Digital Commons Network^™

Lessons Through Affirmations: Increasing Educators’ Capacity To Empower Children To Push Through, Jasmyn N. Wright

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This improvement science dissertation explores how affirmation-based practices can enhance teachers’ capacity to support student engagement, resilience, and healthy self-concept, particularly in high-needs urban classrooms. The researcher employed a participatory action research design using mixed methods over an eight-week intervention. The “Lessons Through Affirmations” program included structured daily affirmations, reflective journaling, and teacher professional development. Quantitative data from pre/post surveys and weekly rubrics indicated consistent growth across SEL domains, notably in student resilience and instructional confidence. Qualitative reflections and interviews revealed that students internalized affirmations, demonstrated improved emotional regulation, and took ownership of the practice, while teachers reported personal growth …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Production Of Biofuels From Nanno 3600 Microalgae And Algae Native To Connecticut Via Greener Alternative Extraction Solvents For Lipid Recovery, Juhkory Najar

Master's Theses

As the world continues to evolve and expand in both technology and population, the energy demand continues to increase as well to keep up with the production of new products and higher production rates. The depletion of fossil fuels and the considerable amount of greenhouse gases from the use of nonrenewable energy sources fuel the demand for renewable energy sources. These renewable energy sources originate from a variety of places, such as wind power, hydroelectric, and solar. Biomass continues to grow in the renewable energy sector due to its versatility in high lipid content and minimal competition with other biomass …

The Rise Of Cyber Conflict As A Policy Tool: A Comparison Of The United States And The People's Republic Of China, Sophia Radzim

Master's Theses

This thesis explores cyber incident trends and its effects on conflict resolution of interstate relationships between the U.S. and China. Key findings of this research discovered that the U.S. relies on diplomatic negotiations to resolve cyber conflicts and does not utilize an aggressive approach within the cyber domain. China, on the other hand, has aggressively expanded its cyber capabilities. They leverage cyber attacks to promote their technology, military, and economy sectors, while undermining the U.S.’ global status as a political leader and innovator. China’s dominance in cyberspace poses a great threat to the national security of the U.S. Through descriptive …

Does 9/11 Still Act As A Motivator For Individuals Entering The Criminal Justice And National Security Fields?, Ashleigh Lane

Master's Theses

The terror attacks on September 11, 2001 changed the world in an instant, leaving lasting effects on the United States and the international community. This thesis investigates whether the 9/11 attacks continue to serve as a motivating factor for individuals pursuing careers in the Criminal Justice and National Security fields, despite the passage of more than two decades since the event.

This study utilizes secondary research analysis to examine data from empirical studies conducted between 2006 and 2022, with a particular emphasis on students enrolled in Criminal Justice programs at institutions of higher education. Key variables explored include personal victimization, …

Predicting Perinatal Mood Disorders, Honey Newton

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMD) constitute a significant public health concern, impacting the perinatal patient and the family.

Purpose

This project describes the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Perinatal Mood Disorders including depression and anxiety.

Goals

The goals of this study were to define the perinatal population in a rural Montana clinic and describe the relationship between ACEs and PMDs to identify early intervention opportunities.

Methods

A ten-year retrospective IRB approved study described the relationship between ACE, PHQ9 and OASIS scores to determine the prevalence of PMD and connection to ACE’s in perinatal patients in rural northwest Montana. Calculations were …

Prediabetes In Rural Primary Care: Screening, Diagnosis And Treatment, Rebecca M. Bodle-Shingu

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Background

Prediabetes affects one in three US adults. Over 80% of individuals with prediabetes are unaware of having the condition. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPG) recommend screening adults 35 to 70 years old with a BMI of 25 or higher. Prediabetes treatment consists of lifestyle modification, referrals to nutrition counseling, and metformin for individuals who cannot make lifestyle changes. Diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes reduces the risks or delays the progression to type 2 diabetes.

