Digital Commons Network^™

Case Report: Spontaneous Gastric Intramural Hematoma With Intramural Dissection, Pedro De Castro, Rachel Steffes, John Surbeck, Anthony Melillo, Vince Narciso, Mohsin Soliman

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Turning Yellow On Rhythm Control: Dofetilide And The Unexpected Cholestatic Storm, Tejaswi Vadde, Mohammad Mahfouz, Prithvi Basu Roy, Subuhee Ahmed, Archana Machavarapu, Chelsea Curry

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Presentation And Application Of External Fixator Kickstand De-Rotational Bar Modification, Speros Gabriel, Grace Thiel, Cameron Sprong, Molly Black

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

When A Rare Neuromuscular Disorder Meets Covid-19: A Challenging Case Of Myotonic Dystrophy In The Intensive Care Unit, Pradeep Rajbhandari, Lawrence San Jose, Michael Waxman

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Dapagliflozin On Diastolic Function In Asymptomatic Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Observational Study, Pankti Shah, Kumar Abhishek, Pratyush Kumar, Aradhana Pandey

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Xylazine Associated Progressive Cutaneous Ulcerations With Non-Injectable Fentanyl Use, Briana Saravanan-Dougherty, Gazala Parvin

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Precipitated By Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Use, Karin Cha, Sparshitha Adapa

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Interventions To Reduce 30-Day Re-Hospitalization Rates In Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Systematic Review, Pradeep Rajbhandari, Karl E. Minges, Lawrence San Jose, Michael Waxman

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Retrospective Correlation Analysis Of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes In Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Examining Associations With Tumor Grade, Histologic Grade, And Lymph Node Status At A Tertiary Hospital In The Philippines, John Paul Ladera, Duebrt Guererro

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

A Study Of Adaptive Reuse Of A Decommissioned Golf Course Through A Nature-Based Approach: Woodhaven Golf Course, Fort Wort Texas., Justin B. Watson Mr.

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses

Across the nation, golf courses are shutting down due to a lack of demand. Golf course developments began in the United States in the early 1950s During that era, demand for golf courses and housing was high. As golf’s popularity grew, developers saw golf courses in developments as high value-add amenities (Grooms, 2010). During the late 1990s and early 2000s, developers across the country raced to construct as many golf course communities as they could even as the number of golfers leveled out (Downey,2011).

Decommissioned golf courses across Texas are being underutilized as potential amenities for both the local community …

Elementary Teachers' Perceptions On Mtss, Inclusion And Instructional Pedagogy, Sarah Mccusker

All Capstone Projects

The purpose of the study was to examine elementary teachers’ perceptions of the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) implementation process, their understandings of inclusion, and the ways these beliefs informed their pedagogy. To gain deeper insight into these dynamics, a phenomenological approach was employed, in which elementary educators were invited to participate in interviews that focused on the MTSS process in their school contexts. Findings revealed teachers’ interpretations of inclusive classrooms, their perceptions of MTSS frameworks, and the strategies they used to address students’ academic and behavioral needs while recognizing individual strengths. Teachers shared their beliefs about students who do …

The Evolution Of California Wildfire Governance Through State Bills, Regulations, And Executive Actions, Cassandra Dawn Blevins

History and Political Science | Senior Theses

California faces an escalating wildfire crisis, driven by climate change, drought, and development in fire-prone areas. Despite decades of scientific research on wildfire behavior and risk reduction, catastrophic fires since 2017 raise a critical question: to what extent have California state laws and policies kept up with the intensifying wildfire crisis? Existing scholarship provides extensive insight into wildfire ecology, land-use planning, fuel management, and community resilience, yet it lacks a comprehensive evaluation of whether California’s legislative, regulatory, and executive actions have adapted in a coordinated and evidence-informed manner. In particular, the literature offers limited analysis of how state laws integrate …

Immigration Policy Priorities In The Carter And Reagan Administrations, Sulgi Kim

History and Political Science | Senior Theses

Historically, immigration policy has been important for the United States. It has shaped the nation’s economy, demographics, and political landscape. In each presidential administration, immigration has been addressed differently, shaped by a combination of political, economic, and international factors. While scholars such as Higham (1956), Zolberg (2008), and Pineau and Waters (2016) have examined the events leading up to and the effect of various immigration policies, the literature has not focused on a critical actor in immigration policy: the president. This thesis asks what factors shaped the immigration policy priorities of Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan? This study used …

Teacher Mental Health And Student Success: Examining The Impact Of Educator Well-Being On Classroom Outcomes, Caleb Stiles

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between teacher mental health and student success through a review of current and foundational research. The purpose of the study was to explore how teacher stress, burnout, and emotional well-being influence student outcomes across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains. The literature revealed that teacher burnout negatively affects instructional quality, classroom climate, and teacher-student relationships, all of which are essential to student achievement and engagement. Research also showed that teachers with higher self-efficacy and stronger emotional regulation skills are better equipped to manage stress and create supportive learning environments. Organizational factors such as leadership support, workload …

