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The Grizzly, May 7, 2026, Renee Washart, Sidney Belleroche, Dylan Mchugh, Andrew Mihniak, Adam Denn, Cassidy Denning

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Ursinus College Announces Shifts to Berman Museum • Ursinus Food Pantry: Coming Soon? • Students Learn From MLS Senior Director of Social Media Dan Stelly • Theater Department Presents Independent Capstone Production • Renee Washart Signing Off! • Adam Denn Signing On! • Sidney Belleroche Signing On! • AI: Humanity's Silent Killer • UC Sports Network Returns In Full Force • Ursinus Baseball's Miracle Run Comes to a Close

Brachial Macroparasite Loads In Estuarine Young-Of-Year Striped Mullet (Mugil Cephalus), Triston Rice

Honors Theses

Climate change is a growing threat to marine habitats globally. One ecological impact that warming water temperatures poses is the increased metabolic rate of many parasite species. Their promoted reproductive and feeding rates could pose a threat to the stability of many host populations. Parasites of the gills, or brachial parasites, are especially concerning to fish populations globally. As parasitism is not limited to a specific taxon and comprises a large diversity of ecomorphs and behaviors, geographically distinct areas may be differentially affected by the changing prevalence of parasites. This study aimed to survey current brachial parasite abundance and prevalence …

Development Of Small-Molecule Therapeutics Targeting Neurodegenerative Diseases And Oncology, Thomas Webster

Theses & Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and colorectal cancer (CRC) remain significant clinical challenges requiring improved therapeutic strategies. This dissertation describes the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of structurally diverse small-molecule scaffolds targeting the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) for symptomatic modulation in AD, the dopamine D4 receptor (D4R) for management of L-DOPA–induced dyskinesia in PD, and claudin-1 for targeted intervention in CRC. Fused azabicyclic scaffolds were developed as S1R modulators, and systematic structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies identified key structural features governing receptor affinity, selectivity, metabolic stability, and central nervous system penetration. Optimized analogs demonstrated improved metabolic stability and favorable brain exposure, …

Task-Based Language Teaching For Afghans Resettled In The United States Since 2021: Meeting Integration And Employment Needs, Madison E. Wilhelm

Senior Honors Theses

In the aftermath of the 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the United States military evacuated tens of thousands of Afghans, many of whom were resettled in the United States. This population has faced many challenges in their resettlement, including barriers to language learning and difficulty finding skilled employment. There is great diversity within this population, including individuals with limited schooling and those with valuable employment skills.

This integrative literature review explores how Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) can be used as a strategy for Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) with the post-2021 Afghan population in the United States. It …

Testing And Qualification Of Low-Voltage Power Supplies For The Atlas Tile Hadronic Calorimeter Phase-Ii Upgrade, Justice A. Jones

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

The High Luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) places increased thermal and operational demands on detector electronics, requiring highly reliable power systems. The ATLAS Tile Hadronic Calorimeter (TileCal) uses low-voltage power supply (LVPS) bricks to power front-end electronics, but these units operate in inaccessible regions, making failures difficult to repair. Therefore, rigorous qualification procedures are essential. This work focuses on improving LVPS reliability through a structured burn-in process. Each unit undergoes pre-burn-in electrical verification using a Single Test Stand (STS), followed by sustained operation under load and elevated temperature, and post-burn-in requalification. Standard cooling conditions limit temperatures to …

Exploration Of Ai-Based Method Feedback For Clinical Psychology Skill Development With An Emphasis On Deliberate Practice, Beckham G. Mccord

Honors Theses

Training competent psychotherapists requires substantial time, supervision, and performance-based feedback. However, traditional methods of providing feedback are resource-intensive and difficult to sustain outside of university and research settings. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have created new opportunities to automate aspects of psychotherapy fidelity assessment and provide trainees with more frequent feedback. The present study examines the implementation of Lyssn, an AI-based psychotherapy platform that provides clinical feedback to therapists, in a graduate-level course on Evidence-Based Services. Multiple years of course data were reviewed to evaluate therapist competence, therapist behaviors, and student engagement with AI-generated feedback. Particular emphasis was placed …

