Digital Commons Network^™

What Cannot Be Returned Witnessing Forgotten Wrongs Against Native Americans Through Narrative And Historical Memory, Haley Marie Cranman

Masters Theses

What Cannot Be Returned is a hybrid creative nonfiction thesis that examines forgotten and often minimized injustices committed against Native American communities throughout American history. Through a combination of historical research, witness literature, and fictionalized narrative, this project explores events including the California genocide, the Long Walk of the Navajo, Osage oil exploitation, Indian boarding schools, forced sterilization, the Sand Creek Massacre, the Trail of Tears, and Wounded Knee. The thesis argues that while these losses—land, language, family, identity, autonomy, and life—cannot be undone, they must be remembered with honesty and care. Grounded in archival records, government documents, survivor accounts, …

A Quantitative Case Study Of Family Communication Patterns Theory And Parental Awareness Of Divine Rivals, Calista Coletti

Masters Theses

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine how parents of different family communication pattern types are aware of the connect of the books their teens read. The problem is that parents have different awareness levels of the content of teens’ books or the books their teens read and it is unknown why they differ and what factors influence differences in awareness. This study focuses on the book Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross. The findings show that families with a high conversation orientation have parents who know more about the content in the books their teens read. The results …

A Phenomenological Study Of Participation In Low-Threshold Choirs With The Lenses Of Flow Theory And Neuroscience, Jessie Mae Rajala Chapin

Masters Theses

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore participant perspectives on the multi-faceted benefits of participation in low-threshold choirs toward health and well-being as interpreted through the lenses of flow theory and neuroscience. The results of this study can inform the practice of choral directors to maximize the benefits of choral participation for the individuals they serve. The researcher interviewed twelve participants and analyzed data from thirty-two online survey respondents and two observations. Thematic analysis incorporated inductive coding of the data combined with deductive application of flow theory. Themes developed aligned with current research on the benefits of choral …

War Stories: A Rhetorical Criticism Of How The War Stories In Extreme Ownership Are Used To Teach And Reinforce Leadership Principles., Landon Roseberry

Masters Theses

This rhetorical criticism examines how military combat narratives, or war stories, exhibit distinct narrative elements that communicate leadership principles. This study operationalizes Walter Fisher’s (1984; 1989) narrative paradigm for rhetorical criticism to examine how narrative rationality (narrative fidelity and narrative coherence) is created in four war stories from the New York Times bestselling book Extreme Ownership, written by Jocko Willink and Lief Babin. This study views the narrative elements and leadership values through the lens of Generation Y values and norms. This study found that war stories create an extreme setting in which narrative consequences are heightened, and leadership values …

Publishing With Purpose: Exploring Publication Trends Among Counselor Education In Cacrep-Accredited Programs, Janita Whitney Daggy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Scholarly publication is a cornerstone of faculty evaluation, professional identity, and knowledge development in counselor education. Despite calls for empirical investigation into publication trends, limited research has examined the scope, distribution, and impact of counselor educator scholarship across Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This quantitative, cross-sectional bibliometric study examined publication trends, thematic alignment, and citation patterns among 222 counselor educators across 25 CACREP-accredited doctoral programs from 2000 to 2026. Using GS profiles as the primary data source, bibliographic records from 4,876 peer-reviewed publications across 2,132 journals were extracted and analyzed using the Bibliometrix package, igraph, …

Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter (Mcu) Variants Form Plasma-Membrane Channels, Iuliia Polina, Jyotsna Mishra, Michael Cypress, Maria Landherr, Nedyalka Valkov, Isabel Chaput, Bridget Nieto, Brian Rhee, Ameneh Ahrari, Nathan Demichaelis, Kye-Im Jeon, Ulrike Mende, Peng Zhang, Bong Sook Jhun, Jin O-Uchi

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

MCU, originally known as CCDC109A, is widely recognized as the gene responsible for encoding a pore-forming subunit of a Ca2+-selective channel, mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter complex (mtCUC). While MCU expression is typically highly mitochondrial-specific, we report here a protein variant derived from the MCU gene, termed MCU-S, which lacks the mitochondria-targeting sequence (MTS) and forms a Ca2+-permeable channel outside of mitochondria. The mRNA of MCU-S was ubiquitously expressed in all cell types/tissues tested, with particularly high expression in human platelets. MCU-S protein formed Ca2+ channels at the plasma membrane, which exhibited similar channel properties to those observed in mtCUC. MCU-S channels …

