Digital Commons Network^™

Fostering A Healthy Academic Environment In Nursing Education, Donna M. Hedges

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

A healthy academic environment is foundational to the preparation of future nurses, the retention of faculty, and the overall success of nursing education programs. This presentation examines the multidimensional nature of a healthy academic environment, highlighting psychological safety, equity and inclusion, supportive infrastructure, academic integrity, and collaborative learning as critical elements. Drawing from relational-cultural theory and caring science, the presentation explores how these elements shape outcomes for students, faculty, and institutions. Common challenges—including incivility, limited resources, and faculty workload strain—are discussed alongside evidence-based strategies to foster resilience, collegiality, and organizational change. Implications for practice, policy, and research are identified, underscoring …

Integrating A3 Thinking To Drive Collaborative Clinical And Operational Improvements, Deltra Muoki, Sarah Fleming, Eliud Faz, Dan Hootman, Whitney Adams

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Introduction: Delivering high-quality care and achieving optimal outcomes rely on efficient clinical processes. Continuous improvement enhances care (Endalamaw et al., 2024), and staff should identify evidence-based solutions to drive change.

At this 350-bed Magnet-recognized hospital, clinical and operational teams worked in silos despite shared goals. Clinical staff used gap analyses, while operational teams applied A3 problem-solving to determine whether issues required kaizen events or quick fixes. A3 supports root cause analysis, targeted interventions, and outcome evaluation (Brennan & Wendt, 2021).

However, no standardized process existed for submitting or tracking gap analyses or A3s. In Q1 2025, only two A3s and …

Systematic Review Of Multi-Level Determinants And Equity Implications Of Mode Of Birth In The U.S., Abdul-Manaf Mutaru, Cynthia Nicole Lebron, Wonsuk Yoo, Alexa Parra, Lunthita Duthely, Thomas Mike O'Shea, Hudson P. Santos Jr.

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: Giving birth by surgical operation (cesarean birth) is linked to complications such as postpartum infection, rehospitalization, and respiratory issues in newborns. However, the cesarean rate remains high, accounting for 32.4% of all births in the United States (U.S.). Understanding the impact of factors beyond the individual level is crucial for developing interventions to reduce preventable cesarean births and promote health equity.

Purpose/Aim: This systematic review synthesized evidence from U.S.-based studies to identify factors beyond the maternal level that are associated with mode of birth (vaginal or cesarean).

Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for studies …

Making Fun Of The Leader Of The Free World: South Park And Its Critique Of Donald Trump, Kenneth H. Mcmillen

Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement

South Park is one of the cornerstones of American television. It also is a show that doesn’t shy away from controversy or social commentary. In its runtime it has taken aim at celebrities, world leaders, movements, and entire groups of people. The latest of its targets is President Donald Trump, who has been one of the central subjects of the shows two 2025 seasons. To examine how these episodes manage to critique trump so thoroughly without alienating his supporters, I ask the following research question: How does South Park use parody to make critiques about Donald Trump’s ego?  I …

Current Naming Conventions For Institutional Repositories At Us Colleges And Universities, Julia Doelling

Southern Miss Institutional Repository Conference

The first, and often the most daunting, task IR administrators take on when setting up their IR for the first time is answering the question of how it should be named. This is a question that may recur throughout the life of an institution's repository as it is updated and rebranded to remain consistent with the institution's marketing. In making decisions regarding branding and naming for an IR, knowledge of the practices of colleagues in the space is essential. In this poster, I showcase the current data on names and naming conventions used in Institutional Repositories at US colleges and …

Using Vortices To Probe Bose-Einstein Condensate Flow, Ian A. Iucker, Mark Edwards

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

We present a model for probing the flow of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) trapped in a double-target potential. A target potential BEC contains a disk-shaped condensate surrounded by a ring condensate. A double-target BEC consists of two overlapping target BECs. Flow can be induced in one ring of the double-target BEC and will persist in that ring if left undisturbed. When a barrier potential is applied in the overlap region it is possible for this flow to transfer to the other ring. The mechanism for this transfer can be probed by imprinting a small vortex at a point along the …

Steven Universe & The Phenomenon Of Family, Jabari J. Whipple

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

This research analyzes Steven Universe, a modern animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar, through a sociological lens to explore how contemporary media redefines the concept of family. The study examines how nontraditional caregiving structures and emotionally based kinship challenge the boundaries of the nuclear family model. Using the theoretical frameworks of symbolic interactionism and feminist theory, this paper interprets family as a social construction formed through love, care, and shared experience rather than biology alone. A purposive sample of fifteen episodes across seasons one, three, and five was analyzed for depictions of caregiving, gender roles, and emotional labor. Findings …

Effects Of A Context-Based Intervention On Sidelining Teacher Bias Towards Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Marisa Kortright