Story Processing Eliminates Collaborative Inhibition, Brady Keller

Honors Theses

This present experiment investigated the encoding effect when creating or processing stories and pleasantness conditions for participants in both nominal and collaborative groups (dyads). A brief literature review explored the background on research done highlighting collaborative inhibition and story processing is included. Amongst nominal groups there was no significant difference between story processing and pleasantness conditions. However, participants in storytelling remembered more words than the participants in pleasantness conditions in collaborative groups. Furthermore, story processing dyads had no identifiable collaborative inhibition, rather supporting evidence to a robust collaborative facilitation. Potential reasons for this unique result are related to everyone’s expertise …

Exploring Real-World Accounting Problems Through Case Studies, Molly Clark

Honors Theses

This thesis is made up of six different accounting case studies completed both individually and collaboratively over two semesters in Accy 420 under the guidance of Dr. Dickinson. These case studies required in-depth research on the topics and reflection on how accounting concepts apply to real-world business situations. In the fall semester, a variety of case studies were assigned to help broaden understanding of relevant accounting topics such as regulatory issues and financial reporting. In the spring semester, students were placed into groups to do research on the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and evaluate its potential impact on an …

Bridging Theory And Application: Case Studies In Financial Reporting, Regulation, And Ethics, Keili Cm Ikemori

Honors Theses

This thesis explores the intersection of financial reporting, regulation, and ethics through a series of applied case studies designed to bridge theoretical accounting concepts with real world application. The case studies focus on how accounting principles are implemented in corporate environments, how regulatory frameworks influence business operations, and how ethical considerations shape financial decision making. During the fall semester of Accy 420, we were tasked with case studies that increased our knowledge in financial statement literacy, accounting concepts, relevant accounting regulations, and ethics. During the spring semester of Accy 420, we used the knowledge gained from the prior semester in …

A Solution For Safe Pivot Transfers In A Population With Limited Mobility, Elizabeth A. Mitchell, Sean R. Giamportone

Honors Theses

Sit-to-stand pivot transfers are one of the most frequently performed movements for

individuals with limited mobility. This movement is very often performed in long-term care

facilities and clinics. Despite the commonality, this transfer poses a significant risk of injury to

both the patient and caregiver; falls, musculoskeletal injuries, and the reduction of independence

can result from issues associated with these transfers. Existing assistive devices, Hoyer lifts and

sliding boards, present limitations with cost, size, storage, and usability; thus, caregivers rely on

the hands-on manual transfer that increases the risk of injury. The goal of our team was to

address these …

The Practice Book: An Interactive Website For Figure Skating Training Plan Development, Lydia J. Popple

Honors Theses

Figure skating training relies on structured practice plans developed by coaches to guide athlete progression. However, many coaches and skaters continue to use paper-based or fragmented digital systems, limiting organization, accessibility, and visibility into athlete progress. This project introduces The Practice Book, a web-based application designed to digitize and centralize the creation, assignment, and tracking of figure skating practice plans.

The system is implemented using a three-tier architecture with a PHP-based application layer, a MySQL (MariaDB) relational database, and a user interface built with HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap. The database models standardized figure skating elements defined by the United …

Neuroprotective Effects Of Estradiol And Genistein And Interactions With Aromatase Inhibitions Post Cerebellar Lesion In Male Zebra Finches, Grace E. Thompson, Anthony P. Irovic

Honors Theses

Across vertebrates, peripheral and brain-derived estradiol (E₂) promotes neuroplasticity. After injury, E₂ can be derived locally from testosterone via aromatase (AROM), an enzyme that is upregulated in glia at the site of neural injury. E₂disrupts testicular function and elevates cancer and stroke risk, primarily via binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ER α). Genistein (GEN), a phytoestrogen, is similar to E₂ but binds preferentially to estrogen receptor beta (ER β). It may offer neuroprotection without adverse effects of E₂. We used adult male zebra finches (ZF) to model neuroprotective effects of E_{2 …}

Optimization And Dynamic Control Of Acetone Production From Isopropyl Alcohol, Thomas W. Wasson

Honors Theses

This paper investigates the optimization and dynamic control of acetone production via catalytic dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol. Optimization was conducted using steady-state Aspen Plus modeling with product specifications of 30,000 metric tons per year of 99.9% pure acetone by weight. Dynamic modeling of the feed preparation and reaction portions of the process was conducted in Aspen Plus Dynamic. Through optimization efforts the primary economic factor, net present value (NPV), was increased from $(126.6) million to $(83.2) million, representing a $43.4 million increase. This was primarily accomplished through a switch to low temperature catalyst, optimization of reactor dimensions, pressurization of key …

