Digital Commons Network^™

Translating Research For The Public: Lab And Online Engagement, Hannah Jiron

Posters - 2026

In the world of psychological research, we spend countless hours in the lab gathering data that has the potential to change lives. But if that data stays locked away in spreadsheets or professional journals, it remains "invisible" to the very people who need it most. As our research moves into the digital age, we have a unique opportunity to "uncloister" science taking it out of the lab and bringing it into the community. This poster explores why simply having good data isn't enough. For research to truly matter, it requires active management and a heart for public outreach. We argue …

Beluga Buddies: The Preferred Social Network Of Belugas In Managed Care, Valery Marinelarena, Diamond Garcia

Posters - 2026

Belugas societies are not fixed  and group composition is everchanging. Group composition can also influence behavior. This study aims to examine the preferred social networks and the role age plays in the behavioral diversity within a group of managed care belugas housed at Sea World San Antonio. Results Supported TYO had a preferred, non-random social network and ATL performing more chinslaps than TYO.

The Effects Of Sour & Spicy Food On Visual & Auditory Reflexes, Aditi Kumar, Alondra-Sophia Martinez, Magdalena E. Saad, Emma J. Welsch

Posters - 2026

• The reflex reaction time measures how quickly the nervous system can respond to a stimulus. • In the experiment, both visual and auditory reflexes were measured to evaluate differences in reaction time after the consumption of sour and spicy foods. • Spices and herbs produce different signals that interact with the nervous system. (McMullen 2024) • Comparing the response times from before and after consumption, this experiment allowed us to determine if different tastes affect reflex reaction times.

When The Jingle Isn't Human: How Ai-Generated Vs. Human Composed Sonic Branding Shapes Consumer Response, Zecong Ma, Hong-Hee Lee, Danielle Rangel

Posters - 2026

Sonic branding elements—such as sound logos and jingles—shape brand meaning by communicating cues that consumers process quickly and often implicitly (e.g., through affect, fit, and memory). Recent evidence suggests that even specific musical choices (like instrumentation in a sound logo) can shift perceived brand personality traits (e.g., sophistication, ruggedness), indicating that audio can function as a powerful identity signal rather than mere “background.” At the same time, generative AI is rapidly lowering the cost and increasing the speed of producing branded music, making AI-composed jingles a realistic and scalable tool for marketers. Yet consumer responses to AI-generated creative work are …

Unique Undergraduate Experiences And Their Impact On Postgraduate Plans For St. Mary's University Psychology Majors, Angelina Robledo, Zoe Lozano, Jose Ignacio Guerrero Donoso

Posters - 2026

• The amount of research opportunities a student has available is linked to higher post graduate student success rate (Stoloff et al., 2015).

• The quality of different research experiences also matter (Love et al., 2007). Positive undergraduate experiences lead to higher levels of self-efficacy in undergraduate students.

• Students' soft skills are improved throughout various classroom activities, preparing them for post graduate opportunities (Marsh et al., 2016).

• Wayment and Dickinson (2008) found that students who participated in undergraduate research were more likely to get accepted to graduate school.
• Hypotheses
  • Attending sophomore retreat can reassure areas of interest for psychology undergraduates, which may …

Family Communication Patterns And Romantic Partner Selection: A Proposed Study Of Divorce Risk And Relationship Stability, Lilliana De Leon, Maria Reeves, Joel Burgess, Monique Rodriguez

Posters - 2026

Family Communication Patterns Theory (FCPT) is described as repeated communication beliefs and behaviors that orient a family system and contribute to a shared reality. There are two different orientation styles describing family communication style. Conformity orientation creates a shared reality respective of parental authority and family rules. While conversation orientation creates a shared reality by encouraging open conversation, discussion, and argumentation. There are four family types including; pluralistic family, protective family, laissez-faire family and consensual family. Each experiencing different levels of conformity and conversation.

An Analysis Of Global And Regional Human Rights Standards On Gender-Based Violence, Tamar Ezer, Denisse R. Cordova Montes

Articles

No abstract provided.

