Digital Commons Network^™

Composing In Relation: Rethinking Multimodal Feedback As Rhetorical Design, Angela Laflen

Journal of Response to Writing

This qualitative study investigates how writing instructors compose feedback in multimodal digital environments, focusing on the rhetorical and relational dimensions of their design choices. Drawing on social semiotics and multimodal composition theory, the study analyzes feedback artifacts, instructor interviews, and student surveys from six first-year writing courses. Findings reveal that instructors engage in complex feedback design work across communication modes, often without formal training or shared frameworks. Instructors tended to default to text-based habits shaped by genre memory but adapted their strategies in response to communicative breakdowns and student needs. The study identifies three core themes: reliance on print-era conventions, …

Examining Automated Writing Evaluation Error Coverage In Relation To Uptake And Retention, Mohaddeseh Mehrzad, Mohammad Rahimi, Stephanie Link

Journal of Response to Writing

Despite the current widespread use of Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) feedback, many issues regarding its efficacy still remain unresolved. Recent studies mainly focus on correctly detected errors with a lack of attention on the comprehensiveness of error detection, or error coverage. Error coverage is interesting because little is known about the capacity of AWE systems to fully detect common second language (L2) errors. It is also important to investigate the potential effect of such capacity on student uptake and retention, which are important constructs in fostering L2 writing development. To this end, the present study compared teacher feedback and AWE …

Navigating Feedback In Collaborative Writing: The Impact Of Student Backgrounds And Expectations On Transitions To New Academic And Social Spaces, Lindsey Gruber, María Fernández–Agüero

Journal of Response to Writing

This article examines how international students navigate feedback from a supervisor while working on a group writing project in a diverse English medium of instruction (EMI) bachelor’s program at a public university in Denmark, where no formalized writing or language support resources are offered in the students’ first year of instruction. Data were collected in qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 11 students who were identified through a survey of a first-year bachelor of arts cohort. Results from the survey showed that despite using a supervision model of education, few students perceived changes in feedback compared to their secondary school experiences, and …

Editors' Introduction, Betsy Gilliland, Lucie Moussu

Journal of Response to Writing

No abstract provided.

Book Review Of Suburban Refugees: Class And Resistance In Little Saigon, Phoebe T. Pham

Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement

In Suburban Refugees: Class and Resistance in Little Saigon, Jennifer Huynh challenges the common view that refugee resettlement follows a straightforward path toward assimilation, stability, and upward mobility. Focusing on Vietnamese refugees in Little Saigon, Orange County, California, Huynh examines how refugees navigate displacement, housing insecurity, and political exclusion in suburban spaces often idealized as homogenous and prosperous. Drawing on extensive data, the book presents suburban resettlement as a prolonged process shaped by structural forces and community resistance. Huynh situates her analysis within growing suburban inequality and enduring racialized policies that limit refugee opportunities long after formal resettlement. Her …

A Phenomenological Study On The Connection Between Perceived Funding And Hbcu Athletic Staff Self-Efficacy, Ashley Keys

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Music Enhances Theta Brainwave Activity Regardless Of Tuning Frequency, Robert Somerville, Davis Raz, Jettson Yarborough, Luc-Shalom Kouame

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Engaging The Non-Dominant Hand In Creative Tasks As A Pathway To Emotional Expression And Healing, Tiffany Spatz, Deepa Michelle Emmanuel, Janita Daggy

Liberty University Research Week

Traditional therapeutic approaches may not fully engage the brain's creative processing, limiting individuals' capacity to effectively manage stress and navigate emotional discomfort. Utilizing the non-dominant hand for creative tasks shows potential as a therapeutic approach to emotion regulation while helping individuals manage stress and improve self-control. The practice works to reduce stress by means of physiological and psychological processes while also establishing relaxation and emotional balance. These activities demand brain management of motor control tasks which form cognitive flexibility and mindfulness and create better self-control and impulse regulation. A case example is included for incorporating this intervention into counseling practice.

