Digital Commons Network^™

Government Procurement, Financial Services, And Environment: Linkages And Implications For The Eu And Brazil, Adeet Dobhal, Lucas Moreira Jiminez

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment

The relationship between trade and the environment is increasingly a priority for policymakers and civil society. However, some of the disciplines covered by modern trade agreements have not received enough attention when it comes to their potential impact on the environment. Financial services and government procurement are two such areas, even though they are increasingly consequential topics for international trade policy and negotiations. This blind spot merits greater consideration as the connections definitely exist: the regulation of government procurement and financial services can have positive or negative implications for environmental outcomes on the ground, which makes understanding these links a …

Circular Economy In The Industrial Goods Sector: A Framework For Understanding Private Sector Progress And Innovation, Chris Albin-Lackey, Madeleine Songy

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment

A “circular economy” is an economic system that creates a closed loop, allowing for the reuse of resources and minimization of waste. How are circularity principles implemented in the business practices of private companies? “Circular Economy in the Industrial Goods Sector: A Framework for Understanding Private Sector Progress And Innovation” analyzes a diverse cross-section of industrial goods companies and develops a five pillar framework to characterize what good circularity practices look like in practice.

This report was commissioned by Stewart Investors, a long-term investor that looks to drive sustainable development progress through its portfolio. Stewart Investors' approach to stewardship includes …

"Losing My Craft": Teachers' Relational Work With Students During A Pandemic, Jeremy T. Murphy

Education Department Faculty Scholarship

Purpose: This article explores how pandemic-induced instructional changes and remote learning, in particular, affected teachers’ relational work with students. Research Methods/Approach: It draws on semistructured interviews with 33 teachers and three instructional coaches across three secondary schools in one urban district. Interviews were conducted remotely over two school years (2020–21, 2021–22). Findings: Teachers’ changing instructional conditions dramatically limited their relational work with students and tended to negatively affect their sense of success and overall satisfaction. Teachers found various ways to cope, but most experienced loss and diminished commitment as teaching grew unfamiliar and teacher-student interactions grew complicated. As participants became …

“I Don’T Mind This Actually. It’S Kind Of Fun To Work On”: Project Based Assessment Following An Inquiry Based Unit In A Modern Middle School Classroom, Alexis J. Mctigue

English Education Theses

This paper focuses on one teacher’s action-research project examining inquiry-based teaching and project-based assessment in the middle school English classroom. The study focused on the inquiry-based instructional strategies used during a Young Adult Literature unit for seventh grade English Language Arts. The unit concluded with project-based assessments for all students. Results showed that levels of engagement rose with instructional strategies focused on inquiry and project-based assessments. Implications for middle school ELA teachers show that while project-based assessments and inquiry-based learning are effective for engagement, they are not without their challenges. Navigating department culture, limited resources, and other challenges are discussed.

Mathematics Majors In Medical School Admissions: A Comparative Evaluation Of Mcat And Gpa Performance, Morgan Baker

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Choosing a major as an incoming undergraduate student can be very stressful. This study investigates the differences in success that come with choice of undergraduate major, particularly focusing on the performance of mathematics majors. A large majority of medical school applicants come from a biological sciences background. Despite this preference, there is evidence that students from nontraditional majors produce higher Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores and superior grade point averages (GPAs). Utilizing data visualization and analysis through R programming, this research examines public data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to understand the benefits of pursuing a …

Business Plan Development For An Automotive Restoration Company, Blake Howard Jones

Student Projects for Graduate Degrees

The Auto Restoration Business Plan Development project arises from a pressing problem and a compelling opportunity within the auto restoration industry. With a resurgence in interest in classic and vintage vehicles, there is a growing demand for professional auto restoration services and a need for entrepreneurs to navigate this intricate landscape. This project aims to address the lack of comprehensive business planning resources tailored to the unique requirements of auto restoration ventures, thereby fostering successful startups, and enhancing the industry's overall quality. The importance of this endeavor is underscored by the transformative impact it can have on aspiring auto restoration …

Spatiotemporal Assessment Of Pathogenic Leptospira In Subtropical Coastal Watersheds, Ronell Bridgemohan, Matthew J. Deitch, Emily Harmon, Matt R. Whiles, P Christopher Wilson, Eban Bean, Puran Bridgemohan, Joseph H. Bisesi, Jodel Nicholas, Aaden Redhead, Dave S. Bachoon

