Digital Commons Network^™

House Of Ill-Fame: A Historical, Cartographic, And Archaeological Study On The Spatial Evolution Of Commercial Sex Work In New Orleans, 1875 – 1925, Austin Roebuck

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the historic spatiality of commercial sex‑work in New Orleans by analyzing targeted addresses associated with the trade across three census years. Using the establishment and closure of Storyville (1897–1917) as a temporal frame, it compares demographic patterns in dwellings labeled as “houses of ill fame” in 1880, 1900, and 1920 to trace changes in household composition and social identity. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, newspapers, and city directories contextualize these patterns within three ten‑year intervals (1875–1885, 1895–1905, 1915–1925), revealing how sex‑work spaces were regulated, represented, and embedded in the urban landscape. The study also incorporates an archaeological assemblage …

Designing Voice Tracks As Pedagogy: Recording Technology, Musicianship, And Rehearsal Practice In Choral Education, Brandon J. Damiani

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This study examines the pedagogical role of part-dominant Voice Tracks in choral education, with particular attention to how recording design influences rehearsal efficiency, musicianship development, and student independence. As recording technology becomes increasingly integrated into classroom and ensemble practice, Voice Tracks are often used to support learning outside of rehearsal. While these tools can improve preparedness and reduce time spent on note acquisition, questions remain regarding their impact on foundational skills such as audiation, sight-reading, and ensemble awareness.

Drawing on existing scholarship in music education and a practitioner-led case study, this project documents the creation of Voice Tracks for Look …

Benefits Of Parental Involvement In Supporting Physical Activity For Latino Elementary School Students, Ashley J. Matias

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone examined the benefits of parental involvement in promoting physical activity among Latino elementary school students in the Salinas, California, area. Using qualitative surveys with 15 K–4 students, 7 parents, 8 teachers, and 2 administrators, the study explored how family engagement influenced children's motivation, participation, and academic readiness related to physical activity. Findings revealed that parental involvement, even in small, informal ways, positively influenced children's enthusiasm, emotional well-being, and classroom focus.

Key barriers included demanding agricultural work schedules, language differences, limited transportation, and lack of safe play spaces. The study recommends culturally responsive, bilingual outreach strategies and stronger …

Benefits Of Being Bilingual On The Academic Success Of The Spanish-Speaking English Language Learners, Shary Vaca

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Reframing bilingualism as an academic asset rather than a limitation, this senior capstone research project examines how bilingualism supports the academic success of Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs) in early education within California’s diverse and growing Hispanic student population. Using a combination of literature reviews, teacher interviews, and surveys from former English language learners, the findings indicate that bilingualism is one of three key benefits for English language learners: enhancing communication skills, strengthening critical thinking, and increasing language competence. In addition, bilingual students demonstrate a unique ability to collaborate effectively, think flexibly across languages, and transfer linguistic knowledge to support …

The Birthing Ground Podcast: Assessing The Impact Of Shared Doula Experiences On New Doula Confidence, Arrieanna D. Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

There are too few confident, experienced doulas available in Monterey County to meet the needs of birthing families. Community-based maternal health programs face challenges related to limited confidence and experience among newly trained doulas, which affect the quality and consistency of care provided to families. This project addressed the needs of new doulas serving Medi-Cal–eligible families in Monterey County. The purpose of this capstone project was to increase confidence and preparedness among new doulas through a mentorship-based learning intervention. The project was implemented at the Parenting Connection of Monterey County and included new doulas and experienced mentor doulas. Key activities …

Effects Of Culturally (Queer) Responsive Teaching On Lgbtq+ Students, Samantha L. Alonso

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) has been thoroughly researched, and its effects have been well documented. However, when responding to Cultural diversity within the classroom, most researchers and educators focus on racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse cultures. Despite this, CRT has proven its effectiveness for all students, and can be adapted for any minority culture. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of CRT for Queer students. As well as, the barriers, limitations, and hesitations in regards to its implementation. Using surveys conducted on students and educators alike, insights are provided in regards to student experiences and educators perspectives. Additionally, a …

