Digital Commons Network^™

Expanding Nature Access For Underserved Communities, Natalie Garcia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too few children in Soledad have regular access and connection to outdoor spaces, leading to increased stress and fewer opportunities for positive mental health outcomes. This capstone project was implemented at Ventana Wildlife Society through the Nature Coach Pilot Program, promoting mental health through individualized outdoor plans throughout Monterey County. The program primarily serves underserved communities with limited access to local parks and outdoor resources, while also being open to the general public. The purpose of this project was to support the implementation of the Nature Coach Pilot Program by increasing awareness of accessible green spaces and encouraging engagement in …

Benefits Of Being Bilingual On The Academic Success Of The Spanish-Speaking English Language Learners, Shary Vaca

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Reframing bilingualism as an academic asset rather than a limitation, this senior capstone research project examines how bilingualism supports the academic success of Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs) in early education within California’s diverse and growing Hispanic student population. Using a combination of literature reviews, teacher interviews, and surveys from former English language learners, the findings indicate that bilingualism is one of three key benefits for English language learners: enhancing communication skills, strengthening critical thinking, and increasing language competence. In addition, bilingual students demonstrate a unique ability to collaborate effectively, think flexibly across languages, and transfer linguistic knowledge to support …

Supporting Wellness At Pantries: Enhancing Nutritional Literacy And Healthy Food Choices, Veronica M. Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

High living costs and limited access to funds contribute significantly to food insecurity among families in Santa Cruz County, where many residents spend over 60% of their income on rent. This project addressed the critical need for increased nutritional literacy and knowledge to give participants food choices to help prevent chronic health risks. The purpose of this internship project was to develop educational resources and knowledge to empower community members to make healthier food choices despite systemic financial barriers. The project was implemented in collaboration with local stakeholders (Pajaro Valley Unified School District), including the Second Harvest Food Bank Santa …

Effects Of Culturally (Queer) Responsive Teaching On Lgbtq+ Students, Samantha L. Alonso

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) has been thoroughly researched, and its effects have been well documented. However, when responding to Cultural diversity within the classroom, most researchers and educators focus on racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse cultures. Despite this, CRT has proven its effectiveness for all students, and can be adapted for any minority culture. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of CRT for Queer students. As well as, the barriers, limitations, and hesitations in regards to its implementation. Using surveys conducted on students and educators alike, insights are provided in regards to student experiences and educators perspectives. Additionally, a …

Teachers’ Role In Supporting Students Growing Up Missing A Parent, Jesus A. Gomez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone research project examines how teachers support students who are growing up missing a parent. Through literature reviews, teacher and parent interviews, and anonymous student survey data from CSUMB students, the results revealed that parental absence and family instability can affect students academically, emotionally, and behaviorally. However, teachers can play an important role in students' lives by providing emotional safety, strong relationships, communication, and everyday support. In addition, students from single-parent or untraditional households were much more likely to remember a teacher as a role model as a second-parent figure. This capstone highlights the protective role teachers play …

Impact Of Dual Immersion Program On The Academic Achievement Of Elementary School Students, Juliana G. Carreto

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This study examines the impact of the dual immersion program on the academic achievement of elementary school students in reading, mathematics, and Spanish. Through literature reviews, classroom observations, and interviews with teachers and a principal, the results indicate that students in the dual immersion program do well and often outperform those in the traditional program. Besides student engagement and interest in learning, students in the dual immersion program gain problem-solving, memory, and critical thinking skills, as well as proficiency in both English and Spanish, despite their initial struggles in the 90/10 model. As a result, the dual immersion program positively …

The Effects Of Teaching History Through A Culturally Sustaining Lens On K-5 Students, Jessica Bazor

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The current canon in many aspects of the US education stemmed from that of the white male, but with the country becoming more diverse it is becoming more important that children are taught about history through the lens of other cultures as well. This senior capstone research project examines the effects of teaching history through a culturally sustaining lens on K-5 students. Through the use of literature review, anonymous student surveys, and interviews with an array of educators, the findings indicated that by bringing in more diverse viewpoints, children are encouraged to be more analytical and more engaged in learning …

