Digital Commons Network^™

Diagnosing Mushroom Toxicities, Eetu Mäkinen

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Although mushroom poisonings or “mycetisms” occur more frequently than is commonly recognized, they are often misdiagnosed due to their relative rarity, diverse clinical presentations, and the broad chemical variety of the toxins involved. More than a hundred different mushroom-derived toxins have been identified to cause at least 14 different poisoning syndromes or “toxidromes”, several of which can result in death through means such as organ failure. Understanding the toxicology of these mushroom toxins is essential for diagnosis in both clinical and forensic settings. Modern analytical techniques, such as liquid-chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), have improved the …

The Prison Industrial Complex And The Exploitation Of Prisoners Through The 13th Amendment, Lindsey Adams

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This paper analyzes the relationship between the government and the private prison industry, specifically examining how the exception clause in the Thirteenth Amendment permits conditions resembling modern-day slavery through exploitative prison labor. Neoliberalism and the War on Drugs have contributed to mass incarceration in the United States, which has led to an increase in prison labor. Mass incarceration has disproportionately affected people of color and those living in poverty. To address these issues, more intensive vetting processes are needed at all levels of law enforcement, particularly during hiring, to reduce racial bias and improve accountability.

Development Of Latent Prints On Glass After A Fire, Meg Ross

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

In the United States, there is no standard procedure to collect fingerprint evidence from a fire. The goal of this research is to determine if fingerprints can survive a fire and can be developed using three different techniques. In previous research studies, some fingerprints were able to be recovered. In Australia, they found fingerprints were recoverable at 300℃ and 450℃ after using a cremation oven. However, O’Hagan (2018) claims that fingerprints start to degrade after 100℃ as fingerprints are made of 98% water. For this project, six bottles consisting of 30 fingerprints were put in a fire, with temperatures reading …

Detection Of Blood On Glazed Ceramic Tiles, Alexis Puente

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This experiment tested how different bleach dilutions effectively remove blood from floor tiles and how they might affect the Kastle-Meyer (KM) presumptive blood test. Matte Calacatta 12 in. x 12 in. glazed ceramic tiles were used. Glazed tiles are considered non-porous on the surface but the ceramic body contains pores that can retain blood; this retained blood can be detected by the KM test. The bleach dilutions used to clean the tiles were 0% (water), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Trial 1 tiles were cleaned during the day while Trials 2-5 were cleaned at night. After the tiles were dried, …

The Impact Of Stigmatization On Professional Responses And Support For Trafficked Youth: A Qualitative Content Analysis, Kate R. Sandoval

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Child trafficking is among the most underreported and misunderstood crimes that affects vulnerable populations. Trafficked youth are often criminalized by law enforcement because they are ill-equipped in identifying them, resulting in arrest and involvement in the system. Signs of victimization are overlooked by healthcare providers, who are typically the first to interact with trafficked youth. As a result, very few investigations are carried out, and victims are discouraged from seeking support. The role of stigma is important in understanding how perceptions and responses to trafficked youth are formed, which impacts their outcomes. This study examined how stigmatization influences professional responses …

Record Clearance: Practical And Essential Justice Reform, Brendan Krepchin

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Record clearance is the process of expunging and reducing offenses listed on an individual’s Record of Arrests and Prosecutions (RAP). The current regime of laws surrounding the issue of record clearance is a patchwork of state laws that permit and restrict the process depending on the offense, the sentence, and multiple factors pertaining to the judicial process. The mere existence of a RAP sheet creates barriers to achieving any number of goals established at the individual or societal level. This article argues that record clearance should be universally proportional to circumstances across all levels of the justice system, as it …

Militarized Policing In Democratic Societies: Origins, Firearms Proliferation, Impacts, And The Erosion Of Democratic Governance, Carlos Alcantar

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Police militarization has become a global trend in recent decades across many democratic societies, often justified as a necessary improvement in policing to address contemporary threats. This shift not only changes police agencies’ equipment but also their organizational structure, training, operations, and culture, raising concerns about its impact on democratic policing practices, public safety, and civil liberties. This study examines the historical and structural developments behind this trend, focusing on military-grade equipment transfers, firearms availability, and the global diffusion of militarized security models as key drivers. Using a qualitative comparative case analysis, the research finds that police militarization is shaped …

The Consequences Of Dobbs V. Jackson Women’S Health Organization, Kimber Garcia

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization came into effect in 2022, and the right to get an abortion was withdrawn for many birthing people; abortion care was no longer protected federally, and states could make their own legislation. This work reviews abortion care procedures, abortion legislation history in the United States, how religion and sexism influence legislation, and the negative effects of antiabortion legislation. The research finds that antiabortion legislation that makes it difficult or illegal to get abortion care inflicts health risks upon birthing people as well as a fear of prosecution. This fear extends to medical professionals, burdening …

