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Guide To The School Of Peace Studies Dean Papers (University Of San Diego), University Of San Diego School Of Peace Studies

University Records

The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego was founded in 2007 under President Mary E. Lyons in order to expand the active peacebuilding mission of the Institute for Peace and Justice. With the creation of this school, the study of peace and justice at USD grew from a minor and small masters program run by another academic unit into an undergrad major and later graduate program centering on peace and justice, social innovation, humanitarian action, conflict management and resolution, and restorative justice. Father William R. Headley was selected as the inaugural dean of …

Are There Ecological Consequences Of Urban Adaptation? A Test Of Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics In A Terrestrial Isopod (Oniscus Asellus), Aaron Yilmaz, Grace Bellino, Ryan A. Martin

Faculty Scholarship

Urbanization affects many aspects of the environment with the potential to alter both ecological and evolutionary processes. However, while examples of urban evolution are accumulating, tests of urban eco-evolutionary dynamics are rare. We carried out a reciprocal transplantation experiment using the terrestrial isopod Oniscus asellus to test how adaptation to the urban heat island influenced ecological processes. As isopods are important decomposers, we asked if leaf-litter decomposition differed among reciprocal transplant treatments and used a separate laboratory experiment to isolate the effects of temperature on rates of isopod leaf consumption. We found that leaf-litter decomposition was greater in urban habitats, …

Owning The Green Grid: The Political Economy Of Renewable Energy Policy Design, Joshua A. Basseches

Faculty Scholarship

How corporate ownership of the electricity grid matters to state-level renewable energy policymaking.

Historically (and for the foreseeable future), most public policy action in the United States to combat the global climate crisis has taken place at the state level. Former President Joe Biden’s administration marked a significant departure from that trend, as his policies pursued a strategy of “electrify everything” (transportation, buildings, and industry). But who owns the electricity system that is the linchpin of such a strategy, and how does this ownership affect the policy preferences of interest groups at the state level? Owning the Green Grid addresses …

Impact Of A Revised Educational Training Process On Improving The Efficiency Of Primary Care Mental Health Integration (Pcmhi) Referrals, Demesia Brown

DNP Projects

Timely access to mental health care remains a challenge for new Veterans entering primary care at the Meridian Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). Although a Microsoft Teams warm hand-off referral system to Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) was available, referrals were inconsistently initiated, limiting use of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) and reducing opportunities for same-day access. This quality improvement project examined whether revising the educational training process for CBOC staff would improve referral efficiency and increase same-day PCMHI encounters for new Veterans. Guided by Orem’s Self-Care Framework, the intervention consisted of monthly educational sessions from June to December …

Supplemental Files For "From Knowledge To Practice: Deia Perspectives, Faith-Based Policies, And Job Postings", Sarah E. Keil, Meredith Ader, Gina K. Bolger, Ryan Yoakum

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Supplemental files for the book chapter, "From Knowledge to Practice: DEIA Perspectives, Faith-Based Policies, and Job Postings." Tge job posting spreadsheet and reference list are available below.

Job Posting Spreadsheet

The PDF of the Job Posting Spreadsheet includes the following items:

• A comprehensive spreadsheet of the job ads used in this project, with additional information about the institution included (DEIA statement, affiliations, accreditation, etc.)

• A spreadsheet with other information about the institutions, including links to statements of faith, missional documents, etc.

• A spreadsheet with information about how DEIA is defined by various organizations and accrediting bodies

• Color coding key

• An …

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Skin Cancer Education And Prevention In The College-Age Population, Amanda Altman, Elizabeth Honeycutt-Bolton, Ethan Moore, Kimberly Watkins

MSN Research Projects

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States; although through consistent sun-protective behaviors and early education, it is preventable. Despite the availability of evidence-based prevention strategies, young adults continue to engage in behaviors that increase their risk for ultraviolet (UV) exposure and skin cancer. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to assess skin cancer knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors among college-age students. Guided by Pender’s Health Promotion Model, a cross-sectional survey was distributed to 208 college students between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 30 …

Healthcare Provider Confidence And Practices In Human Trafficking Screening, Regan Moore, Robyn Slaton, Madison Tolbert, Mandy Wedgeworth

MSN Research Projects

Human trafficking is a growing public health crisis that affects millions of individuals worldwide and often remains undetected within healthcare settings. Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to identify trafficked persons; however, limited training, inconsistent screening practices, and lack of confidence hinder effective identification and intervention. The purpose of this descriptive quantitative study was to examine healthcare provider confidence in identifying and reporting trafficked persons and to explore current screening practices and barriers to identification. Data were collected using a 17-question anonymous survey distributed electronically to healthcare providers engaged in direct patient care, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors …

Assessing The Possibilities And Speculations Of Blended Teaching-Learning (Btl) Based On The Online Teaching-Learning (Otl) Experience During Covid-19 In Bangladesh, Nazmun Chaitee

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

This research paper investigates the potential and viability of implementing Blended Teaching Learning (BTL) in Bangladesh, drawing on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 Online Teaching Learning (OTL) practice experiences. The study specifically focuses on examining the advantages and challenges encountered by teachers and students in online classes during the pandemic. Through a mixed-methods approach, including questionnaire surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs), data was collected from secondary-level teachers and students in Bangladesh. The findings highlight the dedicated efforts made by educators and students in embracing and adapting to online education during the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, the study identifies …

