Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Nexus Of Adverse Childhood Experiences And Illicit Substance Misuse Among Midwestern Adults, Anika R. Eisenbraun

Department of Sociology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The positive association between illicit substance misuse and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been widely examined in prior literature. Yet, there is limited understanding of the varying factors, such as social support, depressive symptoms, or sexual victimization, that may impact the relationship between substance misuse and ACEs. As such, the purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between ACEs (i.e., physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect) with illicit substance misuse and to investigate indirect pathways of social support, depressive symptoms, and sexual victimization. Private, secondary data from the second cohort of a larger, longitudinal rural health …

Household Wealth And Mental Health In Older Adults Across Racial Groups: Moderating Role Of Social Support, Sunkanmi Folorunsho

Department of Sociology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis examines the relationship between household wealth and mental health outcomes among older adults, with particular attention to racial and ethnic differences and the potential moderating role of social support. Although financial resources are widely recognized as important determinants of psychological well-being, less is known about how social support interacts with economic conditions to shape mental health in later life. The study also addresses how these patterns may vary among different racial and ethnic groups, given persistent inequalities in wealth and disparities in access to social resources.

Drawing on data from the 2020 wave of the Health and Retirement …

Radar Precursors To Severe Weather Reports In Left-Moving Supercells, Eric A. Carothers

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

While much research has examined dual-polarimetric signatures of right-moving supercells, very little has been done with left-moving supercells. Given that left-moving supercells are thought to be disproportionate producers of large hail, understanding their internal dynamics is vitally important. This study examines differences and trends in the dual-polarimetric signatures of left-moving supercells to identify precursors to severe weather reports. A dataset of left-moving supercells associated with severe weather reports was created. These storms are processed with an automated analysis algorithm that identifies and quantifies the polarimetric signatures in each storm. A method for analysis of differences and trends in their dual-polarization …

Treating The Black Fever: Evaluating Combination Chemotherapy For Leishmania Donovani, Robert Frank Mickatavage

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) endemic to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, caused by the parasite L. donovani and spread by the Phlebotomine sandfly. If left untreated, VL is almost always fatal, bearing a mortality rate of over 95%. Many individuals within endemic regions are often too poor to afford treatment, and the financial burden of current treatments may only exacerbate their poverty. Antimonials and more modern treatments display varying effectiveness, but are nonetheless toxic to the host, commonly inducing hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and renal failure. The development of more effective and safer treatments is crucial, particularly …

Cares Act And Income Inequality In The Long Run, Kathleen Washington

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

In this paper, I will be looking at how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a revolutionary public policy, led to income inequality decreasing during the Covid-19 pandemic in the US. Additionally, from the data available, the CARES Act seems to not have had any long run effects on income inequality in the US. Although, I would recommend more research on the CARES Act’s long-run effects when more data become available as time passes.

Biological Reduction Of Perchlorate In Martian Regolith Simulant Using Azospira Oryzae, Brianna Bernhardt

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Establishing a sustainable human presence on Mars will require in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) to reduce costly and inefficient resupply missions. Despite containing many of the requirements for agriculture, Martian regolith is contaminated with toxic levels of perchlorate (ClO₄^-), threatening human health and agricultural success. Biological remediation using perchlorate-reducing bacteria offers a promising approach to address these challenges. This study investigated the perchlorate-reducing ability of Azospira oryzae, a facultative anaerobe capable of converting ClO₄^- to chloride (Cl^-) through dissimilatory respiration. A. oryzae was cultured in Martian regolith simulant (MGS-1) amended with 0.0%, 0.5%, …

Artists And Inspirations: A Look At The Past And My Present, Sofie A. Curto

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This paper examines eight artists who have served as inspiration and guidance in my own artistic growth over the past four years. With in depth examinations of each, I dive into their personal life, practices, and experiences. I then examine one of each of their works and reflect on how it pertains to my practice. There are two separate sections that reflect the expanding scope of my work. Each section concludes with an investigation of several of my pieces and my creation process. Finally, there is a description of my four submitted works completed in conjunction with this research.

