Digital Commons Network^™

Leading The Way: Preparing School Psychologists In Postsecondary Transition Training, Kaiya Joy Dawson

Theses and Dissertations

Students with disabilities face significant challenges in achieving postsecondary success, yet training on postsecondary transition planning within school psychology graduate programs remains limited. A content analysis of 252 accredited school psychology programs in the United States revealed major gaps in transition training, with only 1.6% of programs covering all critical domains. Results indicated that 67% of programs include some transition training in at least one domain. Family engagement (42%) and program structure (30%) had the most training, then interagency collaboration (20%), student focused planning (3%) and student development (6%). Notably, programs with larger cohort sizes were correlated with more transition …

Commercial Pressures And Editorial Independence: Egyptian Journalists' Perceptions Of Advertiser Influence In Contemporary Media, Mohamed Ahmed Salem

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the complex interplay between commercial imperatives and editorial autonomy in Egypt’s contemporary media landscape, focusing on journalists’ perceptions of advertising influence. Drawing on Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT) and informed by Political Economy and Institutional Theory, the study investigates how Egyptian journalists navigate ethical tensions arising from advertiser demands—both state-linked and private—within a hybrid media system marked by economic precarity, political control, and digital disruption. Through 20 in-depth interviews with journalists, alongside insights from PR professionals, media managers, and academic experts, the research reveals a pervasive erosion of the editorial-commercial boundary. Journalists report widespread self-censorship, blurred content labelling, …

Perceptions Of Faculty On Trauma-Informed Practices At The American University In Cairo, Marwa M. Emara

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Trauma-informed education is gaining momentum in higher education as a framework that seeks to create learning environments that are safe, inclusive, and responsive to the emotional and psychological needs of students—particularly those who have experienced trauma. This qualitative study, situated at the American University in Cairo (AUC), explores how faculty perceive, understand, and implement trauma-informed practices in a diverse university context that includes refugee and displaced students. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seventeen faculty members from various disciplines and incorporating an autoethnographic reflection. An expert interview was conducted with Dr. Mays Imad, a leading scholar in trauma-informed …

In Search Of Educational Justice: Lived Experiences Of Community College Presidents And Their Authentic Critical Leadership, Juan Felipe Arzola

Theses and Dissertations

There are several gaps in research related to the fields of study of community college leadership and its influence on shared governance discussions and decision-making. The purpose of the current study is to address the gap in the study of community college leadership and its influence on shared governance discussions and decision-making through a critical, intersectional investigation of authentic critical leadership and its potential to influence shared governance group discussions and decision-making in distinctively different ways than those advocated by mainstream leadership theories. Participants participated in semi-structured interviews and were observed in a shared governance group meeting to identify evidence …

Promoting Collaboration And Multi-Directional Reliance By Sharing Mental Model Information For Effective Multi-Agent Teaming, Audrey L. Aldridge

Theses and Dissertations

Successful human-agent teaming requires teammates to form and maintain a shared or common understanding of several attributes regarding taskwork and teamwork. With enhanced information sharing, mental model development, and team functionality, teammates (human, autonomous) can learn to anticipate each others' behaviors, preferences, and needs as well as understand their capabilities and limitations. In designing a framework to support this type of cooperative teaming, there is a need to determine how sharing knowledge, mental models, and common understandings impacts teaming dynamics and performance. By incorporating each individual's understanding into a human-agent interface, this research enables better team coordination and performance through …

An In Depth Examination Of Educational, Family, Economic, And Personal Determinants On Academic Performance, Engagement, And Stress: A Comprehensive Study Among Engineering Students, Oumaima Larif

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the effects of family, education, economic, and personal factors on students’ decisions to pursue engineering as a profession and their long-term impact on performance as engineering students. We adopted a mixed-method approach, collecting data through surveys administered to undergraduate and graduate engineering students at Mississippi State University. The study results revealed that family, education, economic, and personal factors profoundly influence students' decisions to study engineering. We found that parental expectations, background information, and socioeconomic status, in conjunction with cultural norms, values, gender expectations, and religious beliefs, affect students. Additionally, this study identified gaps in the existing literature …

