Digital Commons Network^™

Waterpod: Evaluating Learner Engagement And Conceptual Understanding Through Gamified Virtual Reality, Leeza Eimeria Duller

Theses and Dissertations

The water and wastewater industry faces a growing workforce crisis due to high retirement rates, limited public awareness, and underrepresentation of technical talent. Traditional outreach methods have struggled to engage students or convey the complexity of water systems. This study evaluates WaterPOD, an interactive virtual reality (VR) simulation designed to introduce users to wastewater treatment processes and careers through immersive learning. Grounded in Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), and Constructivist Learning Theory (ConLT), the study examined how VR influences conceptual understanding and career perceptions. A mixed-methods study with 138 college students measured SCCT constructs, CLT- and …

Mapping The Path To The Presidency: A Case Study Analysis Of New Jersey Four Year Institutions, Robert Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the career trajectories of university presidents at New Jersey’s four-year public and private institutions. Utilizing a qualitative case study design, presidential biographies and CVs were analyzed to identify the professional patterns and pathways leading to the presidential role. Findings revealed that there is a predominance of traditional academic pathways, an increase in non-traditional routes, and distinct differences between the public and private institutions. This study offers implications for leadership development, hiring practices for the senior leadership roles, and for future research on the development of careers leading to senior leadership and …

Adapting A Personalized Normative Feedback Intervention For Graduate Student Drinkers, Faith Shank

Theses and Dissertations

On average, graduate students consume eight drinks per week, meeting criteria for heavy drinking and highlighting the need for a cost-effective intervention. The current study examined the efficacy of personalized normative feedback (PNF) for reducing heavy drinking in graduate students. Study 1 examined the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention content to inform a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the intervention. Results from qualitative interviews with 13 graduate students who interacted with the intervention content preferred to receive feedback about peers enrolled in the same type of degree program. Study 2 was an RCT using PNF from peers with the …

Breaking Barriers Exploring Guardianship & Public Administration Challenges Facing Egyptian Widows, Caroline Maher

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the influence of guardianship policies and the administrative infrastructure on the well-being of widows' families in Egypt. Widows in Egypt encounter significant challenges in exercising their guardianship rights due to patriarchal norms, bureaucratic hurdles, inefficient systems, and limited access to information. These obstacles can negatively impact their children's well-being, as well as economic and social stability. Despite social media activism, calls for administrative reforms, and legislative debates, no changes have occurred. This study aims to conduct in-depth exploratory qualitative research to analyze the challenges and limitations of current guardianship policies and administrative systems affecting widows’ families in …

No Longer At War With My Words: Finding Healing Through Therapeutic Writing, Marlo Degaetano Kreitzinger

Theses and Dissertations

While living in Dallas, Texas, I had the incredible opportunity to work with women transitioning out of homelessness, addiction, prison, or other life traumas. During my four years of facilitating life skills and job readiness classes, I witnessed a desperate need for healing. Many of the women I served were stuck in the repetitive cycle of their unprocessed emotional trauma. These women were often victims of the unprecedented mental health crisis plaguing our world and had little to no access to mental health resources. My initial introduction into therapeutic writing helped me to accept my own mental health crisis and …

Who's At Home?: Individual-And Family-Level Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated With Stay-At-Home Motherhood, Deegan Minchey

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, I assess the relationship between various types of demographic variables, including individual, partner, and family-level information, and the likelihood of mothers staying at home. Using nationally representative data from the 2019,2021, and 2023 waves of the Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) to the Current Population Survey to account for differences across the COVID-19 pandemic, this analysis examines the likelihood of becoming a stay-at-home mother (SAHM) across three separate regression models. From the variables analyzed, I find that various individual, family, and partner demographic characteristics are significantly associated with the likelihood of becoming a SAHM. These results …

An Implementation Study Of A Brief, Online Sexual Mindfulness Intervention At The Individual Partner Level: The Impact Of Prompting Practice On Implementation, Alexyss Lange

Theses and Dissertations

Prior research suggests frequent, scheduled, non-interactive text support enhances psychological outcomes and increases adherence to psychological interventions (Agyapong et al., 2020; Shalaby et al., 2022; Shim et al., 2017). Using a hybrid III implementation model, we recruited individuals in romantic relationships to test whether weekly reminders improved engagement with a sexual mindfulness intervention. We found no evidence that additional support increased intervention implementation. Although we aimed to assess acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility as separate implementation outcomes, factor analysis indicated these variables cluster into two broader constructs: Readiness and motivation and discomfort and uncertainty. These factors did not differ between …

