Digital Commons Network^™

Elle Hutchinson's Journey From High School To Fhsu Honors Graduate, August 29, 2025, Tisa Mason Ed.D.

Heart of a Tiger Columns

No abstract provided.

Re: July 2025 Berkeley Pit Migratory Waterfowl Protection Monthly Report, Mark Thompson, Loren Burmeister

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

The After Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Mental Health Of International V/S Domestic Students - A Qualitative Study, Keerat Sidhu Bhatti

Doctoral Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of both international and domestic graduate students, exacerbating social isolation, financial strain, and psychological distress. This qualitative study examines the long-term effects of the pandemic on these student populations, exploring shared and divergent experiences, coping strategies, and evolving priorities. While both groups faced heightened anxiety and academic disruptions, international students encountered additional stressors, including cultural displacement, visa uncertainties, and limited support networks. Domestic students, in contrast, struggled with routine disruptions but had greater access to familial and social support. Across both groups, the pandemic prompted a reassessment of personal and professional priorities, …

Epigenetic Modulation Of Bard1 To Enhance Anti-Vegf Therapy, Emine Bayraktar, Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo, Elaine Stur, Sudhir Kumar, Lingegowda S Mangala, Nicholas B Jennings, Nazende Nur Bayram, Sara Corvigno, Amma Asare, Cristina Ivan, Mark S Kim, Thanh Chung Vu, Pahul Hanjra, Sangbae Kim, Adrian Lankenau Ahumada, Weichem Wu, Sanghoon Lee, Anna Szymanowska, Hulya Oztatlici, Marcos R Estecio, Ju-Seog Lee, Abhinav K Jain, Nidhi Sahni, John P Hagan, Stephen Baylin, Jinsong Liu, Gabriel Lopez-Berestein, Sunila Pradeep, Anil K Sood

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Despite the clinical use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies (AVAs) in cancer therapy, resistance frequently develops, leading to disease progression. To address this, we identify a previously unknown role for breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1)-associated RING domain 1 (BARD1) in modulating AVA sensitivity. Epigenetic modulation-via global and targeted DNA methylation-reveals BARD1 as a key regulator of angiogenesis. Sequential treatment with azacytidine overcomes AVA resistance in vivo. To enable precise epigenetic reactivation, we develop a liposomal CRISPR-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9)-TET1 system guided by BARD1-targeting single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs). This platform achieves CpG-specific demethylation of the BARD1 promoter, restores expression, …

Staged Reconstruction And Salvage Of A Small Finger With A Corticocancellous Distal Radius Autograft: A Case Report, Emmanuel Franco, Zayd Ayas, Frank Gerold

School of Medicine Publications

Finger reconstruction in the aftermath of severe trauma poses significant challenges in restorative surgery, particularly when addressing extensive soft tissue damage, comminuted fractures, and simultaneous neurovascular complications. This study presents a case of a patient with a complicated proximal phalangeal fracture who pursued digit salvage.

A 31-year-old Hispanic woman sustained severe injury to her right fifth digit during an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rollover resulting in an exposed, comminuted fracture of the proximal phalanx with extensive structural and neurovascular compromise. She pursued digit salvage despite a high risk of failure and complication. The patient underwent four operations over a six-month period, …

Governance Of Polygenic Embryo Screening: A Qualitative Study On The Perspectives Of Clinicians And Patients, Jason Bach, Jonathan Frumovitz, Dorit Barlevy, Rémy A Furrer, Abigail Martinez, Ana Battaglino, Shai Carmi, Todd Lencz, Gabriel Lázaro-Muñoz, Stacey Pereira

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Objective: To investigate the perspectives of stakeholders on their attitudes toward potential regulation of polygenic embryo screening (PES), a new form of preimplantation genetic testing that is used to screen embryos for the genetic chances of developing medical conditions and nonmedical traits involving hundreds or thousands of genes.

Design: We conducted individual, semistructured interviews and analyzed transcripts using thematic analysis.

