Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Diverse Nursing Specialties: A Round-Robin Discussion With Sigma Iota-Phi Nurses, Danielle E. Shaver, Heather L. Briere

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Clinical instruction in nursing programs is essential for developing foundational skills and competencies, yet it cannot encompass the full breadth of specialties within the nursing profession. Given the vast and diverse scope of nursing practice, students may not have the opportunity to explore or engage with all the varied fields in which nurses work. This limitation often leaves students with a narrow understanding of the many career paths available within nursing (Milsom & Coughlin, 2015). Providing mentorship, fostering networking, and exposing students to diverse specialties are crucial to bridging this gap and preparing future nurses for the wide-ranging roles within …

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes December 4, 2025, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - November 6, 2025
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:02 pm

Educational Policies Committee Agenda December 4, 2025, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - November 6, 2025
• Subcommittee Reports
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

The Impact Of Social-Emotional Development In Early Childhood On Academic Success, Chelsea Bassett

Masters Projects

Research consistently shows that social-emotional competencies such as emotional regulation, empathy, interpersonal skills and self-awareness play a foundational role in a student’s ability to engage in learning, collaborate with peers, persist through struggles and achieve academically. Deficits in these skills are associated with decreased motivation, disruptive behavior, poor relationships with peers and teachers and diminished academic performance. Grounded in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory and supported by evidence-based frameworks, this project explores how intentionally targeting social-emotional learning can strengthen both student well-being and academic outcomes. This project examines the relationship between social-emotional development and academic achievement in early childhood and elementary education. …

Facility Usage On The International Space Station, Justin St. P. Walsh, Rao Hamza Ali, Ryan Shihabi, Erik Linstead

Art Faculty Articles and Research

Science experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) and in future space habitats require “facilities,” as they are known to space agencies, as the core building blocks of the research capabilities they provide. Facilities are experimental apparatus that enable research, often (but not always) used for more than one experiment, such as centrifuges, furnaces, gloveboxes, freezers, and more. The US Orbital Segment of the ISS has been home to 191 such facilities, belonging to four of the five ISS international partner agencies as well as private companies, in its 25 years of continuous operation. Until now, there has been no …

Changing Minds, Changing Behavior The Role Of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy In Addressing Intimate Partner Violence, Natalie Freeman

Graduate Student Thesis

Intervention programs for intimate partner violence abusers are designed to address and mitigate violent behaviors and promote healthier relationships to reduce recidivism. This paper examines various intervention programs and their strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and educational programs, along with their theoretical foundations and effectiveness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on altering thought patterns that contribute to abusive actions, demonstrating effectiveness in reducing violent behaviors and promoting emotional regulation. This study utilized a qualitative design in collaboration with Anger Management of the Upstate, where participants in a CBT-based intimate partner violence intervention program completed an anonymous Qualtrics survey exploring their …

Make It Shine: Strategies For Improving Academic Journals, Mark Hamilton

Faculty Publications and Presentations

This lightning talk, designed for journal editors and scholarly communication professionals, reviews several strategies for improving academic journals. These include developing best practices for journal publishing, maintaining high editorial standards, establishing regular publishing cycles, and updating the journal platform to a more modern design.

Developing A Waste-To-Energy Assessment Framework Integrating Engineering And Policy Dimensions Using A Triple Bottom Line Approach, Izech Brian O. Edwin, King Harold A. Recto

Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Faculty Publications

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in swiftly urbanizing Philippine cities has emerged as a critical concern in both energy and governance. Dependence on landfills is approaching critical thresholds as disposal sites near saturation, transportation costs escalate, and host communities increasingly resist garbage transfers. In response, this study proposes a comprehensive Waste-to-Energy (WtE) assessment framework that integrates engineering evaluation with policy and stakeholder analysis to support sustainable decision- making.

