attachment disruption and exposure to war. It also aimed to examine what protective factors mitigated these negative mental health outcomes and whether outcomes and protective factors varied according to …

The Impact Of Decision-Making Autonomy, Sense Of Shared Identity, And Communications Strategy On Resource Retention Post-Merger And Acquisition, Randeep Rajwant Kaur

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the impact of decision-making autonomy, a sense of shared identity, and communication strategy on resource retention following mergers and acquisitions. Grounded in organizational development literature, the study examines employee experiences during post-integration periods. Using a qualitative methodology, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees who remained with their organizations for at least twelve months following a merger or acquisition. The research utilizes thematic analysis to explore how autonomy constraints, leadership engagement, transparent communication, and cultural alignment influence retention decisions. The participant sample spans diverse industries such as software, healthcare, financial services, and others, with roles ranging from …

Remove The Invisibility Cloak - Let's Get Women Promoted!, Nina Echeverría Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This two-study research project uses a mixed-methods exploratory sequential research design to investigate the career journey of women in Corporate America and assess how they navigate the tensions that may impede Career Growth. Study 1 employs qualitative interviews to gather insights from 20 diverse women at varying managerial levels. Thematic analysis reveals five primary Pathways to Career Growth—Foundational Development, Social Augmentation, Adaptive Knowledge Expansion, Forward Focus, and Visibility—each associated with specific strategies that women employ to navigate tensions related to Cultural, Organizational, and Domestic spheres. Study 2 builds upon these findings and utilizes quantitative cross-sectional survey data from 385 corporate …

Navigating The New Normal: A Grounded Theory Study Of Lessons Learned About Leadership Practices Since The Pandemic In Multimodal Workplace Settings And The Future Of Work, Jessica Arriaza

Theses and Dissertations

The global pandemic has profoundly transformed leadership and the work landscape across multimodal workplace environments (onsite, virtual, and hybrid). As organizations navigated unprecedented disruption, leaders had to respond with agility, empathy, and innovation. This qualitative, grounded theory study explored the transformative impact of post-pandemic changes on leadership practices within the evolving workplace landscape and future work trends. The overarching research question guiding this study was to what extent, if at all, leadership practices have evolved since the global pandemic across onsite, virtual, and hybrid workplace settings, and what skills, strategies, and practices will future leaders need to navigate the future …

A Practical Theology Of Change: Community-Centered Leadership For Congregational Transformation In Evolving Contexts, Kevin W. Vanhook Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Communities worldwide have been dramatically and rapidly changing, with more of the world’s population expected to live in urban settings by 2030. Christian churches that failed to adapt to their communities’ mergent needs experienced stagnation and decline, while those that survived and thrived rethought their strategies for engaging with their respective communities. Research indicated that churches focusing on achieving and sustaining congregational health and vitality had the potential to defy the prevailing trends of church decline. However, there was a lack of research regarding best practices for doing so. Therefore, this study identified the practices used by ministers of Christian …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences And Leadership Perspectives Of Women Who Have Been Candidates For Elected Political Office, Angela M. Fentiman

Theses and Dissertations

Women’s underrepresentation in leadership is well-documented. Despite making gains in some leadership areas, underrepresentation persists in executive elected positions. Using a life course research framework that examines the life journey, along with leadership theory and literature explaining underrepresentation, this study goes beyond the numbers to explore the experiences of women who have run for executive elected office. Specifically, it includes the perspectives of 10 women who ran for governor during the 2022 U.S. midterm election. The participants demonstrate leadership approaches consistent with servant and authentic leadership and consider characteristics associated with those styles to be the ideal approaches for political …

Innovative Approaches To A More Sustainable Global Supply Chain: A Phenomenological Study In The Footwear Industry, Nichole Dwyer

Theses and Dissertations

The global footwear industry faces significant challenges as it navigates the complexities of sustainability, technological advancements, and supply chain resilience. This study examines how innovations in developing technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), can enhance efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and promote sustainability within global footwear supply chains. Leveraging a phenomenological approach, the research explores the lived experiences of supply chain professionals to identify practical strategies for integrating technology, enhancing resilience, and mitigating environmental impacts. The study highlights the industry's evolution, driven by factors such as consumer demand for sustainability, disruptions caused by geopolitical …