Balancing Structure And Autonomy: A Coaching Approach To Classroom Leadership In Secondary Education, Violeta Morelos Gomez

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review explores how middle and high school teachers can balance leading their classrooms while also supporting students in a coaching role to help them make positive academic and behavioral choices. It looks at key ideas like clear expectations, giving students choices, building strong relationships, keeping students engaged, and using fair and respectful practices. Research shows that students learn best when teachers create clear routines, support them, and give them opportunities to take responsibility. When students feel safe, respected, and understood, they are more willing to participate and learn. Also, coaching practices, such as listening to students and guiding …

Executive Function Development And Academic Outcomes: Instructional Practices And Implications For Students With Disabilities, Sean P. Trewin

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Executive Function (EF) plays a significant role in academic achievement, behavior regulation, emotional development, and long-term life outcomes for students with disabilities (Pfeifer et al., 2021). This literature review examined the development of EF skills, factors that influence EF growth, evidence-based practices used to best support students with disabilities, and how EF effects the lives of students with disabilities with ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and SLD (Specific Learning Disability) in particular. Research showed that EF skills develop progressively from early childhood through adolescence and are shaped by many factors such as neurological, environmental, and social influences …

Biomechanical Correlations Between The Pogo Hop Test And Running In Recreational Runners, Matt Klein, Brandon Kuske, Alex Gonzalez, Kealani Ontai, Jared Miller, Taylor Beachy, Jakob Lawrence, Robin Dorociak

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The Problem

48.31 million Americans participated in running in 2023, with an injury incidence of 40.2% ± 18.8%

Objective biomechanical criteria for return to running (RTR) remain underdeveloped

Single-leg hop tests are among the most commonly used functional screens despite limited biomechanical validation for their correlation to running 2, 8, 10, 12, 14

The Biomechanical Rationale

Running propulsion depends on cyclical joint moments and positive power at the ankle, knee, and hip through rapid stretch-shortening cycles, a demand maximal discrete hop tests do not replicate ⁹

Repetitive single-leg pogo hopping shares the submaximal, rhythmic, cadence-dependent loading pattern of running 5, …

Influences Of Ankle Strength And Power On Gait Characteristics, Clinical Outcomes, And Social Measures Of Health In Healthy Older Adults, Tyson Barrington, Wesley Clawson, Carleigh Delapp, Kylie Hull, Brecken Rudy, Christen Johnson, Gabe Haberly, Ruth Holloran

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

What factors lead to satisfactory living for older adults?

Can clinicians utilize these factors to generate successful outcomes with their patients?

Clinicians often examine muscle strength, muscle power, balance, and gait speed to assess functional capacity

No current literature investigating the importance or correlation of these measures • Purpose: Explore the relationships between plantarflexion strength and power, gait speed, and social participation in healthy older adults

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Education For Spanish Speakers Assessing Empowerment Through Education: Preliminary Findings, Tess Swake, Kira Negrete, Marisela Trenado-Alba, Erika Benitez, Alessandra Peraza-Aguillón

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The Problem: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) disproportionately impacts the US Latinx population, who experience up to a 1.8x higher rate of urinary incontinence, yet they face significant language and cultural barriers in healthcare.

The Gap: Current Spanish educational materials often exceed recommended reading levels, and published research on pelvic health physical therapy tailored for primary Spanish speakers is non-existent.

The Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of accessible Spanish-language materials (text, graphics, and video) in empowering patients by improving their knowledge of pelvic anatomy, common conditions, and baseline health.

Closing The Gap: How Does Same-Day Pt Access Transform Primary Care?, Lupita Alegria, Rosario Huerta-Cardenas, Seth Kobata, Madeline Melone, Champ Robertson, Rebecca Dobler

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The evolution of physical therapy (PT) in a primary care setting represents a significant shift in musculoskeletal (MSK) management. While successfully utilized within the military and specific veteran health organizations, widespread adoption in the civililian sector is hindered by concerns regarding feasibility and sustainable reimbursement.

This study examines a novel implementation of primary-care PT at the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center in Newberg, OR. By utilizing a capitated payment model—rather than traditional fee-for-service—this research seeks to determine the operational feasibility of embedded PT services and their efficacy in optimizing patient-centered outcomes.

A special thank you to the Virginia Garcia Memorial …

Does Stance Width Influence Isoperception During Lower Extremity Loading, Emily Elwell, Cade Kooch, Andrew Meszaros

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Definition: Isoperceptual Manifold (IPM) is the combination of sensory inputs that covary to achieve a single perceptual goal

• → e.g. to hold a cup: perception from 3 fingers combine into a singular perceived force.

Background: IPM known to exist in upper extremities,¹ but IPM has not been examined in lower extremity (LE) loading.