The Effects Of Alfaxalone, Alone Or With Butorphanol, On The Ultrasonographic Appearance Of The Feline Spleen, Grace Mcbride

Theses and Dissertations

The sonographic effects of alfaxalone and butorphanol alone and in combination on feline splenic size, shape, margins, echogenicity, echotexture, and blood flow were investigated. In this randomized, prospective crossover study, 8 healthy adult cats were injected with alfaxalone 2.0 mg/kg IM, butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg IM, and each drug in combination. Splenic ultrasounds were performed before drug administration, then every 15 minutes for 1 hour. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and feline multiparametric sedation scores (FMSS) were recorded. Following at least a 7-day washout period, cats switched groups and the study was repeated. An increase in splenic size and no significant changes …

The Relationship Between Internal Coherence And Student Learning In High Achieving Middle Schools: A Mississippi Study, Christina Coleman Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

In order to determine ways in which Mississippi is improving in education, a quantitative research study was designed and conducted to examine ten high achieving middle schools in the state. The 10 schools had to obtain an A ranking or B ranking for the 2021-2022 school year and/or 2022 – 2023 school year from the MDE. The purpose of the study was to determine if relationships existed between the student achievement scores (Reading Proficiency, Reading Growth, Math Proficiency, and Math Growth) assigned by the state to each school and levels of Internal Coherence of the administrators and staff employed in …

An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Investigation Of Previous Sexual Health Communication Between Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Or Queer Young Adults And Their Parents, Haley Elizabeth Solace

Theses and Dissertations

Research suggests parent-child communication about sexual health can promote positive sexual health outcomes (e.g., Estrada-Martinez et al., 2020; Jayne et al., 2021); however, parent-child sexual health conversations are often infrequent and heteronormative (Estes, 2017). Few studies explore sexual health communication between LGBQ youth and their parents. This study explores previous experiences with parent-child sexual health communication between seven LGBQ young adults, aged 18 to 26, and four of their heterosexual mothers, to better understand parent-child sexual health communication and differences between parental-child reflections. Findings suggest LGBQ young adults and parents recall similar experiences, however, perceived discomfort and parental competency differently. …

“Here For Everyone” (?): How Intimate Partner Violence Service Organizations Address Community Needs And Transgender Inclusion In The Deep South, Brian Tesch

Theses and Dissertations

Transgender individuals face disproportionately high rates of intimate partner violence (also known as IPV) when compared to other sociodemographic groups. Despite this prevalence, IPV service organizations in the Deep South (e.g., Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina), a region of the U.S. encompassing several rural communities and characterized by traditional gender norms and conservative Christian religious values, may have difficulties meeting the unique needs of transgender IPV survivors. This dissertation explores two key areas: (1) the perceptions of IPV service organization staff members in the Deep South concerning how their agencies assist members of the transgender community, and (2) …

The Influence Of Nature On Design: A Focus On The Flora And Fauna Influence On 18th And 19th Century Decorative Arts, Rachel Ann Bozeman

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to assist interior designers and preservationists in enhancing interior decoration by appreciating decorative arts in a historically accurate and visually appealing manner. It places a strong emphasis on the profound influence of nature on design. For centuries, creatives have drawn inspiration from nature, leading to the creation of unique design elements and decorative objects. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, naturalists produced floral and faunal prints that reflected this inspiration. Nature's impact on design extends beyond aesthetics; it also affects how individuals feel within a space. The environment one person inhabits influences his or her state of …

Impact Of An Automated Brush System On Intensively Managed Lactating Dairy Cattle Behavior, Production, And Stress Physiology, Allison Lyn Griffin

Theses and Dissertations

The dairy industry has increasingly prioritized improving animal welfare for intensively housed cows. This study evaluated the effects of environmental enrichment (EE) using an automated brush system on stress physiology, behavior, and productivity of lactating dairy cows. Fifty-nine pregnant and lactating dairy cows were divided into two groups: CON (no brush) and TRT (automated brush system). Saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol concentrations, and behaviors were monitored in the morning (07:00 h - 11:00 h) and evening (19:00 h - 23:00 h) using high-resolution cameras. The results indicated that cows with brush access had lower cortisol concentrations, suggesting reduced …

