Digital Commons Network^™

Creating A Caring, Accountable, Respectable, And Engaging Environment (2care2): An Applied Research Study To Address Chronic Absenteeism, Eula Anderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this study, I will explore some of the root causes behind middle school students' failure to attend class. Data shows that students are labeled chronically absent when they miss more than 10% of a school year, regardless of the absences- expelled, unexcused, or suspended. According to the U.S. Department of Education, about seven million students were labeled chronically absent in the 2015-16 school year, equating to roughly one out of every six students across the United States being absent for 15 or more days. The problem exists nationwide; however, it is more prominent in urban areas with low socioeconomic …

A Case For Digital Coaches, Elise Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In response to COVID-19, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) invested approximately $295 million to support digital learning efforts. This investment, referred to as the Mississippi Connects Initiative, funded state level infrastructure improvement, bulk device purchasing, digital subscription purchasing, telehealth and teletherapy resources, and professional learning for educators. Focusing on professional learning, this study aimed to determine if differences existed between schools that did and did not receive professional learning via the digital learning coaching program.

The data used in this study was collected in the spring of the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years, using the BrightBytes® Technology and Learning …

North Ms Foodrx Farm-To-Farmacy: A Home Delivery Local Food Prescription Model, Cameron De'cal Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This portfolio presents a comprehensive overview of my contributions and involvement in the Farm-to-Farmacy (FTF) program model. Farm-to-Farmacy is an extension of the FoodRx program which aims to address food insecurity in rural parts of North Mississippi. This program was inspired by the 2019 FoodRx program in the Mississippi Delta that assisted in delivering fresh produce to the doorsteps of the elderly and homebound. Farm-to-Farmacy incorporates a unique approach by soliciting the support of local farmers which assists in sustainability for a program of this stature but also supports community engagement and involvement. The Farm-to-Farmacy program relies on local farmers …

Advancing Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion: A Graduate Portfolio On Lebonheur Children's Hospital Initiatives, James Lee Hawkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In every facet of life, diversity finds a way to play a role. By advocating for, acknowledging, and drawing attention to the disparities that emerge within the various spaces people may encounter, we consciously strive to bridge the gap, aiming for a future that is more equitable and inclusive. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have not only become personal moral imperatives but also essential pillars at the forefront for companies, healthcare, educational institutions, and businesses alike.

A Quantitative Study Of The Effectiveness Of The University Of Mississippi's Biology Bootcamp, Nicole Lewis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is a growing demand for a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) trained workforce in the United States. In order to remain globally competitive, the US needs to increase the STEM workforce not only in numbers but also diversity. Colleges and universities throughout the US need to not only gain STEM majors but retain them through graduation. Research has shown that the majority of STEM students struggle their first year in college for a variety of reasons. Many academics agree that incoming freshman need to integrate both socially and academically to prevent attrition. This has led to the creation …

The Effects Of High School Scheduling Models On Student Achievement In Mississippi, Dustin Ryan Payne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the effects of different high school scheduling practices on student achievement in Mississippi, considering school economic status as a covariate. Using a robust factorial ANOVA design, the research analyzes reading proficiency, math proficiency, and Mississippi Statewide Accountability System school performance scores across 149 public high schools, excluding those with grades other than 9 through 12, private schools, and charter schools. The primary goal was to determine whether schedule type significantly influences academic performance, independent of economic status. Results indicate that while economic status consistently affects student and school performance, schedule type alone does not show a statistically …

Synchronous, Asynchronous, Or Neither: Examining The Effects Of A Single-Session Prevention Program On Student Mental Health, Katelyn M. Sharpe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Young adults (aged 18-25) were identified as the most stressed age group due to internal and external factors that are relatively unique to their group. High stress levels are alarming as they coincide with a multitude of adverse effects on psychological health, including difficulty falling and staying asleep, reduction in overall sleep quality, and exacerbated depression and anxiety symptomatology. Young adults attending post-secondary education institutions are at particular risk for developing and maintaining these adverse psychological effects of stress, especially considering the low rate in which they seek treatment for psychiatric difficulties. Limited literature exists to date regarding condensing a …

