Digital Commons Network^™

I Am: Power From Identity In “Revelation” And No Exit, Elisabeth Edwards

English Senior Capstone

In the short story “Revelation” and play No Exit, Flannery O’Connor and Jean-Paul Sartre explore the necessity of self-awareness. By setting their works in confined spaces, O’Connor and Sartre push their characters to confront their deeper identities. For Mary Grace and Inez, a strong sense of self gives them the power to impose negative names upon more vulnerable individuals. For Ruby Turpin, Gracin, and Estelle, ignorance of self leaves them indefensible to harsh truths. Analyzing “Revelation” and No Exit through a philosophical and religious lens reveals that without an accurate sense of self, we risk becoming nothing more than the …

Infestations Stored In A Jam Jar, Cara Young

English Senior Capstone

Infestations Stored in a Jam Jar is a collection of fiction and poetry that delves into the inner mind of characters using a variety of genres. The collection creates a scrapbook of pieces, forming a textured exploration of the human experience through subgenres like persona poetry and flash fiction. Each piece approaches themes of fear, time, the artistic mind, and forgotten memories under varying lights of horror, dystopia, and reminiscence. The title is from the newest and last piece of the collection, “Somewhere in a Spider Neighborhood,” referring to the buried memories and thoughts that are lost to time and …

The Crisis Of The Spotlight, Matthew Roach

English Senior Capstone

The Crisis of the Spotlight is a collection of mostly fiction and poetry that measures one's journey to the spotlight.

Falling In Love, Falling Apart: The Intersection Of Love And Tragedy In The Book Thief And Thirteen Reasons Why, Hannah Crowe

English Senior Capstone

The Book Thief and Thirteen Reasons Why depict love in dramatically different ways; these differences come into focus when analyzed through the lens provided in C.S. Lewis’ The Four Loves. The relationships differ in both the nature of the love they depict and the stability they maintain amid tragedy. In Thirteen Reasons Why, Hannah and Clay's connection primarily embodies lust, rooted more in fleeting desire than lasting emotional depth. In contrast, Liesel and Rudy in The Book Thief cultivate a deep love, developing it through a gradual process that aligns with the stages of Lewis' concept of love.

Deforesting, Maren Olson

English Senior Capstone

DeForesting is a collection of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry that explores the mental process of creating my stories and characters, and dives into why I am a writer at all. Using familiar tactics, and also subgenres I had never tried before, I probe into new voices, and different styles of writing. Although they are often uncertain and questioning, through that, my CNF and poetry take on a whimsical and open-ended feel. The title refers to the chimerical forest I must nurture and cut down and around in order to create these feelings and writings.

The Osprey, Spring 2025, The Osprey Staff

Osprey

The student magazine of Cal Poly Humboldt

The Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On Student Achievement, Justin Kress

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This capstone research project explores the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and student achievement in English/Language Arts (ELA) at North Linn Middle School in rural Iowa. The study investigates how economic disadvantage, measured through Free and Reduced Lunch eligibility, influences student performance on standardized assessments such as aReading, CBMR (FastBridge), and ISASP. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data, the research identifies consistent achievement gaps between low-SES students and their peers, with the widest disparities occurring in upper middle school grades. In addition to assessment data, reflective journals and teacher observations were used to contextualize trends and inform possible instructional interventions. …

Ibl To Increase Curiosity, Creativity And Critical Thinking, Ryan Mclnroy

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

In the contemporary educational landscape, students face challenges due to a lack of essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, traditional educational practices have chosen to prioritize memorization and standardized testing over experiential learning. This research aims to investigate the potential of Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) strategies to increase creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity among secondary art students. Additionally, the study will look at how the implementation of IBL can enhance student engagement and motivation. By centering the study within a secondary school art classroom, the research focuses on the implementation of a structured inquiry-based project, …

Improving Preschoolers' Number Sense Using Counting Collections And Ten Frames, Ashley Gellings