Clinical Correlates Of Insomnia Symptoms In Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Megan L. Wenzell, Stephanie Griggs, Camdyn Roark, Megha Patil, Manav Patel

Faculty Scholarship

Objective: To examine clinical correlates of insomnia symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder ascertained from a general outpatient autism clinic. Study design: This analysis included 103 children with autism spectrum disorder (mean age = 5.8 ± 2.2 years; range 2-10, 77.7% male). A multidisciplinary team assessed medical and psychosocial histories using parent ratings from the Pediatric Autism Insomnia Rating Scale (PAIRS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory, and the Parent Health-Related Quality of Life and Family Functioning and Family Functioning Surveys. Height and weight were collected. Children in the current sample with scores on the PAIRS …

Student Representation In Classroom Libraries: Teachers’ Influences And Reflections, Yaoeun Lieu

Education Dissertations

Classroom libraries are a staple within a classroom. They house books which students have access to and are used for various reasons such as independent reading practice, partner reading, and for read alouds. The student population in the United States is growing more diverse with every passing year. The purpose of this study is to research whether K-2 students in Washington are proportionately represented within their classroom libraries, to examine the factors teachers take into consideration when purchasing books for their classroom library, and to investigate how those factors change after their classroom libraries are audited and placed in context …

Still The Same Daughter, Still Your Friend: How Social Media Enables Role Continuity In Transnational Relationships, Sahar Abedikedenji

Research Papers

No abstract provided.

‘Politics! Not My Thing!’:The Misrepresentation Of Anne Boleyn In Six: The Musical, Natalie M. Bowen

UROP Posters

With the rise of Hamilton and Come From Away, stage musicals have become the next hottest form of historical reenactment, and the six wives of Henry VIII are no exception. These modern spins on Tudor history are typically riddled with inaccuracies that leave audiences with a skewed idea of Tudor England. The wives of Henry VIII, in particular, are the victims of centuries of historically inaccurate fictional media. Six: The Musical is a modern musical spin on this centuries-old story, following the six wives of Henry VIII as they reclaim their narratives in a pop concert competition on who had …

Poster Presentation: Language And Educational Equity: Understanding The Unequal Opportunities Of Minority Language Learners In Multilingual Societies, Yiwei Guo

Holmes Scholars Collection

No abstract provided.

“America Is For Americans Only”: Journalistic Professionalism, Populism, And Latino Ethnic Media In The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, Maria Villarroel

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines how journalistic professionalism shaped news coverage of Latino-related issues during the 2024 U.S. presidential election across mainstream and Latino ethnic media outlets. In a polarized political environment, immigration and the “Latino vote” were not only central campaign issues but also sites of radicalized rhetoric that frequently targeted Latino communities and journalists. In this context, journalists were tasked with reporting on highly contentious, hostile narratives while adhering to professional norms. This study argues that these norms influenced how journalists selected, framed, and contextualized political rhetoric, and how media coverage further elevated immigration and Latino communities as key electoral …

Addressing Algorithmic Bias In Ai Journalism: A Toolkit For More Equitable Coverage Of Marginalized Communitie, Sierra Monet Worden

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This project addresses a critical gap in journalism reporting concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) when covering stories on marginalized communities. Partially as it relates to the bias that exists in artificial intelligence algorithms, and the lack of training that exists for the implementation of these tools. Journalists play a crucial role in providing accurate and fair information on marginalized communities, yet the implementation of AI presents a set of all new challenges and allows opportunities for more bias to make its way into news coverage. Existing resources for reporting focus more on ethics and less on how to …

South Asians And Renal Disease: Traditional Food Lists For Management Of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ashwini Wagle

Open Educational Resources

The renal food list is a culturally tailored nutrition education tool designed to address the specific dietary needs of the South Asian population. It is an original intellectual work created by Ashwini Wagle, Ed.D., MS, RD, FAND, Chair and Professor, Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging at San José State University (SJSU).

An earlier version of this tool was published in 2011 with the assistance of graduate student Kalpana Balasubramanian. The development of this renal food list was strengthened by the encouragement and support of the registered dietitian community, whose contributions included verifying the accuracy of the nutritional information …

Ma 250 – Evaluating & Creating With Genai, Mohamed Ben Zid

Open Educational Resources

In this assignment, students use Excel and ChatGPT to design, analyze, and interpret a regression model. They create visualizations, calculate the regression equation manually, and make predictions before consulting AI-generated feedback on their model’s strengths and limitations. Students then compare their own interpretation with ChatGPT’s insights, summarize their findings, and critically assess the model’s accuracy and real-world usefulness. The exercise develops quantitative reasoning, practical AI application, and reflective evaluation skills.

The Mercury 2026

The Mercury

No abstract provided.

