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Observing The Prevalence Of Wolbachia Found In Tick Species From The Central Virginia Region, Madison Hoover

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Research has found that ticks are considered the second highest global vector of disease. Ticks can serve as a vector for pathogens such as Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease), Borrelia miyamotoi (B. miyamotoi disease) and Borrelia hermsii (tick-borne relapsing fever). Tick species such as Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog ticks), Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast ticks), Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star ticks), Ixodes scapulari (Black legged ticks), and Ixodes affinis can be found within the southeastern Virginia region. Arthropod hosts that possess Wolbachia can have their reproduction negatively impacted through methods such as Parthenogenesis, Male Killing, Feminization, and …

Exploring The Experience Of Embodiment Of Diverse Leaders, Susan Lynn Flaming Yeats

Dissertations

The experience of embodiment is a complex phenomenon that spans a range of feelings: a sense of connection to one's physical body, a sense of capability to accomplish certain physical acts, an attunement to self-care behaviors, a connection to desire, and inhabiting the body as a subjective site (Piran, 2016). This can be a complicated experience for leaders who hold multiple intersecting identities (Hill et al., 2016). As new medical therapies promise radical weight loss possibilities, the experience of embodiment has taken on a new layer of complexity (Giorgis, 2024). For fat leaders who are also women of color, sexual …

Reimagining Pedagogies Of The Prison Yard: Using Ethnotheatre To Embody Transcarceral Conocimiento, Mabelle Reynoso

Dissertations

Latinxs make up 40% of California's population but account for 45% of the prison population and 47% of the jail population (Sawyer, 2023). Their overrepresentation in carceral custody not only impacts the individual but also affects families and communities by limiting access to social, political, and educational capital and agency. In response to gaps in research specific to the collateral impact, this interdisciplinary arts-based qualitative study highlights the experiences of five formerly incarcerated Latino men who participated in an Arts in Corrections playwriting class during their time in a California state prison. This study foregrounds their knowledge as cuentistas (storytellers), …

The Effects Of Crf1 Antagonism On Spatial Navigation And Long-Term Potentiation In The Tgf344-Ad Model Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Nicole C. Reyna

Psychology ETDs

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by neurobiological deterioration and cognitive impairment that is irreversible. Alzheimer’s disease patients exhibit increased stress system abnormalities including upregulation of the corticotropin releasing factor type 1 receptor (CRF1) and elevated levels of cortisol. People experiencing increased psychological distress in life are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and experience faster rates of neurocognitive decline. Therefore, the current dissertation aimed to examine the underlying systems involved in Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology and stress. Administration of the CRF1 antagonist, Antalarmin, reduces AD pathogenesis and anxiety-like behavior in models of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, the current project used the …

Using Natural Materials In Art Therapy To Address Accessibility And Well-Being In Low-Income Older Adults, Ahlyana J. Richardson

Expressive Therapies Theses

This study investigated the implementation of natural materials during the artmaking processes in an older adult art therapy group (eco-art therapy), and its effects on their well-being and the role of accessibility in their lives. An open-studio approach was applied to emphasize the artmaking process being driven by the participants independently, while also sharing a collaborative space and creating community with each other. There was an exception to this condition in this study, being that the participants were encouraged to ask for assistance in using unconventional materials in their artwork if they felt they needed it. The participants were older …

Quixotes, Quacks, And Laughing Philosophers: Humor And Intellectual Authority In The Long Eighteenth Century, Macklin Fanning

English Theses and Dissertations

Quixotes, Quacks, and Laughing Philosophers: Humor and Intellectual Authority in the Long Eighteenth Century recovers the fascinating and forgotten story of John Elliot (1747–1787), a novelist, physician, mad scientist, pioneering optical theorist, criminal lunatic, and Gothic antihero whose life and work illuminate a strange new history of science, medicine, law, and literature in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Montana Environmental Information Center V. Montana Department Of Environmental Quality, Alexis Karbowicz

Public Land & Resources Law Review

No abstract provided.