Finding One’S Calling: Vocational Identity, Engagement, And Career Satisfaction Among Golf Industry Professionals, Aaron Katzenberger

Liberty University Research Week

The golf and hospitality industry operates in a high-stress, demanding environment that frequently leads to decreased employee engagement, poor work-life balance, and industry burnout. A significant gap exists in current literature regarding how these professionals can successfully identify and align their daily operations with their true vocational calling. To address this gap, this proposed applied research framework explores the intersection of vocational identity, engagement, and career satisfaction among golf industry professionals. Utilizing a qualitative single-case study methodology, this research proposes conducting semi-structured interviews with active PGA members. The study analyzes key constructs, including self-esteem, job satisfaction, quality of life, and …

Examining Racial And Ethnic Differences In Quality Of Care Between Home And In-Center Hemodialysis, Sukhman Bains

2026 Symposium

Home hemodialysis (HHD) offers improved flexibility and clinical outcomes compared to in-center hemodialysis. However, its use remains limited, particularly among racial and ethnic minority populations disproportionately affected by end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This systematic review analyzed seven retrospective cohort studies (2004–2025) to assess disparities in HHD utilization and outcomes. Minority patients were significantly less likely to initiate HHD, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 0.45 to 0.70, while no disparities were observed within Canada’s universal healthcare system. Although HHD was associated with lower mortality, this finding is likely influenced by selection bias, as HHD patients tended to be younger and …

Optimizing Itpa R178c Assays Via Hplc, Jared J. Reisnouer, Wally D. Pines

2026 Symposium

Two of the major nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA (Adenine and Guanine) are derived from the purine Inosine Monophosphate (IMP). IMP may occasionally form the noncanonical nucleotide Inosine Triphosphate (ITP) within the cell and become incorporated into DNA during replication, leading to potentially lethal errors. To combat this, human cells produce the “housekeeping” enzyme Inosine Triphosphatase (ITPA) to revert ITP to IMP. A mutation of this protein that replaces the 178th amino acid Arginine with Cysteine (R178C) is associated with a fatal infantile encephalopathy. Previous assessments of enzyme-substrate binding and catalysis for ITPA variants have been run at a …

The Burden Of Neglect: Examining Environmental And Health Risks At Kiteezi Landfill, Uganda, Rebecca Martha Nantale, Nfn Dangpa Wandji Nana, Bright Agbotui, Maame Yaa Okrah, Emmanuel N. Clottey

Montview Journal of Research & Scholarship

The Kiteezi Landfill, located near Kampala, Uganda, exemplifies the severe environmental and health challenges arising from inadequate urban waste management. Established in 1996, the landfill was designed to handle the city's waste but has been operating beyond its capacity for years. By 2024, it had received between 1,500 and 2,000 tons of solid waste daily, far exceeding its intended limits by more than 200%. This study investigates the environmental and public health impacts of the Kiteezi Landfill in Uganda. The primary research question is: How has inadequate waste management at Kiteezi Landfill contributed to environmental degradation and public health crises? …

Exploring The Antimicrobial Properties Of Spotted Lanternfly Contaminated Honey, Davanna Mcclellan

Liberty University Research Week

This study aims to investigate how the antimicrobial properties of pure honey and spotted lanternfly contaminated honey differ. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive species that has been in the U.S. since 2014. This species has wreaked havoc on many different industries, such as the agricultural and tobacco industries. However, the relationship between the lanternfly and the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) has not been researched. One facet of their relationship shows that honey bees will use lanternfly secretions called honeydew to make honey. Honey possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities due to the antimicrobial peptides present within honey …

A Lack Of Cultural Diversity In Leadership In Multinational Corporations, Amelia Smalls

Liberty University Research Week

Organizations increasingly rely on culturally diverse teams to support global collaboration and innovation. However, many organizations continue to struggle to translate workforce diversity into improved communication, team cohesion, and performance outcomes. This study examines how leadership behaviors influence communication dynamics and relational processes within culturally diverse teams in multinational organizational environments. Guided by transformational leadership theory, servant leadership theory, and leader–member exchange (LMX) theory, the research explores how leadership practices shape communication clarity, team cohesion, and organizational effectiveness. A qualitative research design supported by descriptive survey data was employed. Data was collected from 33 professionals working in multinational organizational contexts …

Born Too Soon, Dying Too Early: Preventable Neonatal Deaths In Rural Uganda, Rebecca Martha Nantale, Nfn Dangpa Wandji Nana

Liberty University Research Week

Neonatal mortality remains one of the most persistent public health challenges in Uganda, particularly in rural communities where access to quality maternal and newborn care remains limited. Despite global progress in reducing under-five mortality, deaths within the first 28 days of life continue to account for a substantial proportion of child mortality. Most neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries occur from preventable causes such as birth asphyxia, neonatal infections, and complications related to prematurity. This study examines the structural and healthcare determinants contributing to neonatal mortality in rural Uganda, with particular emphasis on place of delivery and skilled birth …

