Digital Commons Network^™

A Nourish Chicago Community Education Project: The Sweet Truth About The Food Science And Chemistry Of Sugar, Lily Grace Yezback

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

Sugar is a fundamental component of food science, playing a significant role in our lives beyond its satisfying taste. This research dives into the sweet world of sugar and explores its contribution to texture, preservation, color and flavor. The various structures of sugar, their chemical properties, and important impact on human health are investigated as well. Additionally, hidden and artificial sugars are unveiled and their secretive consequences are highlighted. Under Dr. Pine's guidance, I worked to spread this knowledge to the greater Chicago community in order to enlighten the public and encourage healthier consumption habits across the city.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Eras) Protocol Impact, Maeve Hamling

Academic Festival

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Model works to improve post-operative care for patients in all hospital settings. This presentation will identify the impacts this model can provide with a select set of pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative interventions. Evidence-based protocols are utilized in the ERAS model to offer better quality, patient-centered care. Healthcare systems are always looking to refine cost reduction strategies and limit complication outcomes. This model defines an intervention to change current standards and improve these care efforts for all patients undergoing surgery.

The Use Of Thermal Imaging For Pressure Injuries, Jessica Greenberg

Academic Festival

Stage three and four pressure injuries are the most prevalent hospital acquired injuries throughout the entire state of Connecticut despite the fact that approximately ninety-five percent of all hospital acquired pressure injuries have been determined to have been preventable (Díaz-Caro & García Gómez-Heras, 2020). This illustrating that despite meticulous efforts to implement preventative measures, such as frequent turning and positioning, proper skin care and nutrition and pressure alleviating mattresses they are not being implemented fast enough to prevent injury or injury progression. The integration of thermal imaging upon admissions to all medical -surgical hospital units has been proven beneficial in …

Best Practice For Chg Baths: Educating Nurses On Timing And Safe Use, Isabella Downes

Academic Festival

Abstract
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) baths are critical for infection prevention, yet many nurses lack proper education and resources on their use. This project identified best practices for CHG bathing and developed an educational brochure for nurses on a medical-surgical floor. The brochure provides clear guidelines on timing, safety, and patient teaching to promote consistent, evidence-based care.

Effects Of Socioeconomic Status On Depression Rates In Adults, Jennifer Gramstorff

Academic Festival

Previous literature has concluded that low socioeconomic status and income inequality are linked to increased psychological stress levels and impaired mental health. This research study aims to explore the relationship between socioeconomic income status and depression rates among middle aged adults in America specifically. The hypothesis is that low economic status is related to increased depression rates among adults aged 30-60 years. The exposure variable is socioeconomic status. The outcome variable is depression rates. An observational study design was selected in addition to using cross sectional data. Data used was collected in 2019 by the National Health Interview Survey. The …

The Intersection Of Autism And Poverty: Socioeconomic Status Of Adults On The Spectrum, Chloe Skene, Lindsay Doncaster, Joseph Franzini, Riley Kendall

Academic Festival

This study explores the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and lower poverty status to assist in the understanding of socioeconomic challenges faced by adults on the spectrum. The purpose of this research is to investigate whether ASD is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing poverty. Using an observational cross-sectional analysis of 2021 National Health Interview Child Survey data, we examined total combined family income and ASD diagnosis. The study included 5,134 participants of various races and socioeconomic statuses aged 2-17, 175 of which responded “Yes” to the question of ever receiving a diagnosis of ASD. The findings reveal …

Influence Of Poverty Status On Prevalence Of Coronary Heart Disease Among U.S. Adults 50 And Older, Skyla Contarino, Nicole Lapointe, Rebecca Chernik, Alyssa Brady

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Evidence-Based Intervention For The Prevention Of Pressure Ulcers, Aidan Doyle, Amanda Beberman, Lexi Michaud, Liam Tharin

Academic Festival

A pressure ulcer or a pressure injury is a localized skin injury caused by excessive pressure and possibly shearing forces on the skin over bony prominences. Pressure injuries result in tissue death and ischemia and can pose a risk for infection and severe discomfort. They result in prolonged hospital stays, which can lead to more complications for a patient’s health and increased healthcare cost to both the patient and facility. Pressure injuries are common but avoidable injuries and there has been many studies and interventions introduced to help try to reduce the incidence of them (Meaume et al., 2021). It …

Malignant Hyperthermia In The Ambulatory Surgical Unit, Bridget Cullinan

Academic Festival

provided education for malignant hyperthermia in an ambulatory surgery unit.

