Digital Commons Network^™

The Influence Of Media Exposure On Perceptions Of Police, Izabella Leblanc, Emily Pica

Modern Psychological Studies

The current literature suggests that People of Color (POC) often hold more negative perceptions of law enforcement compared to White individuals. These perceptions are influenced by various factors, including environment, exposure to media depictions of police brutality, and personal experiences. Since flawed portrayals of police procedures in television programs have been found to erode public trust in police legitimacy, the study analyzes how perceptions change through media portrayals of law enforcement interactions. We investigate how the media influences perceptions of law enforcement by presenting participants (n = 245) with mock news articles depicting various law enforcement interactions. Additionally, we consider …

The Best Disinfectant: The Value Of Transparency In Information Operations, Major Ian W. Stamme

American University National Security Law Brief

America is in a state of persistent competition with nation-state adversaries, including Russia and China, which seek to subvert the post-WWII rules-based international order and undermine American legitimacy abroad. Some of this competition takes place through traditional statecraft and across each of the instruments of national power: diplomatic, informational, military, and economic. However, much of this competition also takes place in the gray zone, defined as a spectrum between the higher threshold of armed conflict and the lower threshold of ordinary statecraft. In other words, while all relations between nations involve degrees of leverage and relative advantage, gray zone conflict …

Gendered Racism And Asian American Men’S Hazardous Alcohol Use: The Role Of Drinking To Cope, Emil K. Turdukulov, Thomas P. Le

Psychology Faculty Research and Scholarship

Gendered racism has been previously associated with greater alcohol use among Asian American men (AAM), yet the mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. This study thus investigated whether gendered racism is associated with hazardous alcohol use among AAM directly and indirectly via drinking to cope and resistance and empowerment against racism. 253 AAM (M = 36.75 years old) completed an online cross-sectional survey that contained the study questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analyses examined the association between gendered racism and hazardous alcohol use, and mediation analyses investigated whether drinking to cope and resistance and empowerment against racism underlied this …

The Collaborative Care Model And Depression Mediation Adherence, Remmy Rocha, Megan Mcclain, Anusha Mubin, Nicholas Morgenstern, Makenzie Maroney, Melanie Menning, Shannon Kinnan, Ryan W. Walters

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of The Association Between Female Reproductive Health Policy And Children's Health Outcomes, Kira Markowski, Rachel Bobko

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: As policy pertaining to female reproductive health and education continues to be a central issue concerning Americans and a divisive focus of political campaigns, it is important to fully understand the ramifications of female reproductive health legislation not only on women’s health outcomes but also the health outcomes of children and adolescents.
Objective: We set out to identify how legislation and policy related to female reproductive health and education impacts the health and well-being of children and adolescents. By evaluating this relationship, we aim to show whether variations in policy correlate with variations in a child’s well-being as lawmakers …

Awake And Affected: Cultural And Socioeconomic Impacts On Sleep Insufficiency In Modern-Day Ohio, Nehal Mittal, Marina Shenouda

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Previous literature explores factors such as urban environments, screen use and stress negatively impact sleep quality in American adults. However, there is a lack of demographic focus on non-white, low-income populations specifically related to sleep. There is a growing need for targeted interventions to address increasingly prevalent disparities.
Objective: Our study aims to look deeper into race, age, and socioeconomic status and other demographic factors that may affect sleep health.
Results: Our analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between insufficient sleep and selfreported poor or fair health (r = .728) and a moderate positive correlation with unemployment (r = …

Prevention Of Substance Related Deaths Through Mental Health Counseling, Lindsey Tout, Camille Zonfa

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Background: Substance abuse, particularly alcohol and drug use, remains a critical public safety issue in Ohio. Those suffering with abuse disorders are likely to often have accompanying mental health disorders, however, there lies a significant gap in treatment.
Objective: This study examines trends in alcohol-related driving deaths, drug overdose deaths, excessive drinking, and mental health provider availability from 2016 to 2023 in rural and urban counties of Ohio.
Methods: Data collected from the public source, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, was analyzed using statistical methods to assess changes between 2016 to 2023 for the 88 counties of Ohio. Urban versus …

Factors Driving Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations In Ohio And Surrounding States, Ann Walter, Andy Russell

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Alcohol, Mental Health, And Suicide, Motassem Bayyoud, Megan Galluch

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Suicide rates in Montana, Iowa, Ohio, and New Jersey vary strongly and encompass the wide range seen across all fifty states in America. Previous research has told us that there is a significant relationship between Alcohol Use Disorder and the ideation, attempt, and completion of suicide. Additionally, most people who are victims of suicide suffer from mental disorders. People use alcohol to cope with mental health and alcohol leads to deteriorating and adverse outcomes in a person’s life. To attempt to better understand the relationship between these variables and why suicide rates differ so widely, an analysis of binge drinking, …

