Digital Commons Network^™

Built On Trust: Decolonizing Cultural Institutions Through Organizational Partnerships, Andy Juele

Community Engagement Student Work

The focus of this capstone is on decolonizing cultural institutions through organizational partnerships in order to make recommendations to other organizations that wish to begin or continue this work. This capstone was a case study that invited seven nonprofit organizations to be interviewed virtually to discuss decolonial methods within their organizational partnerships. Interviews were conducted with cultural institutions and community organizations in the Northeast United States with aims to support the arts, education, community building, and environmental stewardship. This capstone found that cultural institutions with a desire to decolonize their body of work had to build trust with a community …

The Impacts Of Artificial Intelligence In Radiology, Misty Farmer, Wendy Trzyna

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: There has been significant growth in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry, especially in Medical Imaging. Radiology has been the clear frontrunner in the adoption of AI in medicine, due in part to the massive amount of digital data available for use in Deep Learning (DL) AI integration has the potential to solve multiple challenges in radiology, address workload issues and transform the field.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the research was to evaluate the impact of implementing Artificial Intelligence in radiology to determine if these technologies have had an impact …

Addressing Student Behavior: A Hands-Off Approach, Eduard Anthony Van Osterom

Community Engagement Student Work

This policy analysis capstone project focuses on gathering secondary research to address physical violence students experience perpetrated by educators in K-12 public school communities. This research is compiled in hopes of raising awareness of a lack of federal protections. By collecting research focused on tenets of Liberation Education and contrasting it with common practices found in public schools, this policy analysis capstone compiles a supported call for continued research and federal protections preventing physical violence against students perpetrated by educators. Key findings support these calls through examining publications from global studies, associations, and K-12 public school policy analysis. This policy …

Effects Of Rideshare Services On Alcohol Related Motor Vehicle Collision (Mvc) Outcomes, David Bassa, Morgan Johnson, Devika Pavuluri, Michael Truitt

North Texas Research Forum 2025

BACKGROUND: In 2022, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 42,000 motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) deaths with 31% of MVC deaths secondary to alcohol (AR-MVCs). In 2010, rideshare services (RSS) were introduced to the market providing a new method of transportation with the potential to reduce the incidence of driving under the influence (DUI). We analyzed the NHTSA database to evaluate trends in alcohol related MVC deaths (AR-MVC Deaths) since the initiation of ride share services. METHODS: Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) source from the NHTSA was used to obtain data from years 2009 and 2022 from 50 …

Addressing The Opioid Epidemic Across The United States And In West Virginia, Kailyn Smith, Addison Hughes

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: The opioid crisis had a profound impact on public health across the United States and West Virginia, with overdose deaths reaching unprecedented levels by 2021. Traditional abstinence-only rehabilitation programs demonstrated limited success, largely due to high relapse rates and insufficient mental health support. These programs often overlooked the complex relationship between opioid addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are common among those with substance use disorders. In contrast, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), when supplemented with behavioral therapies and antidepressant medications, has shown greater success in improving recovery outcomes and reducing relapse rates. This …

I Think You Think I'M A Virus: Metastereotype Awareness In Asian Americans, Queenie Lam

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Reports of anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic are concerning, particularly given that Asian Americans may especially perceive and anticipate being stereotyped by others as virus-carrying foreigners due to their Asian American identity (e.g., increased perpetual foreigner metastereotype awareness). The present study explored metastereotype awareness (MSA) – an individual's belief that someone holds a stereotype about them as a result of their group membership – in a sample of 1.5 and 2nd generation East and Southeast Asian Americans (N = 422). Participants completed an MSA activation paradigm, followed by self-report measures assessing their MSA of the perpetual foreigner, model minority, …

Transient Stress And Childhood Maltreatment: Unraveling Their Impact On Working Memory And Emotion Dysregulation, Serena Veith

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Childhood maltreatment is associated with cognitive impairments and emotion dysregulation, with prior research documenting structural changes in stress modulation in affected individuals. This study examined the relationship between childhood maltreatment and working memory (WM), focusing on the roles of stress and emotion dysregulation. While childhood maltreatment has been linked to cognitive deficits, its specific impact on adult WM remains underexplored. It was hypothesized that childhood maltreatment would negatively affect WM. However, initial analyses found no significant relationship between childhood maltreatment and baseline WM. Post-hoc analyses revealed a positive relationship between childhood maltreatment and WM improvement over time, suggesting potential resilience …

