Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding Husbands Who Live With A Spouse Who Abuses Substances: A Phenomenological Study, Starla Rachelle Huckeba

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Christian non-addicted husbands who are married to a substance-abusing wife in Texas. A thorough review of existing literature indicated that previous research has focused on female non-addicted family members. From this, a gap was identified, and the central research question was developed: How did the Christian non-addicted husband describe the personal effect of living with a substance-abusing wife? Family systems theory, attachment theory, and attachment to God theory guided this study. The sample included 12 husbands whose wives abuse substances. The data collection consisted of the completion …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Young Single Mothers Enrolled In A Four-Year Public University In The Piedmont Triad Region Of Nc: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Ashley I. May

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of young single mothers between the ages of 18-24 enrolled in a four-year university in the Piedmont Triad Region of North Carolina focusing on challenges encountered while navigating university resources and support services. The theory guiding this study was Norman Garmezy’s theory of resilience as it relates to the resiliency of young single mothers enrolled in a four-year public university in the Piedmont Triad Region of North Carolina. A hermeneutical phenomenology research design, combined with snowball and convenience sampling, facilitated an in-depth exploration of challenges faced by …

A Causal-Comparative Analysis Of General Self-Efficacy And Social Media Use Among College Students With Differing Political Affiliations, Jennifer Lee Wool

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative research was to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in general self-efficacy and integration of social media use among college students who were Democrats compared to those who were Republicans. This is a relevant research topic because college students are a priority in the educational system, with attention to their general well-being, academic performance, and the effects of social media on their lives. There is a lack of research on this topic regarding political affiliation. The sample consisted of 165 college students from various colleges and universities. Participants were recruited from an …

Reducing Burnout And Compassion Fatigue: Chaplain-Led Peer Support Group Among Clinical Staff At Choices Healthcare, Matthew Lehman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this Doctor of Ministry action research project was to help reduce burnout and compassion fatigue among the clinical staff at Choices Healthcare. Burnout and compassion fatigue are becoming a healthcare crisis, and hospice agencies are no different. The study was open to any member of the clinical staff, which included chaplains, social workers, nurses, home health aides, and the team leaders of each team in the organization. The study aimed to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue through a series of chaplain-facilitated group education and processing sessions. Humans are relational beings, and getting together to share experiences in …

Perceived Opportunities For Skill Refreshment Via Microlearning And Its Impact On Job Satisfaction And Organizational Commitment Among K-12 Teachers, Jessica Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traditional professional development models often fail to provide the flexibility required by modern K-12 educators, contributing to increased stress and burnout. This non-experimental, cross-sectional study examined the relationship between perceived opportunities for skill refreshment via microlearning, short, on-demand modules, and teachers’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Grounded in SCT, COR Theory, and OST, the study surveyed 99 K-12 teachers in the United States using validated instruments and a researcher-developed scale. Results indicated that perceived microlearning opportunities significantly and positively predicted job satisfaction. Perceived microlearning opportunities also significantly predicted organizational commitment in the initial regression model. Job satisfaction, in turn, significantly …

Vulnerability Through Story Deepening Male Relationships, Paul Samuel Hahn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Men need a vulnerable community. This action research project examines the development of a vulnerable community within the local church context at Maranatha Bible Chapel in Horseheads, NY. The men of Maranatha Bible Chapel feel the persistent challenges in Western culture that erect barriers to vulnerable masculine relationships within the community. Even though the men of Maranatha Bible Chapel report high participation in the church, they chronicle feelings of isolation and a desire for closer relationships between the men in the congregation. This action research project seeks to address the problem of vulnerable male relationships at Maranatha Bible Chapel by …

Movement-Stabilized Three-Dimensional Optical Recordings Of Membrane Potential Changes And Calcium Dynamics In Hippocampal Ca1 Dendrites, Kevin C Gonzalez, Satoshi Terada, Asako Noguchi, George N Zakka, Cliodhna O'Toole, Giuliana Bilbao, Luke Reynolds, Anna Jász, Borbála Kertész, Zoltán Szadai, Alissa Shen, François St-Pierre, Franck Polleux, Attila Losonczy, Balázs Rózsa