Environmental Degradation And Food Systems In Ghana: Gold Mining And Synthetic Pesticides, Da'mirah Vinson

Honors Theses

This research examines the relationship between environmental degradation and food systems in Ghana. Although sociological research has explored how extractive practices like gold mining dispossesses farmers of land (Gilbert and Albert 2016; Agariga 2021; Kwang and Blagogie 2025), the consequences for food sovereignty and security remain understudied. Research that considers food and land from a sociocultural perspective is even more limited. My research addresses these gaps by asking: How do environmental degradation practices—specifically gold mining and chemical use—affect food production, distribution, and security in Ghana? And how does the decline of arable land reshape cultural food identity? To explore these …

Always Green, Ever Living, Anna Plante

Honors Theses

The Creative Honors Thesis, “Always Green, Ever Living," is an experimental essay film that explores the complexities and contradictions of environmental conservation, up against the contemporary climate crisis. The film is centered on Muir Woods National Monument and follows a young girl's relationship with nature. The film reflects on how protected natural spaces are influenced by systems of funding, access, and interpretation, as well as broader environmental pressures. Using a combination of archival footage, original imagery, narration, and ambient sound, the project adopts the essayistic structure that prioritizes reflection over linear storytelling.

Teachers' Perceptions Of The Use Of The Language Essentials For Teachers Of Reading And Spelling (Letrs) Professional Development Training, Colette Burgess

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional development course has been participated in by educators across the United States. The LETRS training focuses on research-based methods and the science of reading. The five components of the science of reading guide the LETRS course. These components include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives and experiences of teachers from West Virginia schools who participated in the LETRS professional development course as a cohort. This study examined the questions: What are the perceptions of K-5 educators in implementing …

Unwanted Medical Treatment Harms Patients: Taxonomy Of Healthcare Consent Infractions, Thaddeus M. Pope

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.

9(B), Or Not 9(B), That Is The Question: Do Fraudulent Transfers Need To Be Pleaded With Particularity?, Matthew Kent Stiles

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.

Lissack V. Commissioner: How Might Lack Of Judicial Deference To Administrative Agencies, After Loper Bright Enterprises V. Raimondo, Affect Irs Regulations And Decisions Regarding Whistleblowers And Informants?, John R. Dorocak

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.

Zero Price, Real Harm: The Case For The Consumer Welfare Standard In U.S. V. Google And Future Big Tech Antitrust, Kyle Anderson

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.

Banned And Buried: The Color Of Censorship In American Education, Khala Carter

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.

Trampled Grasslands: The Development Of Human Trafficking Laws In Mongolia, Franco A. Loyola

Florida Atlantic University Undergraduate Law Journal

Changes in Mongolia’s constitutions and criminal codes during the democratic transition in the 1990s not only shaped the nation’s vulnerability to the fourth wave of human trafficking but also produced a legal trajectory that distinguishes Mongolia from its post-Soviet neighbors. The nation is unique as their legal history with anti-trafficking laws dates to the 15th century under the Qing Dynasty. Since independence from Qing rule, provisions against certain elements of human trafficking were preserved in Mongolia’s legal codes up to the modern democratic era; the strongest provisions being found within the old Soviet constitutions. However, upon the collapse of the …

Opera Houses In Aberdeen, Huron, And Watertown, Sd: 1880-1910s, Janet M. Meyer

Dissertations and Theses

In the 1880s, many newcomers arrived in Dakota Territory for a new start in Aberdeen, Huron, and Watertown. Their arrival coincided with the popularity of opera houses, so it was not surprising that entrepreneurs built opera houses in these new towns. The early opera houses included several benefits. They provided important gathering places for growing communities to hold meetings and social functions. The settler-colonial society included people from foreign countries and eastern states. Opera houses were also beneficial by providing familiar shows and concerts, perhaps some shows the residents previously enjoyed in their homes back east. Knowing that an entertainment …

Read But Not Understood? An Empirical Analysis Of Consumer Comprehension In Homeowners Insurance, Daniel Benjamin Schwarcz, Brenda Cude, Kyle D. Logue, German Marquez Alcala

Articles

Modern contract law assumes that consumers meaningfully assent to the standard forms that govern their daily lives. However, this assumption is widely regarded as a legal fiction for two key reasons: first, most consumers do not read standard forms, and second, even those who do often struggle to fully comprehend their terms and implications. Although the lack of consumer reading has been well documented through empirical research, consumers’ ability to comprehend standard-form contracts has received surprisingly little attention.

This Article addresses the latter issue by empirically examining whether providing excerpts from the dominant standard-form homeowners insurance policy improves consumer understanding …

Can Feedback Framing Improve Creative Problem-Solving? Examining The Effects Of Valence And Format, Ellie H. Tran

Psychology Theses

This study examined the role of feedback valence (positive vs. negative) and format (question vs. statement) in influencing creative performance. Grounded in self-determination theory, the study also tested whether feedback acceptance mediated the effects of feedback characteristics on creative outcomes. Psychology undergraduate students (N = 308) completed a creative task in which they generated and developed ideas for community-based projects addressing psychological issues. Participants were randomly assigned to receive positive or negative feedback presented either as a statement or a question, or to a no-feedback control condition. Creative performance was evaluated across three dimensions: originality, quality, and elegance. Results showed …