Digital Commons Network^™

The Ones That Got Away:Shared Misses, Shared Mastery — A Proposal For Leveraging Spaced Retrieval, Variable Reinforcement, And Collective Learning In Emergency Medicine Residency, James Espinosa D, Robin Lahr, James Lee, Swet M. Patel, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Residents frequently engage in individual question-bank study for board preparation; however, missed questions are typically processed in isolation. Educational psychology demonstrates that spaced retrieval and variable reinforcement enhance durable learning. Psychological safety further supports collective sense-making in professional education . The addition of a periodic, structured, collective shared-review process model may leverage these principles within residency training.

Objective

To propose a resident-driven educational initiative that transforms individually missed board-style questions into a shared, psychologically safe learning stream that promotes durable knowledge retention and community-based mastery.  The movement of this stream could be a chief resident responsibility, or could be …

When Individual Implicit Bias Meets Ed System Turbulence: Expanding The Implicit Bias And Cultural Bias Conceptual Frame To Support Reflective Decision Making Through Both Individual Bias Reduction Strategies As Well As System-Level Design Approaches, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Cultural and implicit bias have been widely studied as contributors to disparities in healthcare delivery. Prior literature has largely conceptualized bias as an individual-level cognitive phenomenon occurring within clinician–patient interactions. However, emergency departments (EDs) function as complex adaptive systems (CAS), characterized by time pressure, uncertainty, cognitive load, and environmental noise. These conditions may contribute to the expression of implicit bias in clinical care.

Objective

To reframe cultural and implicit bias in the ED as both an individual cognitive property as well as a system-dependent and modulated  phenomenon and to propose that the operational state of the ED influences the …

Constructive Affirmation: Proposing An Empowering Term For What Good Teaching Attendings Already Do-- Integrating Affirmation And Constructive Criticism Through Learning Science, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Feedback is central to residency training, and quite naturally many educational cultures emphasize corrective feedback and error identification. Learning science suggests that reinforcement of correct cognitive patterns is equally essential for expertise development. This paper introduces the concept of constructive affirmation as an integrated feedback model combining affirmation and constructive criticism.

Objective

To propose a learning science framework for clinical feedback in residency training centered on the concept of constructive affirmation.

Methods

This conceptual analysis synthesizes literature from medical education, cognitive psychology, neurobiology of learning, and complexity science to examine how different feedback types influence pattern recognition, cognitive load, …

In School Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Does Academic Achievement And Social Development Improve In Inclusive Classroom Environments?, Ashley A. Macquaid

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social skills, communication, and sensory processing 1. ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children internationally 2. With the growing prevalence, classroom inclusivity of individuals with autism has emerged as a priority in education. However, current literature presents a range of positive and negative factors without clear indication of effective classroom placement for students' specific needs. This research aims to determine if inclusive classroom environments improve academic achievement and social development for school-age children with ASD. A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases yielded studies published between …

Mental Health Comorbidities And Ibd Outcomes On Anti-Tnf Therapy, Jashanveer S. Johal, Mahmoud Al-Bataineh, Archana Salek, Bianca Patel, Om Patel, Jason Hyman, Yecheskel Schneider, Abdallah Hussein

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may adversely affect biologic therapy outcomes. We evaluated the impact of comorbid mood disorders on clinical outcomes among IBD patients treated with anti-TNF agents.

Methods: Using a global de-identified electronic health record network, adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis initiating an anti-TNF agent between 2018–2023 were identified. Cohort 1 included patients with a documented mood disorder (depression and/or anxiety) at or prior to anti-TNF initiation; Cohort 2 included those without mood disorders. Propensity score matching (1:1) on demographics and comorbidities yielded 9,605 patients per cohort. Primary outcomes …

Beyond First-Break: Uncovering Medical Contributors In Adolescent Psychosis, Jacob De Castro, Adrian Cuesta Gonzalez, Justin Scarano, Celeste Antoinette Pinto, Alexandra Cruz-Mullane, Zulfiya Tashpulatova, Nardin El-Shammaa

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The patient an 18-year-old male presenting with first-episode psychosis ("first- break") with atypical features, including auditory hallucinations localized to his ear without hearing loss, severe malnutrition, neuroimaging abnormalities, and endocrine dysfunction. This case study highlights the importance of evaluating medical etiologies in presumed primary psychosis rather than assuming a primary psychiatric disorder.

