Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Leadership In Creating Dei Plans In U.S. Higher Education, Beatriz Desantiago-Fjelstad, Leslie Darmofal, Kelly Meier, Henry Morris, Luis Posas

Educational Leadership Department Publications

This brief discusses the challenges and strategies in creating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plans in U.S. higher education. It highlights the importance of leadership in this process, particularly the need for courageous leadership to overcome the barriers posed by resistance to DEI plans. This brief illustrates the complexities of creating DEI plans and offers strategies to foster inclusive environments. The discussion emphasizes the need for a long-term commitment and actionable DEI plans beyond performative steps, instilling confidence in the potential for significant institutional evolution.

René Dubos: An Annotated Bibliography, Carol L. Moberg

René Dubos: An Annotated Bibliography

René Dubos (1901–1982), a prominent 20th century scientist, humanist, and philosopher, was a prolific author. Affiliated for more than 50 years with The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research/The Rockefeller University, his studies ranged from antibiotics and the role of bacteria in human diseases to formulating broad ecological and environmental questions affecting human health and disease. His seminal writings explore a lifelong belief that a living organism—whether microbe, human being, society, or the Earth itself—could be understood only through its relationships with everything else.

This comprehensive bibliography of more than a thousand works by René Dubos includes brief annotations for each …

Sequential Transcriptional Gates In The Thalamo-Cortical Circuit Coordinate Memory Consolidation, Andrea Terceros

Student Theses and Dissertations

How are memories maintained over weeks, months or even years? The molecular mechanisms that enable memories to persist over long time-scales remain poorly understood. As a point of entry, recent work in our lab revealed that beyond the hippocampus, where memories are initially formed over hours/days, the thalamo-cortical circuit is important for the gradual stabilization of memories over weeks/months. In this thesis, I aimed to reveal the molecular mechanisms operating in the thalamo-cortical circuit that may be responsible for extending memory time-scales. I began by developing a virtual reality-based behavioral paradigm where, by varying the frequency of learned associations, mice …

The Evolution Of Ribosome Assembly: Making Ribosomes In The Mitochondria, Chloe Burnside

Student Theses and Dissertations

Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) synthesize proteins encoded within the mitochondrial genome that are assembled into oxidative phosphorylation complexes. As such, the biogenesis of mitoribosomes is essential for ATP production and cellular metabolism. Despite significant progress in elucidating the structures of mature mitoribosomes, a comprehensive understanding of their assembly pathways remains elusive. This thesis presents the first structural characterization of assembly intermediates of the mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) in eukaryotes. To gain mechanistic insight into the process of SSU assembly in the mitochondria, I set out to enrich and characterize intermediates of SSU assembly in the mitochondria of S. cerevisiae. By employing …

The Spatiotemporal Dynamics Of Nomadic Behavior In The Clonal Raider Ant, Ooceraea Biroi, Dennis Octavio Melendez

Student Theses and Dissertations

Nest relocation is integral to the lives of many social insects. Army ants have taken this behavior to the extreme, with many species relocating an entire colony of over 100,000 ants plus brood almost daily. Despite its prevalence, the question of how army ant colonies emigrate has been debated for many decades, and still awaits a definitive answer because conducting well-controlled field experiments with their massive and aggressive colonies is challenging. In ants, the Dorylinae subfamily has given rise to most known army ants. Therefore, performing experiments in non-army ant dorylines that can be maintained in a laboratory setting presents …

Towards Models Mesoscale Chromatin Structure And Radiative Dna Damage Via Computational Simulation, Devany Walsh West

Student Theses and Dissertations

The spatial organization of chromatin fiber at the level of several nucleosomes–the mesoscale–is an area of active study. Recent results have shown that it differs between functional states, affects higher orders of chromosome organization, and is likely involved in transcriptional control. However, the heterogeneity of nucleosome positioning and histone variant composition in cells as well as the high density of chromatin in situ make the mesoscale difficult to study. Recent methodological advances have made it possible to derive nucleosome-resolution three-dimensional contact information directly from cells. We therefore sought to develop a structural inference tool for inferring mesoscale chromatin structures consistent …