Staff Education To Improve Early-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease Patient Education, Yoel Madruga Reyes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Perceptions Of Stigma Of Emotional Distress Among Black Clergy, Sharon S. Mccollough

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Insights On The Origins And Repercussions Of Corruption In Haiti, Yves Louissaint

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Male Perspectives On The National Rifle Association And Gun Reform, Holly Jo Tatman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Determinants Of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Medication Use Among People Aged 18–29 Years Living In Florida, Jeremiah Magraubin Mchaka Wandabwa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Succession Planning Strategies For Inclusive Leadership And Market Competitiveness, Cara L. Miller

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Innovation Strategies For Small And Medium-Sized Construction Companies In Nigeria, Olabode Akinkunmi Akindele

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Instrumentality Of Developmental Coaches’ Self In Building The Coaching Relationship With Clients Seeking Leadership Development, Leslie Ann Rodríguez Díaz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Staff Education For Nurses On The Stress First Aid Continuum, Gilbert Anyangwe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Alabama Middle School Teachers’ Experiences Preparing Economically Disadvantaged Students For The Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program, Jasmine Jeromicia Edmond

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Price Of A Pause: Pe In A High-Risk Surgical Patient, Alexander Ellyin Md, Giovanni Paolella Md, Viktoriya Bikeyeva Md, Christopher Bentsen Md, George C. Michalopoulos Md, Danny Cho Do, Joseph Adams Do, Andrii Labchuk Md, Adib Chaus Md, Parag Patel Do

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Acromegaly is an endocrine disorder characterized by excess growth hormone secretion, typically from a pituitary adenoma, resulting in elevated insulin-like growth factor 1. It is associated with several cardiovascular complications, including hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. While less commonly recognized, a prothrombotic state may also exist, possibly due to increased thrombin generation and elevated fibrinogen and factor VIII levels. Literature on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in acromegaly remains sparse, and documented cases of pulmonary embolism (PE) in this population are rare. This case highlights a massive PE in a patient with acromegaly and prior VTE following brief perioperative …

A Rare Complication Of Gallstone Pancreatitis: Cholecystocolonic Fistula, Gregory Capelli Do, Adil Ghafoor Md, Nalini Guda Md, Facg

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Cholecystocolonic fistulas are rare, occurring in less than 0.5% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy. However, when they do develop, they can lead to complications such as colonic perforation, gallstone ileus, and infection. Here, we present a case of a patient who developed a cholecystocolonic fistula alongside gallstone-induced pancreatitis.

Description:

An 81-year-old woman with a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension presented to the emergency department with acute onset abdominal pain. Laboratory results revealed a total bilirubin of 1.0 mg/dL, AST of 103 U/L, ALT of 119 U/L, ALP of 880 U/L, lipase of 6,421 U/L, and a WBC count of 11.8 …

An Unusual Culprit: Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm And Coronary Sinus Fistula Presenting As Acute Heart Failure, Emmanuel Olumuyide Md, Alfredo Toll Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Coronary artery aneurysms associated with coronary fistulae are rare and may cause shunt physiology, ischemia, and heart failure. Multimodality imaging and invasive hemodynamics are essential for diagnosis and management planning.

Description:

A 78-year-old man with hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented with new-onset decompensated heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe biventricular dysfunction (LVEF 10%) with severe aortic and mitral regurgitation. Coronary angiography demonstrated severe multivessel coronary artery disease and a markedly aneurysmal right coronary artery (RCA) with suspected fistulous communication. Right-heart catheterization revealed elevated filling pressures, a reduced cardiac index, and a right atrial oximetry step-up, indicating a left-to-right shunt. Coronary …

A Multimodal Approach To Restoring Cervical Radiculopathy-Induced Dexterity Loss That Emphasizes The Role Of Chiropractic Care: A Case Report, Mya Reese Dc, Jeffrey Malone Dc, Jessy Johnson Dc, Dacrb, Venkateswara Gogineni Phd, Eric Kirk Dc, Daco

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes mechanically compressed or chemically inflamed. This can cause an array of symptoms along the dermatomal distribution of the affected nerve including neck stiffness, pain in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, impaired deep tendon reflexes, upper extremity weakness, numbness, paresthesia, and loss of fine motor control. This case illustrates a collective approach among healthcare professionals to restore a patient's fine motor skills by treating cervical radiculopathy with chiropractic care.