Sexual Identity Development In A Culture Of Shame: The Impact Of Non-Affirming Religious Upbringing And Internalized Homophobia On Sexual Satisfaction In Lgbtq Adults, Rhiannon Ashley Gibbs

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Internalized homophobia is a common component of the LGBTQ developmental experience which impacts sexual identity development (Peterson & Gerrity, 2006; Rowan & Malcom, 2003). As well, many LGBTQ people raised in Christian religious communities frequently grow up in environments which are not affirming of their sexualities (Barnes & Meyer, 2012; Boppana & Gross, 2019; Herek et al., 2009; Ream & Savin-Williams, 2005; Rodriquez & Oullette, 2000). While much research considers the impact of these minority stressors on LGBTQ well-being (Frost & Meyer, 2009; Herek et al. 2009; Keating & Muller, 2020), fewer consider the specific impact on sexual well- being. …

Interpersonal Functioning In The Offspring Of Trauma Survivors: An Investigation Of The Impact Of Parenting Behaviors, Attachment, And Personality On Facial Emotion Recognition, Isabelle Rachel Bachrach

Selected Full-Text Dissertations 2020-

Parental post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been associated with various psychological and behavioral outcomes in their offspring. Utilizing a sample of (N=330) adult offspring of trauma-exposed parents, this study used self-report and behavioral measures to examine the relationship between parental PTSD symptom severity and adult participant’s romantic attachment insecurity, pathological personality traits, and facial emotion recognition (FER) accuracy for subtle emotional expressions. Additionally, it explored the role of maladaptive parenting behaviors on these associations. Results indicated that higher parental PTSD was associated with higher levels of parental care and an affectionate constraint parenting style. Additionally, parental PTSD was related …

Synergistic Integration Of Esg Across Life Essentials: A Comparative Study Of Clothing, Energy, And Transportation Industries Using Cepar® Methodology, Man Hin, Eve Chan, Fanucci Wan Ching Hui, Dawson Wai Shun Suen, Chi Wing, Alex Tsang

Department of Design and Architecture

This study conducts a comparative assessment of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration strategies of three leading companies in Hong Kong—H&M Group, China Gas Company Limited (Towngas), and MTR Corporation Limited (MTR)—each operating in distinct sectors with unique sustainability challenges and opportunities. The analysis adopts the Challenge–Evaluation–Planning–Action–Review (CEPAR®) framework developed by the International Chamber of Sustainable Development to examine how these companies identify and evaluate ESG-related risks, formulate action plans, implement sustainability initiatives, and refine their strategies. The findings reveal H&M’s strong emphasis on sustainable fashion, with a target of using 100% sustainable materials by 2030 and reducing greenhouse …

An Integral Transpersonal Approach To The Self: Practical Maps And Models, Pier Luigi Lattuada

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive

This work aims to focus attention on the concepts of the psyche and of self, and the participatory dialogue between the self and the world, to highlight the contribution that an integral transpersonal psychotherapy (ITP) approach of biotransenergetics (BTE) offers. The ITP approach sees the psyche as the totality of the being and the self as the unifying archetype that defifines it. Some new epistemological maps and concepts are outlined to highlight their usefulness for a clinical and research methodology based on assumptions of a transpersonal and integral order.

A Survey-Based Quantitative Analysis Of Stress Factors And Their Impacts Among Cybersecurity Professionals, Sunil Arora, John D. Hastings

Research & Publications

This study investigates the prevalence and underlying causes of work-related stress and burnout among cybersecurity professionals using a quantitative survey approach guided by the Job Demands-Resources model. Analysis of responses from 50 cybersecurity practitioners reveals an alarming reality: 44% report experiencing severe work-related stress and burnout, while an additional 28% are uncertain about their condition. The demanding nature of cybersecurity roles, unrealistic expectations, and unsupportive organizational cultures emerge as primary factors fueling this crisis. Notably, 66% of respondents perceive cybersecurity jobs as more stressful than other IT positions, with 84% facing additional challenges due to the pandemic and recent high-profile …

Effects Of Acute Injections Of Etoh In Cytokine Release In Mice, Alina Svitlana Rodriguez Bezruchko, Alka Gaur, Carlos M. Moreno, Jordan T. Yorgason, Scott Weber

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

To learn the pathway by which the peripheral immune system interacts with dopaminergic neurons and triggers an addiction response, we compared cytokine and chemokine production levels before and after a 20-minute ethanol injection. Since some cytokines and chemokines can cross the blood-brain barrier, their peripheral production may influence neural activity. We had four groups: ethanol, saline, domperidone-ethanol, and domperidone-saline. As domperidone is a dopamine antagonist, we will use it as a control to verify that the change in cytokine production is due to ethanol rather than other factors.