Physiological Regulation And Paths To Social Status In Chimpanzees, Megan F. Cole

Anthropology ETDs

In this dissertation, I leverage longitudinal comparative data from naturalistic chimpanzee populations to examine the evolutionary context for healthy aging and cooperative leadership. First, I use health data from semi-free-ranging chimpanzees living at African sanctuaries (2012-2023) to demonstrate that the effects of diet and exercise that promote healthy aging in humans are shared with chimpanzees. Semi-free-ranging chimpanzees exhibit a slower pace of biological aging compared to sedentary laboratory chimpanzees (Chapter 2). Sanctuary chimpanzees also have healthier inflammatory profiles, with no evidence of chronic inflammaging (Chapter 3). Second, I use hormonal and behavioral data from wild chimpanzees at Kanyawara (2005-2019) to …

Simulating 3d Humanoid Ragdoll Physics Using Velocity Verlet Integration, Pin Constraints, And Rigid Body Collision Systems, Son D. Nguyen

Programming Theses and Dissertations

Ragdoll physics simulates realistic character collapse with physical realism by responding to environmental forces rather than using predefined animations.

A Real-Time Animation Toolkit With Blending, Root Motion Control, Interruption, Events, And Layering, Lechen Gong

Programming Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a real-time animation toolkit designed for interactive 3D applications, with a focus on games. The toolkit integrates advanced features including animation blending, root motion control, interruption handling, event systems, and layering to achieve fluid and responsive character movement. Built around a quaternion-based math library, the system ensures smooth transitions between animations, eliminates joint snapping, and avoids gimbal lock. Root motion extraction and application enable physics-accurate movement driven by animations. The artifact—a third-person action game—demonstrates the toolkit's efficacy, showcasing seamless animation transitions, efficient GPU-based vertex updates, and good performance (0.56–1.25ms per frame). Results confirm the system's ability to …

Antioxidant Capacity Of Benalu Duku Leaves Alcoholic Extract On Sod Level And Pancreatic Cytology In Induced Diabetic Rats, Anggun Syafitri, Yuandani, Tri Widiyawati, Dwi Rita Anggraini, Syukur Berkat Waruwu

Baghdad Science Journal

Diabetes mellitus causes damage to pancreatic β cells and oxidative stress due to an imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants in the body. Controlling hyperglycemia by administering conventional drugs and with long-term use carries the risk of side effects, so traditional treatment is recommended. Benalu Duku (Dendophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq) is a plant considered a parasite. However, it has the potential to be developed as a diabetes drug because it contains metabolites that can be used as drugs that come from nature. This study aims to test phytochemicals and examine the effect of ethanol extract of Benalu Duku leaves (EEBD) …

Immigrants’ Inhumanity To Immigrants: The Failings Of Modern Us Immigration Policies Through The Lens Of Mauritanian Asylum Seekers, Karuna Kayembe

Senior Theses

By analyzing firsthand accounts of Mauritanian migrants gathered at The Migrant Center of St. Francis Church of Assisi, this paper explores the systemic inequities of U.S. immigration law and enforcement, particularly its impact on African migrants. The research argues that these lived experiences expose the disconnect between official narratives of welcoming migrants and the harsh realities of the immigration system, making a case for a more humane and equitable framework. This will be accomplished by first setting the scene on Mauritania and the culture and history that backs up how the migrants act and why they chose America to emigrate. …

Places Of Life, Places Of Death: Caves In Pre-Hispanic Huachichil Conscience In Northern Mexico, Kate Prashby

