Digital Commons Network^™

Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) In Cave And Withrow Springs, Arkansas, Luke A. Ahlemeier

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The class of chemicals known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are believed to be widespread in the natural environment, but the full extent of PFAS prevalence is not well understood, particularly in karst springs. The objectives of this study were to (1) collect water samples from Cave Springs and Withrow Springs, Northwest Arkansas, (2) measure for concentrations of 40 PFAS compounds using EPA Method 1633, and (3) compare differences in PFAS concentrations and discuss potential sources of PFAS for each spring. Each spring was sampled on September 29, 2025, October 13, 2025, and November 10, 2025, and water samples …

A Systems Approach To Nitrogen Fertilizer Management: Modeling Emissions And Runoff Pathways In Arkansas Agriculture, Avonelle Lindon

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Nitrogen fertilizer management is a critical challenge in modern agriculture. This thesis develops a system dynamics model of nitrogen in Arkansas rice and corn systems to explore barriers to translating agricultural research into practical farmer guidance.  The modeling process revealed key challenges: (1) scarcity of Arkansas-specific factors and best management practice (BMP) effectiveness data; (2) tension between model comprehensiveness and accessibility; (3) misalignments in conservation incentive structures; and (4) difficulty in validating models without field measurements. The resulting model demonstrates basic nitrogen cycle processes and BMP integration, but validation against published literature revealed significant issues with predictive accuracy. These findings …

Understanding Grain Market Behavior: A Distributional Analysis Of Soybean And Corn Futures During Political And Global Disruptions, Caroline Brickey

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis analyzes soybean and corn futures over six years to evaluate how major global events influence volatility, price movement, and trader positioning. Using quantitative market data, the study identifies patterns of market sensitivity and event driven shocks, showing how uncertainty shapes commodity futures behavior and short term price dynamics during political and global disruptions.

Considerations When Designing In Vivo Protocols For Conducting Biomechanical Research Of The Shoulder Joint In Hockey Athletes, Kylie Giesler

Honors Program Theses

While the numbers and details of hockey-related injuries are variable across sources due to variations in sample age, sex, location, and confidentiality of many large hockey leagues, a 2023 narrative review study identified more than 100,000 upper extremity injuries documented in research since 2000. Nearly half of those injuries were to the shoulder with common injuries being acromioclavicular joint sprains, shoulder instability and dislocations, labral and rotator cuff tears, and clavicle fractures. In respect to the National Hockey League (NHL), the highest level of play in ice hockey, 12% of all injuries are to the shoulder, second only to head …

The Influence Of Composition On Porosity And Strength In Planetary Analog Saline Ices, Tara C. Tomlinson

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

This thesis investigates how composition influences the physical structure and mechanical behavior of saline ice, with implications for both terrestrial sea ice and the ice shells of ocean worlds such as Europa and Enceladus. This is done through a multi-pronged approach of both numerical modeling and laboratory experiments. Modeling results re- veal that small-scale parameter variations in porosity, permeability, and permeability fac- tor may produce large discrepancies when extrapolated to planetary scales, underscoring the need for improved experimental constraints on pore connectivity and thermochemical conditions. Laboratory analyses show that while total porosity is relatively uniform with depth, it varies strongly …

Reward Representation Learning, Gregory M. Hyde

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

The \emph{Markov decision process} (MDP) has long served as the canonical model for sequential decision-making. However, it assumes that the reward function is Markov with respect to a given state representation---an assumption that often does not hold in practice. Instead, agents typically only perceive streams of observations and actions and must infer the latent structure according to which reward unfolds over time. From this perspective, reward prediction is initially non-Markov, reflecting a mismatch between the agent's current representation and the underlying structure of the environment.

In this thesis, we advance the view that reward is not simply a signal to …

The Double Desert Dichotomy And Its Political Consequences, Sophie Coker

Political Science

Millions of Americans lack adequate broadband access. While there is a lack of clear consensus of the number of households without broadband services between Federal Communications Commission and independent estimates, one factor is clear: rural communities are disproportionately excluded from adequate broadband coverage. The same areas which lack broadband access find themselves in news deserts, or a community that is no longer covered by daily or nondaily newspapers. Moreover, there is a crossover between the communities underserved by broadband services and the communities lacking local news sources. Double deserts, where lack of broadband and local news access meet, are threats …

Protest, Power, And Democratic Accountability, Prajeeta Vaidya

Political Science

Around the world, organized forms of protest have become the central mechanism through which citizens attempt to hold political elites accountable and keep urgent public issues alive. Protest is not a new concept; it started from mass street mobilizations to digitally networked movements. Collective action increasingly serves as an alternative arena for exercising democratic voice when institutions appear unresponsive. Ancient Greece was the first to coin the word "democracy," meaning "rule by the people" (National Geographic, Democracy, n.d.). Elections, parties, and public institutions are designed to channel citizens' voices into policy outcomes, but in practice, these mechanisms often fall short. …