13 Achieving Success For All Students: Stories And Advice From Four University Of Texas Institutions, María Yareli Delgado, Archie Holmes, Roy Mathew, Heather Shipley, Christine Shupala

Organization and School Leadership Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Loneliness On College Freshmen Retention, Amy Berg

Libraries Undergraduate Research Award (LURA) Winners

What factors contribute to student retention, dropout, and success within the first semester? We hypothesized that persistent feelings of loneliness across the semester play a major role in a student’s intentions to continue enrollment, and a lack of social connection to the university mediates this relationship. We assessed this in a sample of n = 30 first semester freshman enrolled in a university success seminar across the Fall 2025 semester, of whom n = 8 completed Wave 1 and Wave 4 surveys of a four-wave study spanning the whole semester. We used the 20- item UCLA Loneliness Scale, the 24-item …

An Exploratory Analysis Of Student Attitudes Towards Punishment: Punitive Vs Rehabilitative Orientations, Leah Johnson

Honors Theses

This study examined differences in punishment orientation among undergraduate students, paying particular attention to variations across academic major, degree progression, and connectivity to law enforcement and corrections. This study explored how individual characteristics may influence attitudes toward crime and appropriate punishment. Data were collected through surveys which were administered in person to students enrolled in criminal justice or social science courses at the University of Southern Mississippi. Participants were asked to rate their level of agreement on a variety of statements regarding punishment. These responses were used to calculate punitive and rehabilitative orientation scores. Statistical analyses were conducted to test …

Caregiver Challenges And Health Access For Individuals With Developmental Disabilities In Mississippi, Kirsten Cunningham

Honors Theses

Current literature has highlighted the health disparities faced by individuals within the disability community and how it affects the care they receive. However, for many individuals with developmental disabilities, they require caregivers to make medical decisions for them. The purpose of this study is to focus on the caregiver’s perspective of caregiver stress, physical access to care, and health literacy to combat the challenges faced when getting access to healthcare resources for individuals with developmental disabilities in Mississippi. The researcher hypothesized, based on the literature review, that caregivers with higher levels of educational attainment would have less caregiver stress, more …

Cultivating Success: The Role Of Self-Determination In Autonomy For Post-Secondary Students With Disabilities, Cloè Knight

Honors Theses

Self-determination is a crucial theoretical framework influencing the post-secondary success and the quality of life for students with disabilities (SWD). A case study mixed-method design was used to investigate the lived experiences of students with disabilities and how their self-determination skills shaped by parent styles and teacher practices, impacted their success in the post-secondary world. Despite the well-researched benefits of self-determination in the lives of students with disabilities, a systematic literature review revealed important gaps in research related to the roles parents and teachers play in facilitating self-determination skills impacting post-secondary success in students with disabilities. The current study sought …

Financial Fraud In Mississippi Public Agencies: Case Studies Of Control Failures And Implications On Civic Engagement, Gracie Sullivan

Honors Theses

This study analyzes the relationship between financial fraud in Mississippi public institutions and its potential impact on civic engagement. While the existing literature explores the mechanics of fraud through frameworks such as the Fraud Triangle and the role of internal controls in preventing misconduct, limited research examines how government corruption influences civic disengagement, particularly in Mississippi. Using a quantitative, comparative research design, this study examines the relationship between major public financial fraud cases and voter turnout in case-linked and comparison counties. These cases include the Mississippi TANF welfare fraud, the Department of Corrections bribery case, and the misuse of funds …

Does Sponsorship Context Matter? Comparing Local And National Sponsorship Effects On Consumer Behavior, Kathryn Flock

Honors Theses

Sponsorship use has become increasingly important as a marketing strategy for influencing consumer perceptions of the sponsoring company. This, in turn, establishes consumer relationships that result in favorable behavioral intentions. While prior research has examined national and global sponsorships, there is limited research on the differences between national and local sponsorships and how these differences could influence consumer perceptions and behavioral intentions. The purpose of this study was to examine how local or national sponsorship affects consumer perceptions, including sincerity, trust, attitude toward the sponsor, and behavioral intentions.

A mixed-methods approach was employed for this study. Study 1 used qualitative …

The Impact Of Social Emotional Learning On Chicanx Students And Their Educators, Alesia Renee Camacho

Chicana and Chicano Studies ETDs

My research on the impact of social emotional learning on Chicanx students and their educators aims to analyze how the planned implementation of a carefully curated curriculum centering on the students’ culture and lived experiences makes for a better overall experience. For this study, I use the interpretive paradigm as it allows me to explain how education can serve as a tool to illuminate the injustices that students and their families face in their lives and, in turn, how these injustices are addressed in Ethnic Studies courses. Chicana/o/x Studies scholars have long advocated for utilizing students’ knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and …

Bridging The Gap: A Trauma-Informed Approach To Real-Time Counselor Support Training At Kesem, Elizabeth Fallon

Capstone Projects

This capstone project involved the development and implementation of a trauma-informed care training program for college-aged counselors within Kesem, a nonprofit organization supporting children affected by a parent or caregiver’s cancer. The project addressed gaps in existing counselor training related to recognizing and responding to trauma in real time. The literature identified increased risk for psychosocial challenges in this population, including anxiety, depression, as well as the importance of peer support, safe environments, and developmentally appropriate communication.