Impact Of Nutrition Programs In Schools On The Well-Being Of Elementary School Students, Sophia Perea Manriquez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This senior capstone explores the impact of school-based nutrition programs on the well-being of elementary school students. This research draws on the experiences and perspectives of four teachers, one principal, and three food service staff members who provide insight into how these programs are implemented and perceived within the school environment. Through the use of literature review and surveys the findings indicate the importance of school nutrition programs and the value of children having access to healthy, nutritious food, which is important for their learning and academic success. Therefore, schools should recognize the importance of nutrition programs and continue to …

Burnout Among Oncology Social Workers, Evelyn Camacho

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Burnout among oncology social workers has become an important issue within healthcare because of the emotional intensity and demands that come with working closely with cancer patients and their families. Oncology social workers often provide emotional support, counseling, and guidance to patients throughout difficult stages of treatment, recurrence, and end-of-life care, which can place a heavy strain on their own mental and emotional well-being. Over time, constant exposure to grief, trauma, and high workloads can contribute to emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and difficulties maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Although oncology social workers play a major role in patient care, their …

Effects Of Chronic Absenteeism On The Academic Achievement And Learning Behaviors Of Elementary School Students, Arianna M. Sanchez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Chronic absenteeism has become a growing concern in elementary schools today affecting their academic achievement and behaviors. This senior capstone research project examines the effects of chronic absenteeism on elementary school students, as well as the factors that contribute to frequent absences. Through the use of literature review and anonymous surveys on 7 elementary school teachers and their school students, the findings indicate that chronic absenteeism is associated with lower academic performance, decreased classroom participation, and created gaps in learning. In addition, factors, such as family responsibilities, health issues, and a lack of engagement between teachers and students also contribute …

Mobility, Access, & Aging: A Community Needs Assessment Of Transportation Disparities Among Older Adults, Kailey M. Manning Shannon

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too few seniors in Monterey County have means of transportation that are reliable and accessible especially in rural areas where transportation disparities are greater. Transportation is the number one need for seniors in our area. Independent Transportation Network Monterey County implemented a community needs assessment to determine transportation barriers and needs of rural South Monterey County. 20% of the population of Monterey County are seniors. The purpose of this project is to determine the prevalence of the lack of transportation in rural Monterey County and how Independent Transportation Network Monterey County can work towards addressing and overall reduction of the …

The Impact Of Representation In Sex Education On Gender And Sexual Minority Youth, Piper A. Ellison

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The purpose of this capstone project is to examine the representation of gender and sexual minority youth in sexual education. Given that, not all representation is good representation, this senior capstone examines the effects of both a lack of representation and misrepresentation. Through a literature review, administrator interviews, and college student surveys, the findings showed that there is often little to no practical representation of gender and sexual minority students in sexual education. Further findings show that when there is representation, it is often either at the superficial level, acknowledging that the identities exist, but not providing detailed health information, …

Discriminatory Bankruptcy Trusts, Nicole Langston

Vanderbilt Law Review

Hundreds of thousands of people who’ve been exposed to asbestos and opioids have had their claims funneled into trusts through mass-tort bankruptcy cases. At their start, both the asbestos and opioid epidemics were limited to occupations and geographic locations that primarily affected lower-class white men. Today, however, women and people of color are also harmed. Like the claimants of earlier generations, their claims are funneled into bankruptcy trusts. Women and people of color have unequal access to treatment and have higher mortality rates from their opioid and asbestos exposure, making them more likely to have larger dollar value claims in …

Renegotiating The “Grand Bargain” Of Workers’ Compensation: States’ Race To The Bottom And A Medicaid-Based Model For Federal Reform, Itza Mendez

