Digital Commons Network^™

Suburban Black Girl: Lived Experiences Of Black Girls And The Impact Of Safe Spaces Within Predominantly White Institutions, Kennedi A. Stevenson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As Black and Biracial girls navigate the landscape of suburban Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), they encounter a unique convergence of institutional surveillance and interpersonal erasure. While existing literature often focuses on the “achievement gap” or urban school settings, this qualitative study investigates the lived experiences of Black girlhood within the sea of Whiteness that defines suburban education. Specifically, this research explores how a gendered sanctuary— BSU Salon Talk — serves as a site of resistance and a catalyst for wellbeing. Grounded in Black Feminist Thought Theory (BFTT) and Intersectionality, the study utilizes the theoretical frameworks of Patricia Hill Collins’ Domains …

Beyond Cough Drops And Band-Aids: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study Of Certified School Nurses’ Professional Scope And Enacted Roles In Pk–12 Settings, Brandy Gershon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative dissertation explored the underutilization of certified school nurses (CSNs) in PK–12 educational settings across urban, suburban, and rural school districts in western Pennsylvania. Despite their advanced preparation and wide-ranging scope of practice, school nurses are often limited to providing episodic care, including first aid, medication administration, and treatment of minor injuries. This limited use reflects a significant misalignment with their professional scope of practice, which encompasses chronic disease management, health education, mental health support, care coordination, and leadership in public health. Guided by role theory (Biddle, 1986), this study examined how school nurses perceived and interpreted their professional …

Youth Worker Perspectives On The Measures Most Descriptive Of Student Progress In Philadelphia-Based Out-Of-School Time Programs, Jamillia Kamara Covington

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For marginalized students, out-of-school time programs offer a host of academic and positive youth development benefits. However, perspectives from youth workers, front line staff who form trusted relationships with out-of-school time program participants and the Executive Directors that lead their organizations, are absent from the last three years of evaluation reports for the Pennsylvania Nita M. Lowry 21st Century Learning Center (21st CCLC) program. This missing perspective renders the observations, challenges and improvements youth workers may experience and desire invisible at a time when their labor is counted upon to supplement inequitable education opportunities due to systemic factors. This study …

"It Was Time To Go": A Case Study In Occupational Culture, Tiffany M. Kline Costa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abundant examples of negative community-police interactions demonstrate strained relations between marginalized community members and police across the United States. Likewise, nationwide data demonstrates discrepancies in how officers interact with People of Color versus White citizens. To gain insight into influences on officer behavior, this research shines a spotlight on the occupational culture of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP) and the ways this specific occupational culture informs officer thoughts and behaviors. Via the analysis of the experiences of four former PBP officers, this research explores how culture impacts officer perspective, thoughts, and behaviors. Utilizing an interpretative phenomenological approach, data analysis …

Factors And Attributes Contributing To The Longevity Of Special Educators: Over 15 Years Of Commitment, Susan Majestic-Frabell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the personal, professional, and institutional aspects that contribute to special education teachers' resilience, dedication, and professional identity in southwestern Pennsylvania. Ten participants used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how moral purpose, empathy, relational engagement, mentorship, professional competence, and continual learning help them stay committed throughout time. The findings show that teaching is regarded as a vocation based on advocacy, service, and optimism, rather than a mere employment. Systemic supports, such as access to school-based mental health specialists, inclusive decision-making frameworks, reasonable workloads, and equitable policies, have emerged as crucial for lowering emotional burden, increasing efficacy, and …

Becoming A "Still Point Of Grace": Identifying Obstacles Faced By Catholic Elementary School Teachers In Meeting The Needs Of Students With Generalized Anxiety In The Classroom, Kerry Smigielski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the midst of a mental health crisis in the United States, teachers in the Diocese of Cityville need to be equipped to serve elementary students who experience anxiety within an authentic Catholic context. The purpose of this study is to begin improvement research on classroom supports for students with generalized anxiety in the Diocese of Cityville elementary schools. Journey lines and a focus group discussion were conducted within a causal systems analysis to respond to the central research question: “What obstacles do Catholic elementary school teachers in the Diocese of Cityville face in meeting the needs of students with …

More Than A Rod: Reconceptualizing Medical Student Development Through The Lens Of Social Determinants Of Learning, Dejour Young

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Medical education traditionally follows a biomedical paradigm that emphasizes academic rigor but often overlooks non-academic factors that fundamentally influence student success. The aim of this study was to reconceptualize medical student development by shifting focus from traditional academic metrics to the systemic, non-academic factors that affect learning and well-being.