Faculty and Staff Works

The World Health Organization classifies leptospirosis as a significant public health concern, predominantly affecting impoverished and unsanitary regions. By using the Pensacola Bay System as a case study, this study examines the underappreciated susceptibility of developed subtropical coastal ecosystems such as the Pensacola Bay System to neglected zoonotic pathogens such as Leptospira. We analyzed 132 water samples collected over 12 months from 44 distinct locations with high levels of Escherichia coli (>410 most probable number/100 mL). Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations were assessed using IDEXX Colilert-18 and Enterolert-18, and an analysis of water physiochemical characteristics and rainfall intensity was …

The Controlled Narrative Of “Jane Roe:” Norma Mccorvey’S Life Beyond The 1973 Trial, Eleanor G. Strickland

Honors College Theses

Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade, 1973, wrote two memoirs twenty years after the Supreme Court trial that surrounded her third pregnancy. These memoirs (I Am Roe, 1994, and Won by Love, 1997), along with the recent documentary AKA Jane Roe (2020), provide an insight into McCorvey’s life and how she was used by politicians and civilians during and after the influential trial. McCorvey lived a complicated life and was constantly being pulled in different directions spiritually, politically, and personally. This thesis shows how McCorvey attempted to re-write the narrative of her life using …

Family Engagement: Identifying And Meeting Family Needs, Clara Beas

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Family engagement in early education is insufficient. The Early Learning Program is an agency which serves low income families by providing early childhood education and a variety of different services like health and dental screenings for children and nutrition and parenting workshops for the parents and family to do together. The project is aimed to evaluate the agency's Family Strengths and Needs assessment tool and provide updates to better serve families by focusing on areas that are lacking. As a result, the assessment language was clarified and the method of delivery improved so that future assessments will gather more accurate …

Diversity Coordinator Training, Norma Victoria

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Restorative Justice Program in The Schools is an agency that helps students, facilities and family members resolve conflict in a restorative method and helps them understand the result of their actions. Historically, students of color continue to have a higher suspension rate than white students. Providing coordinators with answers to help students with their questions about race and ethnicity in the schools can help eliminate students' own misunderstandings that contribute to disputes that result in suspensions. The contributing factors are minimal parental engagement and implicit bias and discriminatory practices. The consequences include academic achievement gap and increased drop out …

Political Accountability And The Censure Or Rep. Tlaib, Mabel Cummings

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The tolerance the House of Representatives has with its own Members is resulting in more egregious acts receiving no consequences, and shows the lack of political accountability built into the structure of Congress. The Washington D.C. office of Congressman Tony Cárdenas represents the 29th district in California, and one of its main functions is listening to constituents' political concerns, and addressing them through legislation. The concerns called into the office during the censure of Rep. Tlaib resulted in the analysis of political accountability in the U.S. House of Representatives, the accountability systems in similar democracies, and how they related to …

The Startup Spotlight: Chronicles Of Innovation (2016-2023), Dawn Hightree

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (iiED) is a nonprofit organization that has been pivotal in supporting entrepreneurial success in the Monterey Bay Region. The iiED’s programs and services are effective at helping to solve the problem that Too many entrepreneurs lack resources, support, and innovation to effectively start a business in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. Nonprofit organizations need to provide adequate proof to all stakeholders of mission fulfillment. Limited staffing, funding dependencies, and entrepreneurs needing substantial business services to meet the companies are contributing factors that can lead to missed opportunities, failed program deliveries, and …

Allowing Latinx Students’ Voices To Be Heard, Sofie Jamieson

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There are too many Latinx students falling behind academically, and coming to First Tee helped improve their academic performance. The First Tee of Monterey is a local non-profit organization that was established in 1997 and is based in Salinas, California primarily serving students who come from low-income backgrounds. The agency strives to support Latinx students who are fourth, fifth, and sixth grade who have a language barrier, not enough tutoring support, and not enough parent and teacher involvement. This increases the likelihood of dropout rates, mental health issues, and unemployment. Implementing an evaluation that the students can take part in …

Benefits Of Alternative Assessment For College Students’ Academic Success And Mental Well-Being, Calista Gabriel

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Assessments play an imperative role in evaluating a student’s knowledge within the classroom. Traditionally, educators have relied on traditional assessments to measure students’ comprehension of course material. However, in contemporary education, there has been a shift towards alternative assessments for a variety of reasons. This senior capstone research project examines students’ and professors’ perspectives and how alternative assessments could affect them. Through the use of literature review, surveys with professors and students, and interviews, the findings underscore the importance of integrating alternative assessments in educational practices, not only for enhancing students’ academic success, but also for nurturing their mental well-being.

