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Singapore Management University Report To Stakeholders 2024/25, Singapore Management University

Report to Stakeholders

Titled “SMU at 25: Celebrating Innovation and Impact”, this year’s report marks the University’s 25th anniversary alongside Singapore’s 60th year of independence. It showcases SMU’s progress in education, research, innovation and societal engagement, and how the University continues to shape meaningful impact in Singapore and across Asia.

Friend And Foe: Tgf-Beta, Its Role In Tumor Development, And An Analysis Of Chung Et Al. (2018), Yosef Sonbolian

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

This paper will analyze an important study performed by Chung et al. (2018) regarding transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta), which plays an important role in various cellular processes. Paradoxically, TGF-beta plays a different role in the development of cancer at various points. In early-stage tumors, TGF-beta has been known to inhibit cancer growth, but in later stages, it acts as a cancer promoter. Chung et al. (2018) attempted to ascertain the efficaciousness of the drug Sorafenib in suppressing TGF-beta responses, as well as the ways that this drug achieves its goal and the implications that their findings may have for future …

Exploring Mental Health Disorders Among Hispanic Immigrants In Boston: Barriers, Challenges, And Opportunities For Care, Yohanny M. Herrera

Capstones

No abstract provided.

A Rare Case Of Anterior Coccyx Dislocation Causing Coccydynia, Syed Sameer Ahmad, Brian J. Tollefson

Emergency Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Weighing Risks: How Families Of Disabled Children Made School Choices During The Pandemic, Rachel E. Fish, Alexandra Freidus, Erica O. Turner

Education and Child Study: Faculty Publications

In this paper, we show how positionality shapes caregivers’ decisions about children’s schooling, by expanding on research on Black families’ educational decision-making (Cooper, 2025; Posey-Maddox et al., 2021) to examine the positions from which families of disabled and multiply-marginalized children make educational choices. The families of disabled children in our sample made holistic, ongoing risk assessments and weighed trade-offs based on their positions during a period of time marked by multiple, on-going “choice moments” (Posey-Maddox, et. al, 2021): the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. We show that disability and ableism – intersecting with racism and socioeconomic inequality – …

Mary Lowe Good And The Development Of Catalytic Solutions For Industrial Processes, Eleanor Heller-Walker

Natural Sciences Student Research Presentations

To study catalysts, Good used Mössbauer spectroscopy, a nuclear technique that measures how atoms absorb and emit gamma rays (“Mössbauer Spectroscopy”). This method helps scientists identify oxidation states, chemical environments, and structural changes in metal containing materials, especially iron.

This data revealed exactly how active metal sites in catalysts behave when exposed to exhaust gases, for example, when carbon monoxide (CO) or nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) contact the surface of the metal.

Hpv Vaccination In The U.S. Midwest: Barriers And Facilitators Of Initiation And Completion In Adolescents And Young Adults, Kristyne D. Mansilla Dubon, Edward S. Peters, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Abraham Degarege

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Background/Objectives: HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents and young adults in the US remains low, and coverage in the Midwest falls short of the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adolescents and young adults was conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents and young adults in the Midwest. Results: Out of 1306 individuals aged 13-26 years, 397 (30.4%) were fully vaccinated (2-3 doses), 124 (9.5%) had received one dose, 324 (24.8%) were unvaccinated, and 461 (35.3%) were unsure of their vaccination status. Awareness of HPV vaccines (OR: 2.4, …

Who Holds The Mic?: Exploring Image, Control, And Identity In Queer, Tea Jones

Theses & ETDs

This thesis examines the ways in which contemporary queer women musicians engage with digital platforms to construct, perform, and circulate their identities across the digital space. Tracing a lineage from the Olivia Records Collective in the 1970s to contemporary artists like Doechii and Chappell Roan, I look at how these artists navigate shifting notions of authenticity, community, and self-presentation—employing DIY strategies across personal websites, social media, merchandise, and music distribution tools. Using affective theory, Susan Sontag’s writings on ‘camp’, and the writings of Audre Lorde and bell hooks as central frameworks for my analysis, I consider how emotional expression and …