Executive Succession And Organizational Stability In Community Health Centers: A Theory-Integrated Framework, Jisa Kusanthan, Timothy Sumarsono

Liberty University Research Week

Leadership transitions are difficult for organizations to manage. This is especially true for Community Health Centers (CHCs). The departure of a long-tenured leader can have a host of secondary effects on the culture, employee morale, and employee retention. This study explores the effects of a CHC leader on the organization's stability and proposes practical steps that CHCs can take to implement effective succession planning. A theory-integrated framework is used to apply Schein's Organizational Culture Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Institutional Theory to better understand the effects of a CHC leader on the organization's cultural foundation. A three-phase succession process is …

A Study In Coffee: Characterization Of The Pathway Utilized By Enterolactone To Stimulate Glut4-Dependent Uptake And Incretin Activity, Merritt Smith, Aidan Clancy

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Impact Of Emotion Focused Therapy As A Model For Meeting Men’S Emotional Needs, Emily Hendricks

Liberty University Research Week

In Western culture, masculinity standards have created an overall negative perception of help-seeking and mental healthcare treatment for many men. Although help-seeking is becoming a well-researched category of men's mental health treatment maintenance research is limited. Additionally, there are few models of care that have been developed specifically for male populations that honor their inherent values and perception of masculinity. This theoretical proposal will highlight Emotion Focused Therapy as a possible framework for men's care due to its' evidence-based use with couples and families and focus on emotional intelligence and regulation. Emotion Focused Therapy should be researched with men specifically, …

Clinical Implications And Future Directions Of Sepsis Treatment, Chelsey King

Liberty University Research Week

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, driven by a dynamic response that evolves from early hyperinflammation to profound immunosuppression. This review explores the pathogenesis of the cytokine storm, detailing how dysregulated pattern recognition receptor (PRR) activation, NF-¿B signaling, and NETosis drive endothelial injury and organ dysfunction. Further, the transition into sepsis-induced immunoparalysis will be examined, characterized by lymphocyte apoptosis, “exhausted” cellular phenotypes, and persistent lymphopenia. This immune environment often results in Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome (PICS). Synthesis of clinical biomarkers and emerging therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibition, will highlight the necessity of biomarker-guided, personalized strategies …

Barefoot Shoes: The Effect On Health And Wellness, Rebecca Hofheinz

Liberty University Research Week

The development of footwear from the outset of civilizations and the rise in popularity associated with their use in the Roman Empire has led to the diversification of styles and uses for shoes that we see today. While the first shoes were rudimentary, they fulfilled the basic need of protecting the wearer’s feet from the various abrasive textures and temperatures of the landscapes they lived in. Those initial shoes were consistently represented by layered fabrics or leather wrapped around the feet before they then progressed further into the leather sandals that were displayed by the gladiators of the Roman age. …

Mental Health Consequences Of Climate-Related Hazards: A Us Case Study., Perseverance Nothando, Fadzai Nyarugwe, Wuraola Awosan

Liberty University Research Week

Background: The planet has warmed considerably over the past four decades, leading to more extreme weather events like floods, fires, and hurricanes. In the U.S., the number of climate-related disasters has surged, affecting approximately 1.7 billion people between 2010 and 2020. Projections suggest that by 2050, the U.S. population impacted by climate-related disasters could double, with a quarter of the population affected annually. Research indicates that 25% to 50% of people exposed to extreme weather events are susceptible to negative mental health consequences, such as anxiety and PTSD. This underscores the urgent need to address the psychological impact of climate …

Distribution Of Virginia Pollinator Insect Specimens From The Liberty University Natural History Collection, Sarah Gerringer

Liberty University Research Week

The Liberty University natural history collection contains a substantial number of preserved insect specimens taken from all over the state of Virginia, and which includes many families of pollinator insects. Pollinator insects play an important part in life on this planet, so the purpose of this study was to visually represent and evaluate historical pollinator habitat data. Information such as this can be used to both spread awareness of pollinator conservation and to provide a better understanding of where pollinators may be located. In this study, we compiled and examined location data from ten families of Virginia native pollinator insects …

Vaccine Or No Vaccine? A Sudden Rise In Ancient Diseases, Krista Coipel, Atika Ali, Ifeoluwanimi Shobayo, Naa Komley Commey

Liberty University Research Week

Introduction/Background: In recent years, numerous vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, tuberculosis, and polio, that were previously deemed controlled or eradicated have reappeared in different communities. The decline in vaccination rates, fueled by misinformation, obstacles to access, and vaccine hesitancy, presents an escalating threat to public health. This study investigates the connection between vaccination behaviors and the resurgence of these "ancient" diseases, within the framework of the Healthy People 2030 objectives.