Subjects: Twenty-seven US-based reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists and 26 patients who were currently undergoing in vitro fertilization or had within the past five years.

Main outcome measures: Repeating ideas and patterned responses were organized into themes and subthemes.

Results: …

Covid-19 Prevention Behaviors Are Congruent Within Social Networks Of Disenfranchised Hispanic And Criminal Legal Involved Community Members, Victoria Umutoni, Khavita Bhavan, Nickolas Zaller, Amelia Knopf, Moctezuma Garcia, Russell A. Brewer, Makenna Meyer, Faye Taxman, O’Dell Johnson, Matthew Aalsma, John Schneider

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

The COVID-19 (COVID) pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on people who have low income and identify as Hispanic or Latinx (PLIH) as well as those with criminal Legal Involvement (CLI). These two groups, and their intersection, are often disenfranchised from livable wage employment, basic social services, and healthcare, which are vital to prevent the spread of COVID. We examined baseline data from the Community Network-Driven COVID Testing of Marginalized Population in the Central US (C3) which included 1036 participants: 32.1% PLIH, 39.6% CLI, 10.6% who identified as both PLIH and CLI, and 17.6% who were neither PLIH nor CLI. …

Does Spirituality Mediate Or Moderate The Adverse Effects Of Occupational Stressors On Mental Health In Law Enforcement Officers?, Erika D. Keplinger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Law enforcement officers are often exposed to occupational stressors that can negatively affect their mental health and job performance. Spirituality has been thoroughly researched as a restorative method to improve physical and psychological health concerns. There has also been an increase in studies on workplace spirituality. The existing research on workplace spirituality suggests that incorporating spirituality into the workplace increases employee well-being and decreases stress and burnout. Unfortunately, research on police culture often neglects spirituality. There is little research to show how spirituality could mediate or moderate the adverse effects of mental health on law enforcement officers. This quasi-experimental, cross-sectional, …

Investigating The Practice Of A Somatic, Mindful Christian Prayer And Breathing Practice On Public Speaking Anxiety, Robyn L. Middleton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of a mindful Christian prayer practice (The Jesus Prayer) combined with slow diaphragmatic breathing on communication anxiety. Participants (N = 80) included university students and members of the general public aged 18-60 who experience public speaking anxiety. Measurements included self-reported speech anxiety and heart rate variability (assessed via the WellHero app). Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed that the mindful prayer practice had no significant effect on participants' self-reported speech anxiety or RMSSD heart rate variability. A statistical trend of lower Baevsky’s Stress Index (another variable WellHero provided) was observed in the intervention group. This …

Is The Misdiagnosis Of Adhd And The Use Of Ritalin Related To Delinquent Behaviors And Problems With Social Anxiety Disorder In Young Boys?, Michael A. Cooper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses are increasing at a rapid rate. Young boys are known to be very energetic, inattentive, and lack the attention needed to function well in school or other venues, and based on these attributes, they often have a higher rate of diagnosis of ADHD than girls. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, comparative study was to assess the validity of retrospectively examining ADHD misdiagnosis and associated Ritalin use. Specifically, how proposed childhood misdiagnosis of ADHD was related to delinquent behaviors and social anxiety in adolescence and adulthood was examined. Results showed over half of the participants (n …

Beyond The Screening: Enhancement Of The Patient Experience Through Biophilic Interventions In A Controlled Mammography Environment, Sarah J. Morris

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study was intended to significantly contribute to the body of research focused on biophilic design within the healthcare setting while expanding the application to the diagnostic imaging setting. This study’s purpose was to improve the mammography experience through the implementation of biophilic design for the enhancement of the patient experience, while successfully reducing negative perceptions during mammography procedures. The intervention of biophilic design has been shown to positively impact relaxation, wellness, and health through the reduction of stress. A randomized controlled trial with utilization of a quantitative design was utilized for the collection of data on the patient experience. …