The Crippling Of Democracy: Electoral Accessibility, Voter Fraud, And Disabled Disenfranchisement, Diya Agrawal

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

While the expansion of voting rights across race, class, and gender is a celebration of American democratic progress, this progress has always excluded disabled Americans. It was not until the late 20th century that the Voting Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act successfully codified provisions like voter assistance and large-print ballots. Today, disabled voters are once again silenced by state and federal governments. Conservative lawmakers push to restrict voter assistance, absentee ballots, and electronic voting, claiming that such accessibility made the 2020 election vulnerable to fraud and skewed its results. Analysis of current data and literature finds no evidence …

Differentiation Of Human Pubic And Underarm Hair Using Atr-Ftir Spectroscopy, Kris Weller

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This study investigates whether ATR-FTIR can differentiate human pubic and underarm hairs, either on its own or as a supplement to morphological examination via light microscopy. Determining somatic origin may provide useful context in criminal cases, especially in sexual assault cases. The morphological similarity between pubic and underarm hair means that these somatic regions are particularly in need of a more quantitative method of differentiation than the current qualitative approach. The ATR-FTIR spectra of pubic and underarm hairs collected from nine volunteers were not visually differentiable. Six peaks in the fingerprint region shared by all the spectra were selected and …

The Night Stalker: The Killer Who Learned To Kill, Briana Farias

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Richard Ramirez’s criminal career can be best understood through Akers’ Social Learning Theory, which explains deviance as a learned behavior shaped by social interactions. This paper analyzes Ramirez’s childhood exposure to abuse, violent role models, and criminal reinforcement to demonstrate how his behavior may have developed over time. It draws on empirical studies demonstrating that social learning influences offenses such as adolescent drug abuse, gang affiliation, stalking, and sexual aggression. The analysis suggests Ramirez’s violence was not random, but the product of a social environment that rewarded violence. The paper concludes that understanding learned violence is essential for prevention efforts, …

Workplace Health: Blood Pressure Education And Self-Monitoring At The Worksite, Pamela E. Carver

DNP and Student Works

Hypertension (HTN) is the most common diagnosis in the United States and one of the 10 most expensive health conditions for employers. Poorly managed and undiagnosed HTN increases health care costs and contributes to lost employee productivity. The literature strongly supports self-monitoring as key to blood pressure (BP) control, especially when paired with additional interventions such as education. Although much has been done to review various worksite health promotion programs over the last 20 years to 30 years, specific evidence regarding the potential impact of providing BP self-monitoring equipment at the worksite is lacking. The purpose of this study was …

Education Journey: A Phenomenological Investigation Of The Lived College Experiences For Black Women Ages 20–39, Marsha Natalie Tucker-Scott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study focused on the lived college experiences of Black female students aged 20-39 in the New York Metropolitan area, drawing on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory to examine how cultural context, social interaction, and community expectations shaped their academic engagement and development. Using in-depth interviews, focus groups, and journal prompts with ten participants from local communities and churches, the study found that race and social expectations exerted a more profound influence on participants’ academic journeys than gender or age. Their narratives affirmed the value of hermeneutic phenomenology and intersectionality in understanding Black women’s experiences in higher education, particularly as they …

The Implications Of Well-Being On Job Retention: An Exploration Of Organizational Outcomes In Elementary Education, Courtney Winters

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many organizations continue to face a rapidly declining workforce within the field of education. Organizational factors such as leadership or communication style can have |drastic effects on educators’ well-being, which is also linked to long-term organizational commitment. This mixed-methods study explored the role of organizational factors on employee well-being and retention in the elementary educational arena. In conducting semi-structured interviews, ten participants who held various roles within a school campus were included in this study, focusing on their lived experiences. In addition to informational interviews, a final, post-interview survey question was incorporated to provide a holistic approach in investigating the …

Examining The Relationship Between Dark Triad Personality Traits And Career Paths, Mary Robinson Gibson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Growing opportunities in information technology, digital accounting, and remote leadership have increased interest in the personality traits associated with these emerging work environments. The researcher examined the relationship between psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism, collectively referred to as Dark Triad personality traits, and career preferences. Specifically, the researcher tested whether higher levels of these traits predicted interest in careers characterized by prestige, power, autonomy, and opportunities for manipulation. Working professionals and college students completed the Short Dark Triad (SD3) and a career preference questionnaire. The researcher used binary logistic regression to assess whether Dark Triad traits predicted career cluster selection. Model …