Purpose

The purpose of this DNP quality improvement project was to impact primary care providers beliefs, knowledge, and practices in identifying, diagnosing, and treating …

How Mental And Emotional Stress Impacts Vocal Phonation In Adolescent Singers, Samantha M. Thielen Pak

Graduate Thesis Collection

This study examines the relationship between mental/emotional stress and vocal phonation abilities in high school choir students. 17 pairs of General Health Questionnaires and Vocal Screenings were completed by four student participants. These questionnaires and screenings were completed on a weekly basis. Within the General Health Questionnaire, there were several negative correlations with “Concentration” from the General Health Questionnaire results, those being “Loss of Sleep” (r = -0.547, p = 0.023) and “Losing Confidence in Self” (r = 0.575, p = 0.016), as detailed in Table 3. The largest correlations to “Concentration” are “Under Strain” (r = -0.742, p = <.001) and “Feeling Unhappy” (r = -0.746, p = <.001). From the documented screenings, there was very little impact noted on the phonological abilities of the participants. Presence of “Non-Musical Sounds” had a strong correlation with “Tone Quality” (r = 0.683, p = 0.001), showing that there was an increase of non-musical sounds when tone quality had decreased in score.

Effect Of Traumatic Brain Injury On Quality Of Life, Mohammad A. Al Rjoob

Theses

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from external events, such as falls and motor vehicle accidents leading to brain damage. This study investigated quality of life (QoL) in individuals with TBI and its relation to demographic and clinical variables, including gender, age, educational level, time since TBI onset, fatigue, depression and cognitive function. Twelve individuals with TBI participated in this cross-sectional study. Quality of life was assessed using Quality of Life after Brain Injury and ASHA Quality of Communication Life Scale measures. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale, depression was measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale, and cognitive function …

A Costuming Carol: A Costume Design Thesis On A Christmas Carol, Aleka Fischer

Theses

This thesis is a collection of research, analysis, design, and production work done for the costumes for A Christmas Carol. The play production took place in the McLeod Theater at Southern Illinois University from December 5th- December 8th, 2024. The play was written by Darwin Reid Payne and published in 1981. It is an adaptation of the novella A Christmas Carolby Charles Dickens. Chapter 1 contains the research and script analysis used to make design decisions for this production. Chapter 2 documents the design process, and how the costume design evolved between the first and final design meetings. Chapter 3 …

The Impact Of Waste Management On Green Spaces And Community Well-Being: A Case Study Of Wa Municipality, Upper West, Ghana, Al-Rauf Mahama

Sustainability and Social Justice

Urbanization in Low- and Middle-Income Countries such as Ghana has placed immense pressure on infrastructure, waste management systems, and urban green spaces. This study examines the impact of waste management practices on green spaces and community well-being in Wa Municipal, focusing on four communities: Dondoli, Mangu, Dokpong, and Bamahu. Using a participatory research approach, data collected from waste management authorities, sanitation agencies, and residents were used to examine waste composition, health impacts, and community engagement in environmental sustainability. The findings reveal that organic waste and plastics dominate waste composition, with inadequate disposal practices contributing to pollution and health issues, including …

Assessing The Effectiveness And Value Of Information On Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Center For Education's (Cie) Website, Herty Tinadu

Research Papers

Abstract

The internationalization of higher education has grown significantly over the past three decades, with international students playing a crucial role in fostering academic, cultural, and economic development in host countries. University websites are pivotal in supporting international student mobility, serving as primary sources of information during the decision-making process. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Center for International Education (CIE) website at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) in disseminating information and providing a positive user experience for international students.

The study examines factors influencing website usability, such as content clarity, website architecture, user interface design, and …

Himmelfarb Headlines - May/June 2025, The George Washington University, Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library

Himmelfarb Headlines (2009 - present)

News, information, and resources relating to Himmelfarb Library that is of interest to patrons.