Effect Of Pcos Treatment On Mental Health Outcomes, Audriti Mazumder, Aubrey Olson

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Abstract (250 words)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with a range of physical symptoms, including hirsutism, acne, weight gain, insulin resistance, and infertility. While its metabolic and reproductive manifestations are well characterized, the impact of PCOS on mental health remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between PCOS and mental health outcomes, with a particular focus on changes in symptoms following treatment and the influence of demographic factors.

A survey-based study was conducted using a Qualtrics questionnaire distributed via QR code and social media platforms. Questions were modeled after validated screening tools, including …

Impact Of A Caregiver Wellness Workshop On Well-Being And Mental Health, Keertana Jonnalagadda, Morgan Yacoe

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Family caregivers provide care for loved ones by addressing their activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and psychological needs. These demands impact a caregiver’s time and overall well-being. To address burnout and improve education regarding caregiver wellness, a workshop was created to build an effective support system for caregivers and teach them practical self-care strategies. Activities using visual art were designed to reduce caregiver anxiety and stress. Results from validated scales such as Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS), WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and a unique caregiver wellness survey (CWS) in a small sample showed …

Cultural Influences In Psychiatry, Kavita Bhavsar, Mayuri Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The patient is a 26-year-old female presenting with unspecified hallucinations, delusional thinking, concerns for catatonia and potential sex-trafficking. This case study highlights the importance of approaching each patient through their unique cultural lens while examining and minimizing our own biases while navigating each patient holistically and individually.

De-Epithelialization Versus Pedicle De-Skinning In Reduction Mammoplasty: Comparative Outcomes From The Literature, Samantha Fry, Karina Vizzoni

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background- Reduction mammoplasty treats symptomatic macromastia. A key step involves pedicle preparation before breast mound reconstruction. Two main techniques include: De-epithelialization: Removes epidermis, preserves dermis, De-skinning: Excises both epidermal and dermal layers. Evidence comparing surgical outcomes between these techniques is limited.

Hypothesis- De-epithelialization will result in fewer vascular complications but longer operative times than de-skinning; thus, superiority depends on case selection.

Methods- A literature review identified studies on skin removal techniques in breast reduction mammoplasty.

Results- De-skinning was faster than de-epithelialization, though energy-assisted modalities were fastest. Nipple–areola complex (NAC) ischemia and necrosis rates were low across all methods. Superficial de-epithelialization …

Hormonal Contraceptives And Menstrual Symptom Severity Among Women With Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Global And Daily Assessment, Maria Cox, Danielle Arigo, Gabrielle M. Salvatore

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use is primarily for pregnancy prevention and may reduce menstrual symptoms in some individuals, though evidence is inconsistent. The aim of the study was to examine differences in symptom presence and severity among 64 menstruating women with ≥1 CVD risk factor (e.g., hypertension), including HC users (20.63%) and non-users (79.37%; sample M_age= 31.88 ± 9.89, M_bmi= 31.79 ± 7.6). Participants completed the global Premenstrual Screening Tool at baseline and then reported the presence and severity of 16 menstrual symptoms (1=Not Present to 4 = Severe) in end-of-day surveys over 45 days. In a …

Do International Alumni Give Differently? A Study On The Alumni Philanthropic Perspective Of Trust And Key Relational Factors Affecting Attitude Towards Giving, John Held

Dissertations

Philanthropy plays a key role in the funding of institutions of higher education. Previous research has focused on domestic populations, exploring the antecedents and elements of philanthropy in higher education. The literature has yet to examine differences in these elements between domestic and international, or distance extremes, amongst alumni populations. This study investigates the perceptions and motivating factors influencing alumni who experience significant geographic separation from their Higher Education Institution (HEI) and their philanthropic support for their alma mater. The conceptual model includes factors at the organization-to-organization, person-to-organization, and person-to-person levels and their moderating effects on the relationship between trust …

Understanding Communication In Green Infrastructure Project Teams In Rochester Ny Region: Coordination, Negotiation, And Constraints, Hayden Berner

Theses

This study explores how communication is perceived and used within multidisciplinary green infrastructure (GI) project teams. As GI continues to grow in the United States, projects increasingly rely on collaboration between professionals from different fields, making communication a critical factor in project success. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals working on GI projects in the Greater Rochester, New York region. The data were analyzed using an inductive, grounded theory approach to identify key themes related to communication practices, challenges, and outcomes. Results show that communication is not just a tool for sharing information, but a …