A Neuronal Circuit Motif For Leaky Vector Integration, Abby Janke

Student Theses and Dissertations

To efficiently navigate their environments, animals ranging from insects to humans can keep track of their trajectory by continuously summing their direction and distance traveled over time. It is not clear how brains perform this fundamental computation––known as path integration––even though neural correlates and computer models abound. In arthropods, spatial-cognition related processes such as path integration are thought to be implemented in the central complex. Experimenters have shown that contiguously arrayed populations of neurons in the Drosophila fan-shaped body, a substructure of the central complex, display sinusoidally shaped bumps of calcium activity that signal vectors relevant for spatial navigation. The …

Replicative Senescence Is Atm-Driven, Reversible, And Delayed By Reduced Atm Activity At Low Oxygen, Alexander James Stuart

Student Theses and Dissertations

Somatic human cells have a limited proliferative capacity, dividing a certain number of times before entering a predictable proliferative arrest. Telomeres become shorter with every division until a few become 'critically-short' and activate the DNA Damage Response (DDR), thereby inducing this replicative senescence. However, the nature of the activated DDR is unclear. ATM kinase activation at critically short telomeres has been implicated in the induction of senescence, suggesting that the shortest telomeres lack su]icient TRF2 to repress ATM signaling. However, ATM-deficient cells also undergo replicative senescence, raising the question of POT1 deficiency and subsequent ATR signaling. Moreover, low oxygen culture …

Mechanisms And Evolution Of Mitoribosomal Small Subunit Biogenesis, Nathan Harper

Student Theses and Dissertations

The ribosome is the macromolecular machine responsible for all protein synthesis in the cell and is one of the ancient molecular machines involved in the transfer of genetic information to functional molecules. The ribosome is made up of two conserved ribonucleoprotein complexes: the large subunit, responsible for peptide bond synthesis, and the small subunit, responsible for interrogating the match between mRNA codon and tRNA anti-codon. The assembly of the ribosome is a complex process which is tightly controlled to generate functional subunits which exhibit high translational accuracy and processivity. During ribosome biogenesis, ribosomal proteins and a multitude of additional assembly …

Neuromast Optogenetics Reveals Rules Of Spatial Encoding In The Zebrafish Lateral Line, Nicolas Velez-Angel

Student Theses and Dissertations

For animals to respond effectively to their environment, their sensory circuits must learn to distinguish between similar patterns of sensory information. A lingering question in neuroscience is how neuronal circuits achieve this performance. In this study, I use the posterior lateral line (pLL) of larval zebrafish to address this question. In the wild, the pLL must differentiate among a variety of hydrodynamic stimuli. However, understanding how fish distinguish between different water-flow stimuli has been challenging due to difficulties in stimulating individual neuromasts. To tackle this, I introduce a novel method in this thesis that combines single-neuromast optogenetics with whole-brain calcium …

Decoding Dynamic Gene Regulation In Hair Cell Development And Regeneration, Caleb C. Reagor

Student Theses and Dissertations

Identifying the causal interactions between genes and their proteins during the differentiation of specialized cells such as mechanosensory hair cells in vertebrates' inner ears and fishes' lateral lines requires an accurate description of the time-lagged relationships between transcription factors and their target genes. Here I describe Depicting Lagged Causality (DELAY), a convolutional neural network for the inference of gene-regulatory relationships across pseudotime-ordered single-cell trajectories. I first show that combining supervised deep learning with joint probability matrices of pseudotime-lagged trajectories allows the neural network to overcome important limitations of ordinary Granger causality-based methods, for example, the inability to infer cyclic …

Training Small Group Leaders For Effective Discipleship At Ilive Ministries In Pacolet, South Carolina, Kadeem Antonio Ellis

Doctor of Ministry Projects

This project examined the need for discipleship training among small group leaders at iLive Ministries in Pacolet, South Carolina. A four-week workshop incorporating lectures, discussions, and interactive activities was designed and implemented. Evaluation tools included Pre- and Post-Tests, structured observation, and participant interviews. Findings demonstrated measurable growth in confidence, facilitation skills, and discipleship understanding. The project concluded that intentional training not only equips leaders with biblical grounding and practical skills but also highlights ongoing needs for mentoring, refined assessment, and sustainable support, strengthening iLive Ministries’ discipleship culture and offering a replicable model for other congregations.