Using Baguio City as a case study, the framework applies a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach to evaluate three waste management scenarios: (1) current landfill-dominated practices, (2) engineered landfill with …

Montana Kaimin, December 4, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Parental Uncertainty And Information Needs For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Heejung Choi

Biennial Convention (CONV)

Background: Parents of children with developmental disabilities experience persistent and multifaceted uncertainty, starting with the initial recognition of developmental issues and continuing throughout their child’s life (Chao et al., 2018; Sartore et al., 2021; Scherr et al., 2020). Understanding what information can reduce uncertainty is crucial for alleviating stress and improving the well-being of both parents and their children with developmental disabilities (Smythe et al., 2021).

Aim: This qualitative study aimed to address the gap in identifying the most effective information for reducing parental uncertainty across different life stages of such children.

Method: This study employed a qualitative design. In-depth …

The Effects Of Emotional Valence On Memory In Garden-Path Sentences, William Banks Mangold

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Clear The Air: Willingness To Pilot And Willingness To Pay With Leaded And Unleaded Fuel, Jaelyann A. Soto Marquez, Jay C. Helstone, Bryson T. Harber, Vivek Sharma, Brooke E. Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Pilots reported a higher willingness to pilot (WTPilot) with traditional leaded avgas compared to the unleaded alternative. Willingness to pay (WTPay) was lower when the unleaded fuel was priced higher, showing sensitivity to cost. Results revealed that familiarity and affordability matter when considering sustainable fuel for flight training.

Faculty Senate Chronicle December 4, 2025, Lisa Appeldorn

The University of Akron Faculty Senate Chronicle

Minutes for the regular meeting of The University of Akron Faculty Senate on 12/04/2025.

Shaping The Soul: Spiritual Formation Practices In The Development Of Leaders, Ministers And Ministry Workers At First Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church, Kion D. Bolden

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Doctor of Ministry thesis project examined how structured spiritual formation practices can cultivate attentiveness to God and strengthen ministry readiness among leaders within a congregational context. The project addressed a critical need in the ministry field: many leaders serve faithfully but lack sustained rhythms of reflection, Scripture meditation, and contemplative rest that foster long-term spiritual vitality. The purpose of the study was to design, implement, and evaluate an eight-week Spiritual Formation Program integrating journaling, Scripture meditation, fasting, service, and contemplative prayer within a supportive cohort model. The goal was to determine whether consistent engagement in these practices measurably deepened …

Exploring Veterans' Experiences And Perceptions Of Mental Health Support: A Comparative Study Of Va Services Versus Civilian Mental Health Services, Jameelah Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological investigation aimed to describe and interpret the experiences of veterans who received mental health care from veterans at Veterans Administration (VA) facilities and civilian healthcare providers in the Mid-Atlantic region. The investigation examined the complex issues veterans encounter when accessing mental healthcare through both VA services and civilian providers. The research investigated veterans' views on essential elements such as trustworthiness, cultural competence within care systems, accessibility to services, and the quality of therapeutic relationships. The framework helped us comprehend how veterans’ attitudes, together with their subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, shape their decisions about using mental health …

Developing Healthy Leaders For Multiplication At The Bridge Church, Joshua D. Robinson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem addressed in this DMIN action research project is the lack of a clearly defined biblical framework for the ongoing leadership development at TBC in Venice, Florida, amid rapid growth and increasing attendance. This gap has hindered the equipping of leaders to disciple and lead others and fulfill the Great Commission through church multiplication. The purpose of this project was to design and implement a biblically grounded leadership pathway, including The Bridge Institute (TBI), to equip current and future servant leaders for maturity, relational authenticity, and missional impact. The goals included developing improved assimilation, increasing volunteer engagement, and creating …

What My Church Mother Taught Me: A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Maternal Messages Given To Black Christian Women On How To Cope With Trauma, Melanie Joyce Coates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Black women in Churches of Christ as they perceive and interpret maternal messages about coping with and managing the effects of traumatic experiences. For this study, maternal messages was defined as advice, support, mentorship, or guidance from older Black Christian women to younger Black Christian women. It was important to understand the ways in which older Black women teach younger Black women in navigating mental health challenges within the context of a complex trauma history among African Americans. The first theory that guided this study was …