Exploring The Role Of Self-Efficacy In Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Dorothy Elaine Rolling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the role of self-efficacy for nursing students whose primary language was not English and who were enrolled in higher education in the northeastern area of the United States. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory on self-efficacy. The major tenets of the self-efficacy theory aligned with the metaparadigm of nursing (person, health, environment, nursing) and with the study’s focus, which was to explore how English as a second language (ESL) nursing students could successfully complete the registered nursing program at an institution of higher learning. The central research question was: …

The Perceived Vocal Health Of Male Elementary Music Educators In Maryland, Adam Samuel Beres

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a notable lack of research and expertise on the vocal well-being of music educators. Vocal health issues, even among accomplished vocalists with extensive vocal training, have highlighted a notable lack of literature on the subject. Nowhere is this issue more apparent than among male elementary music educators. Significantly, vocal-range similarities between female elementary music educators and their students place male educators at a performance disadvantage, which may encourage male music educators to adopt unhealthy vocal practices, such as prolonged use of falsetto. This study aims to investigate the impact of vocal health pedagogy on male elementary general music …

How Race Influences Leadership Motivation: A Study Of Career Aspirations In Diverse Workforces, Latosha V. Hayes-Sperling

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explored whether and how racial identity influenced leadership motivation among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) professionals. Despite growing attention to workplace diversity, limited research had examined the internal motivational processes shaping leadership ambition for racially marginalized groups. Using a non-experimental design, this study examined whether perceived racial discrimination predicted leadership motivation and whether this relationship differed by gender. Survey data were collected from approximately 126 BIPOC professionals using validated measures of perceived racial discrimination and leadership motivation, the latter measured as a dimension of career aspirations. Results indicated that perceived racial discrimination, operationalized through workplace microaggressions …

Spiritual Fortitude And Foster Care, Alesha R. Leonard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In 2022, over 200,000 American children exited foster care settings, with many reporting feeling underprepared to face the demands of adulthood (Children’s Bureau, 2023; Haggman-Laitila et al., 2018). Adults with foster care backgrounds are more prone to struggle with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development, which may hinder brain development throughout emerging adulthood years (Avery & Freundlich, 2009). This study introduced spiritual fortitude as a potential protective factor against poor transitions to adulthood and against mental health struggles among adults with foster care backgrounds. Spiritual fortitude involves development and practice of spiritual coping mechanisms to build resilience (Van Tongeren et al., …

A Brief Historical Survey Of The Use Of Traditional Hymnody In Select Baptist Churches In Texas, Christina N. King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research set out to understand the past, present, and future value of hymnody in select Baptist churches in Texas. The research addresses the critical concerns in Baptist worship: the shift from traditional to contemporary music and the potential loss of theologically sound songs that have historically grounded the faith of believers. The primary purpose of this study is to discover the depth and breadth of hymn usage in worship and understand how hymnody is perceived to shape believers theological understanding and spiritual formation. This study was undertaken as a multi-site case study of five select churches, with five people …

Increasing Success Of Elementary Music Students With Special Needs Through Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies, Catherine N. Peacock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the federal laws for students with disabilities and their mandated inclusion, many elementary music teachers are under-prepared or lack resources to include students with severe disabilities in general music classes. Adapting procedures, expectations, and content delivery to include peer tutors who assist students with disabilities may be key to success for students with exceptionalities. This case study sought to explore the possibilities of reimagining the traditional elementary music classroom as an inclusive, collaborative space for cooperative learning and music-making by fostering peer relationships and peer tutoring. Utilizing a qualitative case study observational approach, this research explored how to best …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Facilitators Who Attended A Training Program And Led An Experiential Couple’S Workshop Influenced By The Principles Of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Isabelle Valenciano

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe relationship educators’ lived experiences of attending a facilitator training and leading an experiential couple’s workshop grounded in emotionally focused therapy. Experiential learning theory (Kolb, 1984) was the lens used to gain a better understanding of participants’ concrete, novel experiences. Marriage education programs may be an intervention method for distressed couples seeking relationship assistance, prevention, and preparation. As an intervention, marriage education programs show promise for improving several aspects of relationships (Gordon et al., 2019). The increased number of distressed couples in marriage education workshops and programs indicates the need for …

Restoring Breath: A Culturally Grounded Response To The Leadership Gap In Keaukaha, Jacquelyn T. Gomes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In Hawaiʻi, where economic strain and rising suicide rates continue to impact young adults, the challenges facing emerging leaders extend beyond ministry models to issues of identity, belonging, and survival. This praxis project addressed the leadership gap among young adults (ages 20–40) in the Keaukaha community of Hawaiʻi Island. While Hale Pule Ke Ola Hou demonstrated strong engagement from elders and children, the absence of young adult leaders revealed deeper challenges in generational continuity, cultural connection, and ministry relevance. Grounded in biblical discipleship and Hawaiian cultural values, this project proposed a contextualized, organic model of leadership development integrating relational presence, …