Rompiendo El Silencio: Overcoming Emotional Suppression And Embracing Vulnerability In The Latine Community, Destiny Jimenez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on hosting and facilitating a free, Spanish-speaking support group for Latine individuals in Monterey County with the goal of creating a safe space for open conversation. The project aims to bring people together, encourage discussion around shared experiences, and provide emotional support in a culturally understanding environment. Overall, the event aimed to establish a starting point, an entry into an ongoing process of reflection, connection, and healing, while also helping individuals feel heard, supported, and more connected to their community.

Effects Of 1:1 Smart Device Usage On K-8 Student Learning And Long Term Retention, Cole D. Young

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The widespread adoption of 1:1 smart device initiatives in K-8 classrooms across the United States has coincided with growing national concern over declining student literacy, reading comprehension, and long-term retention. This capstone research paper examines the effects of smart device integration on K-8 student learning and retention through two complementary methods: a review of peer-reviewed academic literature and a series of interviews conducted with five educators working across a range of grade levels and school contexts. The literature review identifies a tension between the documented benefits of smart device use. Also a series of educator interviews, conducted with teachers spanning …

Streamlining Client Information For Post-Conviction Relief In Monterey County, Selena Lopez Arizmendi

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addresses barriers to record clearing services that impact recidivism and reentry outcomes in California. Individuals with criminal records often face challenges in securing employment, housing, and stability, increasing the likelihood of continued justice system involvement. The Clean Slate Program at the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office provides post-conviction relief services to help reduce these barriers. Although Proposition 47 funding ended in February 2026, program services have continued. This project identified a need for a standardized, client-friendly informational resource, as key information has historically been communicated verbally, limiting understanding and retention. To address this gap, a concise Clean …

Building The Bridge: A Trauma Informed Supportive Presentation For Parents & Caregivers Of Adolescent Children Who’Ve Experienced Trauma, Cynthia Rodriguez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Children exposed to trauma often face significant adverse effects on their development and well-being when parents/caregivers lack emotional support to their children. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement a psychoeducational presentation designed to teach parents the basics of trauma-informed care principles and practical strategies to help support their children who have experienced trauma. A virtual live presentation approach, including educational evidence-based, trauma-informed curriculum to a set of participants who identify themselves as caregivers or parents. The presentation was evaluated by personal interviews to determine if the participant was satisfied  and would benefit from the presentation. …

Cynthia Alkon, Cynthia Alkon

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Lisa A. Goodman, Lisa A. Goodman

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

Peter R. Reilly, Peter R. Reilly

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

William M. Sage, William M. Sage

Faculty CVs

No abstract provided.

From Innovation To Interaction: Processes Shaping Animal Assisted Therapy Implementation In Outpatient Settings In The United States, Rachel Rachlinski

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is an emerging mental health specialty marked by rapid growth, inconsistent training pathways, and the absence of regulatory oversight. Although professional organizations have published competencies and guidelines, no regulatory body ensures that educational programs or licensed practitioners adhere to these standards, leading to wide variability in practice and potential risks to clients and animals. This constructivist grounded theory study examined the processes shaping how licensed mental health providers understand and implement AAT in outpatient settings across the United States, with attention to the influence of training, supervision, and prior clinical experience.