Exploring The Cultural Significance Of Mexican Food: A Personal And Global Perspective, Robert Treto

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project dives into the meaning and values rooted in Mexican food and takes a look at the significant influence on Mexican culture and its personal significance throughout my life. I will explore how Mexican food plays a role in helping me express the the appreciation I have for my culture. Mexican food resembles the diversity and versatility of the country as well as its people through its ingredients and overall influence on society. Mexican food and culture create a sense of community in a country that feels so divided at times, while simultaneously acting as a catalyst for pride …

Fueling Performance: Tailored Nutrition Strategies For Female Athletes, Capri Pezzella

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project aims to explore the unique nutritional considerations for female athletes, with a focus on optimizing performance and addressing specific physiological needs. Through comprehensive research, the project will identify strategies for optimizing iron intake to prevent anemia, managing calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and addressing menstrual cycle-related changes in energy expenditure and nutrient needs. Practical recommendations will be made to help female athletes maximize their potential and support their overall health.

The Need For Volunteer Engagement, Brittney Portillo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Although there are a large number of non-profit organizations and volunteer opportunities available, there is a lack of volunteer engagement within organizations making it difficult to complete mission goals. This project was implemented and completed by Community Builders for Monterey County executive director and intern. Community Builders for Monterey County is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that was created to connect volunteers to different non-profit organizations around Monterey County. This project was created with the purpose of assessing potential volunteer needs in a survey style form in order to better understand how to get volunteers more engaged. The project resulted in …

Production Process Of Music Videos And Significance Of Understanding Music, Amanda Grace Dalmacio

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper provides information about music videos, perspectives from film scholars and authors, information about what the process of making a music video looks like, and an interview (appendix pg.11) from a documentary that was filmed to get a personal view on the production process of music videos.

Genetically Modified Organisms: Progress Or Blight?, Martin Lopez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project explores the origins of genetically modified organisms otherwise known as GMOs. This project also seeks to provide in detail the harmful effects GMO crops could potentially have on human beings and the environment's biodiversity. It is with hope that this project is able to educate and encourage the public on other alternatives for food sources such as, farmers' markets, plant breeding, and at home gardening.

Benefits Of Speech Language Pathologists On Elementary School Students, Gisel Reynoso

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone research project outlines a research endeavor aimed at exploring the multifaceted impact of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) on elementary school students, with a particular focus on developing educators, enhancing diversity, and fostering subject matter expertise. Motivated by firsthand experiences in service-learning and recognizing the significant challenges students face due to communication disorders, this study seeks to investigate how SLPs can effectively support students while contributing to educators' professional development and promoting inclusivity. Through a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis, this senior capstone research project aims to provide valuable insights into the transformative role of SLPs …

Reimagining Inclusion: Shaping The Future Of Special Education Engagement, Sulema Fernandez-Castillo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For this Capstone Project, the researchers investigated how special education teachers, general education teachers, and a behavioral technician at Landscape Elementary view student engagement and what they think could be done to improve it. This is important because students with special needs deserve quality education that revolves around equity. It is argued that special education teachers require increased support that empowers them to effectively engage students and promote their learning. The primary stakeholder perspectives chosen were three general education teachers, two special education teachers, and one behavioral technician, because they all have experience in working with students with special needs. …

From Form Crisis To Come Back: Reviving Education In The Era Of Covid-19, Ericka Millar

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 had an unprecedented impact on education worldwide. The researcher will use what they have learned to find ways in which we can help students who are falling behind in their education. Learning loss caused by COVID-19 is crucial because it has real, lasting consequences for students, and it's essential to address these issues to ensure their continued success in education. Based on a comprehensive analysis of diverse data sources, including academic literature and interviews, three potential action options emerged to address the ongoing negative repercussions of COVID-19 on upper elementary school students. Based on …