The Impact Of Latino Faculty On Latino Students, Sarai Aleida Noriega

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract This study examined the relationship between Latino faculty representation and the academic experiences, sense of belonging, and personal and professional success of Latino students. I used a qualitative case study research method where data was collected through semi structured interviews with self-identified Latino students enrolled in Rowan University Higher Education Administration Program. Participants were prompted to reflect on their collegiate experiences and inspect the role of Latino faculty representation on their educational journey, and the challenges of maneuvering predominantly White academic spaces. The findings revealed that the presence of Latino faculty had a direct impact on students’ feelings of …

Unraveling The Relationship Between Sexual Shame And Father-Child Sex Communication, Hannah Mireya Brundage

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to understand the relationship between father’s sexual shame and children’s sexual shame. Parents play a role in shaping their children’s behaviors and perceptions in regard to sexuality. Most of this research analyzed data from the viewpoint of the mother, missing the potentially unique perspective and influence of fathers. Using longitudinal survey data from 361 fathers-adolescent dyads, I proposed to study the relations between father sexual shame and child sexual shame, and the possible mediating role of father-child sex communication. I predicted that quality of sex communication, including controlling and open communication, would mediate father sexual shame and …

Finding Meaning In Loss: The Role Of Attachment Styles, Coping Strategies, And Resilience, Salma Seyam

Theses and Dissertations

Grief is a deeply personal yet universal experience impacted by personal, social, and cultural factors. The present study examines how attachment styles, coping mechanisms, and resilience impact both grief intensity and the ability to find meaning after a loss, within an Egyptian sample. While previous studies have explored the experience of grief, few have looked at these factors within a Middle Eastern cultural context. A total of 140 bereaved Egyptians who experienced the loss of a loved one within the past three years completed standardized measures assessing grief intensity (Prolonged Grief Disorder-Revised; PG-13-R), coping strategies (Brief COPE), meaning-making (Grief and …

Exploring The Role Of Religious Media In Shaping Public Perceptions Towards Climate Change In Egypt, Hebatullah Ashour Abdel Fatah Ibrahim Ashour

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change poses significant threats globally, with particular vulnerability noted in developing nations like Egypt. While effective communication is crucial for societal engagement, the role of influential actors like religious media within specific cultural contexts remains under-explored. This thesis investigates the role and communication practices of religious media (Islamic and Coptic Christian) concerning climate change in Egypt, a country where religious institutions command significant public trust and influence. Existing literature highlights gaps in understanding how these specific media outlets navigate and frame climate change discourse.

Employing Framing Theory and Communication for Development (DevCom) Theory as a combined framework, this study …

In-Service Teachers’ Awareness And Professional Development In Egyptian Public Schools, Hanan Mohamed Metawea

Theses and Dissertations

Neuroscience is an emergent field that focuses on studying brain structure and understanding its significance in the learning process. There has been a recent movement in how to bridge the gap between neuroscience concepts and education by incorporating neuroscience principles into the teaching process. However, there have been limited studies in Egypt on how educators understand and utilize neuroscience principles in the classroom. This qualitative exploratory case study examines Egyptian teachers’ understanding of neuroscience concepts and how they apply them in their teaching practices. This case study was carried out in two government schools, including interviews with 11 teachers representing …

The Social Standing Versus The Mind Standing Of Older Adults In Egypt: Cross-Sectional Analysis Of The Relationship Between Social Capital And Cognitive Functions, Shaza H. Shinaishen Dr

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Egypt's population, much like that of other countries, is expected to age considerably over the course of the coming decades. Although biological and socioeconomic predictors of cognitive function have been studied widely, personal level social capital remains unexplored, especially in LMICs.

Purpose: This study primarily investigates the relationship between individual social capital and cognitive functioning among older adults aged 65 years and older in Egypt using the structural and cognitive components of social capital, including group membership, civic engagements, and caregiving roles.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey on 363 older individuals in different geographical and demographic segments of Egypt using …

Growing Pains: Relations Between Racial Discrimination And Body Esteem With Ethnic-Racial Identity By Pubertal Timing For Female Adolescents Of Color, Emily J. Takamasa

Theses and Dissertations

Puberty is a near-universal experience among adolescents, and yet rarely have researchers considered the racialized contexts and salience it has, for girls of color. Using the phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory (PVEST), this study examines the relation between pubertal timing, body esteem, racial discrimination and ethnic racial identity (ERI) components (affirmation, exploration, resolution) among adolescent girls of color (n = 218, Mage = 15.7, U.S. sample). Results showed that higher body esteem predicted greater ERI exploration and resolution, particularly for girls with average or late pubertal timing. Additionally, racial discrimination was linked to higher ERI exploration and resolution only …

Predicting Secondary Mathematics-For-Teaching Knowledge Using Beliefs, Experience, And School Culture: A Hierarchical Regression Analysis, Adam R. Brulhardt