Final Practicum Thesis And Portfolio From Accy 421: Professional Development Reviewing The Economic Effects Of Maha Initiatives On Conagra Brands Financial Statements And Studies On Business Professionals, Everett B. Heuer

Honors Theses

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential legislative changes brought about by Robert F Kennedy Jr. and the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign to uncover possible financial effects to Conagra Brands’ next fiscal year. This was achieved through research on RFK’s opinions on American food culture from sources such as interviews and Senate confirmation hearings. Findings included disapproval of seed oils and artificial food dyes that could affect Conagra Brands’ subsidiaries. After reviewing Conagra Brands’ 10k for the previous fiscal year as well as mission statements and core values, the team developed multiple plans for Conagra Brands …

A Transgenerational Analysis Of Factors Influencing Fertility Among Jamaican Men, Shanique Deniellia Essuman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Automated Evaluation Of Web Accessibility In Cybersecurity Tools, William Robert Cox

Theses and Dissertations

Screen reader users face significant barriers when using web-based cybersecurity tools, however, the accessibility of these interfaces has received minimal systematic research attention. Existing automated evaluation tools assess Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) conformance but do not measure the practical operability of complex and domain-specific interfaces for users of assistive technology. This dissertation presents the Deciphering Interfaces for Your Accessibility (DIYA) framework, an open-source automated auditing framework that evaluates cybersecurity tool web interfaces across eight normalized dimensions: WCAG conformance, Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) usage, semantic structure, keyboard operability, form accessibility, dynamic content accessibility, interaction cost, and screen reader readiness. …

Exploring The Skills Gap And Implications Of Science Technology Engineering And Mathematics Graduates And Professional Laboratory Staff, Indrajee Wewaliyadda

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The noticeable expansion of the biotech and research industries, fueled by increased funding due to the 2019 pandemic (Wallace et al., 2022), which increased the existing skills gap among fresh STEM graduates entering professional laboratories. This study aims to evaluate whether bachelor’s degree holders in biological sciences possess the necessary laboratory competencies to meet professional demands. Utilizing survey methods and Kolb’s experiential learning model (Kolb, 1984), the research examines the extent and implications of the skill deficiencies observed. The study helps to understand the gap in practical laboratory skills among new graduates. Further, results from this work will show the …

Exploring The Impact Of Ungrading On Student Engagement And Motivation In A First-Year Composition Class, Mary B. Gruis

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study investigated the association between student engagement, motivation, and self-efficacy in college-level writing-intensive courses using an ungraded approach. Motivated by disillusionment with traditional grading methods and inspired by texts on equitable grading and culturally responsive teaching, the researcher explored how ungrading could foster deeper learning and equitable educational practices. Grounded in Bandura’s (1997) self-efficacy framework, this qualitative case study examined the lived experiences of first-year composition students at a two-year institution. Data collection included student interviews, student reflections, and an instructor interview. The analysis revealed themes aligned with self-efficacy, engagement, and motivation, suggesting that ungrading positively impacted students' perceptions …

Building Preschool Teacher Confidence In Understanding Student Accommodations By Implementing The Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support (Mtss) Framework, Heather Briese

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

The overall goal of this paper is to highlight the crucial role that educators have with student development. Educators' knowledge and the ability to implement High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs), and providing the Mutli-Tiered Systems of Support  (MTSS) are essential for student growth through effective student accommodations. This paper will examine how these practices can be implemented to support students in both academics and socially-emotionally. In order for early childhood educators to be successful in providing student support they need to have a comprehensive understanding of High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs), Mutli-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and …

The Response Of Child Protection Services To Prenatal Substance Exposure, Cierra Hassel

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE) is a growing public health concern that requires Child Protection Services (CPS) involvement. CPS is a government agency that investigates child safety to determine whether child removal is necessary. Due to the increase of substance use during pregnancy, often linked to the opioid epidemic, more mandated reporters are submitting reports for positive drug tests at birth, which are screened in as neglect by the mother. PSE has significant implications for developing fetuses, potentially causing both short- and long-term behavioral, medical, and developmental challenges.  