Combatting Suicidality In The Military: Harnessing Forgiveness And Self-Regulation Against The Harrowing Effects Of Moral Injury And Suicidality, Mikaela J. Raley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with military backgrounds are significantly more likely to experience mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation. Moral injury, which is associated with suicidality, is the feeling of shame, grief, and guilt associated with perpetrating, failing to prevent, or witnessing morally transgressive acts. According to the Moral Injury Model, when one acts or witnesses an act that transgresses their moral beliefs, they experience dissonance and internal conflict. A topic that has not yet been studied in terms of moral injury is the positive psychology construct of character strengths, including forgiveness and self-regulation. This study hypothesized ratings of suicide would be positively …

Mental Health In Rural Mississippi Counties: Experiences And Beliefs Of African American Pastors, Angela R. Adams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

African Americans seek formal mental health treatment services at lower rates than white Americans (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2024) and higher risk of mental illness exists among rural African Americans (Haynes et al., 2017). Religiousness and spirituality have emerged as widely utilized coping methods among African Americans, therefore it is important to understand pastoral perspectives on mental health. In addition to the type of services being sought, the decision to seek help plays an important role in treatment utilization. Along these lines, two theoretical frameworks were used to formulate this study, the Theory of Planned Behavior …

Understanding And Adressing Elder Abuse In Contemporary Society, Olivia Nash

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this paper is to spread awareness of what Elder Abuse is. Although we have all heard of it, do we truly know what it is. This piece explains what elder abuse is, focusing on the different types of abuse, why it is a growing problem today, and what we can look for to prevent these issues.

“Breathe Easy And Get A Good Night Sleep” : Exploring Parental Relationships In Hardship, Megan Delaney

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project explores parental relationships with a focus on mother-daughter relationships. I want to focus on the attachment between a parent and a child, and how mental illness and abuse from the other parent affect that relationship. This project derives from a deep love for my mother and the changes between us that I noticed as I grew older. I hope to create a choreographed work that explores our relationship with a hope of creating a stronger bond that suits our new relationship and who we are as people now. I want this dance to aid in our reconnection.

I …

Physical, Emotional, And Occupational Dimensions Of Wellness And Their Applicability: A Feasibility Study, Josephine Savitski

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This feasibility study investigates a health and wellness intervention program based on the 7 Dimensions of Wellness framework, emphasizing evidence-based methods, accessibility, and participant independence. The research combines insights from a comprehensive literature review, which explores resources essential for designing, implementing, and executing health literacy based interventions targeting three dimensions of wellness. The study outlines methods for participant selection, program delivery, and data collection, synthesizing existing research and scholarly works to provide insights into effective strategies, educational tools, and interdisciplinary approaches. Despite the absence of statistical analysis, pre- and post-survey results demonstrate positive trends. Reflections on observed outcomes highlight adaptability, …

Children's Hospital Animatronic, Erin Keller, Wesley Cunningham, Dylan Mueller, Carl Richter

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This senior project explores the development of a pediatric-oriented animatronic designed to enhance the hospital experience for children. Recognizing the importance of alleviating the anxiety and fear that often accompany hospital visits, the project focuses on creating an engaging and interactive companion to soothe children.

Key components of this project include:

1. Creative Design: The animatronic character's design prioritizes child-friendliness, employing research into child psychology and preferences to ensure an appealing and approachable aesthetic.

2. Electrical and Mechanical Engineering: A robust mechanical and electronic system was engineered to enable lifelike movements, gestures, and responses.

3. Interactive Features: A simple, user-friendly app will be …

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How Age And Vocal Health Affect The Voice, Emily Barron

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Our vocal tract ages just like our body does. This research paper hopes to bring attention to the changes that happen within the cartilages and the vocal folds located in the larynx caused by aging. There will be four age groups that will be discussed: newborn and toddlers, adolescents and young adults, adults, and senior singers. Inspired by Karen Brunssen’s book The Evolving Singing Voice, each section will go into detail discussing the biological changes that happen to the cartilages and the vocal folds during these time in our lives. A few changes that will be mentioned throughout these stages …

The Cardiorespiratory Differences Between Physically Trained Vs Untrained Collegiate Competitive Riffle Athletes, Jakob Rankin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research study will examine the differences in cardiorespiratory response of trained vs untrained physically active collegiate athletes participating in the sport of Competitive Rifle. The goal of this study is to determine how the heart and lungs respond from participation in Competitive Rifle with division one collegiate and intercollegiate club athletes. If successful, this study will help to determine a correlation of athletic performance in the sport of Competitive Rifle and structured physical training. We will also compare the results of males vs females within both division one and club athletes. The final output of this project is to …