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Local dendritic computations are thought to critically influence neuronal signaling and plasticity yet remain largely unexplored in vivo due to challenges in stably imaging small structures at ultrafast timescales. We developed a 3D real-time motion correction platform for movement-stabilized, ultrafast two-photon voltage imaging. By co-labeling CA1 pyramidal neurons with voltage and calcium indicators, we simultaneously measured somato-dendritic and electro-calcium coupling at multiple dendritic sites. We characterized isolated dendritic spikes and distance-dependent backpropagation of naturally occurring and photostimulation-evoked bursts and single spikes. We found that bursts backpropagated more reliably than single spikes, validated that somato-dendritic coupling decreases with distance from soma, …

Exploring Nonresident African American Fathers’ Experiences Of Fatherhood, Jennifer Juanita Occil

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore nonresident African American fathers’ experiences of fatherhood. Although research has examined the influence of father involvement on children’s social, educational, and psychological outcomes, limited qualitative research has focused on the lived experiences of nonresident African American fathers, particularly those with higher levels of education and from the fathers’ perspectives. Family systems theory guided this study, focusing on differentiation of self, interdependency, and boundary setting. The central research question was, how do nonresident African American fathers describe their experiences of fatherhood? For this study, six nonresident African American fathers who had …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Spouses Of Veterans With Ptsd And Nightmares In Coastal Georgia, Heather Evans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of spouses of veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with recurring nightmares in coastal Georgia. Since the experience of the spouse of a veteran is a unique experience, the theories that guided this study were Bowen’s family systems theory and Lazarus and Folkman’s stress theory. These theories guided this study in comprehending the complexities of this role and the family dynamics and stress of a spouse of a veteran with PTSD and nightmares. Thematic analysis was used in this study to analyze the data. The literature on …

Restoring Breath: A Culturally Grounded Response To The Leadership Gap In Keaukaha, Jacquelyn T. Gomes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In Hawaiʻi, where economic strain and rising suicide rates continue to impact young adults, the challenges facing emerging leaders extend beyond ministry models to issues of identity, belonging, and survival. This praxis project addressed the leadership gap among young adults (ages 20–40) in the Keaukaha community of Hawaiʻi Island. While Hale Pule Ke Ola Hou demonstrated strong engagement from elders and children, the absence of young adult leaders revealed deeper challenges in generational continuity, cultural connection, and ministry relevance. Grounded in biblical discipleship and Hawaiian cultural values, this project proposed a contextualized, organic model of leadership development integrating relational presence, …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of African American Adults Who Self-Identify As Christians Serving As Caregivers For Their Parents Or Family In The Southeastern United States, Margaret J. Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental-phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American adult children who self-identify as Christians and serve as caregivers for their parents or family members in the southeastern United States. Despite the prevalence of caregiving within African American families, research typically does not capture the unique cultural and spiritual contexts that shape these experiences. The theories guiding this study are Bowen's family systems theory (Bowen, 1978) and the Afrocentric Perspective. These theories examine family dynamics and cultural expectations. This study sought to understand how faith, cultural values, and familial dynamics shape caregivers' experiences, …

Beyond The Pulpit: How Theological Training Equips Believers To Discern Their Ministry Calling, Gladys Elizabeth Moy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation will examine the theological and practical dimensions of ministry calling through the framework of the Fivefold Ministry as indicated in Ephesians. “And He gave some, apostles, and some, prophets, and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers” (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Ephesians 4:11-12). It will challenge the prevailing assumption that a divine call to ministry is primarily expressed through pulpit-centered roles, arguing instead that ministry encompasses a broader spectrum of functions within the body of Christ. Grounded in theological reflection and contemporary scholarship, the study will contend that while all believers are called to ministry, their specific callings …

Exploring The Impact Of Cultural Beliefs On Death Anxiety: A Qualitative Study To Inform Healthcare Education And Practices, Sharon Sonnilal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A hermeneutic phenomenological approach framed this qualitative study, examining how cultural beliefs, spiritual traditions, and relational contexts shape death anxiety and meaning-making among adults from diverse backgrounds. Terror Management Theory and Culturally Sensitive Grief Treatment guided the conceptualization of death anxiety as a culturally mediated and relational phenomenon rather than an isolated psychological response. A purposive sample of 13 adults aged 18 and older represented diverse cultural, racial, gender, and spiritual identities. Recruitment occurred via Instagram, and participants completed an open-ended demographic and narrative survey. Participants who provided rich survey narratives received invitations to complete semi-structured Zoom interviews to deepen …

