Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Experiences Of Contraceptive Counseling & Coercion Among Various Races And Age Groups Of Women Of Reproductive Age., Haylie Horn

2026 Research Poster Competition

Making an informed decision about contraception based on patient-centered contraceptive counseling is a fundamental reproductive right for women. This counseling approach serves as a key indicator of high-quality health care that focuses on and prioritizes patients’ individual needs and preferences regarding contraceptive methods. However, recent studies indicate a growing emphasis on promoting specific contraceptive options – particularly long-acting contraception (LARCs) – without adequately considering patients’ preferences and needs, which has led to growing concerns over contraceptive coercion. Despite concerns, no studies have yet explored the association between certain demographic factors like race, education level, age, socioeconomic status, etc. This study …

The Triple A Approach: Educating Perinatal Clinicians About Trauma Informed Care, Destiny Rosado, Liza Lukasheva

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background Many obstetric and women’s health organizations recognize trauma-informed care (TIC) as a cornerstone of clinical practice; however, training is often sporadic, inconsistent, and difficult to integrate into routine care. The Triple A Approach—Ask, Autonomy, Advocate—is a novel framework designed to facilitate the integration of TIC principles into clinical workflows. This study introduced The Triple A Approach to a hospital-based perinatal unit and evaluated its impact on nurses’ knowledge of TIC principles and application in practice. Methods This quality improvement project evaluated TIC knowledge and capacity among perinatal nurses using pre- and post-intervention electronic surveys. Baseline assessment measured participants’ understanding …

Improving Registered Nurses’ Knowledge In Impulsivity Assessment: An Educational Intervention In Adolescent Mental Health Care, Nein-En Cheng

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Adolescent impulsivity is linked to an increased risk of self-harm, which is associated with higher morbidity and suicide. However, impulsivity assessments are not routinely implemented at the adolescent residential treatment setting. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-Brief (BIS-Brief) is a validated tool for identifying individuals at an increased risk of self-harm. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to implement an educational program on adolescent impulsivity, self-harm, and the BIS-Brief, and to evaluate its impact on registered nurses’ (RNs’) knowledge. A quasiexperimental one-group pretest-posttest design was used in an adolescent residential treatment facility. Seven RNs participated in the …

Bridging Gaps, Empowering Futures: Transforming Reproductive Counseling For Women In Primary Care, A Quality Improvement Initiative, Brianna Clark

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

In the US, unintended pregnancies are associated with poorer maternal and fetal outcomes, especially among marginalized groups. Nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended, raising a significant need for proactive interventions. Authoritative bodies now view the incorporation of preconception care as an essential intervention. Many pregnancy intention screening tools are available, but there are no standard practice guidelines or recommendations. Providers experience challenges due to time constraints and ongoing changes inherent in reproductive goals that make pregnancy intention screening complex. To address this, this project implemented an in-person educational training session using a screening tool, the One Key Question, along …

Biases In Prescribing Practices: Examining Physician Stereotyping In Women's Health Counseling Based On Patient Race And Perceptions Of Promiscuity, Jessica Lobb

2026 Research Poster Competition

As modern healthcare moves towards a focus on personalized medicine, an evaluation of current provider practices is essential to evaluating quality of care. Numerous studies have shown that physicians exhibit stereotyping and implicit bias with patients, but much remains unknown about the extent this impacts women’s health counseling. The presence of stereotyping could affect women’s health outcomes, as decisions such as choosing to prescribe hormonal contraceptives have numerous physical and emotional side effects. This study aimed to assess how stereotyping contributes to physicians’ perceptions and medical decisions for women seeking gynecological care. Clinical vignettes were given to physicians showing women …

Adolescent Development Of Pubertal Hormones, Reward Neurocircuitry, And Externalizing Behaviors And Internalizing Behaviors, Amber Jared

2026 Research Poster Competition

Title: Adolescent development of pubertal hormones, reward neurocircuitry, and externalizing behaviors and internalizing behaviors Authors: Amber Jared & Josiah K. Leong  Background: Adolescence is a period of rapid biological and brain development during which changes in pubertal hormones and neural reward systems may increase vulnerability to emotional and behavioral difficulties. Although prior research has documented widespread brain maturation during adolescence, less is known about how specific subcortical reward pathways develop and how these changes relate to hormones and behavior.  Methods:         Using longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, this project examines developmental changes in two key brain …