Using Machine Learning And Aerial Imagery To Detect Macroalgae, Dylan Niner

Theses & ETDs

Coastal ecosystems are essential for biodiversity and ecological services; they are increasingly under threat from human activity. Within these systems, macroalgae (submerged aquatic vegetation, or SAV) play a vital role. For that reason, assessing the condition and presence of SAV is important for understanding coastal ecosystem health. Traditional field surveys for SAV are limited in spatial and temporal resolution. In contrast, high-resolution Aerial (AUV) imagery, when combined with Convolutional neural networks, provides a great opportunity for analyzing this critical habitat at the necessary scales. Neural networks are computer models of interconnected nodes that learn to map inputs to outputs by …

A Study Of The Forecasting Power Of The Yield Curve, John Stayte

Theses & ETDs

This thesis is an investigation of the United States Treasury yield curve, focusing on its ability to predict economic growth in the 21st century. Academic studies done in the late 20th century brought the yield curve into the spotlight as one of the most accurate indicators of future economic growth available. It has been used as a tool by government and private sector actors to guide decision making since the publishing of those studies. However, it has exhibited odd behavior in recent years, inverting for record periods of time without producing the recession that was forecasted by the inversion. This …

The Rise Of Women’S Soccer In The United States Of America, Nancy Siguenza

Theses & ETDs

Over the past century, women have gradually gained recognition and acceptance within the world of sports, breaking barriers and challenging long-standing societal norms. In the United States, women’s soccer has experienced significant growth. This thesis examines how globalization, Title IX, gender dynamics, socioeconomic factors, and political policies influenced women’s soccer. This research uses a historical analysis to explore the complexities of being both an athlete and a woman in America. The findings reveal that women’s soccer has reached great heights in equal pay, fair media representation, and visibility. This research asserts that women and soccer in America are working together …

Spatial And Temporal Patterns Of Phytoplanktonic Groups In Sarasota Bay And Lido Beach, C'Erra Tubbs

Theses & ETDs

Phytoplankton are known to be very responsive to environmental variables and changes such as temperature and salinity. There are many intersections between all these understudied variables. Here, I show the intersectionalities of different phytoplankton groups and their abundances among various environmental conditions and ecological patterns. Phytoplankton were collected and analyzed in January and July 2023 from two separate locations: Sarasota Bay and Lido Beach. Collections were also done from two separate depths. Dinoflagellates and diatoms responded differently to seasonal changes. Dinoflagellates were more sensitive to temperature changes, with clear differences between seasons, while diatoms were more adaptable to changes with …

Creative Connections: The Liberal Arts Approach To Supporting Vulnerable Youth At The National Association Of Mental Illness, Jayleigh Totten

Theses & ETDs

This thesis explores my journey throughout my internship with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, where I applied a liberal arts education to real-life mental health advocacy. The intersection between liberal arts and mental health is rooted in community engagement, hands-on experiences, and critical thinking. Through programs like Lean On Me and Youth Move, I was able to support the youth and young adult community through peer support and program development. This is not your traditional research-based approach, instead, it provides a reflective summary of in-depth experiences through storytelling, personal reflection, and analysis.

Assessing The Potential For Hybridization Of Three Syngnathus Species In Sarasota Bay, Megan Waters

Theses & ETDs

Located in Southwest Florida, Sarasota Bay is home to three sympatric and congeneric species of pipefish: The Chain Pipefish (Syngnathus louisianae), the Dusky Pipefish (Syngnathus floridae), and the Gulf Pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli). These three species share an overlapping habitat, which allows for potential hybridization to occur. This hybridization could lead to potential extinction of current species or the creation of new species, due to the mismatched matings. This poses an issue to the conservation of the parent species, as current legislation does not protect hybrid species. This experiment set out to find whether the sympatric nature of the three Syngnathus …

The Effects Of Melanism On Leopard Solitary Behavior, Rachel Ullven

Theses & ETDs

Both melanism and communicative markings have been well-examined for their adaptive value. However, investigation of communicative markings using melanism to represent a loss of those markings is far too rare in existing literature for its research potential. One such species where melanism overrides what are thought to be communicative markings is the leopard (Panthera pardus). Since the dangerous, elusive, and solitary nature of the leopard has made it difficult to study their social behavior, proxies such as tracking collars or camera traps have been used in an attempt to gain insight into their behavior and social organization. By using sighting …

Outdoor Analytics: Tracking And Optimizing Fishing Through A Digital Dashboard, Chase Wink