Description:

A 59-year-old female patient presented with right shoulder pain associated with radiculopathy into her 2nd-4th digits. She endorsed weakness in …

A Heart-Stopping Decision: An Ethical Dilemma Involving Pacemaker Deactivation At End Of Life, Hailee Grannan Md, Nora Badi Md, Kavita Sharma Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Pacemaker deactivation at the end of life presents complex ethical and logistical challenges. While Heart Rhythm Society affirms a patient’s right to withdraw life-sustaining treatments, clinicians often experience moral distress when patients are pacemaker-dependent. Unlike defibrillators, pacemakers are perceived as integral to the body rather than external interventions, leading to concerns regarding hastening of death with pacemaker deactivation. In this case, we highlight how device manufacturer procedural requirements can also create obstacles to deactivation, resulting in unintended prolonged suffering and increased distress for the patient and family.

Description:

A 74-year-old male with metastatic renal cell carcinoma developed third-degree heart …

Connecting Unprofessional Behaviors To Trust: Medical Education Perspectives, Deborah Simpson Phd, Kristin Ouweneel Mba, Tricia La Fratta Mba, Jacob Bidwell Md, Wilhelm Lehmann Md, Mph, Nicole Salvo Md, William Macdonald Md, Kathryn Agard Cmp, Pmp, Esmeralda Santana C-Tagme, David Hamel Md, Kirtan Patel Do, Jessica O'Brien Md, Ed.M, Suzette S. Caudle Md, Leah N. Delfinado Md, Facog, Mscp, David M. Irby Mdiv, Phd

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Perceived unprofessional behavior (PUB) poses a significant challenge in medical education (ME), as research demonstrates its adverse impact on patient care, teamwork, and learning. But what if professionalism is reframed as trust consistent with ME’s entrusted professional activities (EPA)? Agreement on which behaviors adversely affect trust can provide educators with a different approach to illuminate PUB.

Purpose:

To develop and conduct a needs assessment to assess the degree to which selected professionalism-related behaviors are linked to trust.

Methods:

Key ME stakeholders (i.e., learners, faculty, ME leaders/staff) submitted brief, de-identified unprofessional behaviors that they had experienced/witnessed exhibited in practice. Behaviors …

Understanding Patient Experiences And Diagnostic Challenges In Long Covid Care, Raegan King Mph, Tiffany Ford Phd, Mph, Osondi Osondi-Lohrer Ms, Ccrp, Jana Hirschtick Phd, Mph

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Long COVID is characterized by persistent, heterogeneous symptoms that often lack timely recognition, contributing to delayed diagnosis and fragmented care. Understanding patient experiences with diagnosis and care pathways is critical to determining whether and how receiving a Long COVID diagnosis influences access to care, patient well-being, and perceptions of validation within the healthcare system. This study aimed to explore patient experiences with a Long COVID diagnosis and care navigation within the Advocate Health system, with a focus on identifying barriers to diagnostic equity and opportunities to improve clinical pathways.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to understand diagnostic …

Identifying Obstetric Care Needs And Experiences Among Rohingya Refugee Women In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Michelle Lin Bs, Amulya Suresh Bs, Sarah Yapo Bs, Dahlia Tesfamichael Md, Manuel Lamptey Ms, Dawn Wankowski Ms, Jessica Jf Kram Mph, Elizabeth Corey Md, Mph

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Rohingya refugee women in the United States face barriers to obstetric care, including language isolation, gender norms, prior trauma, and unfamiliarity with Western healthcare systems. Milwaukee hosts the largest Rohingya community nationwide (~3,000 residents), yet little is known about their perinatal care experiences.

Purpose:

Our quality improvement project aimed to characterize obstetric needs and care experiences among Rohingya women in Milwaukee and inform community-centered interventions.