Designing An Instructional Coaching Model For Residency-Based Alternate Route Teacher Candidates In Mississippi To Improve Instructional Competencies And Self-Efficacy, Lamareshia Daoma Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Alternate route teachers are adult learners who enter the teaching profession through nontraditional pathways, often without formal training in education. While they bring diverse experiences and a commitment to student success, they frequently face challenges in translating theoretical knowledge into effective classroom practice. Research indicates that instructional coaching serves as a critical bridge between pedagogical theory and practical application, providing job-embedded professional development that enhances instructional competencies. At its core, instructional coaching is a collaborative partnership built on trust and respect, offering teachers a supportive space to reflect on their practice, receive targeted feedback, and develop their professional identity. Alternate …

Cyber Security Threat Recognition And Preparedness Of Undergraduate Students, Litany Hope Lineberry

Theses and Dissertations

Cybersecurity awareness and preparedness are critical competencies for individuals across academic disciplines and professional sectors. However, undergraduate students often lack sufficient knowledge and skills to recognize and mitigate cybersecurity threats. This dissertation examines cybersecurity threat recognition and preparedness among undergraduate students through a three-phase research approach. Study 1 explores faculty perspectives on students' cybersecurity awareness, identifying gaps in knowledge and preparedness across various fields of study. Study 2 investigates industry professionals' perceptions of new hires’ cybersecurity readiness, assessing the alignment between academic training and industry expectations. Study 3 evaluates the effectiveness of an online intervention designed to enhance students' cybersecurity …

Investing In Your Own: How University Leaders Should Aim To Invest To Retain Quality Staff In Undergraduate Recruitment Offices, Grant Alexander Nerren

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative narrative inquiry study examined the experiences of undergraduate recruitment professionals, and the impact institutional investment can influence staff retention of these professionals within higher education. Using Job Embeddedness Theory often applied within private industry and Bolman and Deal’s (2017) human resource theoretical framework, the research question was: To what extent are specific dimensions (support, compensation, professional advancement) of institutional investment related to the retention of undergraduate recruitment professionals within higher education? Data were collected using an anonymous online survey that was shared with potential participants via email. Responses were analyzed through SPSS software using item-level and composite score …

The Importance Of Community: An Investigation Of Stress, Coping, And The Value Of Social Support For First Responders, Brian Reid

Theses and Dissertations

People are designed to be in community with others, to work together and share the load and weight of life. First responders are a community that has not emphasized the importance of social support to mitigate and buffer against the stress inherent in their jobs. This study investigates the sources of stress, coping methods, and social support of first responders. Results from the first study show the impact of workplace and family stress on the first responder is impactful from the beginning. The secondary study finds that adaptive coping methods are the preferred method to cope with stress and that …

The Role Of K-12 Educators In Shaping Stem Pathways: Examining Social Capital And Self-Efficacy In Stem Education, Holly Trisch

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the impact of K-12 educators on students’ pathways in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by focusing on two main factors: the social capital of K-12 and elementary school teachers and the self-efficacy of preservice teachers in STEM education instruction. The first study investigates the social capital of first year engineering students, emphasizing the relationships and resources they gained during their K-12 education that influenced their decision to major in engineering. A quantitative study using survey data collected from first-year undergraduate engineering students indicates that K-12 educators play a crucial role by providing mentorship and resources that …

Work-Life Balance And The Impact Of Covid-19 On Faculty At Historically Black Community Colleges (Hbccs), Taneshia Turner Winston

Theses and Dissertations

This research study was conducted to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the work-life balance of faculty at HBCCs based on their race, gender, age, marital status, and tenure status. The study employed a quantitative research design utilizing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to conduct time-based activities separately and group perception-based response variables into meaningful categories to uncover patterns. To analyze the differences in race, gender, age, marital status, and tenure status, Regression and Chi-square test analyses were used to evaluate the collected data. Regression analysis explored relationships between time spent on activities and perceptions of stress, productivity, and satisfaction. Chi-square …