Championing Sustainable Development In Academic Libraries: Insights From East Africa, Arnold Mwanzu, Joseph Mwangi

Book Chapters / Conference Papers

Sustainable development has become a global priority. The United Nations (UN) member states have endorsed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform the world by 2030 into a sustainable society. This chapter reports on academic libraries’ initiatives in East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, which were explored through interviews and focus groups with librarians from East African university libraries. Library efforts can be assigned to the five priority action areas: advancing policy, transforming learning environments, building the capacity of educators, empowering and mobilising youth, and accelerating local-level action, as envisioned under UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework …

Monitoring The Qosh Tepa Canal Project: A Geospatial Timeline Of Taliban Water Diversion, Enerel L. Crosslin

Honors Thesis

The World Food Program states that “acute malnutrition in Afghanistan is above emergency thresholds in 25 out of 34 provinces and is expected to worsen”. Aiming to support agriculture, the Taliban began to build the 285 km “Qosh Tepa Canal” to divert 17% of the Amu Darya, which supports the livelihoods of millions of people in downstream Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The World Bank estimated that roughly 2.4 million Central Asians could become climate refugees by 2050. Our objectives are to create a timeline of satellite imagery of the canal’s construction. Our research questions are (1) Can we characterize water diversion …

Shielding Resources For Four Common Radiopharmaceuticals Utilized For Imaging And Therapy: Tc-99m, F-18, I-131, And Lu-177, Michael Oumano, Richard Wendt, James Botti, Nathan Busse, David Hintenlang, Stephanie Leon, Kevin Little, Melissa Martin, Richard Massoth, Kenneth Matthews, Rameshwar Prasad, Sharon White, Jessica Clements

Faculty Publications

Introduction: The use of radioactive materials in the United States has been tightly regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other entities for many decades. In 2015, however, the Joint Commission began to require hospital-based nuclear medicine departments to conduct shielding designs and evaluations for radioactive material areas, mirroring established x-ray practices. NCRP Report No. 147 guides diagnostic medical x-ray shielding, but obviously cannot be used alone for nuclear medicine applications. The rising demand for theranostic nuclear medicine shielding evaluations particularly necessitates updated focused guidance, the aim of this report. Methods: Monte Carlo simulations were conducted using GATE software to …

Enhancing Compton Telescope Imaging With Maximum A Posteriori Estimation A Modified Richardson–Lucy Algorithm For The Compton Spectrometer And Imager, H. Yoneda, T. Siegert, I. Martinez-Castellanos, S. Gallego, C. Karwin, H. Bates, S. E. Boggs, C. Y. Huang, A. Joens, S. Matsumoto, S. Mittal, E. Neights, M. Negro, U. Oberlack, K. Okuma, S. Pike, J. Roberts, F. Rogers, Y. Sheng, T. Takahashi, A. Valluvan, Y. Watanabe, D. Hartmann, C. Kierans, J. Tomsick, A. Zoglauer

Faculty Publications

We present a modified Richardson-Lucy (RL) algorithm tailored for image reconstruction in MeV gamma-ray observations, focusing on its application to the upcoming Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) mission. Our method addresses key challenges in MeV gamma-ray astronomy by incorporating Bayesian priors for sparseness and smoothness while optimizing background components simultaneously. We introduce a novel sparsity term suitable for Poisson-sampled data in addition to a smoothness prior, allowing for flexible reconstruction of both point sources and extended emission. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated using simulated three-month COSI observations of gamma-ray lines of ⁴⁴Ti (1.157 MeV), ²⁶Al (1.809 …

Algebraic Description Of The Triaxially To Axially Rotational Shape Phase Transition, Yu Zhang, Yu Xin Liu, Feng Pan, J. P. Draayer

Faculty Publications

Within the framework of the interacting boson model, we propose a novel algebraic scheme to describe spin-dependent structural evolutions in triaxial nuclei. Our analysis demonstrates that a triaxially to axially rotational shape phase transition can be induced by the high-order correction which is microscopically motivated by the pairing interaction on the γ-unstable rotation. This prescription is further applied to describe the structural evolutions along the yrast sequences of Ba132 and Xe130, providing an exemplary case for demonstrating a unified explanation of both low-energy collective structures and high-spin phenomena in O(6)-like nuclei.