Examining Low Mammogram Rates In Native American Populations In Arizona And New Mexico, Mason Berges, Ayesha Ahmad

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Introduction: Despite improvements in technology over the last several decades, breast cancer incidence and mortality rates have remained steady among the Native American population. This is in direct contrast to the general United States population which has seen substantial decreases in these incidence and mortality rates. A key factor in eliminating breast cancer and saving lives is undergoing mammogram screenings. While mammogram screenings are of crucial importance, many Native American women lack equitable access to healthcare resources and as a result face unnecessary health challenges. Several social determinants of health could be playing a key role in these mammogram screening …

Impact Of Abortion Restrictions On Childhood Health Outcomes, Rico Carter, Griffin Suppa

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Abortion has been a topic for debate in the U.S. for decades. With the Supreme Court’s recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, many pro-abortion advocates fear for the looming effects this policy change will have on healthcare. In this study we aim to study how abortion access or lack thereof influences childhood healthcare outcomes. Past research has shown a negative impact of abortion restrictions on infant survival, future socioeconomic success, and the U.S. foster care system. Using data collected from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and three abortion restriction levels created from Guttmacher, we found that states with restrictions had …

Food Insecurity Rates And Its Related Factors In The State Of Ohio, Sophia Danchine, Maia Sethi

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Food insecurity is an ongoing issue across Ohio counties, influenced by socioeconomic factors, geographical location, and age and ethnic demographics. This study explores food insecurity rates from 2016 to 2023, comparing urban and rural counties, various social determinants of health, such as income, education, and age, and exploring correlations with racial and ethnic demographics. Using data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps database, statistical analyses revealed key findings that food insecurity was not significantly different when comparing rural versus urban counties in Ohio. The most significant predictor to food insecurity in 2023 was median household income, followed by percent …

Social And Structural Determinants Of Mammography Screening Rates Among Female Medicare Beneficiaries: A Retrospective Analysis, Stephen Fuglsang, Rakhsha Khatri

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Introduction: Despite Medicare fully covering annual mammogram costs, less than one half of female Ohio residents aged 65-74 sought yearly mammograms. As such, our analyses explore which social and structural determinants of health predict the likelihood that a woman aged 65-74 on Medicare will receive an annual mammogram.
Methods: This retrospective analysis utilized data from the County Health Rankings database, focusing on female Medicare enrollees aged 65-74. Mammography screening rates were compared across counties within Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. Pearson and Spearman correlation tests were employed to examine relationships between English non-proficiency, high school graduation rates, residential segregation, primary care …

Income, Education, And Family Structure: Drivers Of Teen Pregnancy In Rural And Urban Ohio, Adam Klauck, Maggie Stiefel, Catherine Wilson

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Teen birth rates in Ohio have been declining; however, due to the potential adverse ramifications of any teen birth, for either the mother or the child, understanding the strongest predictors of teen birth rates in Ohio will allow physicians to preventatively care for their young female population. Our objective was to identify some qualitative factors that best indicate the environment in which a teenage pregnancy is most likely to occur, giving special attention to the difference between rural and urban environments. Relevant data was obtained from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. This study used qualitative methods and SPSS to analyze …

The Effect Of Socioeconomic Factors On Childhood Mortality, Sathvika Madisetty, Benjamin Curl

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Objective: This study investigates the impact of socioeconomic factors specifically childhood poverty, uninsurance, and severe housing problems on childhood mortality rates in Ohio in 2016 and 2023.
Methods: The study analyzes county-level data from Ohio in 2016 and 2023, focusing on childhood mortality, childhood poverty, uninsurance, and severe housing problems using data from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps1. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, Spearman correlations, and linear regression, were performed to examine associations and predictive relationships.
Results: Childhood poverty was found to have a moderate, statistically significant correlation with childhood mortality in Ohio for 2023, emerging as the strongest predictor …

Exploring The Socioeconomic Drivers Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevalence And Their Implications For Treatment In The Midwest, Kendall Locascio, Anirudha Koppaka

Scholarship in Medicine - All Papers

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a leading chronic disease globally with its prevalence steadily rising and significantly impacting public health systems. Previous research has indicated correlations between resource scarcity, low income, and limited education completion and T2DM prevalence. However, the degree of influence of these factors on incidence and progression remains unclear. This study aims to identify the most significant socioeconomic determinants of T2DM prevalence and progression in the Midwest to aid healthcare providers in creating maximally effective T2DM treatment plans. Methods include using data from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHR&R) for Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. We …

Racial Disparities In Cancer Guideline-Concordant Treatment Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, And End Results Data For Patients With Nsclc, Jason Semprini, Eric Ababio Anyimadu, Jacklyn M. Engelbart, Amanda R. Kahl, Cameron Trentz, John M. Buatti, Thomas L. Casavant, Mary E. Charlton, Guadalupe Canahuate

Public Health

Introduction

Despite efforts to achieve health care equality, racial/ethnic disparities persist in lung cancer survival in the United States, with non-Hispanic Black patients experiencing higher mortality compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Previous research often focused on single treatments, overlooking the broad range of options available. We aimed to highlight disparities in survival and receipt of comprehensive lung cancer treatment by developing a guideline-concordant initial treatment (GCIT) indicator based on disease stage and recommended treatment.