Vanderbilt Law Review

For more than a century, workers’ compensation has rested on a basic tradeoff: Employees surrender their right to sue employers in tort in exchange for prompt, guaranteed, and limited benefits for workplace injuries. Over time, however, the “Grand Bargain” of workers’ compensation has eroded. Across states, injured workers face sharply different benefit levels, rising procedural barriers, claim denials, delays, and cost-driven medical determinations. Yet state courts have largely declined to police the adequacy of workers’ compensation benefits, and state legislatures often face strong pressure to reduce employer costs rather than expand worker protections. As a result, injured workers have few …

Reimagining The Canon: A Paired-Text Framework For Student Engagement In Secondary Ela Classrooms, Jannelle Christine Kay Brawner

Masters Projects

Literary engagement correlates to academic success, yet many schools across the nation struggle to engage their scholars meaningfully with traditionally taught canonical literature. The classrooms impacted most by this concern are secondary language arts classrooms. This disengagement can be attributed to a lack of student autonomy in selecting texts, low-interest topics, and an absence of relevance to student identity. As a result, schools are reporting underdeveloped reading comprehension skills, motivation, academic achievement on a variety of classroom and state-mandated assessments, and a sharp decline in critical thinking skills. This project emphasizes the importance of using high-interest paired-text lessons built into …

A Guided Curriculum Approach To Supporting Critical Thinking And Mathematical Readiness In Ib Physics, Samantha Killeen

Masters Projects

The purpose of this project is to address the problem that many students lack the critical thinking and mathematical reasoning skills required to be successful in rigorous STEM courses like IB Physics. While students may perform well in mathematics courses, they often struggle to transfer those skills into physics contexts that require conceptual understanding and problem-solving. These challenges have been intensified by academic tracking in mathematics pathways, post-pandemic learning loss, and increased dependence on technology, which have reduced the opportunities for productive struggle in the classroom. As a result, students frequently enter IB Physics unprepared for the pace and rigor …

Digital Outreach For Environmental Equity: Bridging The Nature Gap In Castroville, California Through Social Media, Phoebe C. Deacon

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too many low-income residents of Castroville are not spending enough time in nature, causing negative impacts on both physical and mental health. Ventana Wildlife Society provides programs including after-school programs, Single Day Adventures, and summer camps for youth and families in Monterey County, particularly those from underserved communities. This project focused on the Castroville program. Castroville is a low-income, agricultural, isolated pocket of Monterey County, one of the communities where Ventana allocates its resources. This project implemented an outreach and educational intervention through use of social media by updating the Instagram page for Ventana’s North County Outdoor Program and posting …

Bridging The Gap To Higher Education: Increasing Parental Knowledge On University Systems And Financial Aid, Maria G. Rosales Marquez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Many parents of high school students are unaware about the different university systems and financial aid options available to their students for attending college. Without this awareness, parents may not accept all of the financial aid that is offered to their student and may make poor financial decisions such as accepting loans and getting in debt to pay for their child’s education. More awareness about university systems and financial options can help parents support their adolescents’ pursuit of higher education and navigating costs. In order to address this issue, I created a 90-minute presentation for parents who have students in …

Developing Digital Literacy And Online Safety Skills For Middle Schoolers, Alana Rose Rowley

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The increasing use of technology and social media among adolescents has introduced a range of risks, including cyberbullying, mental health challenges, and physical health concerns related to excessive screen time. Many young students lack the digital literacy skills necessary to navigate online environments safely and responsibly, and remain unaware of the risks. This project addresses this issue by developing a one-day educational lesson for students in grades five through eight at the YMCA of the Central Coast in Monterey, California. The lesson focuses on building digital literacy, promoting mental health, and educating students about the physical effects of excessive technology …

Supporting Reentry In Higher Education: A Case Management Model For Justice-Impacted Students, Yefry S. Mata Diaz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Formerly incarcerated students in Monterey County face real barriers like housing instability, lack of basic needs, and limited coordinated support, which makes it harder to stay in school and increases the risk of recidivism. This capstone project, implemented through Project Rebound at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) in partnership with Bridges Community Services, focused on improving reentry outcomes for justice-impacted students. The project introduced a liaison-based case management model that included outreach, intake assessments, warm referrals, and ongoing mentorship to connect students to campus and community resources. The project served formerly incarcerated and system-impacted CSUMB students dealing with challenges …