The Impact Of Different Forms Of Physical Activity On An Athlete's Memory., Hannah Lebeck

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Memory is an integral part of human life, needed for all aspects of daily living, especially for college students. Previous research has shown a plethora of benefits to several systems of the body for those who participate in chronic aerobic activity. This research has shown chronic aerobic physical activity to provide an enhanced memory through numerous physiological adaptations. Studies on chronic anaerobic activity and its effect on the brain are minimal, demanding more research be done. PURPOSE: Determine the effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on memory and cognitive function in different classifications of collegiate athletes. METHODS: Study to consist …

The Ethics Of Involuntary Intervention, Landyn Tipton

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This is a deep ethical analysis of the act of non-consensual intervention that discusses the distinction between voluntary and involuntary intervention and explains when it would be considered appropriate and inappropriate to intervene in someone else's life. This paper presents an argument for the right to autonomy, including specific scenarios like consensual types of intervention (psychological therapy), religious intervention (specifically involving LGBTQ conversion therapy), and situations where the person is potentially harming themselves or others. There will also be an interpretation of autonomy and the claim to authority through the lens of Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics.

Examining The Structure Of Personality Dysfunction., Chelsea E. Sleep, Nathaniel L. Phillips, Tianwei V. Du, Colin Vize, Donald R. Lynam, Joshua D. Miller

Department of Psychological Sciences Faculty Publications

Personality impairment is a core feature of personality disorders in both current (i.e., Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition [DSM-5] personality disorders, International Classification of Diseases,11th revision personality disorders) and emerging (i.e., DSM-5’s alternative model of personality disorders) models of psychopathology. Yet, despite its importance within clinical nosology, attempts to identify its optimal lower-order structure have yielded inconsistent findings. Given its presence in diagnostic models, it is important to better understand its empirical structure across a variety of instantiations. To the degree that impairment is multifaceted, various factors may have different nomological networks and varied implications for …

Human Olfactory Assessment Of Scented Volatile Chemical Product Emissions, Jordan Cross, Brian Magnuson, Zachary Limaye, Rashmika Manipati, Chunxu Huang, Jianghui Liu, Brandon Boor, Nusrat Jung

International High Performance Buildings Conference

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Chamber Platform For Evaluating Indoor Dust Contact Transfer And Resuspension In Infant Near-Floor Microenvironments, Brian Magnuson, Satya Patra, Nusrat Jung, Brandon Boor

International High Performance Buildings Conference

No abstract provided.

Real-Time Energy And Ieq Monitoring Of A Compact Living Space, Hongbo Lu, Emmanuel Aghimien, Xiaosu Ding, Ariane Rednour, Jordan Cross, Nusrat Jung

International High Performance Buildings Conference

No abstract provided.

From Fixed To Growth: How A Mindset Transforms Student Learning, Andrew Fabo

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Placing labels onto young learners, such as “smart” and “gifted,” impacts their brain growth and mental health tremendously; rarely in a positive manner. This way of thinking, formed by separating students into “accelerated” and “normal” categories, can instill what is known as a fixed mindset of learning. Believing that there is no room to grow, or being afraid to make mistakes, largely due to the impact of these labels, learners quickly become less likely to attempt more challenging tasks; as well as persevere through difficult obstacles. Through extensive research within the Akron-Summit County Public Library, The University of Akron’s Bierce …

Needs Assessment – National Repository For Nsf Agep Deliverables, Christie Sahley, Megan Sapp-Nelson, Donna Ferullo, Linda Mason, Hanzi Xie

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

This white paper proposes the establishment of a National Repository for NSF Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Deliverables to address the critical need for preserving and sharing a wide array of materials generated from the AGEP program. Recognizing the challenges of ephemeral storage solutions and the absence of a unified collection mechanism, the paper underscores the repository's role in promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) research. It emphasizes the importance of accommodating diverse data types, enhancing discoverability, and ensuring long-term access to educational materials, policy documents, and research outcomes. Through a comprehensive approach, the proposed repository …

Realigning And Revitalizing Study Abroad Programs In A Post-Pandemic World, Jinhua Li, Wei Hong