Methods

Using data of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results on 377,370 patients with NSCLC, we derived a GCIT indicator based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. …

Legal Practice Practicums: Making A Case For Change: A Way Forward, John O. Sonsteng, Michael Sonsteng, Kenneth Rubenzer

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

An Interdisciplinary Fetal Neonatal Neurology Collaborative Promotes Integrative Life-Course Brain Health., Mark S Scher, Harris Eyre, Steven Donn, James M Roberts, Michael E Msall, Carolyn M Salafia, Richard Towbin, Peter N Robinson, Ken Loparo, Michael Berk, Elena Moro, Valerie Smith, Susan Ludington, Nadia Badawi, Rod W Hunt, Alistair Gunn, Harvey B Sarnat, Kirthana Kunikullaya, Betsy Pilon

Faculty Research 2026

A proposed interdisciplinary fetal neonatal neurology collaborative offers life-course brain health training across three time-sensitive teaching opportunities. The educational organization includes a broad representation of inter-related fields. Formal training will re-enforce career-long learning that fosters creative thinking. Acquiring a life-course perspective of brain health can contribute solutions to the global public health crisis involving neurological and mental health disorders across the lifespan. Teaching transdisciplinary interventions begins with parental childhood and reproductive health which will influence the maternal-placental-fetal triad throughout pregnancy into labor and delivery. The second teaching opportunity focuses on the symptomatic minority who receive neonatal neurocritical care and convalescent …

Rhode Island Criminal Justice Professional Development Needs Assessment Plan Of Action Report October 1st – 31st, 2025, Robert J. Hehl

Faculty and Staff - Articles & Papers

In April 2025, Captain Joseph Coffey, (Ret.),Warwick Police Department, on behalf of the Rhode Island Governor’s Criminal Justice Policy Board (GCJPB), requested Professor Robert J. Hehl and Criminal Justice and Criminology (CJC) students of Salve Regina University to assist in the creation of an online survey to fulfill the need for data collection and analysis which would identify beneficial cross-agency criminal justice topics best suited for the TrainThe-Trainer (TTT) model framework as funded by the Public Safety Grants Administration Office (PSGO). Mr. Coffey also gathered data from 24 interviews and two focus groups in tandem with the online survey and …

Safe Nurse-Patient Ratios: A Guide For Healthy Staffing, Daria Sickler, Molly Mills, Carly Ross, Leah Cepeda

SPARK Symposium Presentations

In order to enhance patient outcomes and nurse well-being, our initiative focuses on optimizing patient-staff ratios, which improve overall quality of care while reducing nurse burnout. With involvement of key stakeholders such as legislators, policymakers, hiring departments, managers, charge nurses, and nurses themselves, we aim to foster a. collaborative approach that addresses the root causes of stress and dissatisfaction. The goal to create this supportive environment where nurses have manageable workloads, leads to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout. We expect to see improved patient outcomes, and higher nurse retention rates due to healthier, more sustainable work environments. This approach …

Panic! At The Supreme Court, Nathan J. Arnold

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) has led to a decrese in public trust for the institution. This piece looks at whether there has been an increase in ideologically conservative decisions on the High Court, as well as whether the role of institutional factors has gone down. The literature has previously held that institutional factors have a consistent hold on the Court and are some of the best predictors on how the Court will vote cases. However in recent years academics have been increasingly arguing that it based on partisanship and that the ideology …

Improving Same-Day Access To Highly Effective Contraceptives In Middle Tennessee, Jillian Gunderson, Elizabeth Morse, David Phillippi

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Background and Rationale: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are highly effective at preventing pregnancy at 99%. A two-visit protocol is a known barrier to access. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends same-day placement to increase access to LARC. A Step Ahead Middle Tennessee (ASA) is a non-profit organization partnered with Belmont University that provides free, long-acting reversible contraceptives. However, most ASA clinical partners offer services with a two-visit protocol, and there is no process to identify patient preference for same-day placement.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this phased quality improvement project was to facilitate timely same-day LARC placement for …

