Digital Commons Network^™

Adult Human Rib Variation Of Symmetry Among Many Populations, Madison Irish

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Human rib morphology is a central focus within the exploration of ribcage biomechanical properties and thoracic traumas, with the use of anatomical models being crucial in clinical, academic, and forensic settings. Despite the significance, there is little existing research on bilateral asymmetry of the ribcage, and many models use the assumption of symmetry between right and left rib pairs. This study investigates morphological right and left rib pair asymmetries using high-resolution imaging and 3D reconstruction techniques among a diverse population of sex, age, and populations. Symmetry was tested using three variables: pitch, radius of curvature, and roll among rib pairs …

Lost In Translation: The Absence Of Untranslatable Words In The English Classroom, Ashley Boledovic

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This qualitative study explores the impact of lexical gaps and untranslatable words on self-expression and communication in English-speaking classrooms. Seven interviews were conducted with bilingual or non-native English speakers representing a variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds, including Arabic, Portuguese, Marathi, Hindi, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Each interview investigated how language impacts self-expression, or the ability to communicate thoughts, emotions, and identity within the classroom. The findings suggest that untranslatable words and cultural concepts from participants’ native languages offer insights into cultural perspectives, which are often undervalued and not represented in English-speaking classrooms. Additionally, all participants desired greater language inclusivity …

Artsparks And The Vincent House: A Deep Dive Into Nonprofit Dance In Akron, Grayce Thomas

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project explores the benefits of accessible dance programs for children in the Akron area, focusing on programs like ArtSparks and the Vincent House. It looks at how these programs help kids grow physically, emotionally, and socially, especially for those who might not otherwise have access to dance. As a dancer and teacher, my personal experience with the positive impact of dance motivates this project, as I know how important it can be for a child's development. Through interviews, observations, and online resources, I’ll examine how these programs work and how they support the kids involved. The goal is to …

Zippymania: A Multimedia Record Of The 2024-25 Akron Zips Men's Basketball Team, Drew Bailey

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will involve the production, promotion, and distribution of a weekly 30-minute live radio show focusing on the Akron Zips men's basketball team. After the airing of each show, the recorded episode will be published as a podcast. Additionally, a weekly column or sports blog (written by myself) will be published and serve as a companion work or supplement to the radio program.

Aeg Improved Football Helmet Liner, Matthew Dyson, John Clore, Brady Slates, Nathan Walker

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The National Football League (NFL) is a leading professional American football organization experiencing rapid growth in popularity. However, the high-contact nature of the sport frequently results in player injuries, with head trauma and concussions being major concerns. This project aims to mitigate these risks by developing an advanced helmet liner designed to reduce the impact of direct collisions and torsional shear forces. In order to do this, we will utilize an impact testing machine with a modified helmet mount. By enhancing the liner's effectiveness, the proposed design seeks to improve player safety without compromising performance. The study focuses on innovative …

Understanding And Assessing Conduct Disorder: A Literature Review, Garrett Holman

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In this literature review, the current understanding and assessment of conduct disorder will be examined with the intention of finding areas in need of future research. The importance of how conduct disorder develops with individuals, the comorbidities associated with the disorder, and the ways in which conduct disorder is assessed will be the focal point for this review. In particular, this review explores how the development of conduct disorder is connected with the long-term outcomes and the ways in which the interaction of co-occurring disorders can impact the course of this condition. Existing research on conduct disorder has gaps that …

Using The Historical Equity Action Lens (Heal) To Identify And Remedy Transportation Inequities From The Akron Innerbelt Project, Olivia Lane

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will utilize the Historical Equity and Action Lens (HEAL) to address transportation inequities in marginalized communities by incorporating historical and cultural insights into data collection and analysis. Specifically, the project will focus on the Akron Innerbelt, an infamous highway project that significantly impacted historically Black neighborhoods. By examining the historical, economic, and social context of the Innerbelt, the project will identify the project's long-term impacts Akron communities. The goal is to use this knowledge to inform improve transportation equity in the affected areas by developing a plan for the Innerbelt since its vacancy in 2016. The project will …

Impact Of Tetrahydrocannabinol (Thc) On Daphnia Magna Heart Rate, Ashley Cosgrave

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Marijuana (Cannabis) is currently federally illegal within the United States and classified as a Schedule I drug. This leaves a large research gap on the impacts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use. Daphnia magna are frequently used as a model organism for the human heart and toxicology screenings due to their myogenic heart, similarities in physiological pathways, and sensitivity to toxins. As such, in order to bridge the research gap and uncover potential use of Daphnia magna as a model organism for humans in regard to impact on heart rate, we hypothesized that if Daphnia magna possess CB1 receptors or an equivalent …