The training program included different modules on trauma, grief, and child development, as well as interactive role-play scenarios tailored to different age groups …

Creation And Implementation Of Nature And Sensory Based Therapy Programming To Support The Health And Well-Being Of Catholic Dominican Sisters, Sydney Payne

Capstone Projects

As the older generation ages, diseases such as dementia can cause sensory processing systems to be less efficient. When they become less efficient, it can create confusion and undermine one’s sense of safety (Champagne, 2018 pg 29-30). Engaging in sensory experiences provides support for these deficits while fostering participation in everyday life activities (Champagne, 2018 pg 30). This capstone project included a sensory garden (nature-based therapy) and associated multi-sensory activities. This was done through creation of nature and sensory-based programming, implementation of this programming one-on-one with sisters, two group sensory, dementia-friendly activities, and formation of a sustainability binder. Occupational therapy …

Implementation Of A Cardio Drumming Program To Promote Health And Wellbeing In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Amanda Moyer

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience focused on implementation of a cardio drumming program at the Ecumenical Senior Center (ESC), a day center for older adults, in Kalamazoo Michigan. Cardio drumming is a unique way of exercise that combines drumming to upbeat music with an exercise ball, laundry basket, and drumsticks. Cardio drumming is low impact and can be adapted to many different abilities. This form of exercise can be done in a seated or standing position. The program began once a week for 30 minutes but soon increased to two times a week for 35 minutes and lasted 9 weeks due …

Life Skills To Promote Independence Following Discharge From Inpatient Psychiatric Care, Alli Bammert

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience focused on program development through the creation and implementation of a structured life skills program and the initial planning of a simulated life skills training space within an inpatient psychiatric setting at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. Individuals with serious mental illness often experience barriers to community reintegration following hospitalization and benefit from opportunities to practice daily living skills prior to discharge (Gibson et al., 2011). In response to this need, a 12-week life skills curriculum was developed and piloted to address topics including daily routines, medication management, emotional regulation, grocery shopping, cooking, employment readiness, technology use, and …

Social Skill Program Development: Social Thinking Curriculum, Anna Holman

Capstone Projects

This capstone project examined the implementation of the Social Thinking It: Tweens and Teens curriculum to support adolescent social participation within a group-based setting. Social participation is a core domain of occupational therapy; however, many adolescents experience challenges with communication, emotional regulation, and peer relationships. This project addressed a gap in structured, evidence-based social skills programming at the capstone site. Primary objectives included implementing the Social Thinking curriculum, facilitating weekly group sessions, evaluating participant engagement, and skill development. Intervention strategies included role-playing, guided discussion, modeling, and reflective activities embedded within the curriculum framework. Outcomes demonstrated increased participant engagement and improved …

Creative Art-Based Program To Address Body Image In Cancer Survivors And Caregivers, Tisa Lightfoot

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience (DCE) explored the role of occupational therapy in promoting the use of creative art-based interventions to address body image in cancer survivors and caregivers. Within the oncology population, body image concerns are a prevalent psychosocial factor that affects survivors’ self-perception, emotional well-being, and occupational engagement in their daily lives. To address this gap, a six-week program was developed to promote art as a meaningful occupation to support the psychosocial well-being related to body image in cancer survivors and caregivers. Additional initiatives of the program included resource development and integration of education on current literature on the …

Developing And Implementing Pediatric Pelvic Health Education Groups For Autistic Youth Focused On Toilet Training, Sasha Poland

Capstone Projects

Occupational therapists (OTPs) have a crucial role in treating pelvic health conditions as toileting is an activity of daily living. However, pelvic health research is primarily focused through a physical therapy lens and doesn’t always address challenges pertaining to children, and even more so neurodivergent youth. Furthermore, there is a gap in the literature in how specifically OTPs can assist in providing pelvic health care to all individuals including neurodivergent youth. The goal of this doctoral capstone was to create and provide educational sessions to educate parents, educators, and BCBAs on the role of pelvic health OT in solving their …

Sensory Processing At A Children’S Advocacy Center: Staff Education And Resource Development To Support Trauma-Informed Care, Hayley Jackson

Capstone Projects

This capstone addresses a critical gap in understanding sensory processing within trauma-informed care for children who have experienced sexual abuse. Occupational therapy (OT) offers a unique perspective for supporting children’s sensory processing and regulation needs; however, OT is not utilized in Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) settings. This project aimed to enhance understanding of OT's scope within trauma-informed care, provide education on sensory-based strategies, and develop resources to support regulation in clinical, home, and school settings. Project objectives were achieved through the development of caregiver and educator handouts, a SMART room sensory binder, a visual schedule binder, SMART movement cards, and …

Designing Inclusive Dog Training Opportunities For Handlers With Diverse Access Needs: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Lauren Huffman

