Digital Commons Network^™

2025 Nsu Graduate Commencement Program, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Commencement Programs

• College of Psychology
• H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
• College of Computing and Engineering
• Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center

The Adoption And Implementation Of Lean And Six Sigma In State Governments And Its Impact On Efficiency, Effectiveness, And Equity, Jin Hong Kim

All Faculty Scholarship

This research explores the contextualized use of Lean and Six Sigma (LSS) practices in the state governments in the United States. It analyzes LSS’s capacity to innovate public service administration to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and equity in government.
This study employed the Grounded Theory Method to analyze 2,048 LSS project reports from 32 state governments between 2003 and 2024, aiming to identify systematic patterns in the adjustment and application of LSS within state service administration and its outcomes.
Thirty-two states applied LSS across 24 service areas, adapting it in five ways: strategic programming, production efficiency, customer focus, internal accountability, and …

Tellings Of The Pacific Ocean: A Landscape-Based Approach For Multispecies Design And Hci, Maliheh Ghajargar

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Environmental disturbances induced by climate change have caused significant changes in our ecosystems and are threatening the health of our environments. As a response to this issue, a growing body of work has emerged in HCI and design, which seeks to foreground more-than-human stories in support of making more sustainable and just futures. This research contributes to this broad agenda by probing graphic novels as a multispecies storytelling method for design and HCI. Combining ideas from Anna Tsing’s adventures of landscape and from HCI and design’s use of sequential art (e.g., storyboards), we use landscape as the main protagonist of …

June 6, 2025 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Motivating Students To Move And Therefore Honor God With Their Bodies, Shari Jurgens

International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal

Abstract

This qualitative content analysis investigated the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation necessary for male and female colleges students to engage in physical activity, including spiritual aspects. Survey questions were used to collect data from 80 college students from the suburbs of Chicago, ages 18-24, 43 males and 37 females. Data analysis included coding of the student comments and results showed that males are motivated by the extrinsic motivators of competition and social engagement and the intrinsic motivators of enjoyment and stress relief while females are motivated by the extrinsic motivator of appearance and the intrinsic motivators of spirituality, enjoyment and …

Ud In The News May 31-June 6, University Of Dayton

News Releases

Education law expert Charles Russo contributed to The Conversation and Catholic World Report. The Dayton Business Journal and Dayton Daily News reported on plans for onMain's first building and the Greater West Dayton Incubator's new director.

Study Shows Corals Can't Escape Warming Water But Urgent Action Could Protect Them, Robbin Ray

Media Relations

No abstract provided.

Does Schooling Improve Cognitive Abilities At Older Ages? Causal Evidence From Nonparametric Bounds, Vikesh Amin, Jere R. Behrman, Jason M. Fletcher, Carlos A. Flores, Alfonso Flores-Lagunes, Hans-Peter Kohler

Upjohn Institute Working Papers

We revisit much-investigated relationships between schooling and health, focusing on schooling impacts on cognitive abilities at older ages using the Harmonized Cognition Assessment Protocol in the Health & Retirement Study (HRS) and a bounding approach that requires relatively weak assumptions. Our estimated upper bounds on the population average effects indicate potentially large causal effects of increasing schooling from primary to secondary; yet, these upper bounds are smaller than many estimates from the literature on causal schooling impacts on cognition using compulsory-schooling laws. We also cannot rule out small and null effects at this margin. We do, however, find evidence for …

Examining County-Level Implicit Stereotypes And Prejudice As Predictors Of Racial And Gender Disparities In Incarceration Across The United States, Emma Elizabeth Lee Money

Dissertations and Theses

Background: This dissertation investigated the role of local macropsychological factors - specifically, county-level implicit racial bias and implicit gender stereotyping - in shaping inequalities in incarceration across the United States. Despite overall declines in incarceration, trends in the incarceration of women and people of color (particularly Black women) show disparities compared to White men. Regional aggregations of implicit biases have been proposed as robust markers and drivers of systemic inequalities and are examined in current research.