The Teaching Experiences Of Black Women Faculty In Educator Preparation Providers Licensure Programs At Predominantly White Institutions, Tiffiney M. Atterberry

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the experiences that Black women faculty encounter in instructional spaces of Educator Preparation Providers licensure programs (hereafter referred to as EPPs) at predominantly White institutions are important for institutional change and reform to occur. In spaces of EPPs, Black women faculty are forced to cope and deal with racialized issues such as feelings of social isolation, a lack of inclusion, acts of microaggression from students, disrespectful acts, and students challenging their knowledge and credentials. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how Black women faculty narrate their teaching experiences in EPPs at PWIs. The use of Collins’ …

The Influence Of Incorrectly Labelled Ai-Generated Images On Subjective Feelings Of Truth And Memory, Tanner Mckenzie Grubbs

Theses and Dissertations

Artificial intelligence (AI) photo generators generated more than 15 billion images in the past year alone (Valyaeva, 2023). To subdue concerns about misinformation, many online platforms have mandated that content generated with AI be labelled as such (Bond, 2023), but the efficacy of these warning labels is largely unknown. Previous research shows that the presence of an image affects how much we trust the information we are exposed to, so we would expect these AI-generated images to influence people’s beliefs. The purpose of the present research was to examine how AI-generated warning labels influence people’s trust in claims presented with …

How Do Tuition Benefits Affect University Staff Retention, Social Connection, And Institutional Commitment?, Lian A. Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Employee retention is costly for many companies, including colleges and universities. Tuition benefits have been shown to be helpful in recruitment and retention. This study looked at how tuition benefits used by university staff members affected turnover intentions, workplace belonging and institutional commitment. Benefits eligible university staff members, who were in primarily non-teaching roles at one rural, four-years land grant university were asked to complete an electronic survey, and 250 responses were collected. To measure the variables of interest the survey combined scale items representing each of the dependent variables; turnover intention (Bothma & Roodt, 2013), workplace belonging (Jena & …

Over And Under Identification Of Emotional Disturbance (Emd) In Minority Students: Implications For Best Practices In Emd Assessment, Danielle Chanell Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

Emotional Disturbance (EmD) remains one of the most inconsistently defined and assessed categories under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), leading to widespread misidentification that disproportionately affects minority students. This study investigates systemic biases in EmD assessment practices, highlighting how subjective criteria and a heavy reliance on clinical judgment perpetuate disparities in identifying African American and Latino students in special education. To better understand these biases, the study sought to identify which assessment components school psychologists most frequently utilized when making eligibility determinations for EmD. Quantitative analysis revealed that while race was not a statistically significant predictor of EmD …

“Sometimes The World Don’T Give You What You Need”: Black Motherhood And Kinship As Resistance To Necropolitics In Jesmyn Ward’S Bois Sauvage, Hailey N. Reeder

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores how Black motherhood and kinship serve as subversive forces within necropolitical landscapes in Jesmyn Ward’s Where the Line Bleeds, Salvage the Bones, and Sing, Unburied, Sing. Drawing on Achille Mbembe’s theory of necropolitics, this study examines how the economic and social constraints of these environments disrupt Black family structures, emphasizing the necessity of kinship for survival. In Where the Line Bleeds, Cille’s absence disrupts traditional family roles, yet kinship networks allow the family to endure. In Salvage the Bones, Esch’s journey redefines the “bad” Black teen mother stereotype, highlighting how kinship offers support amidst stigma. In Sing, …

Does An Adapted Swimming Program Improve Self-Efficacy In Individuals With Intellectual Disability?, Georgia Grace Starr

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Short-term adapted swimming programs may improve self-efficacy in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). PURPOSE: We investigated if self-efficacy was improved from the perspectives of swimmers, their parents, and volunteering staff. METHODS: A 5-day program (60 min∙day-1) focused on swim skill development and independence, with each participant supported by a volunteer without disability. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 swimmers (14–35 years, 4 females), 5 parents (40–70 years, all mothers), and 5 volunteers (17–64 years, 4 females). Analysis, using open, structured, and focused coding, highlighted themes aligning with Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory (SET)—previous experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and feedback—and Self-determination …