Implementing Proper Oral Care In Post Operative Patients, Kaitlyn Manzi

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

The Role Of The Slp In Promoting Feeding Efficiency In The Nicu, Isabella N. Kefalas

Academic Festival

This literature review explores the crucial role of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in promoting feeding efficiency among high-risk infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With ongoing advancements in medical care leading to higher survival rates among preterm and medically fragile infants, there has been a corresponding increase in the identification of feeding and swallowing disorders. Over half a million children in the U.S. are diagnosed with dysphagia annually, highlighting the necessity for early intervention by SLPs, particularly in the NICU, where nearly 40% of affected children have a history of preterm birth. SLPs are essential in conducting thorough assessments …

Are College Students Who Cut Or Skip Meals More Prone To Experience Depression?, Cailey Ziegler, Danielle Queen, Sarah D'Orio, Alexis Troiano

Academic Festival

College students will often reduce or limit their food intake for multiple reasons, including food insecurity, which often leads to the development of poor eating habits. These newly developed habits can impact students in different ways, including affecting their mental health. The aim of the observational, cross-sectional study was to explore the relationship between skipping meals due to a lack of financial resources and depression severity among college students. This study was conducted to examine this relationship in a private, Catholic university in the northeast of the United States. Our study was comprised of 271 students at Sacred Heart University’s …

Food Insecurity And Racism, Grace Casey, Kerri Feuilly, Samantha Martel, Shamika Saint-Hilaire, Ella Smith

Academic Festival

Throughout the United States, food insecurity is a growing issue. Poor or disrupted eating can have severe consequences on mental and physical health. Food insecurity can lead to malnutrition, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. There are various factors that can increase the chances of experiencing food insecurity including socioeconomic status, education levels, household size, gender, race, ethnicity, and disability (Feeding America, n.d.). Certain races, ethnicities, and genders are more likely to experience food insecurity leading to questions about the impact of discrimination. Racism and racial discrimination are experienced throughout various institutions, organizations, and aspects of life …

The Effect Of Family Nutrition On The Presence Of Developmental Delays In Children Age 5-10 Years Old, Hailey Conklin, Nadia Bjaelker, Sophia Kalosinis

Academic Festival

This study investigates the correlation between family nutrition and the prevalence of developmental delays in children aged 5 to 10 years in the United States. Using data from the 2023 National Survey of Children’s Health, we explored the impact of household food security on the occurrence of developmental delay. Our results of the study revealed a statistically significant association between food insecurity and developmental delays. This supports the hypothesis that limited access to nutritious food increases the likelihood of developmental challenges. Families who reported inconsistent or insufficient access to nutritious meals were more likely to report that their child had …

Exploring The Relationship Between Domestic Abuse-Related Tbis And Pediatric Epilepsy, Kelly Medeiros, Carly Greene

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Physical Activity Among Remote Workers, Afrodite Koulouris, Tyler Settanni

Academic Festival

With the rise of remote and hybrid work environments, many individuals are experiencing increased sedentary behavior and decreased physical activity. This shift presents new challenges for maintaining health and wellness, as well as workplace engagement. Our project evaluates a range of programs designed to promote physical activity among remote workers, including virtual group exercise sessions, walking challenges, wellness app incentives, and partnerships offering discounted local gym memberships. By analyzing the effectiveness, accessibility, and sustainability of these initiatives, we aim to identify strategies that not only encourage movement but also foster a stronger sense of community and support within remote workforces. …

Program Development For 18-Year Old Female Targeting Body Recomposition, Anthony Alison, Aidan Connolly, Katie Musser

Academic Festival

Our client, a healthy and motivated 18-year-old, approached us with the goal of reducing body fat while building lean muscle mass, with a particular emphasis on developing upper body strength. She currently maintains a consistent exercise routine, training six days per week, and has expressed a strong interest in more challenging workouts aimed at hypertrophy. Based on her goals and training history, we developed a structured hypertrophy-focused resistance training program, consisting of four days of resistance training complemented by two days of conditioning to support fat loss and improve overall fitness.