Assessing Pedestrian Infrastructure Needs On The Csumb Campus Through Community Driven Engagement, Alicia C. Reshes

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Monterey County experiences barriers within their pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure which affects multiple demographics including the California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) community. This capstone project was in collaboration with Ecology Action, a non-profit organization serving Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The focus was on understanding where the CSUMB community felt there were deficits in two high traffic areas on campus and to gauge a better understanding of what the needs are and where possible improvements could be made. Regarding the results received, many respondents voiced safety concerns due to poor lighting and a lack of pedestrian signals. The survey …

Youth Programs Social Media Awareness Campaign, Noelia Fernandez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness often lack awareness of available support services, limiting their ability to access needed resources. This capstone project was completed at Community Action Board’s Youth Homeless Response Team (YHRT), a program that provides outreach, case management, and support services to youth in Santa Cruz County. The project focused on youth and young adults who engage with or could benefit from YHRT services. The purpose of the project was to increase awareness and engagement through a targeted social media awareness campaign. Implementation included planning and designing youth-friendly content, developing promotional materials, and collecting both quantitative …

The History And Legacy Of The Monterey Jazz Festival, Ana Mendez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Monterey Jazz Festival holds a strong legacy in the world of jazz. Nestled in the Monterey Bay area, the festival's musical lineups entertain locals and travelers from around the world each year. Topics that are discussed within this paper are the inception of the festival, Monterey before the festival, Monterey Jazz Festival co-founders, Jimmy Lyons and Ralph Gleason, major works of art debuts at the festival including The Real Ambassadors, the international influence at the festival, the educational endeavors of the Monterey Jazz Education Team, and the 2025 rebranding of "Monterey Jazz".

Men’S Preconception Diet Quality Patterns Predict Supportive Food Parenting Practices: Evidence From A Longitudinal Cohort Study, Mariane H. De Oliveira, Brian K. Lo, Matthew M. Lee, Stephanie Armbruster, Natalie Grafft, In Young Park, Alejandra Cantu-Aldana, Katherine W. Bauer, Rebekah Levine Coley, Sebastien Haneuse, Kirsten Davison, Jess Haines

Human Genetics Publications

Background: Food parenting practices play a vital role in shaping children's food intake, yet evidence linking fathers' earlier diet patterns to later parenting is limited. This study examined the association between fathers' diet quality patterns during their adolescence and food parenting practices during fatherhood.

Methods: Data were drawn from Fathers & Families (F&F), a father-based cohort that recruited participants from an ongoing cohort in the United States that has followed participants since adolescence. Participants (n = 584) reported their dietary intake during adolescence (ages 10-18) using a Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire across multiple survey waves (1996-2011), and reported their food …

Massachusetts' Unseen Contributors: The Economic Contribution Of Its Latino Population With Irregular Immigration Status, Phillip Granberry, Mariana Dutra

Gastón Institute Publications

This report shows that so-called “irregular” Latinos are an essential part of the

workforce. Beyond community spending, consumer activity, and taxes paid

(including tax benefits that many will never benefit from), it is important to

remember that we are talking about people— human beings with stories, families,

difficult choices, and dreams. I hope that in the near future, when we are able to

dream big again, this analysis will sustain our advocacy for systems that truly reflect

our (Latino) contributions to the Commonwealth and beyond.