Theses and Dissertations

Research in recent decades has supported the notion that practice-based mathematical knowledge is crucial for effective teaching, playing an important role in enacting reform-oriented instruction required for improving student achievement. Despite its importance, teachers—especially novices—require more support in acquiring such knowledge, an ongoing challenge exacerbated by teacher shortages. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine whether collaborative school culture (CSC) explained variance in knowledge of algebra for teaching (KAT) beyond variance explained by mathematics-related beliefs and years of teaching experience for U.S. secondary teachers. Measures within an online Qualtrics survey included the Beliefs About Mathematics and Teaching Scale …

First-Year Experience Peer Mentors And Theory Of Generativity; A Generic Qualitative Study, Marie Haughton Flocco

Theses and Dissertations

Student retention is an intricate dilemma for all institutions of higher education. While college enrollment continues to increase, degree completion rates are not keeping pace. Research shows that most students who drop out of college do so during the first year of enrollment. In an effort to address student retention during the first year and ultimately increase completion rates, colleges and universities invest significant resources in what has become known as First-Year Experience (FYE). Peer mentoring programs, in particular, are often an essential aspect of FYE programming because of the successful outcomes reported by mentees. This generic qualitative study diverges …

Veterans And Higher Education: How Military Service Affects The College Student Experience, Sean M. Berryman

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education has, in the past, paved the road to success for many Americans. Since it currently seems to be the consensus in American society, in general, that a college degree is needed to secure a good job, which leads to a good income in order to provide for oneself and one’s family, college is the road most Americans choose in order to achieve these goals. Since World War II (WWII), veterans have increasingly sought college degrees post-service to bring them in line with their civilian counterparts: they obtained experience in the military, now the degree gives veterans the opportunity …

From Assistance To Impact: The Expanding Role Of Undergraduate Teaching Assistants In Higher Education, Erin Measom

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is presented in a three-article format. It explores the evolving role of undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) in higher education, with a particular focus on how they facilitate interaction, engagement, and student success in online courses. As higher education institutions expand online learning and seek innovative ways to enhance student support, UTAs have emerged as key players in bridging the gap between students and instructors. The first article provides a scoping review of the literature on UTAs, tracing their historical evolution and examining their expanding role. While traditionally viewed as logistical or grading assistants, UTAs are increasingly taking on …

The Different Roles Of Women In The Islamic State Of Iraq And Syria: An Explanation., Menan Baher Hassanein

Theses and Dissertations

Why do women not run away from a violent anti-feminist group like ISIS even though gender norms dictate that women shall be peaceful, stereotypes highlight that they are peace-loving, and rationality directs that they should not leave their patriarchal societies only to join another mini patriarchal one? This thesis aimed to answer this question and focused on non-Western ISIS female members. Notably, this study was merely interested in a gender-based explanation in the sense that it wanted to see how gender dynamics, norms and gender-related grievances push Daesh women into the group’s ranks. This study hypothesized that women join ISIS …

Game, Set, Empower: A Comparative Instagram Analysis Of Branding And Engagement In The Confederation Of African Football (Caf) Women’S And Men’S Champions League, Nour Abdelkader Ms

Theses and Dissertations

The rise of women’s football has placed new emphasis on digital branding, with social media becoming a vital space for visibility, engagement, and representation. This thesis investigates how Instagram content strategies influence fan engagement during the CAF Women’s and Men’s Champions League tournaments. Specifically, it examines the role of content type (match, behind-the-scenes, off-the-pitch, promotional), marketing orientation (organic, sponsored, collaborative), and post format (reel, carousel, photo, graphic) in shaping audience interaction.

Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, the study analyzed 674 Instagram posts (276 CAFWCL, 398 CAFCL) and conducted semi-structured interviews with five digital sports professionals, including CAF digital …

Language Style Evaluation Validation For Implementation On Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Augmentative And Alternative Communication Devices, Meghan A. Hunter

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored various methods of evaluating language style for integration into prompts designed for a sophisticated augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. A total of 395 individuals without a language disorder were recruited via a crowdsourcing platform to complete five surveys. The initial four surveys were designed to assess individuals' language style using different approaches (questionnaire developed with ChatGPT, self-written, questionnaire developed by Hartman and McCambridge, and choosing tags). Following the completion of these four surveys, a fifth survey was dynamically created based on the responses in the previous four surveys. Each possible response in the fifth survey was …

Exploring Consequences Of The Double Empathy Problem Across The Autistic Trait Spectrum: First Person Accounts, Cammy C. Peck

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, individuals on the autism spectrum were believed to have deficits in empathy. However, recent research suggests that empathy-related issues occur on both sides of the communication dynamic. This concept known as the Double Empathy Problem (DEP), posits that the perceived lack of empathy is not exclusive to autistic individuals; rather, neurotypical (NT) individuals also experience difficulty empathizing with autistic individuals (Milton, 2012). Milton et al. (2022) describes this as a "breakdown in mutual understanding". Such mutual misunderstanding can have adverse consequences for both autistic and neurotypical individuals. To our knowledge, no studies have directly examined these consequences in relation …