Methods:

We conducted a quality improvement study of Rohingya women who delivered at Aurora Sinai Medical Center from 2019 to 2023. Eligible participants were foreign-born Milwaukee County residents with at least one prenatal visit. …

Perceptions Of Novice Career And Technical Education Teachers Regarding Teacher Evaluations, Felix Quayson, Chris Zirkle

Journal of Research in Technical Careers

As states expand funding for alternative teacher-licensure pathways, this qualitative descriptive case study examined how 38 novice Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in a Midwestern research university’s alternative licensure program perceived teacher evaluation during their first years in the profession. Analyses yielded ten major themes with three subthemes each, which were synthesized into the DEEPS conceptual evaluation framework: Development, Evaluation, Engagement, Partnerships, and Skills. We arranged the acronym DEEPS based on data analysis for conceptual coherence rather than order of occurrence. Participants described evaluation as misaligned with the specialized demands of CTE instruction and called for tools that better …

An Analysis Of Professional Development Preferences, Needs, And Engagement Among Family And Consumer Sciences Teachers In Illinois, Sally E. Arnett

Journal of Research in Technical Careers

The purpose of this study was to identify the professional development preferences, needs, and engagement of family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers in Illinois. Signature pedagogy and its three theoretical elements served as a foundational framework for structuring respondents' professional development considerations. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected through an online survey completed by 45 (42%) Illinois FCS teachers. Findings indicated that teachers preferred professional development that was offered in person, located within geographical proximity, and scheduled during contracted working hours. Respondents identified discipline-specific FCS content, effective lab management, and the integration of AI in an FCS classroom …

Employability Skills Development In Career And Technical Education: Administrators’ Perspectives, Emily Manuel, Bradley M. Coleman, Jon W. Ramsey, J. Shane Robinson, Mary Jo Self

Journal of Research in Technical Careers

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in the United States have provided a combination of academic, technical, and employability skills to prepare students for college and careers. Employability skills, also known as soft skills, life skills, or behavioral skills, are developed through multiple CTE program components. This mixed-methods study explored administrators’ perceptions of Oklahoma CTE’s capacity to develop employability skills in students to meet the needs of the local community. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative findings suggest problem-solving, logical reasoning, and critical thinking were the highest-rated skills developed. …

Whose Interest? How Attorney General Paxton Weaponizes His Administrative Power Against The Public Interest, Kaylie Vasquez

Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality

Attorney Generals wield immense power throughout the country and are charged with protecting the interests of the public. In Texas, the Attorney General manipulates this power for political capital and ideological warfare. This Note examines the case of Annunciation House v. Paxton and the administrative powers granted to the Texas Attorney General. Specifically, this Note examines the Request to Examine statute that authorizes the Texas Attorney General to investigate any business organization at anytime for any reason. It does so by 1) discussing the specific statute and analyzing its weakness; 2) evaluating the Request to Examine at issue in Annunciation …

Behavior Analysts' Recommendations For Police Interactions With Youth On The Autism Spectrum, Emily Emily Hinterneder

Honors Theses

Autism spectrum disorder affects nearly 2% (1 in every 36) of children in the United States, yet few resources exist to aid police officers in effective communication and interaction with this portion of youth. This study surveyed behavior analysts’ recommendations for police regarding how they can better interact with youth with autism spectrum disorder based on their knowledge, experiences, and opinions. The research surveyed behavior analysts initially in Massachusetts, then throughout the United States, on how police interact with youth with autism, with the intent to propose possible improvements. Quantitative analyses of the closed-ended questions were conducted to examine familiarity, …

Asynchronous Theologetics For A Digital Church, William Ck Yomes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The world is currently living through a digital reformation. The advent of the smartphone has forever changed the way people share information and communicate. In the same way that the technological advancement of Gutenberg's printing press fueled the Protestant Reformation, the widespread rapid adoption of the smartphone has begun a digital reformation. Just as academia has proven education can be accomplished online, so too can the local church adopt online teaching strategies. Teaching has always been foundational to formation in the faith. Now, in the era of digital reformation, the local church can take full advantage of tools like asynchronous …