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

This study aims to investigate the impact of an empathetic intervention on pre-service teachers to minimize bias against students diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Behaviors typically associated with ADHD, such as inattention and hyperactivity, correspond to two primary categories that teachers identify as disruptive in the classroom (Sun & Shek, 2012). Numerous studies have demonstrated evidence of discrimination in the classroom against students diagnosed with ADHD (Cortnett-Ruiz & Hendricks, 1993; Metzger & Hamilton, 2021). Moreover, teachers frequently report feeling unprepared to support these students and experience increased stress levels (Green et al., 2002; Kirchhoff, 2023). Context-based interventions have successfully sidelined …

The Fischer-Tropsch Process For Diesel Synthesis: A Literature Review, Mayanne W. Beach

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Currently, the global energy grid and economy is highly dependent on crude oil, coal, and other non-renewable "fossil fuels". This dependence poses a variety of problems. The consumption of fossil fuels contributes to global warming and environmental pollution, and access to these fuels is often mired in geopolitical conflict. These roadblocks have driven a growing interest in researching the production of renewable fuels. One such production method is the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process for renewable synthesis of diesel from syngas. This review explores the FT process in detail, describing the mechanism, selectivity factors, product composition, and byproducts. The various choices of …

Navigating Hunger And Academic Success: College Students’ Experiences With Food Insecurity And Campus Food Pantries, Casey Weaver

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Food insecurity is a growing issue faced by many college students, and there is an increasing call for more qualitative research examining food insecurity on college campuses. It may be posited that students who experience food insecurity but have access to resources are more likely to succeed academically than those without access to such resources. This research examined how the resources provided to college students experiencing food insecurity influenced their academic success at a university in the United States. This study explored the experience of four students who identified as food insecure and utilized campus resources to address this issue. …

Assessing Decision Making Under Risk And Dynamic Task Environments In Humans, Dylan J. Cato

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

This research evaluates the theoretical foundations of recent embodied and enacted decision- making models(Baker., et al  2022) , specifically investigating whether "urgency" serves as a domain-general mechanism for reward-rate maximization. Across three experiments using a reward-performance contingency, we compare traditional decision-making frameworks with urgency-based theories to determine how participants navigate task demands and whether optimality assumptions hold (Reynaud, et al 2020). A primary focus involves testing whether motor excitability increases directly with evidence, or if "higher-level" deliberation occurs in parallel with se Using the Generalized Drift-Diffusion Model (GDDM) framework via PyDDM  (Shinn, et al 2020), we will …

Visitor Recreational And Purchasing Behavior At Perrot State Park, Madeline Palmer

Research & Creative Achievement Day

There is a need to widen the diversity of visitors and to enhance recreational experiences at state parks. This study evaluated visitor-reported metrics of recreational activities, purchasing behavior, and location preferences across a demographically diverse population at Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, Wisconsin. We compared park use across age classes and influence of visitor origin (zip code) and distance traveled on type of pass purchased (day versus annual). Data was collected via online surveys administered at Perrot State Park (n=77) through social media platforms (n=125). Findings indicated that the majority of visitors were traveling from within a 35-mile radius of …

Using Molecular Techniques To Determine The Different Echinostoma Species Found In The Diving Ducks And Dabbling Ducks Of Wisconsin, Emma R. Davis, Jaelyn Then, Sam T. Emery, Mackenzie L. Kastner, Ellie Sampson

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Echinostoma species are zoonotic intestinal trematodes that infect vertebrates through the consumption of infected aquatic intermediate hosts. Echinostomiasis in waterfowl can cause intestinal damage, weight loss, poor condition, reduce survival, and reproduction. The differences in the feeding habits of dabbling and diving ducks may impact their diet, so it can be assumed that these differences would impact the Echinostoma species that they harbor. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the dabbling ducks and diving ducks in Wisconsin host the same Echinostoma species, using molecular techniques. We compared one Gadwall (Maraca strepera) a dabbling duck from Trempealeau, WI, …

Investigating The Bioactivity Of Novel Β-Diketonate Complexes, Celeste Remolina, Dylan Wolfe

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Ruthenium β-diketonate complexes have emerged as promising chemotherapeutics due to their selective bioactivity against tumors. We assessed the bioactivity of novel synthesized ruthenium β-diketonate complexes on human cancer cells as well as wild-type cells. Using cell growth assays, we screened candidate ruthenium complexes and determined the IC50 value for effective candidates. Here we present a model for ruthenium-mediated growth inhibition

The Impact Of Social Emotional Learning Interventions On Students, Kaiya J. Nelson

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has become increasingly prevalent in schools, with 83% of schools nationwide implementing SEL curricula or programs as of 2024, compared to 46% in 2018. In Minnesota, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework identifies five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—as foundational to student development. SEL supports students in managing emotions, building relationships, and making responsible choices, while fostering a positive and inclusive school climate. Despite growing adoption, challenges such as limited instructional time, the need for culturally responsive practices, adequate mental health staffing, and strong family …