Pregnant women with substance use disorder may often neglect prenatal care, as they …

Re: Conditional Approval Letter For Draft Final 2026 Interim Site-Wide Groundwater Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan (Dated May 6, 2026), Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Reducing Emergency Department Overuse Through Patient Education, Maddie Pieper, Joshua Heuertz

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Background/Introduction

Emergency departments (EDs) are designed to provide rapid evaluation and management of acute, life-threatening, and time-sensitive conditions. However, EDs are frequently used for nonemergent or low-acuity concerns that could be managed in primary care or urgent care settings. This overuse contributes to rising healthcare costs, resource strain, longer wait times, and overcrowding. Underserved populations may rely more heavily on ED services because of barriers such as limited primary care access, language differences, low health literacy, restrictive work schedules, transportation challenges, and difficulty navigating the healthcare system. These factors can make the ED seem the most accessible source of care. …

Expertise First: Reflections On Informal Artificial Intelligence Mentoring In An Asynchronous Nursing Faculty Community, Anna Liza D. Villena Phd, Rn, Fnp-Bc

Journal of Online Mentoring

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education has arrived faster than the support structures designed to help faculty navigate it. This article reflects on one faculty member’s experience providing informal AI integration mentoring to nursing colleagues at Walden University, a fully asynchronous online graduate nursing program, where clinician-educators with deep disciplinary expertise often struggled to recognize that expertise as an asset in their interactions with AI tools.

Drawing on Rogers’ (2003) diffusion of innovations theory, the article describes the mentoring approach that emerged from practice, the central insight that faculty are not failing to integrate AI because …

Countering Negative Language Attitudes: Adopting A Critical Multidialectal Approach To Language Teaching, Farah Ali, Kristen Terry, Rebecca Pozzi, Chelsea Escalante, Tracy Quan, Xinye Zhang

Global Language Studies Faculty publications

Language attitudes have been recognized as an important area of study in sociolinguistic research (Evans & Preston, 2023; Preston, 2013), and the consequences of prescriptive ideologies and negative attitudes toward non-privileged varieties extend to language instruction. These ideologies regard certain uses of the language as unacceptable if they diverge from what is considered the “standard” variety, established through linguistic imperialism and a colonial heritage (Benaglia & Smith, 2022) and perpetuated by linguistic authorities. Adherence to a prescriptive perspective without questioning its ideological and discriminatory function leads to the reproduction of a “deficit perspective”, in which those who use alternative varieties …

Staff Education On The Phq-9 Tool And Its Use, Claudine Agwi Mbah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

An Educational Module Focusing On Glycemic Events In Inmates With Diabetes, Vivian Yidmia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Spartan Daily, May 7, 2026, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily, 2026

Volume 166, Issue 43

The Evolution Of Topological Structures In Climate Networks, Kiera Kelly

Theses

We investigate higher-order interactions in climate networks using topological data analysis (TDA) and analyze their evolution since 1948. Using the correlation between surface air temperature (SAT) anomalies, we define relationships between spatial locations and examine the patterns that emerge over time. We extend the framework of temporal climate networks and apply TDA methods, including persistent homology, curvature analysis, and the Euler characteristic, to identify dynamic structural features. Persistent homology tracks the births and deaths of topological features such as connected components and loops. Curvature quantifies a node’s participation in higher- order structures (cliques), while the Euler characteristic captures global trends …

Inside The World Of Probation Officers: Challenges, Perspectives, And Purpose, Achilles A.C. Beumel

Honors Theses

In the United States, probation is the most commonly imposed criminal sentence, necessitating an abundance of probation officers (POs) to serve the system. Given high rates of failed reentry in tandem with high rates of recidivism, there have been calls for a reevaluation of post-conviction supervision systems and strategies, including the PO. The PO is the final form of assistance provided by the criminal justice system to those facing reentry and can heavily impact a client’s likelihood of recidivism. Despite years of research and attempted reform, more studies are still needed to determine strategies for successful reentry outcomes. This study …

Examining Data Quality Management Practices In Light Of The Adoption Of Llms And Genai: Closing The Gap Between Iq Theory And Iq Practice, Venant Habamungu

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) has intensified longstanding data quality concerns while exposing important gaps in current Data Quality Management (DQM) practice. This dissertation examines whether widely used DQM frameworks sufficiently address semantic data quality dimensions that are critical for trustworthy GenAI and LLM applications. Guided by Information Quality (IQ) theory, particularly the Wang and Strong conceptualization of data quality, the study evaluates selected DQM frameworks used in practice to determine the extent to which they emphasize semantic dimensions such as accuracy, value-added, relevancy, objectivity, reputation, believability, security, and appropriate amount of …