This study employs a systemic analysis of structural barriers, defined as institutional policies, practices, and environments that create and perpetuate inequity in medical education. This investigation was grounded in the Integrated Social-Ecological Framework for Learning (ISEF-L), a three-tiered conceptual framework developed for this study. The ISEF-L includes Social Determinants of Learning …

The Impact Of Social Demographics On The Awareness, Knowledge, And Experience Of Domestic Violence In Interpersonal Relationships Among College Students, Logan Friddle

Honors Theses

Domestic violence is a widespread social issue, affecting millions of individuals worldwide and representing one of the most common forms of violence against women (Kaur & Garg, 2008, p. 73; Bent-Goodley, 2021). This study examined how social demographic factors such as gender, race, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation influenced awareness, knowledge, and experiences of domestic violence in interpersonal relationships among college students. A survey was distributed to students at Coastal Carolina University using Qualtrics to collect data on awareness, attitudes, and personal experiences related to domestic violence. The study explored how social identity shaped exposure to domestic violence, recognition of …

More Than Mealtimes: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Pediatric Feeding For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Anika J. Peters

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Feeding is a foundational occupation essential for growth, development, and family participation. However, children with developmental disabilities often experience significant feeding challenges that impact nutrition and participation in mealtime routines. This capstone project examines the role of occupational therapy in pediatric feeding assessment and intervention within an outpatient setting. Using a descriptive mixed-methods approach, outcomes were evaluated for pediatric clients (N=18) and occupational therapists (N=15) through goal attainment tracking, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), clinician needs assessment data, and resource feedback. Results demonstrated improvements in food acceptance, texture tolerance, oral-motor skills, and engagement in mealtime participation. COPM scores reflected …

Demi-Lune (Half-Moon): How Can An Educational Center, Enhance Climate Adaptive Agricultural Practices For Farmers In Say, Niger?, Mari Sadou

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Niger is currently facing a severe food crisis worsened by climate extremes, with 80% of its population depending on rain-fed agriculture. The country ranks 19th among those affected by climate change and is the second most vulnerable nation in the world in terms of climate adaptation. It is experiencing rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall that threaten health and food security, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and mothers. In 2022 alone, over 4.4 million people required humanitarian assistance due to crop failures caused by drought, with nearly half of the children suffering from stunting. To tackle these challenges, a …

Risk Of Late Recurrence Of Colorectal And Breast Cancer Among Older Long-Term Cancer Survivors., Faiza Yasin, Sarah J. Westvold, Jessica B. Long, Terry Hyslop, Michael Cecchini, Ira Leeds, Andrea Silber, Shi-Yi Wang, Lisa Spees, Rebecca Forman, Tendai Kwaramba, Melissa Taylor, Cary P. Gross, Michaela A. Dinan

Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds

BACKGROUND: A growing population of older adult cancer survivors faces competing cancer and noncancer health risks. There are limited real-world data on recurrence patterns beyond 5 years post-treatment.