Sodium And Potassium In Health And Cellular Function, Jordyn Branz

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) are essential electrolytes that regulate numerous physiological processes. These include cell function, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. The Na+/K+-ATPase plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of these ions by actively transporting three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell against their concentration gradients. This process is vital for maintaining the resting membrane potential and supporting the function of excitable cells. The Na+/K+-ATPase consists of two main subunits, with the alpha-subunit being primarily responsible for ion transport activity. Isoforms alpha1, alpha2, and alpha3 are tissue-specific and contribute to …

Eating Behavior Differences Across Dementia Diagnoses: The Roles Of Behavioral Symptoms And Anticipatory Physiological Responses, Charlie J. Lorkovic

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Objective: To determine how behavioral symptoms and impairment of the preparatory physiological response contribute to disordered eating behaviors in dementia, particularly frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods: This secondary analysis utilizes data from 242 patients (191 FTD, 51 AD) who took part in a collaborative study between the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, San Francisco. Preparatory physiological responses were measured as heart rate increases from a baseline to an instruction period, when participants were informed that they were about to watch an emotional film. Behavioral symptoms, including eating behaviors, were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of Virtual Reality In Modern Healthcare Education, Adarsha Ganesan

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in healthcare education through multiple facets of evaluation: educational outcomes, accessibility considerations, and financial viability. Drawing from an extensive literature review on existing research and a case study of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing's "Journey Through the Kidney" VR experience, this analysis examines how technology can transform modern medical education. While research shows mixed results regarding virtual reality’s impact on assessment outcomes, studies demonstrate increased student motivation and engagement, which can have lasting downstream effects on the quality of learning. Accessibility analysis reveals both opportunities and …

Morgan Stanley’S Competitive Strategy And Industry Environment: An External And Internal Analysis, Mikaela S. Waggoner

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm that trades, manages, and distributes capital for a wide range of clients. Its competitive position is dependent on a number of factors including reputation, quality, and innovation, and the firm is subject to many internal and external factors that affect its competitive position. This work seeks to examine the factors that affect Morgan Stanley’s strategy and competitive position, looking at both historical factors and potential future outcomes. A PESTEL analysis as well as an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces in the financial industry are used to demonstrate the external factors that influence …

Advancing Mitochondrial Dna Visualization And Dynamics In Plants: Application Of The Mt-Hi-Ness Fluorescent Marker, Madeleine H. Faber

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and inheritance, yet its dynamics and exchange remain poorly understood in plant systems due to limitations in visualization techniques. Traditional visualization methods such as exogenous DNA stains and fluorescent protein markers present challenges in specificity and live-cell imaging. To address this challenge, we adapted the MT-HI-NESS fluorescent marker, originally developed for mammalian cells, for use in plant mitochondrial studies. Using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system, we employed mitochondrial targeting sequences (IVD and AOX) to ensure accurate localization and to confirm mtDNA binding specificity. The validation process included fluorescence-based …

Befitting Bach: Prelude And Fugue Transcribed For Horn Quartet, Caitlin Murphy

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis, titled “Befitting Bach: Prelude and Fugue Transcribed for Horn Quartet,” consists of horn quartet transcriptions of Prelude 1 and Fugue 1 from Johann Sebastian Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I. The prelude and fugue pair were originally written for harpsichord during the Baroque period, and the pieces remain commonly performed on keyboard instruments. The transcription translates the pieces into four-part horn music while preserving the original musical ideas and accounting for the different technical capabilities between the instruments. The accompanying written component provides a brief history of the original compositions. Further, the report delves into the transcription …

A Comparative Analysis Of Women’S Health In Latin America And The United States: Geographical Context And Preventative Actions, Holly J. Robinson

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Cervical cancer, breast cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy complications, and gender-based violence are dangers faced by women everywhere. However, the severity of these risks can increase significantly due to a country’s geography, government control, and level of development. This thesis expands upon information gained directly from on-site experiences with medical professionals and locals (including doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and patients) in Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, and further research to look at Latin America as a whole, in relation to the United States. Both the US and Latin America exhibit problems with their healthcare systems. The United States is more …

Through Every Door A New Story: An Advertising Campaign For Francie & Finch Bookshop, Aislinn T. Sullivan

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

More and more of our world is run by algorithms. What we see, what we buy, and what we share. Online retail has sent ripples through the book-selling industry, but the algorithms can’t replicate the feeling of tangible discovery and shared experience.