Genetic Analysis Of Triplicated Genes Affecting Sex-Specific Skeletal Deficits In Down Syndrome Model Mice, Kourtney Sloan, Kristina M. Piner, Pathum Randunu Nawarathna Kandedura Arachchige, Charles R. Goodlett, Yann Herault, Gayla R. Olbricht, Joseph M. Wallace, Randall J. Roper

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), resulting in skeletal insufficiency (low bone mineral density) and altered bone development. DS mouse models recapitulate these deficits, including sexual dimorphism in long bone alterations. Historically, Ts65Dn mice provided much of the insight behind DS-related skeletal deficits with ∼100 trisomic orthologous genes, but there are concerns about the genetic fidelity in this model due to the included triplication of genes not homologous to Hsa21. A new DS model, Ts66Yah, subtracted the non-Hsa21 homologous trisomic genes from Ts65Dn but has not been evaluated for long bone deficits. Comparing …

Music And Movement For Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Jordan Butler

The Corinthian

Parkinson’s disease, affecting approximately 10 million people worldwide, causes deficits in fine motor function, speech, and movement, as well as many other secondary symptoms, such as depression (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2020, para. 1). Past researchers have outlined many different studies and interventions regarding Parkinson’s and the effects of various types of music therapy (Andrejeva et al., 2019; Bukowska et al., 2016; Tamplin et al., 2019; Thaut, Rice, Braun Janzen, Hurt-Thaut, & McIntosh, 2019; Zhang, Liu, Ye, Li, & Chen, 2017). This review includes numerous ways that music therapy has benefited, and assisted people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Vocal practices, auditory stimulation, and …

Empowering Junior High School Students’ Collaboration Skills Through Science Learning Using The Secret Mission Game, Rahma Fika Kurnia, Imraatul Mufidah, Dyne Rizki Puspitasari

Journal of Innovation and Teacher Professionalism

This study aimed to empower the collaboration skills of Class VII B students at SMP Laboratorium UM through the implementation of the Game-Based Learning model using the Secret Mission game in science learning on the topic of Physical and Chemical Changes. The study was motivated by the low level of students’ collaboration skills, as indicated by previous classroom assignments that were mostly completed individually rather than collaboratively in groups. The study employed the Lesson Study approach, which consisted of three stages: Plan, Do, and See. During the planning stage, the Lesson Study team collaboratively designed learning modules, game scenarios, instructional …

Lindenwood Digest, May 6, 2026, Lindenwood University

Lindenwood Digest

Event & Date: The 2026 Lindenwood Showcase was held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. 

Geographic Grounding: The event occurred at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. 

Key Honorees/Awards: Student winners included Reghan Gacki and Luisa Gonzalez for Original Research Project, Aidan Brynes for Creative Project, Lauren Roberts, Brendan Finnery, and Judah Davis for Exploratory Project, Chloe Ceballos for Proposal Project, and Allison Schrumf and Eleri Tye for Civic Engagement Project; Kimberly Sanchez received the Alpha Chi People's Choice Award; Oral presentation winners included Ava Bilton, Stephanie Greenhalgh, Kadence Berry, Taylor Bertubin, and Piper Colantone. 

Institutional Context: The showcase highlights diverse …

Examining The Relationship Between Teachers’ Attitudes And Efficacy For Inclusive Classroom Practices, Dike Ibiam Dick

Journal of Innovation and Teacher Professionalism

This study examined the relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy and their attitudes toward inclusive education in Ondo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 500 primary and secondary school teachers using two standardized instruments: the Sentiments, Attitudes, and Concerns about Inclusive Education Revised (SACIE-R) Scale and the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practice (TEIP) Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, Multiple Linear Regression, and one-way ANOVA. The findings revealed a moderate positive relationship between teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive education and their self-efficacy in behavior management and collaboration, while a weaker positive relationship was …

Trauma, Memory, And Decision-Making: How Covid-19 Shaped Autobiographical Memories And Risky Decision-Making In Young Adults, Rachel Seo

Student Theses

Autobiographical memory is a critical component of the memory process that guides future behaviors by relying on past personal experiences connected to major public events. This decision-making process is heavily influenced by trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as they may guide individuals to riskier behaviors. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global traumatic stressor that contributed to shifts in behavioral outcomes post-pandemic. Despite research showing associations between memory accessibility, traumatic symptoms, and decision-making, there is limited research on health-related behaviors and post-pandemic behavioral outcomes in individuals with high trauma exposure specifically from the pandemic. The present study investigates …