Digital Vs. In-Person Interaction: Preventing Suicide In Autistic And Socially Anxious Populations, Jacob Griffin, Jared Nielson

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Introduction: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and the third leading cause of death for individuals from 15 to 29-year-olds world-wide (Suicide Data and Statistics, 2024; World Health Organization: WHO, 2024). As prevalent as suicide is among general populations, statistics have shown that the risk is even greater among certain groups such as autistic populations and socially anxious populations. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder which affects communication, behavior, and learning abilities (Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2024). One study reported that individuals with ASD were almost three times more likely to …

Assessing Sandy Beach Health Throughout The South Atlantic Bight With Ghost Crabs, Raquel Wilson, Blaine D. Griffen

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

To better inform the management and protection of marine ecosystems, we examined human impacts on sandy beach health across the South Atlantic Bight by assessing the abundance and size of ghost crab burrows, and habitat quality. We used an urbanization index to measure the level of human impact. Sandy beach ecosystems are ecologically and economically important, yet they face immense pressure from increasing human activity^1,2. Protecting these ecosystems is critical yet challenging due to their large size, but we can evaluate their health and the extent of human impact using a bioindicator species. We used the Atlantic ghost …

Using Neuroscience To Understand Food, Tyler Thronton, Jonathan Kershaw

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2025

Food liking is determined by evaluation and reward centers in the brain. Few studies have observed the magnifying effects that messages have on taste liking as participants try food in a neuroimaging setting.

Efficiency Of Warm-Up Segment In Dyadic Parent Child Interaction Coding System: A Replication Study, Jayde Robinson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The clinical utility of assessment and treatment practices is of growing concern in the field of psychology. The Dyadic Parent Child Interaction Rating System (DPICS) is an analog behavioral observation that is the primary assessment measure in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). The clinical utility of the DPICS has the potential to be improved. Using archival data from a community sample in eastern Kentucky, this study examined the effectiveness of the five-minute warm-up segment at the beginning of the observation. The warm-up segment is meant to control for reactivity effects that may occur, however, there is little evidence that the …

School Personnel Perceptions Of School-Based Mental Health Prevention And Interventions, Kelsey Lytle

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Despite millions of children across the United States experiencing at least one mental health disorder about half do not receive any sort of treatment or counseling. Within schools, many children receive formal intervention services once they are identified. However, there are many other children who would benefit greatly from learning social emotional skills who have not been identified. Prevention could be a great resource to prevent children from falling through the cracks. The purpose of this study was to assess personnel perceptions on the school’s role in student mental health, mental health interventions and prevention, evidence-based practices, and barrier to …

Disproportionality Of English Learners In Special Education, Alysa Gordon

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the presence of disproportionality of English learners in special education. The search process yielded evidence of both overrepresentation and underrepresentation of English learners in special education, with some studies indicating disproportionality in specific disability categories. Underrepresentation was found to be present in categories of emotional behavioral disability, speech and language impairment, other health impairment, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. Overrepresentation was found to be present in multiple disability categories, especially with specific learning disabilities and speech language impairment. Potential variables that could be contributors to overrepresentation were found to be educators’ …

A Systematic Study Of The Highly Endemic Spider Beetle Fauna (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ptininae) Found In The Coastal Deserts Of Perú, Marlena Askren

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Spider beetles are small, often flightless insects that occur in hyperarid environments around the world. They exhibit interesting morphology and behavior that allows them to conserve water they obtain from plant material, dung, and other detritus. One hyperarid region in which they are found is the Pacific coast of Perú and northern Chile. The Sechura Desert, Peruvian Coastal Desert, and Atacama Desert make up the arid coast where spider beetles occur from north to south. Through multiple years of field work and museum collections, populations of spider beetles were found along the coast in isolated pockets of vegetation, separated by …

Help-Seeking For Problematic Alcohol Use: Stigma, Shame, & Guilt, Olivia G. Chapell

2025 Honors Symposium

Stigmatization is a prevalent barrier to help-seeking behaviors in problematic alcohol users, especially among college-aged students. By using a cross-sectional electronic survey method, the relationship between personal or immediate family experience with substance-related treatment and perceptions of stigmatization was assessed.