Winona State University Admissions Internship, Emma P. Miller

Research & Creative Achievement Day

This project examines my internship experience with the Admissions Office at Winona State University, where I developed professional skills while supporting prospective students throughout the college admissions process. The internship provided hands-on exposure to student recruitment strategies, communication methods, and daily administrative operations within higher education. Throughout the experience, I assisted with campus visits, engaged with prospective students and their families, and responded to inquiries regarding coordinating large group visits with high schools across the state. I also contributed to outreach efforts, including event support and communication initiatives designed to increase student engagement and enrollment interest. These responsibilities allowed me …

Hiro Postcards, Kira A. Kainz

Research & Creative Achievement Day

For the course entitled Advanced Design Project (ART 375), we were given the assignment to create a design project of our choice. This project was to be created over the course of Fall semester with five different phases that were to be markers for progress. In terms of my own project, I was deeply inspired by the idea that design could connect us. And additionally, I wanted to explore novelty item design. Which is the reason my brand Hiro Postcards it was it is today. In terms of the branding of Hiro Postcards, I decided to name it after my …

Testing A New Amplifier For Affordable Radio Astronomy, Liyu Liu

Research & Creative Achievement Day

We started this project for building affordable radio astronomy equipment for people to experiment in a professional way. The same equipment and techniques are used in real-world systems, including wireless communication, radar, and satellite technology. We built a system, which was simple and efficient, but the amplifier we selected was no longer produced. Now we are testing out a new amplifier to compare the performance to the old. The gain of the amplifier and bandpass of the filter was comparable to the original device. Next, we are testing for external interference with a handheld RF signal generator. This experiment is …

Low-Velocity Impact Behavior Of Reinforced Commodity And High-Performance Thermoplastic Composites, Yubo Ma

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The low velocity impact behavior and compression after impact performance of glass fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol (GF/PETG), glass fiber reinforced amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (GF/PETa), and carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) thermoplastic composites were investigated to compare impact resistance across different material properties and cost levels. Quasi-isotropic laminates were fabricated by compression molding and subjected to drop weight impact at energy levels of 10, 15, and 20 J/mm, followed by compression after impact testing in accordance with ASTM D7136M and D7137 standards. Impact force response, energy absorption characteristics, and damage development were evaluated to assess material behavior under …

An Analysis Of Letters From Second World War Veteran Dr Marvin Palecek, Kyle M. Pike, Alec C. Shopek, Riley J. Nelson, Olivia Kaether, Alexis R. Miller

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Our presentation showcases the letters and experiences of Doctor Marvin Palecek, a Second World War Veteran and former Chair of the Winona State University History Department. As a soldier of the 45th Infantry Division, Dr Palecek participated in several major campaigns of the Second World War. Through his letters, Dr Palecek reveals a harrowing, gritty, emotional and empowering story of military service at the height of the largest conflict in human history. Our access to Dr Palecek’s letters was made possible by coordinating with his son, Glen. This presentation was assembled by a team of student historians who have been …

Does Improved Reaction Time Correlate With Improvements In Sport Performance? A 10-Week Smart Reaction Training Intervention In Division Ii Collegiate Football Athletes, Caleb M. Forst, Christopher C. Mayer

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Introduction: Neurocognitive reaction time plays a critical role in football performance by influencing perceptual processing speed, decision-making, and motor execution. Slower reaction time has been associated with increased injury risk and reduced neuromuscular control, yet limited longitudinal research exists within Division II collegiate football populations. This study examined whether a 10-week smart reaction training program improves reaction time and whether these improvements are associated with performance outcomes, measured by the number of accurate hits. Methods: Thirty-one athletes from the Winona State Football team began the intervention and were divided into position groups (QB, WR, DL, OL); 19 completed the study. …

History Showcase 2026: A Celebration Of Undergraduate Research, Winona State University-History & Legal Studies Department

Research & Creative Achievement Day

History Showcase 2026

WSU Research and Creative Achievement Day

Department of History & Legal Studies

A celebration of undergraduate research

2:00pm Welcome Professor Erik Heinrichs

2:05pm Senior Thesis Presentations, Panel I

• Travis Franzen, “On the Development of Early Modern Plague Theology in the Church of England”
• Riley Nelson, Title TBD
• Sophia Riedel, “This Land Is Your Land Until It's Not: The Arkansas Government and Japanese Americans in Internment Camps, 1940s”

2:45pm Senior Thesis Presentations, Panel II

• Brennen Hodnefield, “The Emergence of Gay Activism Amidst Government Suppression”
• Madyson Fischer, “Listening to Voices: Indigenous Roles in the Environmental Justice Movements of the …