School of Languages and Cultures Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Testing Whether The Relations Between Sex And Psychopathology Are Accounted For By Structural Morphometry In Abcd., Leigha Rose, Ben Listyg, Max M. Owens, Courtland S. Hyatt, Nathan T. Carter, Doroth R. Carter, Donald R. Lynam, Joshua D. Miller

Department of Psychological Sciences Faculty Publications

Sex differences in psychopathology are well-established, with females demonstrating higher rates of internalizing (INT) psychopathology and males demonstrating higher rates of externalizing (EXT) psychopathology. Using two waves of data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 6,778 at each wave), the current study tested whether the relations between sex and psychopathology might be accounted for by structural brain differences. In general, we found robust, relatively consistent relations between sex and structural morphometry across waves. Relatively few morphometric brain variables were significantly related to INT or EXT across waves, however, with very small effect sizes when present. Next, we …

Principles And Procedures For Revising The Hierarchical Taxonomy Of Psychopathology, Miriam K. Forbes, Whitney R. Ringwald, Timothy Allen, David C. Cicero, Lee Anna Clark, Colin G. Deyoung, Nicholas Eaton, Roman Kotov, Robert F. Krueger, Robert D. Latzman, Elizabeth A. Martin, Kristin Naragon-Gainey, Camilo J. Ruggero, Irwin D. Waldman, Cassandra Brandes, Eiko I. Fried, Vina M. Goghari, Benjamin Hankin, Sarah Sperry, Kasey Stanton, Awais Aftab, Donald R. Lynam, Michael Roche, Aidan G.C. Wright

Department of Psychological Sciences Faculty Publications

Quantitative, empirical approaches to establishing the structure of psychopathology hold promise to improve on traditional psychiatric classification systems. The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) is a framework that summarizes the substantial and growing body of quantitative evidence on the structure of psychopathology. To achieve its aims, HiTOP must incorporate emerging research in a systematic, ongoing fashion. In this article, we describe the historical context and grounding of the principles and procedures for revising the HiTOP framework. Informed by strengths and shortcomings of previous classification systems, the proposed revisions protocol is a formalized system focused around three pillars: (a) prioritizing systematic …

Adjustment Issues In First-Year College Students, Tessa Jones

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The transition from high school to college marks a critical period of adjustment for students, often accompanied by various stressors affecting mental health. Entering adulthood can be a time of identity crisis and emotional vulnerability, and beginning college only adds to existing pressure. This literature review explores multifaceted aspects of first-year college student adjustment, the impact of COVID-19 on universities, predictors of adjustment, and interventions. Emotional, social, and academic adjustment are intertwined with each other, and all significantly influence well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges, leading to heightened stress and decreased social interactions. Establishing connections and support from peers are …

Asynchronous Class For Algebra I Preparation, Hunter Garretson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Algebra I is the first high school mathematics class students take making it an important building block in the student’s growing mathematical foundation. Mitigating any losses in knowledge over the summer by using educational review tools has been proven helpful in previous studies. Every student comes from a different background, socioeconomic class, ethnicity, culture, etc., allowing each student to have a different summer experience. A meta-analysis looking into the concern of Summer Learning Loss (SLL) found that while some of its sample size would make summer knowledge gains, more than half of the sample size was projected to suffer from …

Classification Models Using Python In Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Beyza Ceylan

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Companies, industries, and places of business use artificial intelligence and statistics to predict the characteristics of their employees and staff. Data collected from these individuals is also used to make decisions about them regarding their work life, such as promotions, salaries, or within the hiring process. Two models that are commonly used throughout the field of psychology and specifically in industrial/organizational psychology are the linear regression and the logistic regression. Examining different classification models using Python shows the potential that there may be different models that are more accurate in their predictions of employee success, including a Random Forest model …

Morality Vs. Mortality: The Ethics Of Physician-Assisted Death In The United States, Ashley Price

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

According to the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, physician-assisted death is defined as a physician providing, at the patient’s request, a prescription for a lethal dose of medication that the patient can self-administer by ingestion, with the explicit intention of ending life. This paper will examine the different perspectives on the prevalent issue revolving around the ethics and criminality of physician-assisted death and euthanasia in the medical field – a heavily debated topic since the concept was conceived. It will explore the history and controversy revolving around the practice using ethical, faith-based, and scientific perspectives relating respectively to …