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone focused on designing inclusive dog training opportunities in the community by integrating occupational therapy approaches to empower meaningful participation and increase carryover of skills into daily life. The project addressed a need for options that are supportive of dog owners (typically referred to as “handlers” in the dog training setting) who experience health and learning barriers impacting human-dog interactions and the ability to attend dog training classes in a group setting. Occupational Therapy’s role in adaptive recreation and use of occupation-based practice guided the development of a foundations-level accessible small group class, individual adaptive sessions, and educational …

Beyond Baby: How Occupational Therapy Supports Families In The Prenatal And Postpartum Period, Taylor Maysonet

Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project focuses on the role of occupational therapy in maternal and infant health, supporting families during the prenatal and postnatal period. While occupational therapy has a strong foundation in promoting health, independence, participation and roles and routines, there remains a gap in community awareness of available support for families during this life transition. Many caregivers report feeling underprepared, overwhelmed, and disconnected from resources that could support their physical, emotional, and occupational wellbeing.

The objective of this project was to identify gaps within the interdisciplinary team during the prenatal and postpartum period. From there, I was able to …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Sensory Education: Training Paraprofessionals To Support Students’ Sensory Needs, Sophia Hubber

Capstone Projects

Sensory processing plays an important role in the development and participation across the lifespan and is a key focus of occupational therapy (OT) in school settings. This doctoral capstone project addresses the gap in sensory education and training among paraprofessionals, who spend much of the day supporting students with the highest level of needs. While occupational therapists have extensive knowledge in sensory processing, their large caseloads often limit the opportunities to provide direct education to staff.

To address this gap, the project involved collaborating with the occupational therapy department, conducting research on sensory processing, and developing five educational videos with …

Icarus’S Fall: Villainization In Wicked, Star Wars, And The Untamed, Laura Renfroe

Honors Theses

When looking back on the most beloved, yet infamous, villains of popular culture, one can note an abundant rise of prequels and backstory-driven media exploring the paths that villain characters take that lead them to their tragic fall. Some of those stories include John M. Chu’s Wicked, George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, and Chen Jialin and Zheng Weiwin’s The Untamed, each of which explores protagonists who are labeled as “wicked” and depicted as fallen to the “dark side.” While these characters are often studied in existing literary research, there have yet to be explicit ties …

Partisan Differences In Risk-Taking In A Simulated Pandemic, Jan K. Woike, Sebastian Hafenbrädl, Patricia Kanngiesser, Ralph Hertwig

School of Psychology

Responses to COVID-19 in the United States were split along partisan political lines throughout the pandemic. People on the political left tended to take the medical threat more seriously and were more likely to adopt preventive health behaviors than those on the political right, resulting in clear differences in state-level policies and health consequences. Here, we examine the origins of these differences, investigating whether they are based on interindividual differences or in party dynamics. Two groups of participants (N=819), who had voted either for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton in 2016, played the Transmission Game. Players made repeated decisions in …

Social Cognition In Young Adults Who Endorse A Cannabis Use Disorder, Gabrielle Abbott, Lisa-Marie Greenwood, Jessica G. Bartschi, Suraya Dunsford, Isabella Goodwin, Anastasia Paloubis, Marianna Quinones-Valera, Eugene Mctavish, Antonio Verdejo-Garcia, Janna Cousijn, Gary C. K. Chan, Nadia Solowij, Valentina Lorenzetti

School of Psychology

Rationale: Cannabis use disorder (CUD) affects over 50 million people globally. Emerging evidence shows that some people with CUD may experience altered social cognition (e.g., emotion recognition or differentiation). These impairments can affect their ability to understand others’ emotional states and navigate social interactions, potentially contributing to chronic cannabis use, even when it leads to interpersonal problems. However, the literature on social cognition in cannabis users is inconsistent, based on a paucity of studies, and characterised by methodological issues including conflation of remitted and current CUD (i.e., does not consider abstinence effects on cognition), limited assessment of cannabis metrics (e.g., …

Caries Risk Assessment As The Strongest Predictor Of Oral Health–Related Quality Of Life: A Cross-Sectional Multivariate Study Of Adolescent Students, Fadil Abdillah Arifin, Mila Febriany, Husnah Husein, Eva Novawaty

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescent students, with a particular focus on identifying the strongest predictor using a multivariate analytical approach.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 249 adolescent students in Sekolah Menengah Pertama Negeri 54 Makassar, Indonesia, was conducted. Clinical examinations were performed to assess dental caries experience using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index (DMF-T), oral hygiene status using the Oral Hygiene Index–Simplified (OHI-S), Body Mass Index (BMI), sex, and caries risk level using the Caries Risk Assessment (CRA) tool, categorized into low, medium, …