Does Enrollment In A Career, Technical, And Agricultural Education (Ctae) Program Predict Students’ Maladaptive Behaviors And High School Graduation Rates In A Rural Georgia High School: A Descriptive And Correlational Analysis, Breanna M. Strickland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the effectiveness of the Career, Technical, and Agricultural (CTAE) program in a rural Georgia high school and its effectiveness on high school graduation rates and maladaptive behaviors in the setting. Grounded in both the Social Learning Theory and Happenstance Theory, this study explores how structured and unplanned experiences influence student outcomes. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational design was used to analyze archivable data from approximately 512 students across six cohorts spanning the 2015-2016 school year through the 2024-2025 school year. Variables in the study include CTAE participation, behavioral referrals, and graduation rates.

Findings from the study reveal positive …

From Educator To Entrepreneur: The Role Of Social Media In Shaping Digital Entrepreneurship In Music Education, Jennifer A. Fabianski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social media has become a vital component of music education, providing new opportunities for students and teachers to connect, collaborate, and create. While its use in education continues to grow, a noticeable gap remains in understanding the connections between social media and music programs. This is particularly evident regarding how it encourages entrepreneurship in music education. As digital platforms reshape how educators teach and learn, it is essential to leverage these platforms to actively build a strong digital presence. Incorporating this mindset will drive creative ventures that promote and market music programs on a global scale. This research examines the …

A Phenomenological Study Of Early Educator Experiences Regarding The Educational And Developmental Benefits Of Play-Based Learning For Children Identified With Special Needs In Inclusive Early Education Classrooms, Karen Renée Gallagher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand what are the lived experiences of early childhood educators with providing play-based learning experiences in inclusive classrooms. The theory guiding this study is Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Development theory. This phenomenological study focused on understanding the perceptions and experiences of early childhood educators in regard to how play-based learning supports school readiness within early care and education environments. The focus of the study included educators who care for and teach children between the ages of birth to five years old within inclusive, state licensed early childhood learning environments located in the …

The Effects Of Narrative Identity Awareness On The Relationship Between Adult Attachment, Shame, And God Attachment, Jacqueline H. Watson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examines the interconnectedness of adult attachment, shame, God attachment, and narrative identity awareness. Insecure adult attachment has been shown to result in increased shame experiences and has been linked to insecure God attachment. Awareness of narrative identity has been used to improve left-right brain integration and correct problematic narratives that often lead to shame. This research employs Likert scale-style questionnaire data, parallel mediation, and linear regression-based models to assess the connections between study variables. More specifically, it examines whether narrative identity awareness moderates the relationship between adult attachment, shame, and God attachment. Participants included self-identifying Christian adults …

Becoming Resilient: The Lived Experiences Of African American Women Who Were Raised By Single Mothers While Pursuing Higher Education, La'quita Shaunae Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of African American women ages 18–45 who were raised exclusively by single mothers while pursuing higher education. The purpose of the study was to examine how participants interpreted and made meaning of resilience within the context of their academic journeys. Nine participants met inclusion criteria following an initial screening process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using IPA’s iterative, idiographic approach, allowing for in-depth exploration of individual narratives prior to cross-case thematic synthesis. Findings revealed resilience as relational, intergenerational, and culturally grounded. Themes reflected maternal modeling, adaptive persistence, …

Pelanggaran Internet Marketing Pada Kegiatan E-Commerce Dikaitkan Dengan Etika Bisnis, Imas Rosidawati, Edy Santoso

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

Modernisasi Hukum Notaris Masa Depan: Kajlan Hukum Terhadap Kemungkinan Cybernotary Di Indonesia, Edmon Makarim

Jurnal Hukum & Pembangunan

Abstract

Comparing Treatment Options For Impending Axillobifemoral Bypass Graft Failure, Marcus Allan Alonzo

Undergraduate Project Award

This is a case study detailing the importance of ultrasound maintenance for axillobifemoral bypass grafts and how findings can influence treatment options. Additionally, the case study addresses how language barriers can deter the choice to seek healthcare and provides solutions to mitigate risks from language barriers.