Exploring Psychological Implications Of The Contemporary Lung Transplant, Isaac C. Machar

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Since its inception in 1963 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, more than 50,000 lung transplant procedures have been performed. During its 50-year anniversary, 2023 saw just over 3,000 lung transplants performed in the United Sates. However, as this procedure continues to increase in execution each year, it is critical that the psychological implications of this procedure are explored. In this paper, I hope to develop an understanding of the psychological background of contemporary lung transplantation. Reviewing the lung and double lung transplant, the goal is to apply biopsychology principles to the field. Background information about transplant science is …

Breaking A Criminal Mind: Leveraging Habit Breaking/Building For Crime Reduction, Dru Gerace

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Criminal behavior is often shaped by a complex interaction between psychological processes, habitual actions, and neurobiological mechanisms. This research explores how habitual decision-making and reinforcement patterns contribute to criminal tendencies, integrating insights from neuroscience and psychology. The study examines how early-life experiences, cognitive biases, and environmental factors shape habitual behaviors that may predispose individuals to criminal activity. It also discusses the role of executive functioning, impulse control, and neuroplasticity in breaking maladaptive patterns. By analyzing contemporary theories of habit formation and their neurological underpinnings, this paper offers a multidimensional perspective on the development of criminal behavior. Furthermore, implications for rehabilitation …

Bat Species Diversity In The Klamath Basin Prior To Dam Removals, Ryan Page Matilton

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

River ecosystems make up a small percentage of the earth’s surface, but they support high levels of biodiversity and attract high levels of human use. Dams, for example, disrupt a river’s natural course and flow, alter water temperatures in the stream, redirect river channels, transform floodplains, and fragment river continuity, which affects ecological balance and food webs. The Klamath River in northern California, which has been dammed for the last century, experienced dramatic disruptions including a large fish die-off in 2002. With the negative impacts of the Klamath dams apparent, multiple entities negotiated to remove the dams and restore the …

Fleeing Structural Stigma: Psychological Outcomes For Transgender And Gender-Diverse Internally Displaced Persons, Max E. Cartagena

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In 2025, at least 1,000 bills targeting transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals were introduced across the United States, contributing to an environment of escalating structural stigma. As a result, many TGD individuals have relocated from states with high levels of stigma to those with lower levels in search of safety, access to care, and social affirmation. This study examines these individuals as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and is informed by refugee psychological literature, as both experiences arise from coercive structural forces that compel individuals to relocate. This perspective highlights the involuntary nature of their migration, driven by the need for …

Sex Work And Covid-19: An Intersectional Discussion Of U.S.-Based Sex Worker Experiences During The Pandemic, Sabrina M. Grandia

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all forms of industry, including that of sex work. Between October 2020 until November 2022, I did field research and interviews with nine U.S.-based sex workers throughout those months of the pandemic. Using a grounded theory approach, I asked open-ended questions about their entrance into the industry, business practices, and personal experiences before and during the pandemic. Their stories allow us to gain insight into the impact the pandemic had on them as individuals and their broader communities. My analysis highlights a prominent influence of anti-trafficking policy, politicization of the virus, and the impact of Black …

The Impact Of Guided Goal Setting On Mood And Exercise Performance In College-Age Active Individuals, Payton R. Heaney

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Mental health challenges are common in college students and student athletes, yet finding accessible and effective methods to improve mood and mood disorders remains under-researched. Mood is closely related to perceived performance, making mood improvements even more important for active college individuals. This study examined whether guided goal setting and health coaching could significantly improve mood as well as perceived performance. Sleep and nutrition were targeted as key factors due to their well-researched connection to mood. Participants of this study were 25 healthy active college individuals aged 18-35. The sports and activities represented in this study were a mix of …

Elementary Teachers' Knowledge Towards Teaching Physical Education, Hannah Lee Mandy

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study examined elementary teachers’ preparation in physical education (PE) and its impact on teaching effectiveness for students, including students with disabilities. Twenty-seven teachers completed a survey and three participated in a follow-up focus group where participants were asked to expand on previous questions. Findings revealed limited PE coursework, minimal hands-on experience and low familiarity with the California Physical Education Standards in teacher preparation programs. Additionally, only 74 percent of participants completed a PE course during their teacher preparation program and focus group participants emphasized their preparation programs focused on lesson planning rather than hands on teaching, and the programs …

Acceptance And Commitment Training For Reducing Aggressive Behaviors For Children Diagnosed With Externalizing Disorders, Isabelle C. Rodriguez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is a contemporary mindfulness intervention traditionally practiced in psychotherapy but recently has been adopted by practitioners in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) due to its functional foundation and theoretical grounding in Relational Frame Theory (RFT). ACT interventions are tailored to develop and continually exercise an individual's psychological flexibility while, in turn, decrease levels of experiential avoidance (EA). Literature surrounding ACT and its applications in ABA showcase data supporting its effectiveness for treating a diverse range of behaviors. Elevated levels of EA have been linked to a variety of maladaptive behaviors, one being aggression. Aggression is a …