Multicultural Nationalism And The Politics Of Belonging In Australia, Grace Mancuso

Political Science

In contemporary political discourse, nationalism and multiculturalism are often stated to be fundamentally opposing forces. With nationalism emphasizing unity and shared identity, and multiculturalism emphasizing cultural diversity and difference. As the world becomes more interconnected and discourse around immigration has become rampant, many nations are looking for a way to unify their currently divided populations. Multicultural nationalism has been called upon by many scholars as a potential solution to growing divisions, especially in countries with high levels of social diversity such as Australia and the United States. However, many politicians and social scientists are skeptical of this notion fearing it …

Preserving The Past: Exploring The Last Frontier's Ecosystem Shifts And Biodiversity Of The Tallgrass Prairies, Gisell Maldonado, Amelia Villaseñor

Anthropology Undergraduate Honors Theses

In North America, grasslands are a cornerstone of the environment. Historically, the tallgrass prairie was expansive and reached from Manitoba in Canada to Texas. Today this unique ecosystem is highly fragmented and reduced, but it remains an important ecosystem for biodiversity and cattle management. While there are many complex ecological interactions in the prairie, recent research shows that large herbivores are vital in maintaining grasslands through grazing and other behaviors that reduce woody encroachment and support nutrient cycling. Here, we examine cow and bison dietary behaviors and connect these to the ecosystem services provided by these large herbivores. In the …

Sacred Spaces In The African Diaspora: Archaeology Of Praise Houses And The Cultural Preservation Of The Gullah/Geechee, Libby C. Holden

Anthropology Undergraduate Honors Theses

Historical archaeology is traditionally defined as the study of remains from past cultures and societies that have supplemental historical evidence, usually in the form of written records, with the rough timeline covering 1500-present.[1] African American archaeology is a relatively new subfield in historical archaeology. The first archaeological investigations focused in African American life occurred in the 1960s by Charles H. Fairbanks, a historical archaeologist of the U.S. Southeast based at the University of Florida.[2] The sudden uptick in interest of plantation archaeology and African American archaeology during this time is likely attributed to the passage of historic preservation …

Primate Craniofacial Trauma And Its Relationship To Socioecological Factors, Kaitlyn Harden R. Harden

Anthropology Undergraduate Honors Theses

Postmortem analysis of the skeleton can reveal patterns of trauma that have accumulated over an individual’s lifetime. Patterns of trauma within a species can also provide key insights into how that species lived and reflect aspects of their socioecology and life history. Research has been conducted often on postcranial trauma, but is rare regarding the craniofacial region and has not been examined broadly across primates. To fully understand patterns of trauma in primates, rates of trauma must be compared and placed into context of a variety of socioecological factors. To do so, I examined hypotheses including that species with higher …

Augmented Reality In Fashion Retail: A Walmart Unlimited Study, Chloe A. Mcpherson

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

As technology continues to evolve, augmented reality (AR) has become increasingly common within the retail and fashion industries. This study explored Gen Z consumers’ perceptions of immersive AR shopping experiences through Walmart Unlimited, an interactive digital shopping platform. The purpose of this research was to better understand how younger consumers respond to AR-enhanced shopping environments and whether these technologies influence attitudes toward convenience, engagement, and sustainability in retail.

A quantitative research design was used for this study. Participants completed the Walmart Unlimited shopping experience and then responded to a Qualtrics survey measuring areas such as immersion, satisfaction, ease of use, …

Historical Comparison Of Bridal Fashion Symbolism: Contrasting Queen Elizabeth Ii, Princess Diana, And Catherine, Princess Of Wales, Rebecca O'Dea

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to gain understanding and insight into the profoundness behind the practice of dress. Throughout history, royal attire has been used to demonstrate aspects about the individual and regency. Royal fashion served as an excellent area to narrow in on, due to the influential status, and high standards expected of their appearance and actions. This research project studied members of British royal family, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, and analyzed fashion elements of their wedding dresses. The examination of bridal fashion was conducted through thematic framework determining if the concepts …

Exploring The Significance Of Hyper-Feminine Fashion Within Gen Z, Riley D. Frymark

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examines the rise of hyper-feminine fashion within Gen Z and the role that social media plays in shaping trends. Through a social media content analysis, this study explores how hyper-feminine fashion and aesthetics gained popularity and how it is perceived by Gen Z women. The findings suggest that Gen Z associates hyper-feminine fashion with empowerment, agency, and a sense of nostalgia redefining and challenging traditional expectations of femininity. These findings informed a fashion design developed to reflect key themes and design elements identified in the content analysis such as a pink color palette, lace, bows, and ruffles. Overall, …