Research Questions: Three overarching research questions (RQ) guided this dissertation: RQ1 tested the relationship between county-level implicit racial bias and proportions of Black (relative …

"I'M Guilty, But I'M Not A War Criminal!": Fixing Treaty Crimes, Dyllan M. Taxman

Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy

This Article examines the Supreme Court's test for treaty crime constitutionality against the gauntlet of time and application. Treaty crimes are criminal behavior violating statutes penalizing private individuals for disobeying the terms of an international treaty obligation. The current treaty crime test from Bond v. United States has produced inconsistent results resting on shaky constitutional grounds. This Article proposes a new test relying on constitutional delegations of authority and treaty drafting history to determine when a treaty crime statute violates the Tenth Amendment. It measures the new test's effectiveness by applying the test to cases in which the Bond test …

Lighting Up The Cell: Developing A Luminescent Lanthanide Probe For Detecting Rnas, Jonathan Savell

Honors Projects

An anion detecting luminescent probe, Tb:DO2A-Cs124, was repurposed for use in RNA imaging. Potential RNA aptamers were identified for the molecule using Capture-SELEX and MinION sequencing. Fluorimetry data revealed these aptamers did not allow for the probe to luminesce in the presence of target RNAs due to adenosine monophosphate’s ability to quench the emission signal.

More Schooling Can Delay The Onset Of Dementia Later In Life, Vikesh Amin, Jere R. Behrman, Jason M. Fletcher, Carlos A. Flores, Alfonso Flores-Lagunes, Iliana Kohler, Hans-Peter Kohler, Shana D. Stites

Upjohn Institute Policy and Research Briefs

No abstract provided.

Persistent Activation Of Cardiac Fibroblasts Contributes To Myocardial Interstitial Fibrosis And Left Ventricular Dysfunction In Heart Failure, Rachel Biggs

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Heart Failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that is defined by an inability of the heart to meet the oxygen demands of the body. Myocardial interstitial fibrosis (MIF), the diffuse overaccumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins within the cardiac interstitium, contributes to ventricular dysfunction in HF. Mechanical devices designed to alleviate left ventricular deficiencies, termed left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), provide a pump that delivers oxygenated blood to the aorta thereby decreasing hemodynamic load on the ventricle. This end-stage HF therapy alleviates symptomatic burden for HF patients, however, LVAD support does not reduce MIF in the LV, and myocardial …

Ashton G., Interview, 2025, Wilder Cook

Oral Histories

In this interview Ashton G. shares his experiences at Ypsi Pride, stating that he just recently moved from Texas to flee the dangerous anti-queer climate there. He shares that now that he is in Ypsi he has found a community and support systems, and wants people to be aware of the injustices queer people are facing in less accepting parts of the country.

Kira Nieman, Interview, 2025, Wilder Cook

Oral Histories

In this interview youth pastor and LGBTQ+ ally Kira Nieman, shares her experiences at Ypsi Pride, noting that this is her first Pride and she wanted to come to learn more about the community. Nieman discusses the importance of Pride for her LGBTQ+ students, and notes that many people have confided in her because she has an open mind and is happy to listen to others.

Enhancing Lutein And Anthocyanins Stability And Bioaccessibility Through Simultaneous Encapsulation Using Coaxial 3d Food Printing, Safoura Ahmadzadeh, Sorour Barekat, Ali Ubeyitogullari

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study investigated the use of 3D printing to co-encapsulate, protect, and enhance the bioaccessibility of lutein and anthocyanins. Coaxial extrusion 3D printing in a spiral-cube geometry was utilized with lutein-loaded zein as the core material and anthocyanins-loaded corn starch paste as the shell material. The research examined various printing conditions, including starch concentrations of 10% and 11%, and printing temperatures ranging from 45 °C to 85 °C. A comprehensive analysis of the inks’ properties, such as printability, viscosity, microstructural characteristics, storage stability, and bioaccessibility of the encapsulated compounds, was conducted. Encapsulated lutein showed only a 29-55% degradation rate after …

Large Right Subclavian Artery True Aneurysm Treated With Hybrid Surgery, Melissa Xu, Ioannis Tsouknidas, Alec Krosser, Gaurang Joshi, Babak Abai, Michael Nooromid, Paul Dimuzio, Dawn M. Salvatore

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Introduction

Subclavian artery (SCA) aneurysms are exceedingly rare (~0.13% of peripheral aneurysms).

There are no criteria regarding size cut off for repair.

Surgery is indicated given risk of complications (thrombosis, embolization leading to CVA or UE ischemia, compression of adjacent structures).

• Open surgery (via median sternotomy, hemisternotomy, lateral thoracotomy, supraclavicular or axillary incision),
• Endovascular (stent graft, aneurysm sac coiling, kissing stents or combination)
• Hybrid (endovascular + extra-anatomic bypass).