Bridging Gaps: Identifying Barriers, Voting Patterns, And Civic Engagement Among Burmese/Zomi Immigrants In Middle Tennessee, Kham K. Van

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This study explores the voting patterns and behaviors of new Americans within the Burmese community, focusing on the factors that influence their civic engagement. The primary objective of this research is to understand the challenges and concerns faced by these individuals in the electoral process, including potential barriers to participation. The significance of this work lies in its potential to reveal voting behaviors of immigrant communities in middle Tennessee and contributes to broader efforts aimed at reducing inequality and promoting democratic inclusion. The research will employ focus group meetings and in-depth interviews, building relationships with community members to gather qualitative …

Advanced Infection Prevention In Infants, Kenny Le, Osmara Rojas, Vika Lomonosova, Blakelee Waller

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Abstract

Background: Infants are highly susceptible to nosocomial infections like CLABSIs due to underdeveloped immune systems and exposure to medical interventions. These infections significantly threaten health outcomes in the NICU. With national NICU infection rates for 1.1-3.3 lb infants averaging 15%, the study’s 7.1% infection rate indicates mFICare’s potential. Does an educational intervention for caregivers, mobile-enhanced Family-Integrated Care (mFICare), reduce the national average NICU nosocomial infection rate of 15% to 5% compared to the Family-Centered Care’s (FCC) approach?

Methods: Keywords: NICU, infants, intensive care unit, bloodstream, infection, prevention, hospital-acquired infection, theory-of-care, family-integrated care. Databases used for review of literature: CINAHL, …

Headspace Implementation Into Nursing Curriculum, Targeting Stress Management In Healthcare, Olivia White, Mattie Zehrt, Mollie Kate Creech, Stella Swarr

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The Headspace Implementation Project at Belmont University aims to address the high levels of stress and burnout among nursing students by integrating mindfulness practices into the curriculum. Research indicates that unmanaged stress negatively impacts academic performance and clinical outcomes, with nearly 30% of students reporting stress-related academic interference. By incorporating Headspace into nursing education, students will develop essential stress management skills before entering the workforce, ultimately improving their well-being and patient care quality.

The project follows the SBAR framework, identifying stress as a major barrier to nursing success and proposing Headspace as an evidence-based intervention. Implementation includes faculty involvement, incentives …

Preventing Nurse Burnout In The Trauma Icu, Annelise Wilson, Samantha Pendleton, Hailey Dowd

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This change project identifies that nurse burnout is a prevalent problem within the healthcare setting, specifically with nurses working in a critical care environment. Burnout can be described as a negative outcome resulting in exhaustion (emotional, mental, physical) due to stress. The population focused on is the nursing staff on the trauma intensive care unit at VUMC. The proposed recommendation for change is to have a mandatory resource nurse on every shift. Essentially, this nurse is one who has no patients and can be utilized to fill in for breaks and perform anything under the nurse's scope of practice when …

Implementing Safe Nurse-To-Patient Ratios, Susan Clark, Molly Peasley, Tessa Pemantell, Grace Fritch

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Our project advocates for state mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in Tennessee critical care units to enhance patient safety, reduce nurse burnout, and improve overall healthcare quality. Research shows that inadequate staffing leads to higher mortality rates, complications, and longer hospital stays, while hospitals with mandated ratios report better patient outcomes and nurse retention. California’s model demonstrates the effectiveness of such policies, highlighting the need for nationwide implementation. The project follows an SBAR approach, outlining the situation of unsafe staffing, the background of financial-driven disparities, and the need for policy change. The plan includes stakeholder engagement, legislative advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. …

The Literary Arsenal In Fahrenheit 451: The Second Amendment Case Against Censorship, Kristen M. Boguslawski

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This paper argues that First Amendment challenges alone are not enough to address the rise of book bans in the United States. As restrictions increasingly limit access to works by minority and LGBTQ plus authors, new constitutional approaches are needed. Using the Law and Literature framework and Fahrenheit 451, the paper proposes applying Second Amendment principles to literature.

It contends that books function as powerful tools that shape thought and protect individuals from harmful ideas and government control. Like firearms, they support self defense, guard against government overreach, and provide personal value. By drawing this comparison, the paper shows that …

Male Fantasies: The Search For Female Sexuality In Ancient Greek Thought, Sophie J. Guthrie

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Feminine sexuality has often been viewed through the lens of male desire. There are many paths one may take to analyze this issue. In this essay, I turn to ancient Greek texts to search for the meaning of a feminine sexuality. I will analyze various scientific, philosophical, and poetic ancient Greek works to better understand the prevalent beliefs at the time. I will begin by looking at the ancient Greek medical explanation of women’s bodies, particularly their sexual organs. Then, I will turn to female sexuality through the lens of a male narrative in ancient Greek texts. In the end, …