METHODS: This was a SEER-Medicare retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥66 with stage I-III breast, colon, or rectal cancer who received definitive surgery and survived ≥5 years from diagnosis without recurrence or second primary malignancy. Late recurrence (5-10 years postdiagnosis) was identified using a validated algorithm to detect treated recurrence in Medicare claims. Demographic and clinical characteristics collected at cancer diagnosis were assessed as predictors of late treated recurrence using restricted …

Exploring The Neural Correlates Of Motor Learning, Brooklyn R. Thomas

Honors Thesis

The left anterior supramarginal gyrus (aSMG) is recognized as a fundamental cortical region involved in the mastery of skilled tool-use. Although various research studies have revealed that anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (atDCS) over the cortex has the potential to boost manual dexterity, the impact of stimulating the aSMG is less understood in relation to the learning process. Within this study, there was a chopstick-based marble task to discover if atDCS applied to the left aSMG was capable of facilitating the acquisition of a novel motor skill. Concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure the changes in neural synchrony within …

Teacher And Administrator Perceptions Of Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports In Rural Arkansas Elementary Schools, David B. Byers

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

Schools and educators are facing more behavioral issues than ever before from students. In rural schools, the disadvantage is even greater due to limited resources and funding. These behaviors start in elementary school and left unabated, progress. Effective methods to combat these behaviors are in great demand. This study suggests that PBIS methods are an effective tool for schools to utilize. Five teachers and a principal from five different rural elementary schools were interviewed to analyze their perceptions of PBIS usage in their schools. Transcripts were transcribed using Otter.ai and analyzed to identify deductive and inductive codes. These codes led …

A Phenomenological Examination Of Principal Leadership Practices In Arkansas High-Performing Middle And High Schools, Zondria R. Campbell

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

This qualitative phenomenological study examined the leadership practices of Arkansas secondary school principals in schools that received an “A” rating outlined by the state’s grading system for schools. Grounded in the instructional and distributed leadership theory, this study sought to explore principals’ lived experiences and the strategies that influenced high levels of student achievement.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight principals that met the criteria to participate in the study. Interviews were held virtually, and the discussions were recorded and transcribed for analysis. This approach allowed the researcher to identify patterns and key themes across participants through thematic coding.

The …

A Peer Support Model For Nursing Faculty: Stay And Thrive, Ngoc N. Hua

Doctoral Projects

Projections show a major nursing shortage over the next decade. Although many state and local efforts aim to expand the workforce, there is often less visibility into the nurse educators responsible for the healthcare pipeline. Moving clinicians into teaching roles presents unique challenges. Specifically, clinical skills do not easily transfer to classroom management,​ which can be jarring for new faculty. This "reality shock" frequently results in faculty turnover​ due to a lack of support during this important transition.​ This project looked at nursing faculty perceptions of a structured peer mentorship​ program at a Northern California community college. The intervention was …

Msw Portfolio, Sara J. Murphy

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio presents a comprehensive reflection of my development throughout the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Montana. It highlights the integration of knowledge, skills, values, and cognitive and affective processes across ten core social work competencies. Through critical self-reflection, I examine my positionality, biases, and professional identity while emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and accountability in social work practice. Overall, this portfolio reflects my commitment to providing equitable, client-centered care while advocating for systemic change that supports individuals, families, and communities.

Developmental Origins Of Exceptional Health And Survival: A Four-Generation Family Cohort Study, Matthew Thomas Keys, Søren Netra, Dorthe Almind Pedersen, Pernille Stemann Larsen, Alexander Kulminski, Mary F Feitosa, Mary Wojczynski, Michael Province, Kaare Christensen

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Descendants of longevity-enriched sibships demonstrate a broad health and survival advantage throughout the life course. However, little is known about manifestations during very early life. Here we show a pattern of lower risk of adverse early-life outcomes in third-generation grandchildren (N = 5637) of Danish longevity-enriched sibships compared to the general population, including infant mortality (Hazard Ratio = 0.53, 95% CI [0.36, 0.77]) and a range of neonatal health indicators. These associations in fourth-generation great-grandchildren (N = 14,908) were attenuated and less consistent (e.g., infant mortality, Hazard Ratio = 0.90, [0.70, 1.17]). Dilatory patterns across successive generations were independent of …

Beyond Accuracy: Machine Learning Models For Predicting Presence Of Permanent Molar Caries In U.S. Children And Adolescents With Fairness Consideration, Pritam Deb, Lin Li, Christina R. Scherrer