Case Study: Gait Analysis Of A Collegiate Middle Distance Runner, Emily Arthur, Ava Gaul, Makenzie Quick

Academic Festival

Running performance is closely tied to the efficiency and mechanics of an athlete’s gait. At the Sacred Heart University Pioneer Performance Center (PPC), we utilize advanced gait analysis to help runners gain valuable insight into their biomechanics. Through comprehensive musculoskeletal testing and state-of-the-art motion capture technology, athletes are provided with actionable data that can lead to improvements in running economy, form, and injury prevention.

In this case study, data were collected using Theia"); border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; background-size: 5px; color: rgb(99, 37, 35); font-size: 24pt; font-family: Rockwell, Rockwell_EmbeddedFont, Rockwell_MSFontService, Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, Rockwell_MSFontService, Calibri, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px; font-kerning: normal; line-height: …

Case Study: Onset Of Gluten Ataxia In A Senior Patient, Elizabeth Portelli

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Global Health Senior Portfolio, Iris Archibald

Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Shorthorn: April 28, 1959

The Shorthorn Newspaper Collection: 1950s

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of Motor Performance In A Mouse Model Of Autism Fed A Ketogenic Diet In Early Adolescence, Sophia Azurin

Proceedings of GREAT Day

The ketogenic diet (KD) has long been used to control epilepsy, but more recently has also been shown to improve symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a highly prevalent disorder, characterized partially by repetitive behavior. Genetics, environmental conditions, and resultant injury to the brain, have been linked to an increased risk for ASD. KD is thought to work as an anti-inflammatory and has been shown to decrease repetitive behavior in a mouse model of ASD; but, how KD works within ASD is not well understood. This project works with a mouse model of ASD to determine if early …

Roots Of Resilience : Building A Sustainable Community Orchard For Food Equity And Environmental Stewardship In Missoula, Elle A. Vandzura

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This project aims to research the benefits of a sustainable community orchard in Missoula, with a focus on promoting nutritional equity, enhancing local food security, fostering environmental stewardship, and strengthening community engagement. Building on the proven success of Garden City Harvest’s community garden program, I will demonstrate how community orchards can further strengthen the local food system. Through a focused research approach, I will identify and implement best practices for the development and management of community orchards, with a particular emphasis on strategies that promote nutritional equity and environmental sustainability.

My research will include thorough reviews of case studies, academic …

Effects Of Acute Water Consumption On Body Composition And Hydration Status, Sara Bojorque

Academic Festival

No abstract provided.

Altruism And Children, Brizel Trinidad, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

No abstract provided.

Developmental Disabilities, Christopher N. Tirado, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

No abstract provided.

Early Stages Of Sociocultural Development, Lisa L. Persinger, Joey D. Persinger

Essays in Developmental Psychology

No abstract provided.

Environmental Teratogens, Ashley R. Strong, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

No abstract provided.

Harry Harlow’S Nature Of Love (1958), Jonathan B. Santo

Essays in Developmental Psychology

No abstract provided.

Food Systems Transformation:Voices For Hunger, Julia A. Kleinmeyer, Carolina A. Rascon, Joshua Lohnes

CRC Research Symposium

Voices of Hunger WV (VoH) is committed to advancing the Right to Food (RtF) across West Virginia. RtF is: a fundamental human right that ensures everyone has access to adequate food, and to resources that allow individuals to produce, earn, or purchase sufficient nutritionally adequate and acceptable food.

Since 2020, VoH has supported the emergency of a movement for the RtF at the local, county and state in West Virginia through grassroots organizing and community empowerment. Spring 2025 research included accompanying VoH leadership fellows involved in strengthening support networks for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Their work has fostered …