Indigenous Studies

In 1931, a US geologist took ten skulls from a pre-Hispanic burial cave in historic Huachichil territory in northeastern Mexico and brought them to a US museum. To assist in repatriation efforts, this thesis uses ethnoarchaeology to suggest how ancient Huachichiles may have used caves and what they may have believed about those caves. Drawing from ethnographic accounts from the US Southwest, Aridoamerica, and Mesoamerica, this thesis establishes two possible models of belief that Huachichil cosmology may have followed regarding caves. A second pre­ Hispanic Huachichil burial cave and its surrounding caves are also examined using participant observation and interviews …

Unconsciousness Is Erasure: A Case Study Of Dominant Frameworks And Their Effect On The Representation Of Alaska Native Women Artists In The University Of Alaska Museum Of The North Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, Megan Koch

Communication

This case study examines dominant frameworks and their effect on the representation of Alaska Native women artists within the University of Alaska Museum of the North's (UAMN) Rose Berry Alaska Art (RBAA) Gallery. Focusing on the power dynamics inherent in museum exhibitions, this research investigates how dominant practices may silence marginalized voices by utilizing dominant group theory (DGT) and co-cultural theory (CCT). Through qualitative thematic analysis of the RBAA Gallery's descriptive statement and content analysis of 163 artwork records for pieces on exhibit from the Arctos database, this study addresses three research questions: RQ1: What communication approaches and interactional outcomes …

Teaching Spanish As A World Language In Waldorf Schools For Grades One To Eight, Ryan Thomas Edwards

Education

Waldorf education provides a unique opportunity for students to fully experience their lessons in an integrative, artistic, and purposeful way, and this is certainly true for world language classes. Throughout a typical curriculum, various art forms are utilized along with physical movements and actions, allowing students to live through the lessons in an interesting and enjoyable way. At times, it becomes difficult to separate between songs, poems, skits, gestures, plays, or games, when all of these methods can be interwoven simultaneously. By integrating rhyme, repetition, gestures, music, movement, and visuals, classes become quite lively and interactive. It takes a lot …

Movement Matters: Incorporating Physical Activity Into The Classroom, Sunnie M. Fredricks

Education

We live in a world that is becoming increasingly driven by convenience, which lends itself to a sedentary lifestyle. Due to the fact that adolescents spend the majority of their time in the classroom, it is imperative that educators recognize the need for physical activity and implement it into their daily lessons in order to help students reach their full potential. To assist educators in this task, this handbook aims to integrate exercise into the classroom in an easily accessible manner that can be adapted to meet the needs of students. It has been proven that physical activity has several …

Going “Back To Kindergarten” To Create Connection, Reduce Loneliness, And Build Resilience: A Community Workshop, Norie A. Mozzone

Expressive Therapies Theses

Having an embodied experience as a human being in the world in 2025 is stressful. The feelings of disconnection, loneliness, and anxiety that many have on a daily basis can reduce their capacity to feel sensations of safety, agency, ease, and empowerment. This thesis focuses on the development of a method to support adults in experiencing moments of interpersonal and intrapersonal connection in community by re-engaging with childhood rituals. Through the lenses of polyvagal theory, the expressive arts continuum (ETC), and therapeutic attunement the “Back to Kindergarten” methodology seeks to provide a structured and nourishing environment for adults to return …

Exploring Fiber Art Materials In Art Therapy Treatment With Bereaved Families, Elise Leinaweaver

Expressive Therapies Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to explore why families are particularly impacted by negative effects of grief, why it is imperative that the arts be utilized in treatment for bereavement, and why fiber arts are a great vessel for art therapy grief work. The literature was collected and organized through visual coding and reflective tactile methods before being presented in the following review. The first section of the literature review includes definitions of grief, death-related grief, and familial grief and how these experiences cause long lasting impacts and mental health issues. The second and third sections cover the definitions …