Beyond The Field: Exploring Identity, Spiritual Growth, And Community Through The Fellowship Of Christian Athletes, Kyle Barileau

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For this Capstone Project, the researchers investigated Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) representatives’ views on bringing student-athletes to have a relationship with Christ and why they think it is important. Based on an analysis of the data and the relevant research literature, the researchers used what they have learned to formulate an action that responds to improving FCA in a way that inspires, informs, or involves a particular audience. This is important because student-athletes need a sense of community and safe space to express their relationship with God. It is argued that having a relationship with Christ is important, especially …

Benefits Of Environmental Education For Low-Income Elementary School Students, Victoria Denoyer

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This study analyzes the benefits of environmental education for low-income elementary school students. As the world is seeing a turbulent downfall in the state of the environment, fostering a healthy and eager generation to find solutions to this crisis is essential. Through analysis using a literature review and qualitative interviews and surveys with in-service teachers and outreach educators, the results determine there are benefits to implementing environmental education for low-income elementary school students. These benefits extend beyond environmental agency and profoundly impact the cognitive, mental, and physical development of low-income students.

Cultivating Awareness And The Importance Of Engaging High School Students In Food Justice Through Literary Exploration, Yeymi Rivera

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

To address social justice concerns, this essay explores the relationship between literature and food justice. Primarily, concentrating on utilizing literature as a teaching tool in the high school curriculum to focus on food inequalities. The main goal is to educate students and spread awareness of social injustice, encourage critical thinking, and help them to comprehend the concepts of food security and food access. Comparative narratives are expressed through literary works that captivate a large audience and make people think about difficult issues like food access, food security, food insecurity, and food deserts. In addition, I will design a lesson plan …

Food For Thought: Addressing Food Insecurity In Public Schools For Optimal Student Success, Emma Stillwagon

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The focus issue addressed in this Capstone Project is the presence of food insecurity throughout a county on the coast of California and what can be done to improve it. This issue is important because of the negative impact that food insecurity has on students' health, development, and academics. An evidence-based argument is offered that public education has a responsibility to address food insecurity through its institutions as a means of supporting students' academic and developmental success. The stakeholder perspectives chosen were of 1 individual working as a Community Partnership Coordinator for a local food aid organization, one individual who …

The Vital Role Of School Bus Drivers In Supporting Students With Special Needs, Georgina Solano Zepeda

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addressed the challenges faced by new and experienced bilingual school bus drivers who transport special education students. According to the California Department of Education, transportation must be provided at no cost to those special education students ages 3-21 who are eligible as part of related services. The training for school bus drivers typically covers safe driving, vehicle operation, and basic student management. However, they often receive minimal or no specialized training to work with students with special needs. California had an estimated 38,000 school bus drivers in 2020, making it one of the states with the highest …

Supporting Preschoolers Social Emotional Development, Gladiola Peinado

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project focuses on the social-emotional regulation of preschoolers (3–5 years old). Many preschool children are struggling to develop social emotional skills when they first enter their preschool setting. Unfortunately, children with poor social emotional learning skills are more likely to have difficulties with peer relationships and with school adjustment, because they are not able to express or recognize emotions (Ferreira et al,. 2021). When children increase their ability to regulate behavior and emotion, they are better at recognizing their own and others’ emotions and intentions, cooperating with one another, and building relationships with peers. In order to address …

Developing Communication Skills In Preschool Children, Michelle Ayala

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The language and communication development of a preschooler was the main topic of this capstone project. To help and get children ready for kindergarten, these abilities are necessary. It has been shown that preschoolers who have difficulty developing their communication skills will probably face difficulties as they move through their education.

Supporting Self-Regulation In Elementary School Students With Disabilities, Jessica Guerra

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project focuses on increasing self-regulation in first and second-grade students with learning disabilities (LD) and emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD). Classroom behavior problems such as disruptions, not staying on task or following directions, and inappropriate behaviors and language increase the teacher's and students' stress levels. Also, Outbursts and minimal understanding of how to redirect these types of behavior can disrupt the flow of classroom instruction and impede students’ learning (Parsonson, 2012). These issues relate to poor cognitive skills, so healthy self-regulation can not be developed properly. To improve these cognitive skills and support self-regulation of students with special needs, …