Guided by the Consolidated Framework …

Insimul: A Hybrid Ai System For Social Immersion, Daniel Dekerlegand

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Creating believable, socially intelligent virtual characters that are culturally and historically grounded requires more than any single artificial intelligence paradigm can provide. Symbolic social physics systems such as Ensemble offer interpretable, human-authored representations of social norms and relationships but produce linguistically stilted interaction. Statistical approaches---particularly large language models---generate fluent dialogue but lack behavioral coherence and cultural grounding. Virtual reality provides embodied presence that transforms abstract social computation into experiential engagement but contributes no social intelligence of its own. This dissertation argues that the integration of all three technologies---symbolic AI, statistical AI, and virtual reality---is necessary for producing socially coherent, linguistically …

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Title Ix Coordinators At Higher Education Institutions In Louisiana, Amanda Robbins

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Higher education professionals employed as Title IX Coordinators in Louisiana are tasked with managing their university’s response to sexual misconduct occurring within their campus community. The role’s responsibilities have increased with guidance from every presidential administration since 2014 and often include case management, training of investigators, hearing board members, and mandated reporters as well as completing reports, community education and more (U.S. Department of Education, 2020; Exec. Order No 14021). Scholarly research over the past two decades has informed a body of literature about the experiences of survivors (Baker et al, 2016; Bolger, 2016), the experiences of the accused (Cruz, …

What We Want The Decision Makers To Know About First-Generation College Student Success: Insights From Students’ Perspectives, Monique N. Legendre

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

One-third of all undergraduates in the U.S. are first-generation college students (FGCS) (Center for First-Generation Student Success, 2020). Due to barriers such as inequitable access to rigorous college preparatory programs and coursework, limited resources and access to college and career counseling, financial constraints, and a lack of college knowledge such as the expectations, norms, and language of higher education, FGCS often arrive less prepared for college than continuing-generation students, impacting first-generation student success and persistence in post-secondary education (Broadhurst et al., 2023; Campoverdi, 2023; Cataldi et al., 2018; Hamilton et al., 2016; Katrevich & Aruguete, 2017; Osborne, 2023; Pratt et …

Disrupting The Norm: Exploring A New Grading Policy Through The Lens Of Institutional Theory In Higher Education, Kara Bisceglie

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Each year, colleges across the United States admit new students, initiating them into their academic journeys. Yet, according to recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse, fewer than 70% of these students are retained by the institution that admitted them (National Student Clearinghouse, Persistence & Retention, 2023). In response to this phenomenon, institutions of higher education have instituted various intervention efforts in the hopes of mitigating student attrition. Many of these initiatives are based on an extensive body of literature exploring the most effective ways to impact student retention. One disparity in this scholarly collection is the examination of …

“Thomas Jefferson: America’S Flawed Founder Of Freedom.”, Jay H. Buckley

Faculty Publications

Thomas Jefferson was a deeply paradoxical figure—both a founding champion of liberty and a lifelong slaveholder—whose legacy must be understood in its full complexity. While he owned more than 600 enslaved people and participated in a system he publicly condemned, Jefferson consistently articulated and promoted ideals of natural rights, equality, and freedom that reshaped the United States and influenced democratic movements worldwide. He made repeated (though often unsuccessful) efforts to curb or end slavery through legislation, legal cases, and policy, including opposing the slave trade, limiting slavery’s expansion into western territories, and helping abolish the transatlantic slave trade. At the …

Metrics Not Thresholds: How To Regulate Ai And Other Expert Methods For Use In Criminal Investigations And Proceedings, Rebecca Wexler

Faculty Scholarship

Should regulators set performance thresholds for AI tools used in the criminal legal system? This Article draws on U.S. evidence law for guidance. Its answer is ... don’t. Instead of gatekeeping with ex ante performance thresholds, regulators should require or incentivize metrics of reliability that can be clearly communicated to end-user decisionmakers.

Unveiling Embodied White Supremacy: Therapists’ Experiences And Its Imprint On Therapeutic Relationships In Dance/Movement Therapy, Melody E. Gamba

Counseling and Psychology Dissertations

This qualitative, arts-informed research study explored how White-identifying dance/movement therapists experience and articulate their awareness of embodied White supremacy within therapeutic relationships. Grounded in critical race theory, relational-cultural theory, and embodied critical transformation theory, the study addressed a gap in dance/movement therapy literature concerning how White supremacy is not only cognitively understood, but also somatically felt, relationally enacted, and professionally navigated. The purpose of the study was to understand how White-identifying dance/movement therapists perceive, kinesthetically experience, and make meaning of embodied White supremacy in therapeutic practice, and to explore how these embodied experiences influence therapeutic presence, attunement, and the potential …

J Mich Dent Assoc May 2026

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200-plus members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADA Commons.