The Effect Of Personalized Profiles On Generating Customized Content In Artificial Intelligence Augmentative And Alternative Communication Devices, Rachel Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), several augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices have begun incorporating AI with the purpose of accelerating and improving message transmission for users. The results have shown that AI can significantly reduce a user's keystrokes, but the generated responses may lack personalization. The objective of this study was to investigate whether integrating a personalized profile containing user information enhances the perceived accuracy and personalization of AI generated messages. Various methods of collecting profile information and differing levels of information within the profile were evaluated. One hundred eighty-one neurotypical English-speakers with no history of language disorder …

Enhance K-12 Student Online Learning Engagement Through Parental Support And Parent-School Collaboration, Qi Guo

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the role of parental support in K-12 online learning through a three-part research agenda grounded in the Academic Communities of Engagement (ACE) framework. The first article presents a systematic review of 31 empirical articles, identifying five key themes for effective parent-school collaboration, including improved communication, shared expertise, increased involvement, role clarification, and researcher-practitioner partnerships. The second study used a survey collecting data from 567 parents across eight online programs to explore challenges parents face in supporting their students' affective, behavioral, and cognitive (ABC) engagement. Eight primary challenges are identified, ranging from student struggles with focusing and motivation …

The Efficacy Of Open Educational Resources On Achievement Outcomes In Different Higher Education Institutions, Angela Grace Findlay

Theses and Dissertations

Students suffer from achievement gaps in higher education. Achievement gaps refer to differences in graduation rates, retention rates, persistence rates, and student's grades. Achievement gaps may negatively affect students who are culturally or ethnically diverse and/or have a lower socioeconomic status. The use of open educational resources (OER) may mitigate achievement gaps as OER assists student success through higher academic performance and cost savings for students. Average quiz scores were obtained at different higher education institutions using an Introduction to Psychology OER. The scores from each course were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. Colleges were nested by demographics to evaluate …

Exploring The Feasibility Of Using Virtual Reality With Children With Autism, Gemma Leighton

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the feasibility and social validity of teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD). VR is emerging as a promising tool for teaching and therapeutic intervention among ASD. Therefore, this study serves to contribute to the field's development by comprehensively evaluating the accessibility for young people with ASD to independently using a VR HMD in a meaningful way. Five teenagers participated (four female, aged 13-15, with mild and mild to moderate support needs) and independently completed tutorials in a virtual environment when learning to operate the VR HMD controllers and hand-tracking …

Building Brains And Relationships Beginning From Birth: Exploring Multilingual Parents' Experiences With A Babies Initiative Family-School Partnership, Diane D. Joyce

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined multilingual families’ experiences in a family-school early literacy program during the critical period of brain development, the Phlournoy Babies Initiative (PBI). Participants included five multilingual (ML) and immigrant families who have participated in this program for multiple years. In addition, this study probed how families were applying the strategies shared during PBI sessions within the context of their culture and home environment. Sociocultural, ecological systems, and culturally responsive teaching theories formed the framework of this study. A narrative inquiry approach was applied, which provided the researcher the opportunity to share the stories and experiences of the participants. …

First Generation Graduate Student Experiences, Andrew Torres

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences, inspiration, motivations, and varying aspects of what it is to be a first- generation master’s level student. Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, I conducted interviews with three first-generation undergraduate students, three first-generation graduate students, and two first-generation postgraduate professionals at a single university to understand how their higher education experiences were similar and different. I pursued this research topic to understand further what resources graduate students used and which were lacking for their needs. The pursuit motivated me to discover why there was such …

Creativity And Crisis. Case Studies Of Bureaucracy Under Pressure – Determining Factors Affecting Creativity, Andrew Lee Carlson

Theses and Dissertations

I studied creativity and how it interacts with the crisis environment to devise a way of determining if future situations are amenable to creativity. Through studying creativity theories and crisis responses, I developed a framework and instrument that answers the following questions, semi-quantitatively and qualitatively: 1) Is the future situation or problem amenable to creativity? 2) How much “energy” needs to be expended in solving the problem or situation? 3) Where best can I use creative energy as it relates to the subject matter or process of the situation? I studied situations ranging from personal (pursuit of this PhD), critical …

The Role Full-Time Faculty Play In Retaining Students With New Initiatives Implemented By The Administration: A Qualitative Case Study, Kenyatta Collins

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the role full-time faculty play in supporting student retention within the context of new administrative initiatives at a New Jersey community college. Grounded in the framework of faculty as institutional agents, the research investigated how faculty understood their role, engaged with retention efforts, and perceived their alignment with institutional goals. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with full-time faculty involved in or impacted by retention initiatives. Thematic analysis revealed that while faculty were committed to student success, they experienced limited involvement in the development and communication of these initiatives. Participants expressed a need for consistent communication, …