Impacts Of Rotation, Tillage, Cover Cropping, And Drainage On Soil Health In Soybean-Based Cropping Systems, Tatiane Severo Silva, Lindsay Chamberlain Malone, Matthew D. Ruark, Chad D. Lee, David Jordan, Hanna J. Poffenbarger, Herman J. Kandel, Jeremy Ross, John M. Gaska, Joseph G. Lauer, Laura E. Lindsey, Maninder Pal Singh, Mark A. Licht, Michael Plumblee, Rachel A. Vann, Rodrigo Werle, Spyridon Mourtzinis, Seth L. Naeve, Trenton L. Roberts, Shawn P. Conley

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Recent studies highlight conservation management practices as an effective strategy to enhance soil health. However, results vary, particularly regarding which soil health parameters respond most sensitively to these practices. More studies covering a wide range of soil types and climatic conditions are needed to assist farmers in making management decisions on production practices related to soil health. In this study, we collected soil samples (0–15 cm) from 21 (4–50 years) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]-based cropping systems trials across the United States (US) to assess the impact of management practices on soil health indicators. Soil indicators included wet aggregate stability …

Separation Of Trichothecene Mycotoxins In A Matrix Of Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) Seed, And Quantification Of Deoxynivalenol In Hemp Grain Infected With Fusarium Graminearum, Isabelle A. Kagan, Magdalena Ricciardi, Henry S. Smith, Rachel R. Schendel, Robert Pearce, Nicole Gauthier

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Fusarium graminearum, one of the causal agents of ear rot in maize and head blight of cereal grains, also infects hemp (Cannabis sativa L. containing a maximum of 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol or THC). This fungal pathogen produces trichothecene mycotoxins when it infects maize and cereal grains, but little is known about its production of mycotoxins in hemp. A method was developed to separate mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON), and 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON) in commercial hemp seed and grain (harvested tissue), using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection. Results: In HPLC analysis of commercial hemp seed, DON was separated from matrix …

Responses To Influencer’S Vlog On Instagram: Nicotine Pouches And Oral Health, Amrusha Ranjith

2026 Research Poster Competition

Despite claims by ZYN, the leading nicotine pouch brand, that it does not partner with social media influencers, influencers with large followings continue to post content depicting nicotine pouch use. Prior research suggests oral lesions are among the most commonly reported adverse events associated with nicotine pouch use; however, public discussions of these outcomes on social media remain understudied. This study examined public discourse surrounding nicotine pouch use and oral health in response to an Instagram post by a popular influencer. Methods: We collected 1,668 publicly available comments from an Instagram post by Emma Chamberlain (@emmachamberlain) using a social media …

Developing Bioassays For Detection Of Residual Herbicides In Compost, Esther Moore

2026 Research Poster Competition

Developing Bioassays for Detection of Residual Herbicides in Compost, the use of synthetic herbicides has dominated the field of agricultural production for over a century. While synthetic herbicide use has resulted in an undeniable boost in agricultural productivity, risks such as environmental degradation and reduced yield of non-target plant species must be considered. Key among these risks is compost contamination, especially from persistent herbicides. After these herbicides are applied, they are absorbed by growing vegetation, consumed by herbivores, passed through the digestive tract, and reintroduced into soil manure based compost. Even after this process, chemicals in such herbicides can remain …

Disrupted Circadian Rhythms Affect Hallmark Pathologies In Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Mouse Models, Valeria Buzinova

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease with two hallmark pathologies: extracellular amyloid-b (Ab) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Ab is proteolytically processed from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by b-secretase and g-secretase as a monomeric peptide prone to aggregation. Eventually, the aggregate-prone monomers will form dense plaques that are difficult to break down and remove. These plaques begin to deposit into the cortex decades prior to the formation of NFTs and the onset of cognitive decline. NFTs are comprised of hyper-phosphorylated tau. Tau is a protein that serves to promote and stabilize the formation of microtubules. The formation of …

Characterizing The Human Metapneumovirus Matrix Protein And Its Role In Infection, Chase J. Heim

Theses and Dissertations--Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) causes severe respiratory tract infections in all cohorts, but especially in vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and the immunocompromised. The matrix (M) protein of HMPV, like the M proteins of other members of the Mononegavirales order, is involved in virus assembly and budding. However, other functions of the HMPV M protein have yet to be elucidated. To investigate these various functions of the M protein, we used a peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO) antisense agent designed to block translation of the M gene to reduce M expression during infection. Treatment with varying concentrations of an …

The Physiological And Psychological Effects Of Social Media Addiction: A Mixed Methods Study, Ella Roper

2026 Research Poster Competition

Social media is a worldwide phenomenon that has taken the world by storm; individuals, multimillion dollar companies, hospitals and universities alike are all similar in that there is a good chance they have a social media presence. Needless to say, there are many benefits of social media including connection and networking, however there are also consequences. My study focuses on one of the consequences, social media addiction, in hopes of enlightening individuals to the risks of social media and hopefully inspiring systematic change to make the future of social media a little less risky. I am using a scale from …