The May 2026 (Volume 108, No. 5) issue of the Journal is published in print format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions occur every other month beginning with January.

The May 2026 issue of the MDA Journal introduces Dr. Melanie Mayberry as the new association president, highlighting her …

Staff Matters: Should I Negotiate A Starting Salary With A Final Candidate?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article provides guidance for dental practice owners on handling salary negotiations with final job candidates. The author emphasizes the need for a well-defined salary structure based on market data to avoid internal pay inequities and budget strain. It recommends that employers communicate their compensation philosophy transparently and broaden the discussion beyond base pay to include the value of the total benefits package, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development.

Mda Services: Don’T Get Bogged Down: Regulatory Compliance, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column encourages dental practice owners to utilize MDA-endorsed vendors to simplify business operations and ensure regulatory compliance. It specifically recommends Eagle Associates for HIPAA and OSHA training and Complete Dental IT for managing technology-related security risks. The author argues that using these pre-vetted services saves members time on vendor interviews and negotiation while providing favorable pricing that individual practices could not achieve on their own.

Your New Mda President: Dr. Melanie Mayberry, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature introduces Dr. Melanie Mayberry, the 2026-27 president of the Michigan Dental Association. An interview details her extensive background in private practice, DSOs, academia, and public health. Dr. Mayberry discusses the primary challenges facing dentists, specifically workforce gaps and flat reimbursement models. Her agenda for the upcoming year includes finalizing a new strategic plan, modernizing the Annual Session, and enhancing member engagement through mentorship programs for new graduates.

Perceptions Of Academic And College Preparation Skills Gained Through Concurrent College Credit Courses: A Case Study Of Students From Rural, High-Poverty Communities, Jessica Erin Culver

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Concurrent college credit courses are growing at a rapid pace nationwide, with large numbers of high school students now earning college credit before the end of their twelfth-grade year. In Arkansas, this trend of increased concurrent college course enrollment is evident, with over 23,000 students enrolled in concurrent courses during the 2024 school year (Arkansas Division of Higher Education, 2024). Arkansas continued to emphasize the need for concurrent courses with the 2025 ACCESS Act, encouraging students to take concurrent courses as a path to future college and career success (Arkansas Division of Higher Education, 2025a). As concurrent courses continue …

The Impact Of Change In The Legal Definition Of Confidentiality On The Redaction Behavior Of U.S. Firms, Alexey Alferov

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

U.S. public companies may redact information from material contracts in SEC filings as long as such information is not considered to be material by the SEC and when it is the type of information that the registrant treats as private and confidential. In 2021, the SEC revised redaction regulations in response to the expansion of the legal definition of ‘confidential’ by the Supreme Court of the United States. In this paper I examine whether these changes, referred to as FMI Amendments, impact companies’ decision to redact information from their material contracts filed with the SEC. In addition, I extend Thompson …

Structural Evidence For Innervation Of A Single Epitheliomuscular Cell By Multiple Sensory Neurons In The Sea Anemone Nematostella Vectensis, Aparajita Das

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Here, I report new ultrastructural evidence for multineuronal innervation (many-one) of a single epithelia-muscular cell in sea-anemone cnidarian Nematostella vectensis. Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy (SBF-SEM) and ImageJ, I found that EMCs are located at the base of ectoderm, with an elongated cell body that includes basal processes, a bilobed nucleus, and myofibrils aligned parallel to the basal surface along with their structural quantification. Notably, I found multiple mechanosensory neurons form synapses with a single EMC. These findings enhance our understanding of cnidarian neuromuscular organization and reveal that coordination between sensory and contractile systems in N. vectensis is …