How Can Fiber Arts Help Alleviate The Symptoms Of Psychosis?, Krysten M. Lyle

Expressive Therapies Theses

The purpose of this research is to provide insight into how fiber arts can help alleviate the symptoms of psychosis. The literature found several variables that supported the use of art therapy with psychosis. However, the literature was limited in regard to fiber arts art therapy with this population. In consideration of the historical significance of fibers and the healing benefits from kinesthetic release and flow state, a quilt making experiential was conducted on an inpatient psychiatric unit. Through the creation of the quilt, themes like autonomy, memory, and skill building were identified. Relaxation, self-esteem, and rapport building were also …

Hope-Centered Art Therapy Exploring The Emergence Of Relational Narratives In Nurturing Resilience In Children, Niloofar Ojani

Expressive Therapies Theses

This review examines the importance of hope and resilience in art therapy interventions for children by synthesizing current research on how art therapy can foster hope. The data were collected by reviewing published peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, reflective writing, and artmaking—arts-based research methods. The beginning sections delve deeply into the definition of hope and resilience in the context of adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. Art therapy acts as a creative medium for fostering these qualities. It is discussed that creative expression contributes to emotional regulation, utilizes therapeutic intra- and inter-relationships as a source of hope, and connects the child with …

Belonging To Self: Moments Of Body-Oriented Expressive Arts Psychotherapy & Inpatient Trauma Recovery, Arielle N. Ruggeroli

Expressive Therapies Theses

Expressive therapists have reported difficulty working in inpatient settings due to the gap between what the expressive modality theoretically offers and what is possible in practice due to both acute patient symptomology and limitations of the institutional setting. Early career clinicians especially contend with finding meaning in their clinical work, belonging among the clinical team and exploring how their expressive modalities are applicable or not to the systemically established treatment goal of stabilization. Concerns that excessive restriction upon patient expression inhibits possible aspects of recovery beyond stabilization, such insight or creativity, are explored. The subgoal of increasing momentary …

A Method For Developing Multicultural Musical Fluency: Reclaiming A Relationship With Traditional Ashkenazi Music, Rachael Penn

Expressive Therapies Theses

Counseling and music therapy scholars recommend that students and clinicians engage in self-inquiry to explore their cultural values to build multicultural competence. I created an arts-based method for deep reflection using theory and techniques in the literature regarding culture-centered music therapy, including ethnographic inquiry, the cultural unconscious, intersubjective theory, active imagination, embodiment, and artistic reflection. I engaged with music from my own cultural background, which included Ashkenazi klezmer music and Yiddish folksong, to reflect on my cultural values and to build a living relationship with the music. Thematic analysis revealed eight themes, including the function of the music, personal memories …

Healing Our Relations Emergent Folk Art Creation Community Project For Cultural Healing And Reconciliation, Renna Fir

Expressive Therapies Theses

Settler colonial disconnection from place perpetuates ongoing harm to Indigenous communities, ecosystems, and cultural systems through extraction, displacement, and erasure. This community engagement project explores how communities can develop emergent cultural practices that acknowledge historical and ongoing harms while building toward repair and right relationship. Through a series of five participatory workshops combining movement, storytelling, and folk dance creation; seven community members and three culture bearers, understood as "elders" explored their relationship with place through embodied practice. The research utilized an anti-colonial arts-based methodology centered on community wisdom while documenting the process through multiple complementary methods. Findings demonstrate that folk …

Open Studio Concept Conducted By An Expressive Arts Therapist And Art Therapy Intern As A Replacement For Art Class In Special Education, Brianna Jewett

Expressive Therapies Theses

In 2022-2023, 15% of U.S. public school students between the ages of 3 and 21 were on an Individualized Education Plans (IEP) due to various disabilities. This paper examines the impact of an open studio model, conducted by expressive arts therapists, on the engagement of students with social and emotional disabilities aged between 16 and 18 years old. A thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed that using an open studio model facilitated by expressive arts therapists in place of a more traditional art education class for students who require additional social and emotional assistance can foster a sense of control …

Why Disability Justice Matters In Mental Health Care And How Drama Therapists Can Help Get It Right, Anish Nakahara