Lived Experiences Of Parents And Guardians Of Children And Adolescents With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome And Disruptive Behavior Disorders In West Virginia, Christine A. Barnett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of parents and guardians of children and adolescents with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) in West Virginia. Guided by social constructivism, the study highlighted the significance of collaborative learning in understanding the connection between NAS and DBD. Using a transcendental approach, the research sought to provide insight and comprehension into participants’ experiences and perspectives. Participants were recruited through purposeful sampling, including convenience and criterion methods. Eight parents and guardians participated in one-on-one interviews. Data was analyzed using the Moustakas approach and Saldana’s in vivo coding method. Four themes emerged: …

The Impact Of Adhd On Social Media Use: Navigating The Internet While Struggling With Environmental And Psychological Factors, Marcelle E. James

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of 18 to 35-year-old adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their perceptions of the psychological and environmental challenges they face while navigating the internet, specifically social media. The theoretical foundation of the study was Barkley’s Executive Functional Theory. The four research questions examined the experiences of the participants and their unique challenges in life from a psychological and environmental perspective. Purposive sampling was utilized, and semi-structed interviews were conducted. The qualitative phenomenology perspective allowed participants to express their opinions without restrictions. The data was collected and analyzed using …

Parental Internet Mediation: A Phenomenological Study, Jossie Marino-Vega

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Parental Internet mediation, which is the strategies parents use to control and supervise online content for children, has been transformed into a critical role due to the mixed outcomes of digital use. Baumrind's parental styles and Bandura's Social frameworks guide this study for its connection with parental mediation and children's learning. This qualitative research aimed to explore and describe how parents mediate and use the Internet concerning kids' development. Eleven mothers were interviewed with at least one student enrolled in kindergarten through 5th grade at an elementary school in Killeen, Texas. The data was analyzed using Moustakas's (1994) modification of …

The Impact Of Cello Training On Spatial Orientation Abilities In Adult Learners, Circe Diaz Gamero

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Academic discourse lacks exploration of the effects that musical training during adulthood has on spatial orientation abilities through their connection between cognitive science and music education. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap through research that evaluates cello training effects on spatial orientation abilities in adult learners. The rising interest in non-medicine-based methods for brain function improvement and recovery establishes the urgent need to research possible cognitive advantages that occur when adults participate in music education. This research study adopted a convergent mixed-methods approach that studied adults with minimal musical background in an eight-week structured cello training program, aiming …

Critical Volunteer Stewardship: A New Model Of Volunteer Management For Churches, Kelly Lynne Reed Shaw

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In an effort to advance the kingdom without breaking the bank, today’s churches rely heavily upon volunteers to staff and operate a multitude of ministries. With biblical beginnings reaching well into the Old Testament, volunteerism and the call to serve remain an essential part of being Christian. Drawn from a unique blend of emergency management and human resource tactics, Critical Volunteer Stewardship (CVS) is a proposed model of volunteer administration that quickly identifies, assigns, and retains volunteer capital while building authentic interpersonal relationships. This researcher has implemented her CVS model at Captivate Community Church to mitigate the organization’s current inability …

Increasing Patient Satisfaction And Engagement By Improving Patient Intake Process In An Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Hotenesia Njoroge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This scholarly project aimed to enhance patient satisfaction and engagement by improving the intake process in an outpatient mental health clinic. Inefficient intake procedures, characterized by long wait times, communication gaps, and misreferrals, contribute to patient disengagement and dissatisfaction. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design evaluated a patient-centered intervention involving communication training, streamlined workflows, and real-time updates. Data were collected from 52 participants using Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) and qualitative feedback. Quantitative results revealed high satisfaction with staff respect (M = 4.19), communication clarity (M = 4.06), and facility comfort (M = 4.13). Wait time satisfaction scored slightly lower (M = 3.96), …

The Impact Of Cold-Water Immersion On Mental Health: A Qualitative Study, Marcus Jean-Francois