Theses & ETDs

Despite being a common activity for both leisure and business, fishing data collection and analysis are still completed inefficiently. Conventional techniques like handwritten notes or dispersed internet resources frequently lead to lost or underutilized data, which hinders researchers' and fishermen's capacity to make informed decisions. This thesis addresses the need for a centralized, interactive fishing dashboard that integrates an interactive map plotter, provides clear visualizations, and aggregates fishing trip data. Having a lifelong love of fishing, this project was created to provide a useful tool that improves fishing experiences and aids in conservation and research. A wide spectrum of users, …

Sexual Trauma And Self-Transcendence: Perceptions Of The Self And Trauma Healing After Sexual Assault, Isabel Reyes

Theses & ETDs

Previous research has explored connections between PTSD and social support, specifically for sexual assault (SA) related PTSD, as well as connections between social support and self-transcendence. Self-transcendence has also been found to be beneficial for overall well-being. The current study assesses the relationship between self-transcendence and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms, or PTSS. This was done through an online survey sent out to social media groups and forums. The survey consisted of a PTSS scale, a self-transcendence scale, items on mitigating/aggravating factors of their SA(s), as well items on spirituality/religiosity and other demographic items. The results found no correlations between self-transcendence and …

Investigation Of Microrna In Canine Congestive Heart Failure, Jada Prignano

Theses & ETDs

Myxomatous mitral valvular degeneration (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in dogs, as well as a significant disease in the human heart. MMVD is characterized by valvular thickening and regurgitation, leading to secondary cardiac structure and function changes. The prevalence of this disease has been correlated wilh age and breed. Small breed dogs such as the Cavalier King Charles spaniel (CVKC), are predisposed to the disease, and the prevalence in the CVKC dogs older than 10 years is greater than 90%. Given that the disease is common, but only a minority of dogs will progress to heart failure, it …

The Effect Of Graphene Oxidation And Weight Percentage On The Biodegradability And Conductivity Of A Cellulose-Graphene (Oxide) Biocomposite, Jesse Roman

Theses & ETDs

The advent of electronics has been one of the greatest breakthroughs in human history, allowing us to significantly improve our quality of life, long-distance communication, and overall development as a society. Optimization and innovation of such technologies is ever-present today, as we continue to transition from in-person to online services. Despite the ongoing advances, the materials that we use to fabricate these devices are typically of plastic and metallic-origin, which not only persist in the environment, but are also detrimental to its health and that of humans. In fact, due to our increasing dependence on electronics, the industry is rapidly …

Otto Von Bismarck: Foundation And Downfall Of The German Empire, Pablo Sarmiento

Theses & ETDs

In this thesis I will present the achievements of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. However, I am also presenting the faults in Bismarck's domestic and foreign policy. Through my research, I will display how the chancellor influenced German politics starting from his appointment to power in 1862 up until his removal from power in 1890. In the final section of this paper, I will analyze the legacy of Bismarck's strategies and the impact those have on German leadership throughout the Wilhelmine period. Overall I am portraying how the tactics Otto von Bismarck used had allowed him to create Germany but …

The Old But New Process Of Developing Race In Colonial America, Antuan Sconiers

Theses & ETDs

This thesis will analyze and explore the laws, systems, actors and events in the colonies of America that constructed and evolved the concept of race. Specifically, the Anglo colony of Virginia and the colony of Louisiana which went under French, Spanish and Anglo rule, will be examined. The question of what race is and what its purpose is will be tackled in this thesis. Big picture questions like what came first, slavery or racism will also be answered. The original scholarly work on Virginia was used as a guideline of how to go about studying the concepts of race and …

Radiation Dose Reduction Strategies In Interventional Radiology, Breanna Fluhr

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

This project explains the importance of radiation dose reduction in Interventional Radiology (IR) and the strategies that help protect both patients and healthcare staff. General factors that influence exposure, challenges associated with extended fluoroscopy times, sources of scatter radiation, and the role of proper training and protective equipment are discussed. IR procedures often involve long imaging times and complex patient anatomy, which can significantly increase radiation dose if not carefully managed. Traditional safety practices such as pulsed fluoroscopy, last image hold, collimation, increased distance, and appropriate shielding are essential in minimizing unnecessary exposure. New advancements, including patient dose management software, …