The Frequency Shift And Q Of Disordered Superconducting Rf Cavities, Hikaru Ueki, Mehdi Zarea, J. A. Sauls

Faculty Publications

Niobium superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities for high-energy accelerator applications have been greatly improved in terms of the quality factor Q by techniques such as Nitrogen doping. However, the mechanisms leading to improvement in Q are still not fully understood. Quite recently the SRF group at Fermilab measured anomalies in the frequency shift of N-doped SRF Niobium cavities near the transition temperature. Here we report our theoretical analysis of these results based on the microscopic theory of superconductivity that incorporates anisotropy of the superconducting gap and inhomogeneous disorder in the screening region of the SRF cavities. We are able to account …

Synthesis And Characterization Of 3,5 Trifluoromethyl Tpm With A Metal Carbonyl Complex, Emily P. Berkman

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Tris(pyrazolyl)methane (Tpm) ligands have a central carbon with 3 pyrazole rings attached. These were discovered in 1970 and have since been synthesized with many substituents on the rings. Based on the parent structure, my goal was to synthesize a fluorinated Tpm derivative. By adapting existing procedures, I have synthesized a Tpm derivative with trifluorinated methyl groups in the 3 and 5 positions of the pyrazole ring. The fluorinated ligand is expected to be electron withdrawing and exhibit interesting chemistry when bound to a metal center. Future directions of the project will be discussed.

The Ripple Archives, Aidan Harper Smith

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Throughout my undergraduate education, my writing has turned towards subjects that most people willfully ignore. I’ve been fascinated with the machine of capitalism, and how it often leads to death or unfulfilled life. We pack infinity into a small box we carry around, endless information that leaves us feeling a multitude of ways. With this endless information, progress, and consumption, comes death. Death on the personal level, a human experience for all of our sentient existence, but also death within our surroundings, and deaths worldwide, broadcasted and mediated through our technology and news sources. With the help of my honors …

From Classroom To Cell: Education, Punishment, And The School-To-Prison Pipeline In New York City, Kathryn Adelaide Howell

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Following World War II, reformers and researchers in the United States debated how to properly rehabilitate so-called juvenile delinquents. Central to this debate was the role education played in children's intellectual and moral development. New York City underwent significant changes during this discourse, enacting new disciplinary policies in public schools and opening Spofford Juvenile Detention Center, now regarded as one of the greatest failures of juvenile justice in American history. Though education has long been considered a fundamental avenue to lift individuals from poverty, its absence has also been weaponized by schools as a disciplinary technique. In what has become …

Echoes Of Radicalization: The Political Right And The Internet Through The Lens Of Moral Panic, Gabrielle Renee Mathus

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

In the past decade, the prevalence of social media has become a part of everyday life. Alongside this, these issues have gained a unique venue for discussing identity-based political issues that were not previously given mainstream attention and, ultimately, contribute to panic among portions of the American public. In this study, I conducted a digital ethnographic content analysis to explore how Reddit and X act as venues for discussions of transgender issues, immigration, and racial discrimination and how these issues have manifested in mainstream discourse. Using Stanley Cohen’s moral panic theory and grounded theory practices, I found that these spaces …

Disulfide-Cleavable Linkers In Antibody-Drug Conjugates For Targeted Cancer Therapy, Emily Hwang

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This project aims to discover a way to improve the safety of and reduce adverse side effects of disulfide-linked antibody-drug conjugates. Disulfide-cleavable linkers for antibody-drug conjugates function by exploiting the differential concentrations of dominant thiol species in the blood plasma and in the cytosol of malignant cells. This project aimed to identify a relationship between the stability of disulfide cleavable linkers in the blood plasma and disulfide linker structure, to prevent premature release of the cytotoxic drug. Three disulfide linker analogs with varying carbon chain lengths were synthesized through reaction with 2,2’-dipyridyl disulfide. Each analog was conjugated to a fluorescent …

Gender And Sexuality In The American West: Forgotten Queer Histories Of The Nineteenth And Early Twentieth Centuries, Cassidy Marie Paulk