Best Practices In Leadership In Probation, Ronamae Panganiban

Theses and Dissertations

Research indicates that leadership in law enforcement is a continuous learning process (Birzer et al., 2016; Davies & Heysmand, 2021; Niles et al., 2024; Roberts et al., 2016). Due to the complex structure and changing environment, leadership responsibilities fall upon multiple individuals in a chain of command (C. Davis, 2020; G. W. Garner, 2016; Sienkiewicz-Malyjurek, 2016). The research study aimed to identify best practices for leadership in law enforcement that leaders employ that make them successful. It used a phenomenological qualitative design and purposive sampling method to obtain a sample size of 15 participants. The study utilized a semi structured …

Educating Outdoors: A Qualitative Case Study On School Readiness Development In A Nature-Based Preschool, Lauren Lefevre

Theses and Dissertations

Play is widely considered one of the most crucial activities for healthy early childhood development, yet many current early childhood education (ECE) programs prioritize academics at the expense of this critical activity. Despite this focus on math and literacy skills, a significant number of children arrive at kindergarten unable to demonstrate proper school readiness. Nature-based early childhood education (NbECE) is a growing alternative education option that prioritizes risky play, loose parts play, and nature play, potentially providing children with countless opportunities for school-readiness development through play. Guided by the biophilia hypothesis (Wilson, 1984), which suggests that humans are innately drawn …

Evaluating The Clinical Effectiveness Of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review Of Outcome Studies, Gregory Bendau

Theses and Dissertations

The present review systematically examined current outcome studies on psychodynamic psychotherapy to build a comprehensive understanding of its overall effectiveness. The review synthesizes 43 outcome studies, including randomized controlled trials (n = 26) and quasi-experimental designs (n = 17), across diverse durations, settings, and clinical presentations. The review included quantitative, peer-reviewed studies written in English and published between 2015 and 2024 that measured the treatment outcomes of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Results showed that 41 studies (95%) reported significant symptom improvements for psychological conditions and disorders, including mood, personality, anxiety, somatic symptom, trauma, eating, mixed disorders, and general psychological distress. Effect sizes …

Ai: A Path Forward In Education - Teachers’ Insights On Implementation, Challenges, And Future Innovations, Mercedes Cordoba Meeks

Theses and Dissertations

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a global phenomenon permeating the fabric of society and transforming the course of culture and commerce (Kishor et al., 2023; Moore, 2024). A review of the extant literature indicates that while many industries have seen significant innovations due to the infusion of AI, the field of education has witnessed a technological evolution inspired by AI-based tools and strategies (Bessen, 2018; W. M. Lim et al., 2023). Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) has a history that parallels the development of AI. AIED has shown steady growth and influence in educational programs around the world, with the growth …

Empowered Creation: Investigating Business Acumen And Technological Engagement Among Female Artists As Creative Entrepreneurs, Heggins-Jackson Tracey

Theses and Dissertations

The most powerful vehicle for communication and change is art. Creative endeavors have served humanity as a source of motivation and inspiration, as agents for shaping meaning and, most importantly, evoking empathy. Unfortunately, women in the arts face significant challenges due to deeply entrenched stereotypes, social expectations, societal norms, and gender-related misinformation, which result in destructive narratives. Paradoxically, this marginalized population possesses the skills and insights needed to address disparities through authentic narrative dissemination. Research indicates a limited focus on the contributions and pathways of women in the creative arts industry as entrepreneurs, explicitly highlighting their genuine needs conveyed through …

Theatre As Sanctuary: Queer Identity, Religious Trauma, And The Path To Healing, Casey Worley

Theses and Dissertations

Growing up as a queer individual in a deeply religious Southern Baptist community, I learned early that faith and identity could feel like irreconcilable forces. I sat in the pews, surrounded by voices that preached love but often excluded people like me. For years, I struggled with the question: Can I be both queer and faithful? This tension—between belief and belonging, between the church I was raised in and the identity I could no longer deny—became the foundation of my journey, my artistic practice, and this thesis.

Through this research, I explore the intersections of queer identity, religious trauma, and …

A Parting Repast, Debra D. Dowden-Crockett

Theses and Dissertations

Both the thesis document and exhibition comprise the story of my journey through grief, examination of loss, contemplation of death, and transformation through acceptance and relinquishment. I conflate art and emotion to put form to the complex human experience of watching a loved one die, having to say a last goodbye, and the mourning that ultimately follows.

I examine the rituals surrounding death, the role of memory, and the symbolic presence of food as a shared experience of both mourning and nourishment, the intimate moments of mourning, and the gradual process of finding peace and closure.

Featuring works from a …