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Recently, literacy has received considerable attention in education, often overshadowing mathematics instruction. This inquiry-based research study investigates the impact of counting collections and ten frames on improving preschoolers' number sense to determine if it can serve as an effective Tier 1 instructional strategy for younger learners. After reviewing the literature, the researcher decided on a Tier 1 instructional change to support further growth in number sense. Research indicates that students who master counting and cardinality skills by the end of preschool are more likely to succeed in future mathematics. While there is no specific information to determine the correct type …

Strategies For Reducing Violent Behavior In The Classroom, Barbara Lynne Jacobson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Violence in classrooms remains a significant concern in schools across all grade levels globally. Existing research highlights the detrimental effects of such behavior on both students and educators, contributing to elevated teacher stress and increased attrition rates (Ferguson, 2024). Students exposed to violence may exhibit school avoidance, decreased academic performance, and psychological challenges (Ferguson, 2024). This school improvement project seeks to identify effective, evidence-based strategies teachers can use to reduce violent behaviors, thereby fostering a more positive classroom environment. Grounded in a comprehensive literature review, an in-depth study was conducted in a public kindergarten classroom in rural Iowa. Findings from …

Increasing Student Engagement In The Preschool Classroom, Kimberly Anderson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Schools have a lot to worry about. In the classroom, engagement is a critical element that should be addressed more often. When students are not engaged, educators could start seeing more behavior problems. Research has shown that students who are engaged tend to have better test scores and grades. This study aims to investigate/research how to instruct/teach early childhood students and to get them more engaged in the classroom. Based on a literature review on classroom/school climate, preschool special education, strategies/interventions in preschool classrooms, and preschool interactions/engagement, I used different instructional groups as well as different teaching strategies to collect …

Effects Of Pre-K Attendance On Academic Achievement, Elizabeth Spinsby

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This study investigates the impact of pre-kindergarten (pre-K) attendance on academic achievement in literacy and math among students in grades K–2 at a private Catholic school. Data were collected from standardized assessments, comparing students who attended school-based pre-K to those who did not. Results show a statistically significant advantage in literacy for pre-K attendees at the beginning of kindergarten, particularly in the 2024–2025 cohort. However, these academic benefits tend to diminish over time, with no consistent significant differences observed in higher grades. The findings highlight the importance of early childhood education in providing an initial academic boost, though sustaining these …

The Effect Of Smaller Classroom Settings On Behavioral Outcomes For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Erika Mull

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasingly prevalent among children worldwide and presents significant challenges in educational settings due to differences in behavior, communication, and social-emotional regulation. These differences can lead to unexpected and disruptive behaviors, such as aggression, refusal, and elopement, which impact students’ academic success and social interactions. Research has explored various strategies, including early interventions, teacher support, accommodations, and individualized education plans (IEPs), to support students with ASD. However, traditional classrooms with less structure can exacerbate these challenges. This inquiry-based research examines the impact of smaller classroom settings on the expected behaviors of students with autism, specifically focusing …

The Effects Of Technology Use In The Classroom Relating To Student Achievement And Engagement, Tayler Nickell

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Technology has made vast improvements in recent years which in turn has trickled into the education system making classrooms switch from traditional learning to learning with the use of technology. Research has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages to using technology in the classroom. This study aims to find the right balance for technology use with both students and teachers while focusing on student achievement and engagement during their school careers. The researcher read through various scholarly journal articles relating to the topic of the effects of technology on student achievement and engagement. Based on the research, a …

Protecting Female Workers Amidst The Controversy Of Cheap Labor Market: A Comparative Advantage Analysis In Southeast Asia, Dita Nur Safitri

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

In Southeast Asia, the cheap labor market is frequently mentioned as one of the comparative advantages that drive growth in the economy. However, this market frequently employs harmful labour practices against female workers. This study investigates the intersection of gender, labour practices, and economic advantages in the region, concentrating on the obstacles and protective measures for female workers. The key objective of this study is to examine how female workers are protected in Southeast Asia's low-wage labour markets, as well as to assess the effectiveness of these safeguards in preventing exploitation and improving working conditions. This study uses a comparative …

Campus Chronicle, Lara Jones, Jayden Park, Katie Hirth, Joyanna Huang, Jaedyn Henry, Kiofwe Kapepula, Isaiah Cardines, Samantha Russell, Derek Jensen, Andy Langager

Campus Chronicle

No abstract provided.