Prosodic Pitch And Intensity Patterns In People With Moderate Broca's Aphasia, Juliana Pickard

Theses and Dissertations

People with aphasia (PWA) experience deficits in utilizing prosody, which drastically impacts their communicative effectiveness. The lack of prosody in people with aphasia may alter their ability to nurture meaningful relationships, advance educational and work opportunities, and participate in community activities. This study acoustically evaluates the prosodic characteristics of speech produced by individuals with non-fluent aphasia to better understand how to accurately assess and more effectively treat communication difficulties in PWA. Recorded speech samples derived from a Cinderella story retell from 16 individuals with moderate Broca's aphasia and 16 age-matched controls were acoustically analyzed in this study. The recordings were …

Decoding Symbolic Influence On Youtube Engagement, Emotion Resonance And Trust In Information Campaigns, Diwash Poudel

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined how symbolic images in YouTube videos influences viewers’ emotions, trust, and engagement with political content online. Approximately 2,000 videos were collected and analyzed, with a focus on both thumbnails and standout frames. The findings revealed that cultural symbols were particularly effective at capturing attention and evoking strong emotional reactions—especially anger and disgust. Notably, these same symbols also enhanced viewer trust, making audiences less susceptible to misinformation. Statistical tests confirmed that these effects were consistent and significant. To ensure the validity of these results, additional analyses were conducted to assess potential biases in YouTube’s recommendation algorithm, as well …

Method Development For The Analysis Of Drugs Of Abuse Using Solid Phase Extraction And High Pressure Liquid Chromatography, Sangeeta Kurre

Theses and Dissertations

The accurate detection and quantification of drugs of abuse and their metabolites for HPLC analysis is key in the medical, forensic, and environmental sectors. Additionally, the detection of compounds related to substance use disorders in clinical settings can play a crucial role in effective treatment decisions by healthcare practitioners. The ability to detect these compounds at trace levels in any given sample matrix is a known challenge. Coupling a reliable sample preparation method to HPLC analysis for matrix interference reduction and the preconcentration of species for enhanced detection limits may provide a preferred solution to the analysis of drugs of …

Voices In The Borderlands: Reimagining Identity, Cultural Belonging, And Dystopian Spaces In Anzaldúa’S Borderlands And Viramontes’S “The Cariboo Café”, Oralia G. Ramos

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores how Gloria Anzaldúa’s Borderlands/La Frontera (1987) and Helena María Viramontes’ short story “The Cariboo Café” (1985) portray marginalized individuals navigating liminal spaces of identity, oppression, and survival. Borderlands/La Frontera and “The Cariboo Café” show how systematic violence and displacement shatter the self, pushing characters to navigate trauma in a dystopian space. Sonya, Macky, the café owner, and the grieving mother represent Anzaldúa’s concepts of borderland subjectivity, betrayal, and spectral haunting.

Sonya and Macky, two undocumented children, represent Anzaldúa’s borderlands subjects and reside in a state of nepantla, an in-between space of cultural dislocation. The café owner …

Redefining Roles In Displacement: The Asylum Journey Of Sudanese Women In Faisal, Cairo, Majeda Abdin Mahasneh

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how Sudanese refugee women, who arrived in Faisal, Cairo, after April 2023 experience gender-based violence (GBV). The research investigates the types of GBV these women encountered during their journey from Sudan to Cairo, how their gender roles changed in the asylum context, and their vision for the future regarding safety and support. A qualitative approach was employed, using in-depth interviews with four Sudanese refugee women, complemented by field notes and observations made during visits to the Faisal neighborhood. The analysis focused on the personal stories shared by the women, highlighting the various forms of violence they experienced, …

Fan Art, Jacob Lay

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the work of artists like Vincent van Gogh, Donald Baechelor, and Cezanne in their relationship to my work and contemporary painting. Drawing from personal letters, interviews, and essays on these artists, the paper places painting and drawing from the thesis exhibition in a history as well as relates them to current pop culture relics. The paper also includes a process-based analyses of how each painting is made and with what materials.