Can Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters Predict State Anxiety?, Stephanie M. Cotariu, Ashlyn M. Jendro, Yale B. Hughes, Abigail C. Schmitt

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Anxiety is one of the most experienced mental health disorders. Recent research has suggested a relationship between gait parameters and anxiety, however the disparity in measurement methodologies of both anxiety and gait makes it difficult to draw broad conclusions. Better understanding the relationship between anxiety and gait mechanics creates opportunity for a more holistic understanding of the interaction between mental health, functional capacity, and quality of life. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate if spatiotemporal gait parameters measured on a pressure-sensing walkway are related to anxiety.

The Effect Of Maternal Anxiety Of Breastfeeding Exclusivity And Duration, Zoe E. Treat

2025 Honors Symposium

This study examined whether postpartum anxiety affects breastfeeding exclusivity and duration among mothers in Northwest Arkansas. While maternal anxiety was not a significant predictor, child age and infant birth order were associated with breastfeeding outcomes.

Comparing Gait Patterns Of Individuals With And Without Cancer, Anna C. Gardner, Abigail C. Schmitt, Ashlyn M. Jendro, Nicholas P. Greene

2025 Honors Symposium

This study investigates the effects that cancer has on gait variables focusing on gait speed, step length, and stride width, and compares participants with cancer to participants without known disease.

Incorporating Mindfulness Techniques In Therapeutic Practices To Impact A Patient’S Pain Perception, Abigail E. Masters

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of individuals and leads to substantial healthcare costs, with estimates in the U.S. ranging from $560 billion to $635 billion annually. Traditional pain management heavily relies on opioid prescriptions, which, while effective in the short term, have contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis due to risks of addiction and dependency. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative, non- pharmacological approaches to pain management, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). MBIs have been increasingly recognized for their ability to help patients modulate pain perception and improve overall well-being. This study …

Sports Injury Prevention - Epidemiological Analysis Of Concussion Mechanisms In Female Soccer Players: A Review Of Neiss Data (2020–2023), Caroline A. Bertalotto

2025 Honors Symposium

Background/Introduction: Concussions are a significant concern in women’s soccer, with many studies showing that women have a higher rate of having them than compared to men. The number of concussions in athletes have raised concerns about long-term health and calls for a deeper look into ways to prevent them from occurring. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the epidemiological data related to the mechanisms of concussions as a result of soccer, specifically within female participants.

The Relationship Of Peer Recovery Support Specialists And Recovery Of Perinatal Women With A Substance Use Disorder, Mary C. Talbot

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Substance use in pregnant and postpartum women is a growing issue in the United States. Drug use while pregnant can lead to birth defects, stillbirths, and problems providing positive parenting to their children. Many women with substance use disorders (SUD) feel extreme shame and stigma related to their substance use and have trouble accessing recovery-related treatment and other services. Peer recovery support treatment uses the lived experiences of individuals in current recovery from SUD to facilitate and support recovery in others. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of peer recovery support specialists on the …

The Games Kids Play: Determining Concussion Risk Of Playground Sports A Review Of Neiss Data (2013-2022), Brynlee Morgan

2025 Honors Symposium

This study aims to identify which playground games or recreational sports pose the highest risk for injury, specifically concussions, and highlights the importance of concussion prevention training for all school personnel to minimize potential health risks for children.

Surviving Their Stripes: The Diagnostic Odyssey And Impact Of Life With Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Julianna L. Breazeale

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Hypermobile type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome that is a genetic connective tissue disorder with complexities involving joint hypermobility, tissue fragility and severe pain. Patients often experience misdiagnosis, medical dismissal and years of waiting for a diagnosis. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the quality of life and diagnostic journey for patients living with hEDS.

Authoring Culture: The Foundations Of Twenty-First Century Writing, The Authoring Culture Collective

Authoring Culture: Foundations of Twenty-First Century Writing

"Authoring Culture: Foundations of Twenty-First Century Writing is an open educational resource (OER) designed for use in college-level first-year writing courses, but is also useful in college courses that assign writing projects, and in a wide array of other writing situations outside of class.

Authoring Culture is distributed under a Creative Commons license, so it is freely available for you to use and you are free to modify it. Just make sure you provide attribution to the original project authors in accordance with the Creative Commons license. Our aim in releasing Authoring Culture as an OER is to make it …