As more free time is taken up by digital entertainment, moms are seeking to create personally resonant experiences for those they love. This campaign strives to introduce Francie & Finch as the stage for the target market, moms ages 35-50, increasing brand awareness.

These moms remember the things that tightened their bond with their loved ones like …

The Commodification Of Native American Remains: The Use Of Native American Remains Within Educational Institutions And The Implementation Of Nagpra, Molly Nowak

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Indigenous communities have been commodified within educational institutions such as museums, universities, and governmental agencies throughout American history. Unethical collection practices have allowed for a disproportionate representation of Indigenous remains and materials within educational institutions. Indigenous bodies, funerary objects, religious materials, and other important cultural materials have been stolen from their communities and used for scientific discovery and education. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), passed in 1990, created legal protections for Indigenous graves and remains and instigates the return of the stolen materials. This project reviews the historical contexts behind the collection of Indigenous remains, the …

Espn Navigates A New World Order, Grace Rowe

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

ESPN has been at the top of sports broadcasting for decades. Recently, there has been a shift in consumer behavior towards preferring digital streaming instead of cable television. In this report, I will discuss the background of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) and its competitive advantages. I will analyze the situation using a strategic framework to take a closer look at what solutions ESPN could implement. Finally, I will recommend how to successfully transition from the crown jewel of cable bundles to an online streaming platform. After looking at the PESTEL framework, Porter’s Five Forces, the VRIO framework, …

Addressing The Lack Of Patient Adherence To Exercise Within The Physical Therapy Clinic And Creating Infographics To Improve Patient Adherence, Gretchen Panovich

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The primary objective of this applied knowledge project is to develop educational materials to enhance patient adherence. The World Health Organization defines adherence as “the extent to which a person’s behavior…corresponds with agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider.” Within the physical therapy field, non-adherence to exercise is a significant problem linked with increased duration of treatment, more patient complaints, reduced positive clinical outcomes, and even surgical intervention.

Multiple factors affect patient adherence, making it hard to pinpoint a singular cause. Clinical observations and research suggest that belief in the rehabilitation process may suffer due to a prolonged recovery period, lack …

Reversing Residential Segregation In Richmond: Recommendations For A More Inclusive Future, Jacob Ellis

Honors Theses

Cities are dynamic, evolving reflections of our societies. The current built environment of Richmond, Virginia, is shaped by its stored history with zoning, which is inextricably linked to race. Since 1927, the City of Richmond, Virginia has had some form of a zoning ordinance in place, intended to create a system of de facto residential segregation. While the first zoning ordinance primarily focused on separating residential and industrial spaces in response to the City Beautiful movement and early 20th-century progressive ideals, zoning in Richmond quickly became a weapon of segregation and racism. As the former capital of the Confederacy, Richmond …

Evaluating The Role Of Institutional Size And Selectivity In Determining Social Belonging, Christian Herald

Honors Theses

This research study examines the role of institutional selectivity and size in facilitating feelings of belonging for racially marginalized students in predominantly white college campuses. Unlike past research, which has focused its methodology primarily on large research institutions, I seek to research small liberal arts institutions in addition to larger colleges for a comparative effect to assess differences in campus structure and its implications for belonging. I use Washington and Lee, Randolph-Macon College, the University of Virginia, and James Madison University as case studies for examining differences in belonging between small liberal arts institutions and large research institutions, using quantitative …

Chrysanthèmes Et Camélias: Le Japonisme Littéraire Au Xixᵉ Siècle Et Aujourd’Hui, Emiko Iguchi

Honors Theses

Ce travail explorera le dialogue entre Madame Chrysanthème et Le Cahier rose de Madame Chrysanthème, une réponse directe de Félix Régamey à l’oeuvre de Loti. J’analyserai également un exemple plus moderne, L’Élégance du hérisson de Muriel Barbery. Bien que ces trois oeuvres traitent de l’interaction entre les mêmes deux pays, les intentions des auteurs se révèlent à travers leur manière de représenter les personnages et les échanges culturels. Malgré le manque général de compréhension de la culture japonaise qui transparaît dans le récit de Loti, Madame Chrysanthème a eu une influence durable sur la manière dont le Japon a …