Methods: Peer-reviewed journal articles, public health surveillance reports, and policy documents were systematically gathered through academic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO and CDC/WHO repositories. Search terms employed included …

Is Everything Awesome? Cultural Apologetics In A Metamodern Age, Alexander Lee, Dara Huamanchumo Ascanio, Isaiah Johnson

Liberty University Research Week

Contemporary apologists have emphasized that engaging with culture in an insightful and respectful way is a powerful tool for evangelism (Chatraw & Allen, 2018). In this vein, children’s media, born in a specific cultural setting, has a formative impact on upcoming generations, an avenue of influence that should be explored for its implications in apologetics. To do this, the research explores themes highlighting the transition between postmodernism and metamodernism by comparing the films Toy Story (1995) and The Lego Movie (2014). The project figures characters in Toy Story as representing the shift from modernism to postmodernism, while characters in The …

Instructors’ Lived Experiences Of Using Authentic Assessments In College Calculus Courses Across The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Christy Kains

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of instructors with authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States. The theory guiding this study was Astin’s student involvement theory, which provided a framework to study the involvement of students in higher education. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of instructors who utilize authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States? This study used a qualitative design following the transcendental phenomenological approach of Moustakas. The sample included 12 instructors from two-year and four-year colleges in …

Shepherds In The Great War: The Evolution Of The U.S. Army Chaplaincy And The Service Of Malcolm Taylor In World War I, Sydney Gilbert

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Extreme Heat Exposure During Pregnancy And Adverse Birth Outcomes In Sub-Saharan Africa, Maame Yaa Okrah, Bright Agbotui, Naa Komley Commey, Raymond Suonyir, Yenigat Abate

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Extreme heat is an emerging issue in public health, given the rise in temperature globally because of climate change. Pregnant women are at risk of being adversely affected by extreme heat, as changes in body physiology during pregnancy compromise its ability to regulate temperature. Recent studies have shown that exposure to extreme heat is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited evidence. This study sought to examine the potential association of extreme heat exposure in pregnancy with adverse birth outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: This study undertakes …

Metamodernism In Music, Kara Lewis

Liberty University Research Week

The progression of history, along with its technological, philosophical, and cultural shifts, is reflected in the music humans create and relate to. The shift towards a metamodern philosophical framework within the last two decades of Western culture has influenced the of music today. Our concept and description of metamodernism is taken from Timotheus Vermeulen’s and Robin van den Akker’s 2010 article, “Notes on Metamodernism.” They posit that metamodernism is defined by oscillation between “modern enthusiasm” and “postmodern irony” (pg. 1) and between “modern commitment” and “postmodern detachment” (pg. 2). It is of crucial note that this oscillation is not balance, …

Joy Under The Sun: Ecclesiastes And Existential Positive-Psychology, Alexander Lee, Clayton Hess

Liberty University Research Week

Christian counselors can benefit from theological research into effective counseling theory and practice. Biblical wisdom literature has been long overlooked as an effective tool in biblically-informed counseling. Biblical wisdom parallels recent trends in positive-psychology toward emphasizing holistic human flourishing (Hawkins, 2026). Further, interpretations of Ecclesiastes can parallel existentialism, with similar emphases on coherence and meaning-making (Keefer, 2019). In Lee’s (2012) discussion of Ecclesiastes, flourishing is pinpointed in qohelet’s treatment of joy. Lee develops a theology of enjoyment based on qohelet’s diagnosis of the human condition, his description of humanity’s position in relationship with God, and his meditation on injustice. In …

Vicarious Trauma And Compassion Fatigue Among Counselors Serving Law Enforcement Populations, Makayla Thompson

Liberty University Research Week

Approximately 98% of clinical therapists report treating clients who have experienced at least one traumatic event (Bride, 2007). Research has established associations between clinical work with trauma-affected populations and increased vulnerability to vicarious trauma (VT) and compassion fatigue (CF) among counselors (Armes et al., 2020; Rayne et al., 2020). VT refers to cumulative and enduring changes in a clinician’s cognitive schemas resulting from sustained empathic engagement with clients’ traumatic experiences (McCann & Pearlman, 1990). CF describes emotional and physical exhaustion that diminishes a clinician’s capacity for empathy and compassion, often understood as the cost of caring for those suffering (Figley, …