Transforming Experience Into Practice: A Portfolio Of Growth, Identity, And Leadership, Ana I. Loli

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This professional portfolio documents the integration of my academic learning, practicum experience, and personal transformation throughout the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana. Drawing from trauma‑informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive frameworks, I demonstrate competency across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice, with particular emphasis on ethical decision-making, ADEI engagement, community assessment, policy analysis, research-informed practice, and collaborative leadership. Through narrative reflections and applied artifacts—including case analyses, simulated clinical sessions, community-based research, organizational evaluation, and leadership implementation—I illustrate how meaning, context, power, history, and possibility shape my approach to social work. This portfolio highlights my development …

Small Business Management Decision Making In Department Of Defense Information System Services Markets, Robert T. Noonan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Moderating Effects Of Body-Mind-Spirit Well-Being On The Relationship Between Diabetes Self-Efficacy And Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management, Carly Snodgrass

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Trauma-Informed De-Escalation Staff Education For Outpatient Psychiatric Nursing, Alice Sesay

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Exploring Child Trafficking Survivors' Experiences: Support, Revictimization, And Justice Institutions, Max Lubin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Improving Medication Adherence In Outpatient Mental Health Care Through Staff Education And Training, Nonye Frances Nwokoro

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Leadership Styles And Information Security Policy Compliance Intentions: The Mediating Role Of Psychological Empowerment, David Sikolia, Andy Luse

Faculty Submissions

This study extends prior research on psychological empowerment and information security policy (ISP) compliance by examining whether transformational and transactional leadership influence employees' compliance intentions indirectly through psychological empowerment.

Data were collected from a convenience sample of 119 employed individuals enrolled in a US MBA program. The model was estimated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Psychological empowerment was modeled as a second-order construct comprising meaning, competence, self-determination, and impact. Indirect effects were assessed with 5,000 bootstrap resamples and 95% bootstrap confidence intervals.

Both transformational and transactional leadership were positively associated with psychological empowerment, and psychological empowerment strongly …

Visual Cues In Online Education: How Emojis In Asynchronous Instructor Communication Strengthen Emotional And Behavioral Outcomes, Minseong Kim, Tami L. Knotts, Nancy D. Albers, Karen E. James

Faculty Publications

Online learning environments often lack nonverbal cues that support relational communication between instructors and students, making it difficult to establish emotional connection and trust. This study examines how emojis, as affective visual cues, influence instructor credibility, emotional attachment, trust, and responsible behavior in asynchronous online education. A scenario-based experiment was conducted with 297 undergraduate students who were randomly assigned to view an instructor email either with or without emojis. Participants subsequently evaluated the instructor’s credibility (expertise, trustworthiness, and likeability), as well as their emotional attachment, trust, and anticipated responsible behavior. The results indicate that emojis significantly enhance perceived likeability, which …

Is The School Environment The Leading Cause Of The Rise In Burnout Rates Among Tenured Teachers?, Jazalyn A. Brown

Honors College Theses

Teacher burnout has become an increasingly significant issue within the field of education, affecting not only teachers themselves but also the learning environments within schools. Many educators face growing pressures, including overwhelming workloads, limited resources, and a lack of consistent administrative support, which can lead to emotional exhaustion and frustration over time. As more teachers report experiencing burnout or leaving the profession altogether, it becomes increasingly important to better understand the factors that contribute to this issue and how schools can respond to it. This thesis explores how school environments and leadership practices influence teacher burnout and why stronger support …

How Ux Design Shapes Brand Perception In Digital Environments Among Gen Z, Adriane R. Arinder

Honors Theses

This study examines how user experience (UX) design shapes brand perception among young adult consumers, with a focus on digitally active individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. Drawing on a review of academic and industry literature, qualitative data from a focus group of seven University of Mississippi students, and quantitative data from a survey of 153 participants, this research argues that intuitive, accessible digital experiences function as a form of brand communication that significantly influences how users evaluate the companies behind them. The study conceptualizes UX through four primary dimensions: usability, navigation clarity, interaction efficiency, and accessibility. Findings …

The Lived Experiences Of Facilitators Navigating Group Cohesion In Online Interpersonal Psychotherapy Groups, Jason Woodford

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.