The Impact Of Remittances On Children’S Educational Outcomes: The Case Of India, Neha Reddy Kalwala

Honors Theses

This paper investigates whether children in Indian households receiving more remittances have better educational outcomes. India is the world’s largest recipient of remittances and is characterized by a unique socioeco- nomic and demographic context that makes any educational improvements or disparities particularly impactful on global education metrics. Using panel data from the India Human Development Survey, I employ OLS and logit regressions with household fixed effects, a difference-in-differences strategy, and a Heckman selection model. Two measures of educational outcomes are analyzed: weekly hours spent at school and school enrollment. Findings suggest that an increase in remittances leads to a higher …

The Assizes Of Romania: Feudal Law And The Latin East, Caleb Silvergleid

Honors Theses

I conduct a comparative analysis of the Assizes of Romania (c. 1335) in two key spheres of law - the law of the feudal contract and the law of inheritance. I do so by placing the AR alongside a few legal traditions that might plausibly have influenced it: the customary law of different regions in northern France as recorded in the Coutumes de Beauvaisis (c. 1281-3) and the Summa de legibus Normannie (c. 1254-8), those of the Kingdom of Lombardy in Northern Italy in the Libri Feudorum (c. 1120-1200), and the collection of the Crusader law of the Latin East …

Hiring Preferences Of Federally Recognized Tribes" Survey And Analysis, Kristen Gutierrez Lovoti

Master of Public Administration for Senior Leadership

In the United States, there are currently 574 federally recognized Tribal nations. Both employers and applicants face challenges in the hiring process. Tribes may face challenges finding qualified applicants with the necessary skills for specific roles. A less-qualified employee may result in less impactful program outcomes, lower revenue, discouraged employees, and higher turnover rates. In addition, hiring an employee who doesn’t understand Tribal culture may result in ineffective programs, policies, and/or miscommunication. For those looking to work for a Tribal government, applicants often find challenges in that hiring preferences/policies (P&Ps) are different from Tribe to Tribe and not posted in …

May 2025, Volume 21, Number 1, Winthrop University Archives And Special Collections

Retrospect: News from the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University

No abstract provided.

About

The Prairie Light Review

No abstract provided.

Revisiting Co-Expression-Based Automated Function Prediction In Yeast With Neural Networks And Updated Gene Ontology Annotations, Cole Mcguire

Computer Science Honors Theses

Automated function prediction (AFP) is the process of predicting the function of genes or proteins with machine learning models trained on high-throughput biological data. Deep learning with neural networks has become the dominant machine learning architecture of contemporary AFP models. However, it is unclear what difference exists between neural networks and previous machine learning architectures for AFP. Therefore, we created a model of AFP in yeast using neural networks that is trained on gene co-expression data to predict Gene Ontology (GO) labels. When trained on the same input data, we found that our model outperforms two other experimentally-validated co-expression-based AFP …

Invisible Infrastructure: Metal Artifacts At Trinity University’S Walking Trail Site, Adam Kingery

Sociology and Anthropology Honors Theses

This thesis analyzes a series of metal artifacts recovered from the Walking Trail Site located on the modern campus of Trinity University, a small private liberal arts university in San Antonio, Texas. These artifacts are a small sample of objects recovered from a late 19th and early 20th-century dumpsite. They were analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) to determine their elemental composition, and subsequent research highlighted their place in the cultural and developmental history of San Antonio— especially in terms of water infrastructure and concrete building practices. Below, I examine the history of the Walking Trail archaeological site, an overview of …

Non-Identity-Based Support For Lgbtq+ Youth, Katherine Willcockson

Sociology and Anthropology Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Commencement Program 2025, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | Message from the President

3 | 2025 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

29 | School of Medicine

50 | School of Pharmacy

63 | School of Dentistry

81 | School of Public Health

94 | San Manuel Gateway College

101 | School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health …