Duties To Yourself, Julian Sommers

2026 Research Poster Competition

I will be writing a thesis paper with the guidance of Dr. Purdy so I can graduate from the honors program with a bachelor's within philosophy. This paper is still very much in the planning stages, but we have a rough idea of what it will look like. The broad topic is moral duties one could have to themselves and potentially how that relates to duties you might have to others as well. We are interested in this project because I believe our common idea of morality excludes the self from being regarded as a person. I believe morality focuses …

Uncharted Waters: Barriers To Ocean Carbon Removal In The High Seas Under Unclos And The Bbnj, Connor Stevens

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

No abstract provided.

Bridging The Gap In Dentistry: Harnessing Behavioral Health To Improve Oral Health Outcomes For Autistic Youth, Serenity Richardson

2026 Research Poster Competition

Background: Autistic children have unique dental healthcare needs. Oral complications stemming from poor tongue and motor coordination, high sensitivity to toothpaste and flossing, and sensory reactions to fluoride, amalgam, and other dental products are common. Autistic youth are also prone to dental-related emotional (e.g., dental fear and anxiety) and behavioral (e.g., noncompliance, disruptive behavior, avoidance) symptoms. There is also a substantial gap in pediatric and autism-focused training for dental providers, and caregivers report significant challenges in finding dental practitioners who treat autistic children. Taken together, autistic youth and their families face barriers to accessing timely, equitable oral healthcare. Unfortunately, delayed …

The Role Of Ombudsman And Social Work Protecting Rights, Roni Alicia Werner

Selected Full-Text Master Theses Collection 2018-

This thesis examines the role of the Ombudsman as an independent and impartial mechanism for addressing complaints, resolving conflicts, and promoting accountability within organizations. It explores how ombudsmen function across institutional contexts—such as higher education, government, and corporate settings—to provide confidential, informal, and accessible pathways for dispute resolution.

The study analyzes key principles guiding Ombudsman practice, including neutrality, independence, confidentiality, and informality, and evaluates their effectiveness in fostering trust and organizational transparency. Through a review of relevant literature and case examples, the thesis highlights how Ombudsman offices contribute to early conflict resolution, reduce formal grievances, and support ethical decision-making.

Additionally, …

Mortality From Or With Covid-19 Infection, Dagan Coppock, Joseph Glowacki, Constantine Daskalakis, John Zurlo, Nikita Jaggernauth, Daniel Taupin

Division of Infectious Diseases and Environmental Medicine Faculty Papers

In this retrospective study, we compared the cause of death among hospitalized patients who died with a diagnosis of COVID-19 across two periods of the pandemic two years apart: an early period (admissions June to October 2020), when the population was immunologically naïve, and a later period (admissions April to October 2022), when an estimated 96% of the population had immunity from prior infection, vaccination, or both. Two investigators independently reviewed the medical records of 100 in-hospital deaths (50 per period) and classified each death as COVID-19 related, uncertain, or not COVID-19 related, using logistic regression to compare the two …

To Examine The Effects Of Integrating Cultural Responsive Teaching (Crt) Into Special Education Classrooms, Nkem Akaemeh

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis writer examined the Cultural Responsive Teaching (CRT) strategies for working with students who are identified with special education needs in particular emotional behavioral disabilities and autism spectrum disabilities (EBD & ASD). The strategies have been reviewed throughout this thesis. It is a very well organized instructional system which considers a number of learning areas namely: academic, social/emotional, and cultural aspects. This method has been defined from a variety of references/writers and supported by a review of the literature. The system incorporates a number of strategies addressing academic, social/emotional, cultural and other areas/needs as indicated in this thesis.

Environmental Biology, Biological Sciences

Program Revisions/Additions

No abstract provided.

Delete Health Communication Bs, Communication And Journalism

Program Revisions/Additions

No abstract provided.

Biochemistry Bs, Chemistry And Biochemistry

Program Revisions/Additions

No abstract provided.