Elementary Teachers' Attitudes And Perceptions Of Physical Education, Jennifer Lemon

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the attitudes of elementary grade teachers towards teaching physical education, the barriers they face providing instructing, and the support they receive within their hiring district to teach PE to students, including those with disabilities. Purposive sampling was used to recruit current elementary grade level teachers who are responsible for teaching PE within their normal school day. Teachers were included in the survey if they were current elementary teachers that taught PE. A survey developed using Qualtrics was designed to focus on the attitudes of elementary teachers towards teaching PE. Results from …

The Mediating Effect Of Injury On The Relationship Between Running Mileage And Depressive Symptoms In Division 2 Cross Country Athletes, Jaxon Leduc

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Training for a cross-country season requires athletes to accumulate a high volume of training miles at different intensities. Over a period of months and years, consistent high training volumes have been shown to contribute to overuse injuries in cross country athletes. Injuries have been shown to negatively impact athlete’s mental health; this is especially true in student athletes. The purpose of this research is to explore the mediating effect of injuries on the relationship between training volume and mental health in collegiate cross-country runners. Participants in this study were 40 members of NCAA Division 2 Cross Country teams with eligibility …

Cultivation Of Winged Kelp (Alaria Marginata) In Humboldt Bay, Evan C. Simpson

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The cultivation potential of the winged kelp (Alaria marginata) was evaluated in Humboldt Bay, California, to further develop sustainable aquaculture in the region. Seasonality, depth, and system design were evaluated in regard to harvest biomass and quality. Results suggested that single-longline configurations at shallow depths (< 2 m) produced greater total biomass than a multi-longline system, suggesting enhanced water flow and reduced self-shading improved growth. Kelp grew best with a winter outplanting period (December-April), most likely due to environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, nutrients, and salinity) being within the kelp’s tolerable range, with as much as 2.24 kg/meter of kelp being harvested. These findings demonstrate that while the estuarine system has more variable conditions than predicted, A. marginata can be successfully cultivated in Humboldt Bay and highlight its potential as a viable crop for northern California’s emerging seaweed industry. Future work targeting the optimization of single-longline design and deployment timing may further improve yield and support regional goals for sustainable aquaculture and food security.

A Porpoise-Driven Approach: Using Agent-Based Models To Predict Population Consequences Of Offshore Wind Noises On Gulf Of Maine Harbor Porpoises, Ben Greenberg Pridonoff

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Marine mammals are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic noises, including from offshore wind activities, necessitating the development and refinement of tools to predict the effects of noise on their populations. Agent-based models (ABMs) are an effective tool that can simulate realistic movements and behaviors of animals to quantify population consequences of disturbance. In this study, I used the Europe-based ABM ‘DEPONS’ to (1) evaluate its effectiveness in a new environment, the Gulf of Maine, USA/Bay of Fundy, Canada, and (2) develop estimates of the population dynamics of local harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) interacting with expected noises from proposed floating …

Kelp Guardians Can Save The World: A Food Sovereignty Lab Report Of The Ghvtlh-K’Vsh Shu'-Srnelh-'I~ (Kelp Guardians) California Sea Grant, Delaney A. Schroeder-Echavarria

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

As partners of the Ghvtlh-k’vsh Shu'-srnelh-'i~ (Kelp Guardians) California Sea Grant project, the Rou Dalagurr Food Sovereignty Lab and Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute has actively engaged with local educators, Tribal organizations, and Tribal Nations to create youth-centered curricula, researched through a community-based participatory research lens. This is demonstrated through an innovative approach to recruiting and retaining Indigenous youth and community interest in coastal and marine ecosystems and resources by connecting with Indigenous cultural practices, Indigenous sciences, and community-based programs to encourage future careers. The Kelp Guardians project is led by the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation (TDN or Nation) and includes various …

Student Housing Insecurity And Its Impacts On Academic Enthusiasm: A Multi-Method Analysis Of Cal Poly Humboldt, Aaron Gabriel Perez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Cal Poly Humboldt has faced major challenges in the realm of housing due to a long history of shortages and difficulties in prioritizing the distribution of housing amongst the student population. Recent issues such as the mold infestations in Fall 2024 bring this into focus as the campus is also trying to expand its available housing through constructing new housing facilities. This in conjunction with the campus’ desire to continually increase its student population base year by year brings into question the fundamental goals of the campus and whether or not students feel the campus is helping or hurting them. …