Colonization-Persistence Trade-Offs In The Human Microbiome, Liam F. Nokes

Environmental Studies Senior Theses

Understanding how diverse microbial taxa coexist in the human body without competitively excluding one another remains a key challenge in microbiome ecology. One proposed explanation is the colonization-persistence trade-off, where species with high colonization ability are poor persisters, and vice versa. We test for this trade-off across human associated microbial communities among many individuals and in multiple body sites using a large-scale participant-level meta-analysis of longitudinal microbiome datasets curated from the MGnify database. We applied island biogeography-based models to calculate effective colonization and persistence rates for microbial families and genera across 606 individuals over twenty-six studies. Regression of the log-transformed …

Reflections On Co-Ordinating Peer-Assisted Learning In A University Mathematics Department, Subhrajyoti Saha

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

This reflective paper explores the experience of the author while co-ordinating a relaunch of Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) within the Department of Mathematical Sciences at a UK university. PAL involves senior students supporting first-year students through regular collaborative learning sessions, fostering both academic engagement and peer mentoring. The paper discusses the practical challenges encountered during implementation, such as student participation, scheduling, and training of PAL leaders, alongside the strategies that proved effective. Drawing on these experiences, the author will suggest potential improvements to enhance the impact of PAL in future iterations. The insights shared may be of value to other academics …

Policy Paper Assessing The Risk Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea In The College Football Player, Joseph C. Archer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Sleep is a vital yet often overlooked component of athletic performance, particularly in collision sports such as football. Despite growing evidence connecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with cognitive impairment, cardiovascular risk, and injury, standardized screening is rarely implemented in collegiate athletics. This project aimed to assess the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in college football players aged 18–25 using the STOP-BANG screening tool and to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge of athletic trainers. The purpose was to identify at-risk athletes early, promote timely intervention, and improve athletic trainers' understanding of OSA. The project addressed …

Accessibility Challenges Encountered By People With Disabilities And Older Residents Of Rural Areas, Sidney Ackerman, Ariana Aghevli, Jenna Aguilar, Nicholas Alfano, Yousef Altayeb, Michael Bennett, Alexander Bergendorf, Margaux Bouret, Maria Canazart, Samantha Campbell, Jonah Carter, Michelle Chen, Morgan Coghlan, Chloee Copper, Fiona Crenshaw, Gabi Durkin, Defne Ekici, Ryan Ficarra, Mckinzie Hammond, Lauren Hedges, Aidan Jones, Shreya Krishnan, Roey Kuo, Allison Lisota, Mary Maffei, Gianna Marzen, Matthew Mauermann, Ayron Milgrom, Rohit Mukherjee, Amanda Munsell, Sunita Nhemafuki, Matthew Ottenweller, Joe Pierzakowski, Tejasi Raghuprasad, Urja Raipancholia, Neha Rajeev, Allie Ranaldi, Sarah Sammon, Maria Sequeria, Nicole A. Stepp, Bekah Spors, Justine Talbert, Sveni Thalor, Erin Thomas, Pablo Torres, Matthew Williams, Bradley S. Duerstock, Yilun Li

Undergraduate Coursework

No abstract provided.

Causal Effects Of Schooling On Memory At Older Ages In Six Low-And-Middle-Income Countries: Nonparametric Evidence With Harmonized Datasets, Vikesh Amin, Jere R. Behrman, Jason M. Fletcher, Carlos A. Flores, Alfonso Flores-Lagunes, Iliana Kohler, Hans-Peter Kohler, Shana D. Stites

Upjohn Institute Working Papers

Higher schooling attainment is associated with better cognitive function at older ages, but it remains unclear whether the relationship is causal. We estimate causal effects of schooling on performances on the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) word-recall (memory) test at older ages in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa. We used harmonized data (n=30,896) on older adults (≥50 years) from the World Health Organization Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. We applied an established nonparametric partialidentification approach that bounds causal effects of increasing schooling attainment at different parts of the schooling distributions under …

Sisyphus Smiles: Essays On Living Well In The Face Of Absurdity, Brooke N. Smith

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this thesis, I explore questions regarding the nature of meaningfulness and living well in the face of absurdity. Socrates famously stated, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” therefore, in the following essays I delve into these fundamental questions by reflecting on my own life and analyzing it in light of various philosophical notions. The two essays center around an analysis of Albert Camus’s “The Myth of Sisyphus,” ultimately highlighting the distinction between Sisyphus’s situation and our own as human beings. The first essay largely examines Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s theory of embodiment, how his conception of embodiment plays out in …

Characterizing Power Profiles Of A Concentric Ring Multifocal Contact Lens For Myopia Management: A Novel Approach, Annabelle Mawhinney, Phillip Buckhurst, Craig Mcneile, Stephen Hall, Hetal Buckhurst