Rural Women And Intimate Partner Violence: A Geographical Analysis Of Victim Service Providers In The Southern United States, Natalie O'Brien

2026 Research Poster Competition

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a persistent public safety and public health issue in the United States. Women in rural areas, particularly in the Southern United States, experience disproportionately high levels of frequency and severity. Prior research shows that as communities become more rural, survivors face greater risks of severe violence alongside fewer available support services. This study examines how geographic location shapes help-seeking behaviors and access to victim service providers among adult IPV survivors, with particular attention to differences between rural, suburban, and urban areas in the South. Using nationally representative data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) …

Attentional Control, Anxiety, And Depression, Anna Morgan

2026 Research Poster Competition

Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent and debilitating mental health conditions worldwide. Research suggests that both anxiety and depression are related to deficits in the ability to focus and shift attention, known as attentional control. These effects are present in data using behavioral measures of attentional control (e.g., accuracy in resequencing alphanumeric strings) and self-report measures, though more strongly in the latter. However, studies have found little if any correlation between behavioral and self-report measures of attentional control. One possibility is that anxiety and depression are associated not only with deficits in attentional control, but also more strongly …

Social Isolation Predicts Altered Reward Circuit Connectivity And Future Behaviors In Adolescents, Mason Lucas

2026 Research Poster Competition

Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood when people explore risky behaviors. Stressors during adolescence can change structural brain connectivity. Previous research has found weaker structural connectivity between reward circuits and future cognitive impairments among children raised in orphanages. Comparative research in mice suggests that social isolation after bullying can damage these connections and induce alcohol seeking. We tested whether social isolation was related to lower connectivity of targeted structural connections in adolescent humans. We analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study and found 130 subjects had experienced extreme social isolation. To evaluate the level …

From Chaos To Clockwork: Investigating The Role Of Circadian Genes In Metabolic Development Of 2nd And 3rd Instar Drosophila Larvae, Elliott Ruegsegger

2026 Research Poster Competition

Connecting deficits in circadian rhythm machinery to the severity of other health conditions is a common task that chronobiology, the study of physiological rhythms, undertakes. Disruptions to circadian rhythms and sleep are linked to increased risk of developing multiple different diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease and obesity. Circadian rhythms are expressed at the molecular level through rhythmic variations in the concentration of specific proteins. While the central clock genes that produce these proteins, such as period and timeless, are evolutionarily conserved across the animal kingdom, not much is known about the consequences of disruptions in circadian rhythm machinery during early development, …

Assessing Mesenchymal Stem Cell Phenotype After Heparan Sulfate Supplementation, Isani Patel

2026 Research Poster Competition

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that damages the protective coating of nerves, often causing lasting neurological symptoms. Current treatments slow disease activity but rarely repair existing damage. In response to this, a novel treatment option has emerged: mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy. MSCs are cells found in different adult tissues like bone marrow, and they have the potential to release repair-supporting signals and moderate inflammation. Nevertheless, results in a clinical setting have been inconsistent due to variations in cell potency. As a potential strategy to enhance MSC therapeutic potential, the addition of heparan sulfate, a naturally occurring signaling molecule, …

Building Mental Health Literacy: The Impact Of Youth Mental Health First Aid On Emerging Youth Professionals, Burgin Rome

2026 Research Poster Competition

Nearly half of individuals in the United States will experience a mental health disorder during their lifetime, with many symptoms first emerging in childhood or adolescence. Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by emotional, social, and psychological changes that increase vulnerability to mental health challenges. Although public awareness of mental health has grown, stigma and societal taboos continue to limit open dialogue and delay intervention. As a result, many young people experience a significant gap between the onset of symptoms and receipt of professional support, which can worsen mental health concerns and contribute to long-term consequences that persist into …

Investigating Changes In White Blood Cell Composition In Wild Hosts In Response To Viral Infection, Anna Bolding

2026 Research Poster Competition

Reservoir hosts play a critical role in the persistence and spillover of zoonotic pathogens. Upon infection, reservoir hosts can shed viral loads sufficient for transmission and spillover often without displaying apparent pathogenic effects. Investigating how their immune systems control infection can provide insights into the factors that facilitate spillover events. Understanding the mechanisms that enable these infection characteristics is crucial for informing public health and conservation strategies. Though reservoir hosts’ immune responses are well-documented in controlled laboratory settings, these studies are not representative of natural populations. The bank vole - Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) system is well suited for investigating such …

Temporal Variational Graph Autoencoder For Influenza Evolution, Soumya Chauhan

2026 Research Poster Competition

Frequent mutations in influenza virus surface proteins can increase infectivity while evading human and vaccine immunity, causing seasonal epidemics. The CDC annually evaluates thousands of virus strains to predict mutated sequences likely to be dominant in the next season, which creates a need for methods that better capture how viral mutations evolve over time. In this study, we represent influenza protein sequences as a network-like graph, creating connections if sequences are collected a week apart and only differ by one mutation. This method explicitly considers time information as part of the evolution, while other existing methods analyze mutated sequences without …