Examining Social Determinants Of Health And The Impact On Hiv Outcomes In Black People In The United States, Triscia G. Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Black people are disproportionately affected by HIV as evidenced by poor clinical outcomes and mortality. Clinical outcomes may be potentiated by patient factors, compounded by social determinants of health. This cross-sectional study sought to examine the impact of social determinants of health on AIDS mortality in the United States. Deidentified HIV data from the CDC NCHHSTP Atlas Plus repository and CDC WONDER population data were utilized to examine the association of race, sex, transmission category and geography on AIDS mortality in 43 states during 2018 to 2022. AIDS mortality was further examined through the lens of HIV stigma and housing …

Exploring Gen Z Adults From Military Families: Perspectives On Work Ethics And Values, Sonia Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research explored the work ethics and values of Generation Z (Gen Z) adults who grew up in military-connected households. The purpose was to identify strategies that enhance organizational recruitment, retention, and engagement. Qualitative research methods, such as interviews and thematic analysis, were used to achieve this objective. Insights into how Gen Z adults from military households perceive their work ethic, prioritize their values in the workplace, and how organizations can integrate those values were gained. Findings revealed that discipline, dependability, excellence, responsibility, integrity, respect, and adaptability defined their work ethic, reflecting values shaped by their upbringing. Participants also expressed …

A Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study: How Students Affected By Trauma Experience Transformative Learning Through Digital Tools, Anita Sarah Chen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of adolescent students affected by trauma embarking on the transformative learning process as facilitated by digital learning tools. The theory used to guide the study will be the transformative learning theory by Jack Mezirow. The central research question is: How do students affected by trauma experience transformative learning through digital learning tools? Examining students affected by trauma undergoing the transformative learning process facilitated by digital learning tools will be explored using a hermeneutical qualitative design. Ten participants w selected through purposive sampling based on their experiences in …

The Effects Of Music Participation On Sense Of Belonging Among Elementary Students With Traumatic Experiences, Jamie Lynn Mckoy Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The unexpressed perspectives of children have long been dismissed in elementary music education. Daily agendas, curriculum, and administrative expectations direct the day-to-day functions of the classroom and negate the instructor’s assessment of students’ needs. As a result, students who have experienced trauma (various forms) will feel disconnected from the classroom and have a low level of engagement. Music educators must adapt their planning and execution and infuse empathy and flexibility in their teaching to allow all children room to grieve previous traumatic experiences. This historical research investigates the student perspectives on what music participation means effects on elementary students’ sense …

Do Games Play A Role In Personal Socialization?, Jasmine Reyna Landry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to explore how online gamers aged 20 to 40 experience the impact of socialization on self-verification and personal purpose. Semi-structured interviews with eleven participants were conducted, and data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method to capture the essence of participants lived experiences and the sample population consisted of 12 participants. Findings revealed two overarching themes and in the themes several subthemes that include: Emotional Regulation, Social Presence, Stress Relief, Gaming as Social Connection and Maintenance and lifestyle balance. Participants described gaming as central to sustaining meaningful relationships, regulating stress, exploring identity, and receiving …

The Divine Disciplinarian: God As The Model Father, Jacob Daniel Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A pastor is responsible for instructing a congregation regarding biblical information and instruction. When a person is unsure of what the Bible teaches on a topic, the pastor can preach sermons and teach lessons that convey biblical truth. The growing congregation of Nevada Free Will Baptist Church consisted of believers who had been away from church for some time and new converts, resulting in a lack of biblical literacy due to their limited exposure to biblical truth. One area where congregants were uninformed was biblical parenting. This study addressed the problem of biblical illiteracy regarding parenting. It informed participants about …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Common Themes Among Individuals Who Have Broken Generational Cycles Of Conflict Avoidance, Codependency, And People Pleasing, Joseph Daniel Mcginnis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many healthy and unhealthy adult behaviors are transmitted from parent to child as generational behavior cycles. Conflict avoidance, codependency, and people-pleasing are all unhealthy relationship dynamics that are generationally passed down in such a way. Breaking these generational cycles of unhealthy relationship dynamics is often difficult. The goal of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the common themes among individuals who have broken the generational cycles of conflict avoidance, co-dependency, and people-pleasing. The study consisted of 17 participants who were identified as having broken the generational cycles of conflict avoidance, codependency, or people-pleasing. Each participant was either previously involved …