The Edge Of Freedom: Forging The Virginia Militia On The Edge Of The Western Frontier, Ryan Thomas Cadigan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The aptly named, New World, posed new challenges for the British colonists who migrated across the Atlantic Ocean. New challenges required colonists to ditch traditional European methods and embrace the ruggedness that was Colonial North America. From the perfecting of the rifle to adapting to guerilla warfare tactics, Virginia stood at the front lines of this evolution. The western frontier showed signs of promise for the British Colonists and Virginia quickly found itself in the center of the drama that promise brought with it. The Ohio River Valley took as much as it gave, forging some of the best militia …

Perceived Mattering As A Cognitive-Affective Factor In Academic Behavior: Exploring Its Role In Achievement Motivation, Self-Handicapping, And Academic Performance In The Post-Secondary Context, Audrene Kerr-Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study examined the role of perceived mattering in the academic experiences of post-secondary students, focusing on its association with academic motivation, self-handicapping behavior, and academic performance. Grounded in Rosenberg and McCullough’s mattering theory, and informed by the social cognitive theory, self-determination theory, attribution theory, the looking-glass self, and protective motivation theory, a quantitative research design was employed utilizing regression and two-way ANOVA analyses. The study hypothesized that higher perceived mattering would be positively associated with intrinsic motivation and negatively associated with extrinsic motivation, that higher perceived mattering would reduce self-handicapping, and that academic performance differences would exist across gender …

The Effects Of Narrative Identity Awareness On The Relationship Between Adult Attachment, Shame, And God Attachment, Jacqueline H. Watson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examines the interconnectedness of adult attachment, shame, God attachment, and narrative identity awareness. Insecure adult attachment has been shown to result in increased shame experiences and has been linked to insecure God attachment. Awareness of narrative identity has been used to improve left-right brain integration and correct problematic narratives that often lead to shame. This research employs Likert scale-style questionnaire data, parallel mediation, and linear regression-based models to assess the connections between study variables. More specifically, it examines whether narrative identity awareness moderates the relationship between adult attachment, shame, and God attachment. Participants included self-identifying Christian adults …

Faith And Flourishing: Describing The Lived Experiences Of Christian Counselors Who Integrate Christian Faith Into Their Wellness, Angela Joy Stanley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experience of counselors who integrate Christian faith into their wellness. The basis for this study was rooted in the work of Myers and Sweeney’s (2004) model of the indivisible self and the spiritual framework of coping for optimal health as introduced by Walker et al. (2015). Both models provide a holistic approach to wellness that recognizes the complexities of wellbeing which require the integration of multiple dimensions. Further, each model points to spirituality as an essential part of wellness. The research questions that guided this study were as follows: …

A Comparison Of Engaged And Disengaged Churches Within The Northstar Church Network Of Northern Virginia, Robert Owen Guilliams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation-in-praxis compared engaged churches with disengaged churches within the NorthStar Church Network of Northern Virginia. The study sought to find the underlying reason for the disengagement of some churches and either lead to reengagement or a recommendation for affiliation with a more compatible association of churches. The foundation of this project was the Biblical call for cooperation of believers within both the local and universal church. The praxis project operated on the belief that this call for cooperation extends beyond individual believers to churches engaged within an association of local churches in a particular area, and even further to …

The Father Is Seeking True Worshipers, Lissa M. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

It is God’s desire to dwell with His people, be their God, and for them to be His children (Exod 29:45 –46; Lev 26:12; Ezek 37:27; Rev 21:3). This dissertation examines the pericope of John 4:19–26 using a biblical-theological method by exploring God’s manifest presence through each person of the Trinity within a tabernacle/temple themed framework. It then presents evidence to show how the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is the turning point in which man’s worship transforms from a predominately physical aspect to a predominately spiritual aspect.

“Yet a time is coming and now …

Church Attendance, Post-Pandemic Stress, And Resilience Factors, Pavel Bugriyev

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Stress levels among adults increased, and a sense of community loss occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent events. Despite previous studies establishing an association between religious practice and psychological well-being, much remains unknown about the differences in religious practice format (i.e., in person, virtually, and not at all) with post-pandemic stress and resilience-related traits. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined whether the format of church attendance (in-person, virtual, or no church attendance at all) was related to post-pandemic stress and resilience-related traits. Also, whether hope, making meaning out of hardship, and perceived social support statistically mediated the difference in …