Faculty Authors 2025: College Of Health And Human Services, Erin Sheffner

Faculty Authors and Sponsored Grant Recipients Reception Bibliographies

An annotated bibliography compiled by the University Library of the publications featured by the College of Health and Human Services Faculty at the annual Faculty Authors and Creators Reception at Governors State University.

Faculty Authors 2025: College Of Education And Human Development, Erin Sheffner

Faculty Authors and Sponsored Grant Recipients Reception Bibliographies

An annotated bibliography compiled by the University Library of the publications featured by the College of Education and Human Development Faculty at the annual Faculty Authors and Creators Reception at Governors State University.

Faculty Authors 2025: Administrative Units, Erin Sheffner

Faculty Authors and Sponsored Grant Recipients Reception Bibliographies

An annotated bibliography compiled by the University Library of the publications featured by Administrative Faculty at the annual Faculty Authors and Creators Reception at Governors State University.

Polymorph V. “Stochastic Parrot”, Lin Allen

Communication Studies Faculty Publications

This mock trial script is based on Thaler v. Perlmutter, United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, (2025), which upheld the ruling that artificial intelligence cannot be classified as an “inventor”, rendering AI ineligible for copyrighting. The futuristic scenario is based on the case being adjudicated before a fictional court: The Adjudicator of Artificial Intelligence. Plaintiff will be represented by “Polymorph,” aka Stephen Thaler, An Individual Appellant, and Respondent will be represented by “Stochastic Parrot,” aka Shira Perlmutter, in her official capacity as Register of copyrights and Director of the United States Copyright Office and U.S. …

Csbs Kudos, Spring 2025, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Social And Behavioral Sciences.

CSBS Kudos

Contents:

--- Faculty Accolades
--- CSBS Awards
--- Promotions
--- Retirements: Robert Dise; Carolyn Hildebrandt
--- Scott Peters talks civics education on "Iowa Press"
--- Kelli Snyder receives Iowa Athletic Trainers' Society Educator of the Year Award
--- Nancy Kertz named to 2025 Great Iowa Nurses
--- Bill Henninger receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar award for spring 2025
--- A legacy of leadership
--- UNI Center for Civic Education hosts naturalization ceremony
--- PATCVP hosts inaugural Dan Marburger MVP Advocacy Awards
--- UNI public health students earn top honors at national competition
--- UNI expands access to offer Master’s in History …

Moderating Effect Of Fantasy Football Participation And Location On Team Identification And Nfl Fandom, Devon Hudson

Masters Theses

This study explores how fantasy football participation in varying geographic proximities to NFL teams has altered traditional fan allegiances (i.e. team loyalty or fandom) as an alternate consumer product for the game of football. After utilizing survey data to quantify concepts of fandom and team identification amongst respondents, respondent groups were sorted into various groups based on both fantasy participation and location relevant to NFL teams. A series of hypotheses describing relationships between proximity, fantasy football participation, and fan perceptions are analyzed using a series of statistical tests. No statistical significance was found when comparing strength of team identification amongst …

Women Writers In The Romantic Age, John C. Isbell

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

This groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive review of six hundred and fifty women writers from over fifty national traditions, spanning Europe and the Americas during the transformative years of 1776 to 1848. Framed by revolutionary upheavals, the book explores how women writers shaped and reflected Romanticism’s global currents. It fills a critical scholarly gap, connecting disparate traditions and uncovering voices often overlooked in male-dominated literary histories. Through concise entries, the book names every woman writer identified in its vast research, from celebrated figures like Phillis Wheatley to lesser-known authors whose manuscripts lay buried in archives. Each entry provides essential biographical …