There Is No Finish Line: The Intersection Of Sport And Race In St. Louis During The Civil Rights Era, Brandon Winfred Black

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project focuses on the intersection of sport and race in St. Louis during the 1950s and 1960s, revealing how Black athletes became both symbols of progress and targets of resistance, illustrating the broader Civil Rights Movement’s parallel fight for visibility and systemic change. St. Louis was a city of contrasts. Its location and culture made it a focal point for the racial struggles that defined the Civil Rights Movement, often symbolizing both the persistence of inequality and the potential for change. Black athletes not only challenged racial barriers on the field but also catalyzed social change off it, revealing …

Personality Traits And Perceived Barriers: A Comparative Study Of Teacher Views On Behavior Interventions, Patricia Geiger Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Maladaptive behaviors negatively affect both students and teachers. Students’ academic success, mental health, and safety are jeopardized by these behaviors, while teachers experience increased stress and burnout when managing them. Behavior interventions have been shown to reduce maladaptive behaviors and improve outcomes. Although most teachers agree that certain factors act as barriers to implementing behavior interventions, there is no consensus on the frequency or impact of these barriers. Guided by the Big Five Theory, this quantitative study examined how teachers’ levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness were associated with differences in their perceptions of the frequency and impact …

Lay-Led Crisis Intervention Strategies In The Adult 3 Ministry Of First Baptist Dallas, Jeffrey Adams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This DMIN action research project focused on the care, counsel, and advocacy lay leaders can provide to church members who experience a crisis. Due to the growing member-to-minister ratio at First Baptist Dallas, lay leaders can supplement the work of the ministers by providing frontline support. The problem is that most lay leaders within the church have limited training in crisis management outside their own life experiences. If lay leaders are equipped in biblical crisis management and intervention responses, then they will be able to provide guidance to church members in crisis. The qualitative research for this project was completed …

Managing Inclusive Classrooms In Michigan Schools: A Collective Case Study, Realite Peebles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand the training that general education teachers need to manage inclusive classrooms in Michigan elementary school. The theory guiding this study is Dewey’s Progressivism theory as it focuses on active participation in learning and identifying problems and offering tailored solutions. The focus of the Central Research Question is how general education teachers are prepared to manage inclusive classroom environments. The researcher used a collective case study research design with a sample size of 10 participants. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and journal prompt responses, and subsequently analyzed using open coding …

Music’S Transformative Power: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Christian Music’S Role In Enhancing Human Development, Crystal Ann Hubbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Music is one of the most fundamental expressions of art, communication, and worship, linking to the conscience and personalities across cultures. Music provides a pathway to human emotions where music manifests as a therapeutic component for psychosomatic change. Furthermore, Christian music has not been explored as a therapeutic component for individuals struggling with mental health or cognitive challenges. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Christian music may serve as a therapeutic component of wellbeing in everyday lives of individuals. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, this study investigated the lived experiences of 10 individuals who have experienced Christian …

Linguistic, Academic, And Cultural Experiences Of High School English Language Learners And Sustaining Cultural Pedagogies: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Tina G. Wyatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the linguistic, academic, and cultural challenges faced by English language learners at a suburban high school in Texas. At this stage in the research, English language learners were defined as students enrolled in a Texas public high school in a suburban town living in America for no more than four years with little to no English language proficiency, no access to multicultural classrooms, limited instruction from culturally and linguistically trained teachers, and a foreign school environment. The theory guiding this study was Byram’s critical cultural awareness theory, as it aided …