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The narratives of queer individuals are often overlooked in the construction of the history of the American West. This work focuses on the lives of queer individuals living in the American West during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. “The dearth of historical evidence should not be construed as the absence of it.”1 While finding sources that demonstrate queer historical experiences is difficult, nevertheless, their experiences significantly contribute to a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the history of the West. By examining a range of historical evidence through the lens of queer historical theory, this work reveals the forgotten …

The Playground: Redefining The Artistic Experience And Expression With Technology, Meghan Hutto

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Throughout the artistic community, many creators are exploring new ways to generate innovative works for growing audiences. With the emergence of endless technology, dance makers are searching for mediums to include new lighting techniques and music composition. Across this past year, I have researched and explored new frontiers of artistic mediums to further my project’s artistic expression. By developing and investigating new systems of lighting and musical composition, I created a fifteen-minute work called “Metaphysical Mindscape”. When solidifying the through-line that carried the expression of my piece, I uncovered a piece of myself. The themes that I explored were thoughts …

Cultural Health Benefits And Challenges Of Food Preparation And Consumption: A Comparative Study Of The United States, Italy, And Norway, Natalie G. Link

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study aims to investigate the cultural health benefits and challenges associated with food preparation and consumption in the United States, Italy, and Norway, with a particular focus on citizens in lower socioeconomic levels. By examining the dietary habits, social structures, and health outcomes in these three countries, this research aims to uncover broader insights into the health status and well-being of their respective populations. The study will employ secondary data analysis approach examining existing research on cultural practices and social support systems. The findings of this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between food …

Navigating A Neurotypical World: The Relationship Between Perceptions Of Visible Vs Non-Visible Disabilities And Sense Of Belonging On A College Campus, Caroline Yager

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Disability is defined through social, historical, and functional perspectives, making the disability movement unique in its overall fight for increased acknowledgement, education, and rights (Robinson & Judge, 2017). Distinguishing the differences between visible and non-visible disabilities is important to provide a general understanding of the unique barriers and challenges that people with disabilities face on a daily basis. Both people with visible and non-visible disabilities encounter stigmas and discrimination that impact their employment or education, as well as misconceptions about their capabilities. This study utilized a diverse sample of undergraduate students recruited through the Prolific survey platform to ensure broad …

How Individuals’ Perceptions Of Health-Related Content On Social Media Are Shaped: The Impact Of Information Sources And Message Characteristics, Grace Mclain Hensley

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, serve as major sources of health-related information. However, the credibility and accuracy of this information remain a critical concern. This study used a 2 x 3 between subject experiment design to examine the effects of two information sources (individual influencers, nonprofit organizations) and three message types (general message, message with statistics, message with testimony) on perceived credibility and engagement. Participants were recruited through two primary channels to ensure a diverse and engaged sample. First, an email invitation was distributed by the head of the Butler University Honors Program to all students within …

Semiconductors In Space: Data Analysis Of Microgravity's Impact On Crystal Formation, Keegan Jo Jackson

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Comprehensive data analysis on crystal growth in microgravity is a requisite to inform understanding of prior work. Our research constructed and analyzed a database containing data gathered from research focusing on semiconductors grown in microgravity. Data curation spanned multiple decades, countries, and semiconductor materials. All relevant reported information was recorded in the database, notably data regarding the metrics used to determine the impact space had on crystal growth: size, structure, uniformity, and performance. After data cleaning and data processing, the database was organized and readied for analysis. Data analysis was performed using RStudio and SciKit-learn. RStudio was employed for data …

Preying For A Spot At The Table Examining Regulatory Policies And Solutions To Combat Predatory Microfinance Practices, Nicholas R. Brenner

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Microfinance involves financial services such as small loans, savings accounts, and insurance to low-income populations typically excluded from traditional financial markets. While the services it provides can encourage entrepreneurship and work to alleviate poverty, insufficient regulation can lead to borrower exploitation and continued cycles of debt. This thesis explores the regulations leading to successful microfinance outcomes. Particularly, the variance in outcomes between Ghana and Jordan will be examined as a case study. In Ghana’s Wa West District, effective policies and financial literacy programs have enabled microfinance to promote economic growth. In the country of Jordan, however, a lack of strict …