The World Of Counterfeits: How Fake Sneakers And Clothing Affect The Fashion Industry, Jake R. Watkins

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

Counterfeit sneakers and clothing continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, creating a global market valued between $400 and $800 billion and posing significant challenges for both consumers and fashion brands (Cardona, 2024). This study investigates the motivations behind counterfeit purchases, the economic and social factors that sustain counterfeit culture, and the effectiveness of current authentication resources. Using qualitative content analysis of discussions across 4 selected Reddit communities, the research identifies five dominant themes influencing counterfeit consumption: financial constraints, social display, authenticity and identity, ethical rationalization, and functional use. Findings reveal that consumers frequently turn to counterfeit goods due to …

The Impacts Of Doomscrolling On Adolescent Development, Neyssa Birotte

Education

Current research indicates that doomscrolling on social media negatively impacts one’s mental health and emotional well-being. The term “doomscrolling” refers to the act of scrolling excessively through distressing content on social media, often leading the individual down a rabbit hole of bad news. Doomscrolling can be associated with any type of distressing or traumatic event, such as school shootings or the COVID-19 pandemic. Being exposed to such negative content on a daily basis can be destructive to adolescents’ mental health. As a result, this can influence their ability to manage their own emotions in a healthy manner. Additionally, doomscrolling is …

Development Of A Novel Method For Simultaneously Testing Multiple Specimens To Evaluate Tension-Tension Fatigue Life, Mehedi Hasan Mahfuz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The aim of this study is to develop a novel method for rapidly evaluating the tension–tension fatigue life of metals. Fatigue failure, which occurs when materials gradually weaken and fracture under repeated loading, is a critical concern in designing safe and reliable structures such as airplanes, cars, and bridges. Traditional fatigue testing methods are slow, costly, and typically limited to one specimen at a time. To address this, a high-throughput testing method was developed that allows multiple small-scale specimens to be tested simultaneously while following international testing standards. Using stainless steel sub-sized specimens scaled at 1:5 relative to the ASTM …

Leveraging The Iron Oxide Archive Of Mineralization, Deformation, And Exhumation Across Geologic Time, Jordan L. Jensen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The iron oxide mineral hematite commonly forms from groundwater near Earth’s surface and can preserve a history of fluid flow, fault slip, and landscape evolution. This record can be decoded using (U-Th)/He thermochronology, a dating method based on the temperature-sensitive ingrowth of helium from uranium and thorium decay. Because later heating and natural variation in hematite crystals can produce ambiguous (U-Th)/He results, I integrate dating with tools that reveal differences in hematite chemistry and textures. I apply these techniques to two distinct settings: ancient granitic rocks in Colorado and an active fault zone in the southern San Andreas fault (SSAF) …

A Dyadic Mixed Methods Study Of An Online Asynchronous Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Intervention For Individuals Diagnosed With Dementia And Their Caregivers, Gavin Brendan Green

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming for both the person diagnosed and the people who care for them. Many experience stress, uncertainty, and emotional strain, yet most support programs require significant time and are difficult to access. This study examined a brief, online program called the Compassion Compass, designed to provide early emotional support for both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

The program is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and can be completed in about 30–45 minutes. It focuses on helping individuals notice difficult thoughts and emotions, reconnect with what matters to them, and take small, …

Where Were Women?: Women In The United States Intelligence Organizations From The Office Of Strategic Services To The Central Intelligence Agency, Madison Harris

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

United States intelligence historians have largely neglected the importance of women’s intelligence labor as well as the centralized intelligence organizations that existed from World War II to the early years of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) – including the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), Strategic Service Unit (SSU), and Central Intelligence Group (CIG). While assumptions about women in intelligence work during this period are usually drawn from stereotypical portrayals in popular media, such as books and movies, this thesis utilized statistical data and other agency sources to build a broader understanding of women’s actual labor.

This thesis demonstrates that women …

From Classroom To Courtroom: Understanding Real Pathways Into Legal Careers, Timothy S. Troxel

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This study examines how legal professionals describe their preparation for legal and law-adjacent careers, with the goal of identifying practical guidance for college students entering the field. Existing literature on legal career preparation often emphasizes measurable qualifications, while offering broad or generalized advice. At the same time, research on career development highlights the importance of experiential learning and mentorship, suggesting a gap between formal guidance and lived experience. To explore this gap, this study conducted interviews with ten legal professionals across a range of roles and experience levels. Participants were asked about their backgrounds, career paths, skill development, and other …

The Role Of Perceived Perpetrator Centrality In Intentions To Express Or Confront Sexist Behaviors, Anna G. Miller