The Limits And Promise Of Global Antitrust Law, Anu Bradford, Adam S. Chilton, Katerina Linos

Faculty Scholarship

A large body of evidence suggests that open, competitive markets are a key driver of economic development. In recognition of this fact, many of the world’s leading economies not only adopted their own antitrust laws to promote competition, but they also urged developing countries around the world to do the same. This resulted in a remarkable proliferation of global antitrust law over the last several decades. Many studies have empirically examined the effect of this development, and, consistent with the hopes of policymakers, they have largely found that adopting antitrust laws produces positive economic outcomes.

In this Article, we reassess …

Alpha-Synuclein Phosphomimetic Y39e And S129d Knock-In Mice Show Cytosolic Alpha-Synuclein Localization Without Developing Neurodegeneration Or Motor Deficits, Youngdoo Kim, Bhupesh Vaidya, Joseph Mcinnes, Huda Y Zoghbi

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms. Its pathological hallmarks include the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Phosphorylation of α-Syn is a prominent feature of these inclusions, but its role in disease pathogenesis remains unclear. To identify the role of α-Syn phosphorylation in synucleinopathy, we generated two Snca knock-in (KI) mouse models carrying phosphomimetic mutations at SncaY39 or SncaS129 (Snca^Y39E or Snca^S129D) which manipulated epitopes phosphorylated in the PD brain. Both Snca^Y39E and Snca^S129D KI mice displayed increased α-Syn phosphorylation, enhanced …

Chalmers Library Research Award Winner 2 2025, Chau Vu

Chalmers Library Research Award

No abstract provided.

Expressions 2025, Brody Nicholaisen, Tonya Quinn, Emily Hockett, Lily Christensen, Quinn Harbison, Nate Hochstetler, Thomas Corrigan, Julianna Rosendahl, Nora Ausman

Expressions

This year’s two distinctly different covers were illustrated and designed by Graphic Design students Calvin DeZwaan (cover shown here) and Zack DeFrancisco.

Understanding Populism In Spain: Root Causes, Political Impacts, And Containment Strategies, Yuliu Huang

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper investigates the rise of populism in Spain, examining its root causes, political consequences, and potential strategies for democratic resilience. Spain presents a unique case of simultaneous left-wing and right-wing populist surges, embodied by the Podemos and V ox parties, respectively. Through a mixed-methods approach that includes a literature review and semi-structured interviews, the paper identifies economic inequality, political corruption, and cultural anxieties as the primary drivers of populist sentiment. It analyzes how these movements have reshaped Spain’s political landscape, such as dismantling the PSOE and PP duopoly in parliament, altering public policy priorities, and exacerbating political polarization. The …

Louis Wain And The Popularization Of House Cats In England, Madison Fama

HON 399 Study Abroad Posters

Louis Wain (1860-1939) was a British artist who changed the public's perspective of house cats. Wain was an incredibly talented artist who attended the prestigious West London School of Art and went into work as an illustrator. In 1884, he married a woman named Elizabeth Richardson and together they had a house cat named Peter. However, Elizabeth developed breast cancer and passed away shortly after their wedding. In her sickness, Wain drew pictures of Peter to raise her spirits. He used Peter as a muse after her passing, and his art of cats quickly got incredibly popular. Wain illustrated his …

From Manuscript To Machine: Ai-Driven Transcriber, Elijah Shannon

HON 399 Study Abroad Posters

A significant bottleneck in the research process of the pre-digital era is accessing the necessary documents to perform said research. The obvious answer is digital documents; however, the process of digitization and transcribing takes time and manpower. This poster presents an AI-backed process for converting documents from physical pages to a digital text.