A Comparative Analysis Of Perineuronal Nets In Trout And Zebrafish Models, Adnan Alyan

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are specialized extracellular matrix structures that surround certain types of neurons in the central nervous system. Research from the past few decades has cemented PNNs as an integral player in the closure and onset of critical periods, memory modulation, and neural plasticity. These effects are thought to occur when PNNs form around a neuron and structurally stabilize its synaptic connections. PNNs have been directly linked to behavioral changes, making them of interest to psychologists as well as neuroscientists. Several PNN components, such as Hapln1 and aggrecan such as have been found in zebrafish, a teleost fish (Kang …

The Stochastic Occupation Kernel (Sock) Method For Learning Stochastic Differential Equations, M. L. Wells, Kamel Lahouel, Bruno Jedynak

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We present a novel kernel-based method for learning multivariate stochastic differential equations (SDEs). The method follows a two-step procedure: we first estimate the drift term function, then the (matrix-valued) diffusion function given the drift. Occupation kernels are integral functionals on a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) that aggregate information over a trajectory. Our approach leverages vector-valued occupation kernels for estimating the drift component of the stochastic process. For diffusion estimation, we extend this framework by introducing operator-valued occupation kernels, enabling the estimation of an auxiliary matrix-valued function as a positive semi-definite operator, from which we readily derive the diffusion estimate. …

Optical Coherence Tomography Harmonization With Anatomy-Guided Latent Metric Schrödinger Bridges, Shuwen Wei, Blake E. Dewey, Samuel W. Remedios, Bruno Jedynak, Shimeng Wang, Peter Calabresi, Shiv Saidha, Aaron Carass, Multiple Additional Authors

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Medical image harmonization aims to reduce the differences in appearance caused by scanner hardware variations to allow for consistent and reliable comparisons across devices. Harmonization based on paired images from different devices has limited applicability in real-world clinical settings. On the other hand, unpaired harmonization typically does not guarantee anatomy consistency, which is problematic because anatomical information preservation is paramount. The Schrödinger bridge framework has achieved state-of-the-art style transfer performance with natural images by matching distributions of unpaired images, but this approach can also introduce anatomy changes when applied to medical images. We show that such changes occur because the …

Material Suppliers’ Perspective On Collaboration In Industrial Construction Projects, Seogjae Choi, William J. O'Brien

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Material suppliers' involvement in construction project planning has been recommended as an effective measure to improve project performance by using their expertise. However, the recommendation is not universal, and some researchers disputed the value of early involvement of suppliers depending on material type. Moreover, prior studies considered main contractors' and owners' perspectives mostly in examining how to increase the involvement of suppliers. To add material suppliers' perspective, this study conducted interviews with experienced professionals from 16 material suppliers including standardized, make-to-order, and custom products. The results are specified by separating the type of materials and sub-phases of planning. The results …

Every Publication Needs An Author Verified Tl;Dr Statement, Sarah Oerther, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Preoperative Blood Pressure On Postoperative Bleeding Complications Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Riyad N H Seervai, Sarah K Friske, Emily Powell, Ida F Orengo, Ikue Shimizu, Suzanne Alkul

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Hypertension is a common comorbidity in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Evidence in other surgical fields has suggested that high blood pressure increases the risk of perioperative bleeding, predisposing patients to complications such as hematomas, dehiscence, wound infection, and necrosis.

Methods: We reviewed medical charts of all 530 patients who underwent MMS at our institution in one calendar year to identify whether an association exists between preoperative blood pressure and bleeding outcomes in patients undergoing MMS.

Results: Perioperative variables, including history of diagnosed hypertension, preoperative systolic blood pressure >160 mm Hg, systolic blood pressure >180 mm Hg, anticoagulation/antiplatelet …

Wgs Revised Program, Clas

Executive Actions

No abstract provided.

Distributed Sapphire Fiber Bragg Grating-Based Thermal Profiling Of Submerged Entry Nozzles, Farhan Mumtaz, Hanok W. Tekle, Bohong Zhang, Xiaodong Li, Sunday Abraham, Bryant Mathis, Jeffrey D. Smith, Ronald J. O'Malley, Jie Huang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This article focuses on the application of sapphire fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) for instrumentation in submerged entry nozzles (SENs) within the steelmaking industry. The SEN is pivotal for transferring molten steel from a tundish to a mold, while preventing the infiltration of oxygen and nitrogen from the surrounding environment. Maintaining optimal flow conditions in the mold is crucial for ensuring casting process stability and maintaining high-quality steel. Sapphire FBG sensors have been instrumented in SENs to enable distributed thermal mapping for monitoring the health of the SEN. The optical sensor comprises three cascaded sapphire FBGs inscribed using femtosecond (FS) laser …