Theory: IPM influenced by stance width might contribute to postural control instability^2,3

Motor Learning Of Ankle Control In People With Parkinson’S: Effects On Gait And Balance, Tessa Kitchel, Lanie Rodriguez, Riley Tishlarich, Courtney Vangiesen, Robin Dorociak, Pablo Burgos

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Ankle control is crucial for balance and gait and is often impaired in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

PD treatments, such as levodopa and deep brain stimulation, do not improve lower limb control or balance. ^{1, 2}

Individuals with PD still have the capacity for motor learning, even if motor performance is affected. ^{3, 4}

To date, no studies have investigated ankle training and balance in Parkinson’s Disease

Previous studies have shown that ankle training is beneficial for gait and balance in stroke. ⁵

The aim of the study is to evaluate the potential benefits of a single-joint training protocol …

Influences Of Lower Limb Strength And Rate Of Torque Development On Recovery From A Backwards Balance Loss, Allison Brist, Peyton Shimanek, Ly Vuthy, Chad Yanagisawa, Zachary Zaragosa, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Gabe Haberly

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Falls are a leading cause of hip fractures and accidental death

Backwards balance losses are particularly difficult to recover from and often result in injury

Lower body strength and rate of torque development (RTD) may influence stepping responses and balance recovery

This study examines how lower extremity peak torque and RTD affect recovery stepping following a backwards loss of balance

Patient Centered Care Course In Dpt Curriculum, Anthony Porpora, Anthony Tang, Chyanna Blackburn, Eli Porterfield, Peter Hilbert, Dominique Schwartz, Scott Burkhart

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Patient-centered care refers to the collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients to recognize the patient beyond their diagnosis and grant them autonomy in healthcare-decision making.

Lack of research into standardized PCC curricula for effective education of healthcare professionals.¹

Improves blood pressure, benefits psychological health, reduces health care costs¹, promotes biopsychosocial model of health, recognizes influence of social drivers of health.²

Improves patient outcomes, adherence, and raises patient satisfaction.³

This study identifies student elevation of self and peers pre and post taking a patient-centered care course to determine effectiveness of course content in implementation of PCC …

Endometriosis And Adenomyosis: Physical Activity Facilitators And Barriers From A Physical Therapy Lens, Tess Swake, Lisa Dupont, Brooke Fager, Lexi Merrill

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

About 10% of people with female sexual anatomy of reproductive age experience Endometriosis and/or Adenomyosis.

In these chronic conditions, endometrial tissue spreads outside the uterus or into the myometrium.

Symptoms include severe pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation along with pelvic pain, fatigue, abdominal bloating or nausea.

This survey focuses on how symptoms impact participation in activities of daily life, self-efficacy, and biopsychosocial components such as depression and anxiety.

The purpose of this study is to explore the facilitators and barriers to physical activity for individuals diagnosed with Endometriosis and/or Adenomyosis.

Upper Extremity Use In Older Adults During A Floor Transfer: Biomechanical Implications And Relationships To Self-Report Measures, Ethan Klein, Daniel Farag, Isaiah Cappelen, Joshua Naughton, Evan Robinson, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Tyler Whited

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Getting up from the floor is progressively challenging with age and associated with higher morbidity and lower functional capacity1,2,3

Little is known about the associations of fear of falling (FoF) and physical activity (PA) levels on upper extremity (UE) use with getting up from the floor and the influence of UE use on the biomechanical demands of a floor transfer (FT) task

Study purpose: Determine the associations of UE use with FoF and PA levels and the effects of arm use and limb position on lower extremity kinetics

Hypotheses: Greater FoF and less PA would be positively correlated to greater …

Predator Or Prey? The Challenges Of Enforcing Native American Usufructuary And Other Environmental Rights Against The Government, Luke Giltner

Student Works

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Use Of Precision Technology To Understand Differences Between Ketotic And Non-Ketotic Jersey Cows, Emily Kathryn Palermo

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

How Does Media Exposure Promote Nature Deprivation, Impacting Next Generational Social Interaction? Screen Time Vs. Green Time: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study, Mia N. Ryder

Honors Theses and Capstones

This study explores the impact social media can have on individuals' other qualities of life. This study particularly highlights its impact on in-person social engagement along with nature utilization and enjoyment, keeping in mind the corresponding benefits associated with those two variables. UNH undergraduate students were selected as participants. Participants completed surveys assessing their sense of regulation with social media consumption and reliance, their tendency to use and enjoy accessible natural resources, and their overall capacity to experience social comfort. Our survey was designed using 3 separate scales: A Green Space Enjoyment Scale, Social Comfortability Scale, and the third being …

An Advocacy Appetizer: Students Write Their Lawmakers About Issues That Matter To Them, Darren Ilett

Information Literacy

In these two 50-minute lessons intended for first-year undergraduates in an English composition, first-year experience, or standalone information literacy course, students write letters to lawmakers about issues that interest them or that impact themselves, their families, or their communities. After the lessons, students will be able to 1) determine an appropriate audience for their topic (relating to the “Authority Is Constructed and Contextual” and “Scholarship as Conversation” frames); 2) find and select evidence from source types that would convince or appeal to their audience (relating to the “Information Creation as a Process” frame); and 3) use information ethically by citing …