Radiation Dose In Computed Tomography (Ct), Helen Minnick

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Computed Tomography (CT) is a critical diagnostic tool that delivers rapid, detailed cross-sectional imaging but remains a major contributor to medical radiation exposure. Increasing use of CT has led to concerns about excessive or low-value exams, including repeat scans that do not often change patient management and may increase long-term cancer risk. Evidence shows that only a small percentage of repeat head CTs reveal clinically significant findings, underscoring the importance of justification and reducing unnecessary imaging. Pediatric patients are particularly vulnerable due to increased tissue radiosensitivity and longer lifespans, making dose optimization essential. National initiatives such as Image Gently and …

Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy For Treatment Of Various Cancers, Taylor J. Windheim

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is a newly advancing technology in radiation therapy that improves the accuracy and safety of radiation therapy treatments. SGRT utilizes three-dimensional images of the patient’s surface in real-time, which improves patient setup accuracy and allows for continuous patient monitoring, while decreasing the need for additional imaging in comparison to the traditional laser setup method. The project discusses the advantages of SGRT and the utilization of the technology for breast and lung radiation treatments. In breast cancer treatments, SGRT improves positioning accuracy and reproducibility, as well as decreases radiation dose to the heart and lungs while using …

Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri), Madison Woodhead

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

This project explains fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its role in prenatal diagnosis. It discusses various aspects, including types of prenatal imaging, clinical applications, the imaging procedures, safety considerations, and technical challenges. Understanding the benefits and limitations of fetal MRI allows for earlier and more accurate detection of fetal abnormalities. Fetal MRI serves as a secondary imaging modality that complements ultrasound by providing detailed imaging of fetal anatomy. Several congenital anomalies including those involving the central nervous system (CNS), as well as the abdominal and thoracic regions, can be thoroughly evaluated to provide additional information and confirm diagnoses made …

Ai In Mammography, Samantha Lorenzo, Gina Capitano

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Abstract

This Research explores the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in mammography and its role in cancer diagnosis. It examines statistical data related to AI-assisted diagnostics, highlights AI’s ability to detect early signs of cancer that may be imperceptible to the human eye, and discusses the growing adoption of AI among breast radiologists. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death. Approximately one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. The integration of AI in mammography represents a promising advancement in early detection and …

A Case Study: Alzheimer’S Progression In Mri, Lacey E. Sorber

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of Americans. Many individuals know a person who is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s or has lost their life due to the disease. Alzheimer’s can be described as early-onset or late-onset. Early-onset Alzheimer's occurs before the age of 65, and late-onset occurs after the age of 65. This research demonstrates a case study of a 63 year old male with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and language problems. The patient in this case study’s symptoms began with memory loss and began to regress into cognitive decline. …

Utilizing Shockwave Therapy For Cardiac Catheterization, Nadja E. Hartmann

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Abstract

This project explores the role of cardiac catheterization and the use of intravascular shockwave therapy (IVL) in diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease (CAD). Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to visualize coronary and peripheral vessels, assess heart function, and intervene on obstructed arteries. The poster outlines the fundamental steps of catheterization, including the use of specialized catheters, contrast imaging, and tools such as balloons and stents to restore blood flow. The main topic of this project is Shockwave therapy, a newer technique designed to treat heavily calcified lesions that are resistant to other methods, …

Basics Of Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography, Megan A. Lasher

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) is an advanced diagnostic technique that combines anatomical and functional breast imaging with the use of iodinated contrast to enhance potential malignant lesion visualization. This capstone presents the fundamental principles of mammography, clinical indications and contraindications, and diagnostic capabilities of CESM compared to traditional mammography. CESM has improved the detection of malignancies, especially in dense breast tissue, as contrast highlights vascular changes associated with tumor angiogenesis. The imaging involves a dual-energy image acquisition, as low-energy is required for structure and high-energy for contrast enhancement. The dual imaging provides a thorough insight into lesion morphology and perfusion. …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Breast Biopsy, Ainsley Derck

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -guided breast biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples that look suspicious on a breast MRI. Because MRI has high soft tissue contrast, subtle abnormalities can be detected that may not be seen well in other breast imaging modalities, like mammography or ultrasound. This makes MRI-guided breast biopsy a valuable option in evaluating suspicious breast tissue abnormalities. The MRI-guided breast biopsy uses MR imaging to accurately locate suspicious tissue and perform a minimally invasive biopsy procedure. During the procedure, MRI is used to position a needle in the breast at the location …