Expressive Therapies Theses

Disability Justice (DJ) is an important, ever-growing aspect of mental health work that must be further explored and implemented if mental health professionals are committed to harm reduction and health equity. Drama therapy (DT) provides a unique accessibility that traditional psychotherapy does not always afford. The emphasis on encounters, relationality, and creative expression provides more avenues through which people can approach DT. Through analysis of current literature, this thesis explored the present relationship between DT and DJ, the relationship between the broader mental health care system and DJ, and how progress can continue toward competent, dignified care for disabled people. …

"La Vida Es Un Carnaval": An Exploration Of Cuban Identity And Nostalgia Through Dance/Movement Therapy - A Community Engagement Project, Maria Fernanda Mendez Mendoza

Expressive Therapies Theses

“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” is a community engagement project and thesis that explores how identity and nostalgic resilience show up through dance/movement therapy with Cuban immigrants living in the United States, specifically Massachusetts. This project brought together six Cuban-born participants, ages 26 to 67, each with their own unique migration stories; from the Rafter Balsero Crisis of 1994, to the “Wet-Foot/Dry-Foot” policy, and family reunification. Through a mix of in-person and online sessions, participants explored their experiences using intermodal activities including dance/movement therapy techniques, conversation, journaling, artwork, and music. Themes of cultural pride, “Cubanía” – Cuban-ness, culture shock, and …

Emotional Pathways: A Literature Review Of Emotion Process In Emotionally Focused Therapy And Drama Therapy, Chiao-Ting Yuan

Expressive Therapies Theses

This capstone thesis explored how emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and drama therapy (DT) could be integrated to improve emotional regulation, self-awareness, and mental healing. Based on attachment theory and emotional process framework, how these two different but complementary interventions could increase emotional participation and transformation was explored. This literature review indicated that although EFT’s structured and verbal approach is different from DT’s creative and embodied skills, the two approaches share common goals and target the same emotional process. In DT, several techniques can be found that are closely related to EFT’s emotional process. These techniques can provide a unique and …

Never Too Old To Play: Puppetry As A Therapeutic Intervention In Middle-To-Late Stage Dementia, Cat Potts

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Neurocognitive changes associated with dementia impact an individual’s ability to function in everyday life. Modern approaches to dementia care emphasize meeting the individual where they are at, which may often involve nontraditional therapeutic techniques. Drama therapy, a type of therapy that implements elements of performance and creativity, has been successfully utilized with this population. Drama therapy consists of core processes, which may vary based on the interventions used. This paper explores the core process of play through the use of a puppet when engaging with individuals with middle-to-late stage dementia. A four session community engagement project was conducted, resulting in …

Complementary Design Of Optical And Photochemical Systems, Joshua Plank

Chemistry Theses and Dissertations

The ability to manipulate chemical systems has been prized through history as the bridge between the macroscopic and microscopic worlds. As an example, the camera obscura has arguably existed since the earliest days of humanity; however, it was the discovery of early silver halide chemistry that lead to the ability to fix these images into the earliest photographs. In modern photolithography employed in electronics manufacturing, the primary resolution limits arise not from the chemistry of the molecules involved, but from the limits of the systems used to project light. Thus, as much as photochemistry advances, optical imaging and projection techniques …

The State Of Municipal Scale Highest Use Urban Wood Reclamation Projects, Bradley C. Almond

Graduate Liberal Studies Theses and Dissertations

Millions of urban trees are downed annually for various reasons, such as storms, disease, or development. We are all witnesses to the loss of trees as we see the piles of woody waste assembled on the curbside, ready for public works pickup. Today, most urban wood waste ends up in landfills, mulching/chipping facilities, or firewood production. Each of these alternatives results in the release of sequestered carbon back into the atmosphere.

The initial research led to successful diversion from landfills to mulch and firewood operations. Then, the research shifted to converting urban wood waste for its best use, which outlined …