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Historically, Cold Water Immersion (CWI) was used for physical therapy and is now a potential non-pharmacological intervention for mental health illnesses such as depression, stress and anxiety. In this study in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, we examined the personal experiences on the psychological impact of CWI on mental health. We examined twelve participants between 20-35 years of age that had a self-diagnosed mental illness to participate in six CWI sessions over the span of three weeks. This study predicts that CWI will have a significant reduction in their mental health illness compared to baseline levels. Employing a Hermeneutic Phenomenological approach, …

Hiring For Leadership Behaviors, Wes Gow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem addressed in this research study was low morale and decreased employee engagement within the organization when candidates are assessed for technical acumen at the expense of leadership behaviors. The purpose of this study was to expand the understanding of how hiring managers assess leadership behaviors and the effect that poor leadership behaviors have on organizational morale and employee engagement. A single case study was conducted with 31 hiring managers within the researcher’s present employer, ABC, Inc. (pseudonym name). Data collection included one-on-one interviews, review of existing job interview templates, and follow-on interviews to reflect on recent job interviews. …

The Moral Identity Of School Shooters As Perceived By Impacted Community Members: A Qualitative Study, Danielle Caprice Rand

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study investigated the moral identity of school shooters as perceived by impacted community members. The existing literature lacks agreement on the root cause of school shootings and has been unable to provide a unified identification of school shooters. Discussed throughout school shooter research was the lack of a moral identity in school shooters. Further, research on moral identity has not covered one specialized group of individuals: school shooters. Moral identity, the mien of an individual’s moral thoughts and behaviors, was researched as a potential predictor of school shootings. This study employed a case study research design and used …

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study On Perceptions Of Pregnancy Bias And Career Advancement In Music Education, Chelsa N. Keathley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological research followed the perspectives of thirteen music educators across eleven states. The participants included five female secondary band directors, six male secondary band directors, one retired female secondary band director, and one male secondary administrator, along with the personal experiences of six mothers who currently serve as band directors in secondary music education. This study explored perceptions of gender bias within the field, focusing on issues such as the underrepresentation of women in secondary music education, negative societal perceptions regarding women in leadership positions, and the presence of a negative workplace culture. These factors were explored …

Post-War Traumatic Events Of Previously Incarcerated And Homeless Veterans: A Phenomenological Study Of Their Experiences Pauline Anne Leblanc Liberty University A Dissertation Presented In Partial Fulfillment Requirements For The Degree Of Doctor Of Education School Of Behavioral Sciences, Pauline Anne Leblanc

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The importance of this phenomenological study explains why veterans' homelessness and incarceration remain a significant problem in American Society. The purpose of the study was to describe the experiences of homeless/incarcerated veterans. The study also examined the lack of needed healthcare services for veteran prisoners and ex-offenders. Incarcerated and homeless veterans are at risk for various adverse outcomes after their release, such as a range of physical, mental, and other psychosocial problems, including moral injury. The study employed a descriptive phenomenological design, utilizing various data collection methods, including a demographic questionnaire and one-on-one interviews, which were audiotaped. Selected and interviewed, …

Self-Efficacy And Burnout Of Nursing Faculty: The Mediating Role Of Fear Of Negative Evaluation, Sarah Murray Kelly

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The contents of this manuscript include a dissertation of a survey research study using the theoretical models of self-efficacy and burnout. The quantitative study used mediation analysis to explore the relationship between self-efficacy and burnout, with fear of negative evaluation as a mediator. Fear of negative evaluation was measured using the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale-Revised; self-efficacy was calculated using the General Self-Efficacy Scale; and burnout was measured using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. The study drew a sample of 98 academic nurse educators (N = 98) who were evaluated by student evaluations of teaching. The sample included educators who …

Understanding Workplace Stigma And Coping Strategies Among Those Living With Chronic Migraine In The Construction Industry, Brian T. Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although a neurological condition, the cause of migraines is poorly understood. The problem is that the factors contributing to the stress and stigma associated with chronic migraine in the construction workplace are not well known. To address this problem, this qualitative case study explored what factors contribute to the stress and stigma associated with chronic migraine in the workplace in the specific context of the construction industry. The study asked the following: (a) How do workers living with chronic migraines experience and navigate associated migraine stigma in their workplace (e.g., cultural norms and disclosure)?, (b) What do workers living with …