Faculty Articles

Background

Although predictors of dental caries have been previously explored, a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing permanent‐molar decay in U.S. children and adolescents, especially with respect to racial and ethnic biases remains limited. This study aims to develop and evaluate machine‐learning (ML) models incorporating algorithmic fairness to predict caries in permanent molars.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed, using the 2011–2014 cycles for training and validation and the 2015–2016 cycle for testing. The primary outcome was decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) in at least one permanent molar, dichotomized to represent the presence …

Strategies For Improving Preventive Health Outcomes In Long-Term Care Case Management At Molina Healthcare Of Wisconsin, William W. Feilbach Jr.

M.S. in Human Services Administration

This research evaluates strategies to improve preventive health outcomes in long-term care case management at Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin, with a specific focus on improving participation in annual wellness visits.  Increasing health care costs and gaps in preventive care engagement among Medicare and Medicaid populations underscore the need for effective interventions. A systematic literature review of recent peer-reviewed and governmental sources was conducted to examine the relationship between preventive care, health outcomes, and cost containment. Findings show that greater engagement in preventive services, including annual wellness visits and screenings, supports early detection, reduces high-cost service utilization, and improves overall health …

The Impact Of Proactive Preventive Practices And Targeted Behavioral Interventions In Early Childhood Education, Amy B. Kimball

Graduate Teacher Education

Increasing challenges with classroom dysregulation and the negative long-term effects of exclusionary discipline created a critical need for proactive, evidence-based alternatives. This paper addressed this gap by examining how proactive preventive practices and targeted behavioral interventions affected social-emotional learning and well-being in early childhood. To achieve this, a synthesis of twenty peer-reviewed sources was conducted, including longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials that evaluated the Pyramid Model and the Second Step curriculum. Findings revealed that universal Tier 1 supports established a necessary foundation for all learners, while targeted interventions served as essential cognitive bridges for students with persistent challenges. Furthermore, …

The Indifference Of Support Between Men And Women Within Collegiate Sports, Taylor N. Lawrence

Media Projects

This study examines differences in support between men’s and women’s sports at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Through interviews with athletes and coaches, it provides valuable insights into how these differences are perceived and experienced within the university’s athletic community. The study also highlights areas in which the institution is making progress toward promoting fairness, equity, and inclusion in collegiate sports.

The Role Of Trauma-Informed Play In Supporting Resilience And Emotional Regulation In Early Childhood, Angela C. Burnett

Graduate Teacher Education

This Capstone Paper examined the impact of trauma-informed, play-based learning on resilience and emotional regulation in preschool and kindergarten-aged children. The purpose of the literature review was to explore how play, when grounded in developmentally appropriate, brain-based, and relational practices, supported emotional regulation and adaptive coping in young children who had experienced adversity. A review of 16 scholarly, peer-reviewed studies from multiple countries, including the United States, China, Canada, Germany, Zambia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, was conducted, incorporating qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research, as well as case studies, quasi-experimental interventions, and correlational analyses. Evidence from the literature indicated that play …

Investigating The Effects Of Cannabichromene On Different Modalities Of Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain, Anna F. Weimer

Honors Theses

Chemotherapy is the predominant treatment for a variety of cancers, but throughout its history of use, many side effects have been reported. One of the most common side effects is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This side effect subjects an estimated 60% of patients to pain for months to years following chemotherapy. This symptomology is due tothe upregulation of ion channels such as TRPV1, which leads to the release of TNF-α, causing inflammation. These changes manifest in the intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF), in which chemotherapy damages nociceptors, leading to an overall reduction in density. Current therapeutics, historically limited to opioids or …

A Compilation Of Accounting Studies And Analyses, Ashley Mason

Honors Theses

Over the course of two semesters in ACCY 420, under the instruction of Dr. Victoria Dickinson, my team and I were given a company and tasked with creating an operational plan and audit plan to account for the solution we developed. These case studies required us to research the topic and to also reflect on what we have learned in previous accounting classes. In each of these cases, my team and I researched the topics, proposed a solution, developed a presentation, and then argued our solution to a panel of accounting and business professionals. These experiences strengthened my public speaking …