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Confronting sexist acts (e.g., by saying, “That was sexist!”) has been empirically shown to reduce others’ sexist behaviors. However, bystanders are often reluctant to confront sexist acts, particularly when perpetrators of sexism are perceived as high in status. Prior studies have operationalized status in terms of organizational rank. However, individuals may also have status by virtue of their connections to other group members, which I investigate in the present study. Participants with full-time work experience (N = 451) were asked to read a vignette describing a sexist incident in which a male perpetrator of sexism had many (vs. few) …

Teacher–Student Relationship Quality As A Predictor Of Effective Classroom Leadership, Ty P. Rockwell

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

A teacher is the leader of their classroom. Strong teachers manage classroom climate, deliver engaging instruction, support students’ academic outcomes, and form lasting relationships with students. This study examined whether teacher–student relationship quality predicts student engagement, academic success, and subject interest, and whether classroom psychological safety and perceived teacher support help explain those links. Drawing on leader-member exchange (LMX) theory and educational psychology, the study treated teachers as classroom leaders and asked University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) undergraduates to recall either a positive or a negative experience with a high school core-course teacher. A total of 128 participants completed …

Post-Quantum Cryptography Encryption Implementation For Messaging App, Callum S. Ward

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

This paper and complementary capstone project aim to explore the state of post-quantum cryptography today by defining the algorithms with which quantum computers can decipher modern asymmetric cryptographic algorithms in exponentially accelerated time, exploring national standards body NIST’s recommendations to circumvent these weaknesses with post-quantum solutions, and implementing recommended algorithms in my group’s project for the UNO Computer Science Capstone course, LockTalk. After having decided on ML-KEM for quantum-resistant asymmetric key transfer and AES-256 for symmetric message encryption and decryption, I was able to cryptographically encode messages to obscure their plaintext values from communication interceptions without any discernible increase in …

Blockchain Message Integrity For Messaging App: Python-Based Implementation Of Blockchain-Backed Verification And Tamper Detection, Brendan J. Farrell

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

With the rapid development and use of digital communication, the need for maintaining the integrity and authenticity of transmitted information becomes more pressing than ever.  However, existing methods of data exchange have several flaws and drawbacks such as reliance on centralized networks which are subject to manipulation, modifications, and potential failures.  Thus, the current project offers an innovative approach to improving the integrity and detection capabilities of messages in real-time communication platforms using the power of blockchain technology.  The proposed solution uses the inherent features of blockchain-based systems to ensure secure and safe message transmission.

Artistic Embodiment: The Role Of Art-Based Research In Communicating Disability Experiences, Juliana Scheopner

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Visual art has immense potential to communicate complex experiences of disability. As a disabled artist, I am interested in how disability has been portrayed in artwork, particularly in how other disabled artists choose to represent their lived experiences. Through art-based research, this study explores how disabled artists have used portraiture to depict their disability. Selected art includes work from Frida Kahlo, Deborah Padfield, Persimmon Blackbridge, and the author. Following an analysis of literature, selected artworks, and salient disability scholarship, emergent themes were identified. The focus on the complexity of disability experiences demonstrated the importance of considering a wide range of …

The Self-Perception & Identity Of Latino Men: Looking At The 2024 Presidential Election & Its Impact On Latino Communities, Lucia M. Revollo

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

In the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election and under the second Trump administration, Latino and immigrant community has experienced significant sociopolitical impacts. During the presidential campaigning of the elections, media narratives focused on the male Latino voters as a contributing factor to this presidential election. However, this was not as big of a contributor as the media and research centers are portraying. This study addresses critical gaps in existing research by examining the self-perception and identity of Latino men and how these factors shaped their voting decisions in the 2024 presidential election. Especially looking at the current trends in …

Tarot - Reimagined: Monotype Tarot Landscapes, Eleanor B. Nelson

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Printmaking is a form of artmaking that utilizes transferring marks from the matrix to the final piece of paper, often through a press. These processes are able to create an edition of multiple identical prints. This is typically considered the highlight of using print processes; however, the process of making monotypes allows for one original piece. Through the process of researching and creating watercolor monotypes, I made a collection of ten original pieces, all depicting different landscapes throughout the Tarot deck. Each piece is 9” x 12” printed on a 13” x 17” piece of paper and created with watercolor, …

The Lasting Impact: Aces, Foster Care Placement, And Lifespan Development, Abigail J. Luth

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Research shows that children in foster care experience adverse childhood experiences at a disproportionately high rate. This significantly impacts developmental, and health outcomes across ones lifetime. Through interviews with field specialists and individuals with experience in foster care, a qualitative analysis was conducted to identify thematic responses and draw conclusions. Interviewees were briefed on the project and gave consent to participate. Key findings included a high ACE score prevalence among foster youth as well as a need for stability in home placements. Further research should be done to look into how professionals can help make the transition into foster care …