School of Health Professions

This study presents a systematic method for characterizing power profiles of concentric ring multifocal contact lenses (MFCL), specifically the MiSight® lens used in myopia management, and evaluates the potential of Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS) modelling to extrapolate profiles across a full dioptric range.Power profiles of eleven MiSight® lenses (−0.25D, then −1.00D to −10.00D in 1.00D steps) were measured using the NIMOevo® system. MiSight® lenses comprise four concentric zones, with zones 2 and 4 providing additional plus power. Centre thickness (CT) was measured using an immersive spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomographer. Zonal boundaries were determined as asymptotes of a four-parameter sigmoidal …

The Development Of The Disclosed Reasons Of Partners' Premature Discontinuation In Couple Therapy Questionnaire (Dropped-Ct), Luca Codeca'

Theses and Dissertations

Premature discontinuation from couple therapy presents a substantial challenge for clients, therapists, and society. Inconsistent data on the frequency and reasons for premature discontinuation may be attributed to a lack of methodological rigor in assessing the phenomenon. This study addresses this gap by developing the Disclosed Reasons Of PrEmature Discontinuation in Couple Therapy Questionnaire (DROPPED-CT), a comprehensive instrument designed to assess the reasons why couples prematurely discontinue therapy. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the DROPPED-CT was developed through the integration of qualitative and quantitative data. The questionnaire demonstrates strong potential for enhancing the consistency of construct operationalization and improving the comparability …

Exploring Muslim American Attitudes Toward Genetic Testing: Perceptions, Barriers, And Ethical Considerations, Hannah Mahmoud

University Honors Theses

This thesis explores perceptions and attitudes toward genetic testing within the Muslim American community, a group often underrepresented in genomic research and public health discourse. Using a community-distributed digital survey, data was collected from 50 self-identified Muslim Americans on their familiarity with genetic testing, reproductive and ethical considerations, and the influence of religious factors. While only 18% had undergone genetic testing themselves, many were familiar through family or friends, and most expressed cautious interest—especially when results could influence future family planning. Education level, age, and religious values shaped both comfort and understanding.

A key theme was the desire for culturally …

If You Give A Website A Cookie: Educating Children About Online Privacy, Tina Mccomiskey

University Honors Theses

Internet usage increases every year, and internet-connected apps and websites make up a large portion of this growth, so it becomes more important to understand how the information we share on the internet can impact our daily lives. From companies using personal data for targeted advertising to hackers exploiting accounts by using public information to answer security questions, poor internet practices can cause a great deal of harm. These forms of exploitation show the need for more education on internet privacy. My Privacy Awareness Learning Games (myPAL Games) was designed to address this gap in education for children …

From Prohibition To Prescription: Exploring Injustice, Bias, And Science-Based Solutions, Alexander Campos

University Honors Theses

This thesis critiques the war on drugs for disproportionately targeting minority communities and prioritizing systemic exploitation over public health. It examines the flawed, politically influenced DEA drug scheduling process, which neglects evidence of the medical benefits of substances like cannabis, psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and MDMA. This thesis gives a brief history of the evolution of US drug policy, which contributed to mass incarceration, reinforced racial disparities, and failed to reduce overdose deaths. It also highlights the potential mental health benefits of decriminalizing and regulating psychedelics to treat conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance abuse disorder. This thesis concludes by promoting …

Death To Comphet: A Chapina Southern Lesbian Story, Doraly Oneida Perez-Valdez

University Honors Theses

This paper is a counterstory that fights narratives that have been placed upon Latina Lesbians by everyone but us. The main topic is compulsory heteronormativity also known as "comphet". This autoethnography explains how "comphet" may affect different identities but specifically a Latina Lesbian from the South. There are nine chapters that explain how each topic affects a different aspect of identity but centers lesbianism. Societal reasons, cultural reasons, "date to marry" culture, Southern upbringing, sex education received, racial and gender stereotypes, and capitalism are all of the topics being explored through the lens of a Southern Latina Lesbian. These topics …

From Lockdown To Learning: Understanding Motivation Shifts In High School Students Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kelly Lindberg

University Honors Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic induced profound disruptions to the educational landscape, significantly impacting high school students' motivation to learn. This thesis explores how these disruptions affected students' intrinsic and extrinsic motivations through the lenses of three motivational theories: Self-Determination Theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and Expectancy-Value Theory. By examining changes in the learning environment, social connections, and mental health before, during, and after the pandemic, this study identifies key factors that shaped changes in students' academic engagement. The shift to online learning during the pandemic, combined with social isolation and increased mental health challenges, diminished students' intrinsic motivation and weakened their …