Introducing Our New Intranet Platform, Glenn Lockhart, Shannon Augustine, Maria Petrova-Margason

Staff Professional Development Week

Join us to learn about what’s replacing MyGU and how it is designed to enhance student organizations, university events, and engagement among students, staff and faculty. Get an overview of its features, rollout plans, and how the platform can streamline communication, collaboration, and campus connection.

Public Water System Compliance Assessment Framework: Evidence From Mississippi Infrastructure Vulnerability, Jason R. Barrett, Brian Blank, John Wallace

Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education

Regulatory non-compliance among public water systems poses a direct threat to public health, so we develop and apply a compliance assessment framework for state-level data from the Mississippi State Department of Health in order to aid public water systems in updating infrastructure to improve water quality. The framework evaluates public water system compliance across financial, managerial, and technical indicators, producing a composite score to support targeted interventions and data-driven resource allocation. Analyzing 1,107 systems, we identify a tiered structure of deficiencies, ranging from critically non-compliant rural utilities and mobile home parks to mid-range deficient municipal systems, and highlight the 15 …

Tax Practice Management, Wayne C. Bradley

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Tax Trends, Nicholas J. Fiore

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Target Benefit Plans: An Appealing Option For Small Employers, Labh S. Hira, Paul Perry

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Make Your Office Globally Accessible Without Adding To Your Workload, Rowena Winiarczyk, Fiona Grugan

Staff Professional Development Week

CORE’s Rue Winiarczyk and ACS’s Fiona Grugan often see that in today’s increasingly global campus environments, staff interact daily with students and colleagues from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Many common challenges, such as misinterpreted email tone, delayed responses, or unclear expectations, often come from small, everyday communication habits.

This session offers practical, low-effort strategies to make routine interactions more globally accessible without adding to staff workload. Rather than focusing on theory, the session centers on real scenarios staff already encounter, including writing emails, responding to questions, and navigating misunderstandings. Participants will learn simple adjustments that can immediately improve clarity …

Exploring How Parental Involvement Impacts Police Encounters And Delinquent Behavior Among Black Adolescent Girls, Danielle V. Porter, Elizabeth Otto, Dyamon Brown, Jasmine Alli, Robyn Douglas, Noni Gaylord-Harden

Research Showcase

Adolescents’ contact with police is a complex outcome that is influenced by both individual behavior and the broader social context. Specifically, while delinquent behavior can lead to more police contact (Crutchfield et al., 2012), hyper-surveillance often occurs in marginalized communities, increasing unjustified police contact for youth of color (Campos-Manzo et al., 2020; Geller, 2021). Indeed, racial disparities in police contact during adolescence persist even after accounting for delinquent behavior (Campos-Manzo et al., 2020; Crutchfield et al., 2012). Thus, it is important to identify factors that may protect Black youth from contact with police. Parental involvement refers to parents’ active and …

Build Your Skills With Linkedin Training, Adrian Rivera

Staff Professional Development Week

GTS’s Adrian Rivera offers a chance to get acquainted with LinkedIn Training, which provides Gallaudet staff with a flexible, accessible way to strengthen professional skills and stay current with evolving workplace tools. With thousands of high‐quality online courses, employees can build confidence in areas such as communication, leadership, customer service, project management, and digital literacy. The platform allows staff to learn at their own pace, revisit topics as needed, and apply new skills directly to their daily responsibilities.

A key benefit for Gallaudet employees is the ability to stay updated on essential workplace technologies. Courses on Office 365 help staff …

Mathematical Modeling Of Space Operations: Optimizing Satellite Network Resilence, Mohammad Tasrif Khan

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

With growing interdependence among satellite networks, the threat of cyber attacks on satellites can have grave consequences. To make satellite networks resilient to cyber intrusions, a solid mathematical umbrella that encompasses orbital mechanics, linear algebra, graph theory, game theory, and optimization is necessary. The paper proposes a new approach for modeling and mitigating cybersecurity threats to space operations, with a specific focus on satellite network robustness improvement. Using the principles of orbital mechanics, the research models the trajectories of satellites and their effect on the dynamic spread of cyber threats along links between on-board satellites. These insights are grounded in …