The Problem Of Stigma: Equipping The Christian Church By Exploring An Integrated Response, Charles Mcgannon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research has shown stigma to be a significant barrier to help-seeking and effective functioning in every domain of human life. Current research has shown that attempts to enact a solution to this problem have largely failed and, in some cases, have made the problem worse. With an integrated approach incorporating the biblical perspective and supportive scientific insights, effective solutions were explored while helping to connect the Christian and scientific communities toward common goals of removing barriers for help-seekers and reducing stigma and its effects on human lives. For the current qualitative study, 10 leaders within the Christian Church were interviewed …

Enhancing Parental Knowledge Of Functional Medicine Interventions For Adhd: An Educational Initiative To Improve Caregiver Competency, Julie Gammer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent pediatric psychiatric condition often managed with stimulant medications that carry potential side effects and may not address underlying causes. Research findings indicate a significant gap in caregiver knowledge and confidence in treating their child's ADHD with functional medicine strategies. This project develops an evidence-based educational initiative designed to enhance caregiver knowledge and confidence in applying functional medicine interventions—such as dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, and gut health restoration—as natural, root-cause approaches to managing ADHD symptoms. The project utilized a 30-minute audiovisual presentation and was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention competency tests, as well as a …

Parental Participation In A Christian Homeschool Co-Opertaive In A State In The Southeastern Us: A Single-Case Study, Emily E. Fowler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, single-case study was to explore parental participation in a Christian homeschool co-operative in a state in the Southeastern US, identified by the pseudonym Hope Homeschool Co-op. Christopher Watkin’s biblical critical theory guided this research, emphasizing how the Bible’s unfolding story centers around a relational God. This study examined the importance of having a Christian community to parents participating in Hope Homeschool Co-op. Using a single-case study approach, data were collected from 14 homeschooling mothers who had enrolled their families in Hope Homeschool Co-op during the 2024-25 academic school year. The Central Research Question asked, “What …

Investigating “Sled Head” Phenomenon And Diurnal Patterns In Team Usa Bobsleigh And Luge Athletes: A Virtual Research Study, Garrett R. Augsburger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the relationship between training time, performance, and concussion symptoms among Team USA bobsleigh and luge athletes during a four-week training season. Recognizing the high physical demands and potential risks associated with sledding sports, the study aimed to understand the prevalence of concussion-related experiences and how training schedules might influence athletic performance and symptomology. Repeated measures quantitative design was employed using session-level survey data submitted by athletes following daily training sessions. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire assessing variables such as performance rating, fatigue, alertness, training intensity, sleep quality, and concussion symptoms. A total of 156 sessions …

Leading Change: A Phenomenological Study Of Higher Education Leaders Implementing Innovative Emergency Medical Service Programs For Rural Students, Nichole S. Berge

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of education leaders in supporting the implementation of innovative programming in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) education for rural students. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s social cognitive theory (1986), as it explores how cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors influence the implementation of such programming. The central research question guiding this study is: What are the lived experiences of higher education leaders implementing innovative EMS programming for rural students? The methodology for this study is a transcendental phenomenological design, sampling higher education leaders involved in EMS education. …

The Relationship Between Self-Care, Resilience And Burnout, And The Role Of Self-Esteem And Self-Awareness To Facilitate Self-Care Among School Counselors, Sarah C. Mccarthy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

School counselors play a pivotal role in fostering students’ academic, social, and emotional development. School counselors are responsible for addressing a wide range of student needs, such as academic advising, assisting in behavior management, crisis intervention, and mental health support. Being in this position that requires many responsibilities, coupled with high student-to-counselor ratios, many school counselors report having elevated stress levels, potentially leading to the feeling of burnout. Therefore, the purpose of this study focuses on three goals: (1) Determine which self-care practices, and at what frequency, are being used by school counselors to determine which type of self-care practices …