Flaming Hot Queers: Queer Warmth In Forensics, Caleb Webb

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In order for Queer people to feel safe enough to disclose their identity they must feel safe and comfortable to do so. In the context of forensics, Croucher et al. (2009) detailed how team identification and comfort carry similar variables, thus linking team identification and comfort. When Queer people can feel the comfort coming from the space reflecting Queerness, they sense the Queer warmth in the space. Sekimoto et al. (2020) described how Queer individuals use this warmth in the space as a social navigational tool in order to ensure safety. As forensics has seen an increase in Queer performances …

A Phenomenological Study: Implicit Bias In The Hiring Practices Of Health Care Organizations (Perception, Impact On Workforce Diversity, Mitigation Methods, And Implementation Assessment), Mohamed Boubrik

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how implicit bias influences hiring practices within health care organizations. Specifically, it investigated the perceptions of hiring professionals regarding implicit bias, its impact on workforce diversity, the strategies used to mitigate it, and the effectiveness of those strategies in real-world implementation.

Methodology: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of hiring professionals in Southern California health care organizations. A random sampling method was used to select participants across various health care facilities. Data collection was conducted through semistructured interviews, using a validated interview protocol as …

Comparative Analysis Of Machine Learning Models For Glioblastoma Survival., Muna Awel

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains one of the most lethal brain tumors, necessitating improved survival prediction models that integrate clinical and molecular data. This study develops a comprehensive machine learning pipeline leveraging TCGA-derived multi-omics datasets to predict binary survival outcomes. The framework integrates four classifiers Logistic Regression, Random Forest, XGBoost, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) and includes rigorous preprocessing with MCAR testing, KNN imputation, feature scaling, and hyperparameter optimization via GridSearchCV. SMOTE was applied to mitigate class imbalance and enhance model robustness for minority survival classes. Comparative performance analyses revealed Random Forest and XGBoost as top performers, achieving the highest recall …

A Scent Of Direction: Exploring Adaptive Olfactory Navigation In Drosophila, Chad Morton

Student Theses and Dissertations

Animals rely on environmental cues, such as odors, to navigate through complex and often dynamic landscapes. While olfactory navigation has traditionally been modeled as a reflexive behavior driven by immediate sensory cues, whether flies can leverage more sophisticated strategies, integrating sensory input with spatial memory and internal representations of their surroundings, remains unclear. A key challenge in studying olfactory navigation lies in the invisible and unpredictable nature of odor plumes, which has made it challenging to accurately assess the ongoing sensory experiences of an animal. To address this challenge, we developed a novel virtual reality (VR) system that head-fixed Drosophila …

12-Month Enrollment 2024-25, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

IPEDS

The 12-month Enrollment survey component collects unduplicated student enrollment counts and instructional activity data for an entire 12-month period. Using the instructional activity data reported, a full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment at the undergraduate and graduate level is estimated (4-year institutions only). Institutions with Doctor's -professional practice students will also report the FTE enrollment of those students (4-year institutions only). NCES uses the FTE enrollment to produce indicators such as expenses by function per FTE as reported in the IPEDS Data Feedback Report.

Academic Libraries 2024-25, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

IPEDS

Welcome to the IPEDS Academic Libraries (AL) survey component. The purpose of the AL component of IPEDS is to collect information on library collections, library staff, library expenses, and library services for libraries in degree-granting post secondary institutions.

Student Financial Aid 2024-25, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

IPEDS

IPEDS Report created by the SWOSU Office of Institutional Research

Finance 2024-25, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

IPEDS

IPEDS Report created by the SWOSU Office of Institutional Research

Cost Ii 2024-25, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

IPEDS

IPEDS Report created by the SWOSU Office of Institutional Research

Cost 2024-25, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

IPEDS

IPEDS Report created by the SWOSU Office of Institutional Research

Feasibility Of An Lgbtq+ Public Health Surveillance Platform In Kentucky: A Brief Report On Mental Health Signals, Keith J. Watts, Sydney Howard, Missy Spears, Carolyn Lauckner, Rachel H. Farr, Glenn Means, Justin X. Moore

Social Work Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Robust, state-level LGBTQ+ health surveillance is scarce in Kentucky, limiting evidence-based healthcare planning and policy. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and early public-health utility of a community-partnered annual survey and compare selected mental health stressors between Kentucky and non-Kentucky respondents.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey (13 April–15 July 2024) developed with a statewide LGBTQ+ nonprofit. Recruitment occurred via organizational channels and community events. A content warning preceded the survey, which was administered via Qualtrics. Data quality was screened using reCAPTCHA. We assessed feasibility metrics including recruitment and completion rates. Mental health stressors were captured …

用人工智能學習外語 (Learn A Foreign Language Using Ai), Ming Creekmore

Student Work

This essay examines AI's role in foreign language learning, arguing that while AI tools offer valuable support, they cannot replace traditional classroom instruction.