"Obsessive Myth:" Disturbing The Grammar Of The Lyric And Epic In Theresa Hak Kyung Cha's "Dictee", Noelle (Nell) Kriegel

All Theses

The archival text Dictée by Theresa Hak Kyung Cha spans many genres, making it a highly hybrid text. Cha uses personal letters, official government documents, images, prose, dictation exercises, translations, and poetry to create a composite identity of women neglected through history. Dictée’s hybrid form allows it to experiment with the lyric and epic traditions, challenging their forms to adequately reflect the lived experience of oppressed women. Dictée’s hybridity is but one aspect of its interrogation of literary form and language; the text also plays with grammar, specifically pronouns, to depict a genealogy of female voices as they relate to …

Investigation Into The Effects Of Moderate-Dose Radiation On Ligament Biomechanics, Andrew Landefeld

All Theses

Recent advances in arthritis treatment pin ionizing X-ray radiation as a useful tool in reducing joint pain and immune response. However, due to a lack of fundamental research in the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on tendon and ligament biomechanics, the safety of these studies is rather unknown. While most related studies investigated cellular response to low dose treatment, surrounding tissue physiology is left out of the picture. Additionally, moderate range doses of irradiation are rarely studied, as most uses of radiation on tendons and ligaments are for sterilization of cadaver tendons for allografts. This study provides a preliminary investigation …

Tribute To The Dead Is Honor To The Living: Uncovering The Evolution Of Funerary Monuments In Black Cemeteries Throughout Charleston, Sc, Lorena Garrod

All Theses

Black burial grounds throughout Charleston have long been understudied, and their funerary architecture even less so. Within the City of Charleston’s Urban Growth Boundary, many undocumented Black cemeteries are threatened by development. Previous scholarship is scant, as these sites have gone without dedicated research for many years. As awareness of their historical significance grows, attempts are being made to document and understand Black burial grounds, both within the context of Charleston, but more so within the context of the descendant communities these burial grounds serve. To this end, this research asked the question, “What material and formal shifts can be …

Disruption Of Energy Homeostasis By Chemical Mixtures Containing Persistent Pollutants In Hepg2 And C2c12 Cells, Morgan Jacobellis

All Theses

The Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Fetal Growth Studies (ECHO-FGS) birth cohort data was used to identify chemical mixtures associated with adverse outcomes. This biomonitoring study associated specific chemical mixtures in maternal serum with low birth weight or childhood obesity (Pearce et al., 2021). Mixture Profiles 1, 3, and 4, comprised of different observed concentrations of DDE, PCB153, BDE47, and PFOS were prioritized. Mixtures were tested to determine whether they perturbed mitochondrial metabolism and energy sensing pathways. The purpose of this study was to elucidate a potential mechanism linking maternal exposure to mixtures containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to …

The Geography Of Race: A Spatial Analysis Of Free People Of Color In The City Of Charleston (1790-1861), Alexandra Ullman

All Theses

In Charleston, South Carolina, for all but one year from 1790 to 1860, the enslaved and free Black population outnumbered that of the white. Through manumission, the process of an enslaved person gaining their freedom, the free Black population grew substantially and reached a peak in South Carolina during the nineteenth century. This large community of free people of color (FPOC), shifted the social climate by upsetting the balance of white power, thus increasing racial conflict, tension, and legislation that aimed to control the movement of FPOC.

Despite FPOC comprising a significant portion of the total population of Charleston, there …

Laser-Induced Acoustic Signal Generation, Resonance Characterization, And Optical Sensing In Metallic Plates, Xinghang Zhao

All Theses

This thesis investigates laser-induced acoustic signal generation, resonance characterization, and optical sensing in metallic plates as a foundational study for damage-sensitive inspection. Rather than presenting a complete defect-detection system, the work focuses on how measurable acoustic responses can be generated, amplified, and interpreted in a controlled laboratory setting. Experiments showed that pulsed-laser excitation can produce strong and repeatable acoustic responses in metallic structures. Repetition-rate sweeping identified narrow resonant responses, including a cantilever resonance at 57.862 kHz and a maximum circular-disk response at an FFT frequency of 48.8 kHz with a laser repetition rate of about 49.1 kHz. High-Q resonances exceeding …