Analyzing Comtemporary Accounting Issues: Case Studies In Audit, Tax, And Financial Regulation, Diya S. Patel

Honors Theses

This thesis is comprised of five case studies that explore a range of contemporary issues in accounting, with a focus on auditing, financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and evolving role of accountants in a complex business environment. Dr. Victoria Dickinson assigned and advised the case studies throughout the Honors Accountancy 420 course. The case studies examine the analysis and interpretation of financial statements, emphasizing the identification of risk, the use of professional judgment, and the implementation of internal controls to ensure accuracy and transparency. Additionally, the case studies evaluate the growing impact of regulatory frameworks on businesses, highlighting both the intended …

Funding & Resource Adequacy In Mississippi Head Start Programs: Perspectives From The Field, Anna Carlisle Nichols

Honors Theses

Head Start plays a vital role in supporting children from low-income families by providing comprehensive early education, health, nutrition, and family support services. Decades of research demonstrate that participation in Head Start improves cognitive development, social-emotional skills, and long-term educational outcomes. However, a growing body of research suggests that Head Start funding may be insufficient to fully meet the needs of eligible children, raising concerns about program capacity, staffing, and service quality, particularly in high-poverty states that provide no direct state supplemental funding, like Mississippi. This study examines the extent to which Mississippi’s Head Start programs have the resources necessary …

Case Studies In The Accounting World, Brady J. Halloran

Honors Theses

This paper represents an accumulation of cases during a year of course work through the Professional Research and Development Thesis Program at the University of Mississippi under the supervision of Dr. Victoria Dickinson. The program includes a class that spans two semesters. The purpose of the class is to administer cases to the students that will allow them to research and discuss real-world examples and experiences within the accounting industry. The eight case studies that are included in this paper cover a wide range of political, legal and financial topics that businesses have recently dealt with. Through performance of these …

The Effects Of Acute Exercise And Observation On Procedural Learning: Considerations Of Biological Sex, Madeline R. Gossett

Honors Theses

As memories are formed or learning progresses, neurons within the brain establish a strong connection in what is referred to as a “neural engram.” This neural engram can be strengthened or weakened by certain physiological factors. Dopamine, for example, is released during physical exercise or when positive reinforcement is incorporated (Greenwood, 2019). This is a neurotransmitter that leads to a stronger connection between neurons, which in turn leads to a stronger memory formed in the brain. These physiological relationships that contribute to cognition are still being discovered, so research in this area is ongoing (Guskjolen and Cembrowski, 2023).

Memory is …

Designing A Wearable Gait Feedback System For Parkinson’S Disease Patients, Heath M. Stevens, Capri H. Lobotzke, Spencer J. George

Honors Theses

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that commonly causes a shortened stride length, reducing mobility and increasing fall risk. While current treatments, such as oral medication, can reduce symptoms, they do not provide real-time feedback to correct gait and often result in “off” periods when symptoms return. Physical therapists report that simple reminders to lengthen stride can help patients recover from “off” periods and maintain normal walking patterns, but there is no current at-home way to simulate this effective therapy. Recognizing this gap in at-home support, our biomedical engineering senior design team at the University of Mississippi sought to …

Accounting In Action: The Examination Of Audit, Tax Policy, Economic Ideology, And Corporate Strategy, Luke S. Angle

Honors Theses

This thesis presents a comprehensive examination of financial reporting, auditing, tax policy, and corporate strategy through a structured series of case studies conducted over an academic year. The primary objective of this investigation is to develop an applied understanding of how accounting concepts function in real-world business environments and how financial information informs decision-making by investors, regulators, and corporate management. Each case study explores a distinct area of financial reporting, including the analysis of public company disclosures, the evaluation of regulatory developments, the consideration of economic ideology, and the assessment of strategic business decisions.

The methodology employed in this study …