AI provides convenience: correcting essays, teaching vocabulary and grammar, and enabling anytime practice conversations. However, AI answers aren't always accurate, potentially causing students to learn incorrect information without understanding their mistakes. AI tools also inadequately teach pronunciation and foundational concepts, and cannot properly explain cultural context—crucial for accurate translation and genuine language comprehension. Classroom instruction remains superior because teachers assess individual student levels, provide culturally contextualized teaching, and facilitate natural peer practice.

Despite limitations, AI can effectively …

Prompt Engineering Guide: Scriptwriting Prompt Guide, Tonya Mcmillion

Generative AI

Prompt engineering guide for scriptwriting. Created as part of Collin College's Prompt Engineering Guide.

Quality Improvement Project: Improving Tardive Dyskinesia Detection And Management Through Aims Scale Utilization In Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic, Judeline Docteur

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a debilitating movement disorder commonly associated with prolonged antipsychotic medication use. The disorder results in functional impairment and reduced quality of life for those affected. Frequent TD screening using scales such as the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) for those on antipsychotic medication is recommended. However, its underutilization due to a lack of awareness, confidence, and knowledge of its applicability contributes to delayed detection and management, resulting in poor patient outcomes. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve TD detection and management through healthcare provider training to affect their self-efficacy and knowledge and …

Quality Improvement Project - Test Anxiety In Nursing Students: Reducing Stress And Anxiety In The Testing Environment, Aaron Gann

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing student retention is a critical issue due to limited clinical placements and faculty shortages, with many students citing test anxiety as a barrier to success in high-stakes National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) testing. The problem the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project identified is the lack of targeted interventions for test anxiety at the project site, a two-year community college’s associate degree nursing (ADN) program. The DNP project aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) test anxiety module on students’ course quiz scores and self-reporting of emotional barriers as measured by the depression, anxiety, and …

Building Confidence In Critical Thinking Through Faculty Implementation Of Simulation, Melissa Morris

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Simulation provides nursing students with experiences that are as effective as clinical experiences in a non-threatening environment. Clinical experiences such as obstetrics, pediatrics, and mental health have been observation only at the project site. With observation-only clinicals, students do not have opportunities to master skills specific to nursing, which bridge theory to practice. The purpose of this Quality Improvement (QI) project focuses on educating nursing faculty who may not be simulation experts to learn the skills to build and implement simulations that align with the International Nursing Association Clinical and Simulation Learning (INACSL) simulation standards. The Primary Investigator (PI) utilized …

Think Again: How Communication Eportfolios And Work-Based Learning Foster Resilience Through Double-Looping, Megan Mize, Alison Lietzenmayer, Gary Beck

Communication & Theatre Arts Faculty Publications

In a changing professional landscape, students need more than disciplinary knowledge; they need tools for reflection, adaptability, and purpose-driven growth. At Old Dominion University (ODU), ePortfolios and work-based learning (WBL) are strategically embedded across the Communication curriculum to foster double-loop learning, a recursive, metacognitive process through which students not only reflect on outcomes but also interrogate the assumptions behind their choices. Drawing from a decade of institutional practice, course-based examples, and student reflections, this chapter illustrates how these high-impact practices (HIPs) help students connect coursework to career goals, revisit self-perceptions, and build resilience over time. By linking academic learning to …

Unveiling Universal Mental Health Screening: School Psychologists’ Perspectives, Practices, And The Role Of Demographics, Gracie Taylor Hansen

Dissertations and Theses

The critical need to address mental health problems among children, combined with the increasing emphasis on universal mental health screening in school settings, underscores the importance of understanding demographic influences on these measures. This study examined the impact of demographic variables, particularly race and ethnicity, on the use, reliability, and validity of universal mental health screening tools. The Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS) was used to collect screening data. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research comprised two components. First, a survey, developed by the researcher, was administered to school psychologists to …