Fastenal Internship And Kpi Tracker Project, Tyler T. Schaack

Research & Creative Achievement Day

From my internship at Fastenal, I have been able to learn and apply many skills from my classes into my day-to-day work. In the supply chain department of Fastenal there are many things' planners must keep an eye on to ensure proper and sufficient supply for our customers. Working for a big company means that there are lots of unique parts and plans that need to be constantly reviewed to keep everything accurate. Before starting my project there was no good way of organizing and tracking what improvements need to be made to our parts. Using Excel, Power Query, and …

Using Fluorimetry And Spectroscopy For Quantitative Analysis Of Biomaterial-Derived Carbon Dots, Kahun N. Vue

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Carbon Dots (CDs) are renowned for having great quantum yield, absorption, electron transfer, and stability. Biomaterial-derived carbon dots are eco-friendly nanomaterials synthesized through the carbonization and condensation of organic surface groups. This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of CDs derived from various biomaterial precursors, including chitosan, cellulose, β-keratin, α-keratin, and amylose derived from chitosan, corn husk, chicken feathers, human hair, and potato skin respectively. Hydrothermal and purification methods were used to develop a green, cost-effective synthesis while evaluating the eco-friendliness and sustainability of the resulting nanomaterials. The physicochemical properties of each CD were evaluated based on fluorescence intensity, …

How The Social Determinants Of Health Shaped The Covid-19 Pandemic, Grace K. Tjossem

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that significantly impact health outcomes, well-being, and quality of life. They play a critical role in population health and contribute to widespread health disparities and inequities. The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the extent to which the SDOH were associated with COVID-19 health outcomes and assess the strength of the relationship if one existed. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the role social determinants played during and after the pandemic. Findings from the review indicate that a significant portion of health outcomes are determined by the …

Gender Of Perpetrator And Political Affiliation In Relation To Violence Myth Acceptance, Kylie S. Buck, Paige Christianson, Kaiden Barnes, Kyra Nelson

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Increasing political polarization has left political parties at an impasse regarding having bipartisan conversation about pressing social issues including rape and domestic violence. The present study examined how different demographic factors influence perceptions of interpersonal violence. It was hypothesized that identification by political status, abuse type, and perpetrator would yield different results. Using an online survey, participants (N = 223, 81% female, 88% white, 48% republican, 35.4% freshman) were randomly assigned to 1 of 8 scenarios describing differing instances of interpersonal violence. Results from a three way between groups ANOVA indicated that republicans view domestic violence and rape as a …

Parasite Prevalence In Local Grasshopper Populations, Lucia B. Freund, Ali Gronquist

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Spur-throated grasshoppers (genus Melanoplus) are a common agricultural pest in North America. Spur-throated grasshoppers are also a common host to several parasitic organisms. Horsehair worms (phylum Nematomorpha) are parasitic organisms known for their ability to manipulate the behavior of its insect host, particularly grasshoppers and crickets, by urging the host to enter water so it can complete its life cycle. Along with being a host to parasitic worms, they are a frequent target of grasshopper mites. Grasshopper mites (Eutrombidium locustarum) is a short-lived parasite that can negatively influence the reproductive ability of their host. Because grasshoppers are a major agricultural …

Prediction Of Soccer Match Result With Machine Learning, Pronob Kumar

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Predicting soccer match outcomes is difficult due to the low-scoring nature, frequent draw outcomes, and other factors. This project used a historical dataset from European leagues spanning 1960 to 2024 to develop supervised machine learning models for predicting match results. The dataset included various features related to match conditions, team information, and historical performance. The study compared multiple machine learning models, including logistic regression, decision trees, XGBoost, and random forest, with a regression-based baseline model. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, confusion matrices, ROC curves, and AUC metrics. Preliminary results indicate that machine learning models outperform the baseline model in …

Gender Studies Scholarship: An Examination Of Midwest Professors Who Teach Gender Studies, Mena Faber

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field spanning higher education institutions globally, yet the experiences of scholars withing specific regional contexts remain understudied. This study aims to examine the loved personal and pedagogical experiences of gender studies and gender communication scholars in the Midwest. Using a qualitative approach, semi structured interviews were conducted to explore participants' experiences, perceived pressures, and responses to the current political and academic climate. Interview questions focused on the challenges scholars face as well as the communicative practices they adopt in response to shifting attitudes toward gender studies. This research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding …

The Experiences Of Pediatric Nurses, Madeline J. Vitzthum, Julia R. Bangert

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Background and Purpose: Nursing is a specialty that requires deep clinical knowledge and skill but also high levels of emotional engagement. This is most apparent in pediatric nursing. Pediatric nurses are the nurses who care for societies' most precious and vulnerable population, and because of this, pediatric nurses' experiences may differ from those who care for adults. However, there is a noticeable gap in the existing literature that specifically describes the unique challenges and benefits of this nursing specialty. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of pediatric nurses and to identify the strategies they use to …