Digital Commons Network^™

What Common Themes Are Challengers Trying To Silence And What Would Be Lost Without Them?, Corrine H. Martello

Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics

This research paper aims to analyze the controversies surrounding The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, three commonly challenged books that are often found in high school English classes, in order to answer the question “what themes in these books are challengers trying to silence, and what would be lost without them?”. It will be broken into four sections, Alienation, Mental Health Struggles & Trauma, The Loss of Innocence, and Exploring Identity, which are common themes presented in all three books. …

Wellness In Action: Implementation Of An Experiential Wellness Elective For Occupational Therapy Students, Heather Short

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Wellness In Action: Implementation of an Experiential Wellness Elective for Occupational Therapy Students

Graduate student mental health is a growing concern in higher education, highlighted by the student experience of high levels of stress, burnout, and declining well-being that impair academic and daily functioning (SenthilKumar et al.,2023; Bullock et al.,2017). Research highlights the need for proactive, holistic interventions that provide education and support skill development (Henrico, 2021; Van Oss et al., 2025). To address this need, this capstone project aimed to design, implement, and evaluate an experiential wellness elective for occupational therapy (OT) doctoral students within a graduate health professions …

Justice, Autonomy, Beneficence, And Non-Maleficence: The Global Failure To Heed Ethical Mandates In Birth Spaces, Julia Dees

Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics

Respectful and safe care in all birthing spaces has long been an ideal that global communities fail to meet. Birthing people are disrespected, physically or emotionally harmed, or left to completely fend for themselves during a period of extreme emotional and medical vulnerability. Historically, autonomy especially has been ignored in birthing spaces with medical trends like the twilight sleep, where women were drugged into a state of unconsciousness during birth (Taylor, 2023), demonstrating the desire of western medicine, in particular, to reduce birthing people to bystanders in their own birth. While birth trends and medical treatments have changed throughout time, …

Front Matter

Tenor of Our Times

Front Matter

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Tenor of Our Times

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Reimagining Productive Struggle In Secondary Mathematics: Introducing The Instructional Feedback For Inclusive Struggle Framework, Totrina L. Mosley

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Abstract

This conceptual study introduces the Instructional Feedback for Inclusive Struggle (IFIS) framework, a model designed to address inequities experienced by learners with disabilities in compressed-pacing mathematics classes (CPMC). Although accelerated formats such as the 4x4 instructional block schedule are intended to deepen engagement, research shows that opportunities for sense-making, reflection, and productive struggle are often limited due to time constraints (Allen Queen et al., 1997; Cooke, 2023; Young et al., 2024). IFIS responds to these challenges by integrating three foundational theories: Vygotsky’s (1978) Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which emphasizes cognitive support; Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which foregrounds …

Policy Brief For Integrated Perspectives: Florida Ems Workforce And Agency Synthesis 2025, Florida Center For Emergency Medical Services

Florida Center for Emergency Medical Services Research Reports

Executive Summary

Workforce shortages persist. Paramedic vacancies remain widespread across Florida, with a median of two open positions per agency. Clinicians cite dissatisfaction with pay as the most significant retention concern, with compensation receiving the lowest satisfaction rating among all employment domains.

Recruitment pipelines are growing. Agencies report active investment in cadet programs (42 agencies), explorer programs (31 agencies), and high school EMS academy partnerships (24 agencies). However, clinicians emphasize that systemic barriers including low entry-level pay and limited advancement opportunities constrain the long-term effectiveness of these efforts.

Wellness programs are underutilized. A significant gap exists between …

A Rubric-Based Evaluation Of Mote Marine Aquarium’S Curriculum, Alexis Williams

Theses & ETDs

Informal science institutions such as aquariums play a critical role in shaping students’ engagement with and understanding of scientific concepts, particularly outside traditional classroom settings. This study addresses a gap in existing research by examining curriculum design rather than solely student outcomes, focusing on middle school programs at Mote Marine Aquarium. A theory-aligned rubric grounded in the Four-Phased Model of Interest Development, intrinsic motivation, three-dimensional learning, and the Contextual Model of Learning was developed and applied to evaluate three lessons: Marine Ecology, Ocean Technology, and Marine Biomedical. The analysis assessed inquiry-based learning, real-world connections, reflection, collaboration, and support for interest …

The Third-Party Privacy Problem, David Sella-Villa

North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology

No abstract provided.

Stealing Hearts, And Data: Legal Ramifications And Data Privacy Risks Of Ai Companions, John G. Browning

North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology

No abstract provided.

Immersive Experiences And Brand Equity: Ar And Vr As Engagement Tools For Gen Z In Art Studio Start-Ups, Helena F. Allman, Erol Pala, Hilmi A. Atadil, Felicia N. Morgan, Alison J. Green, Qiulin Lu

AMTP Proceedings 2026

The paper examines the distinct roles of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and personal storytelling in influencing consumer-based brand equity. The work explores how VR-based art experiences enhance sensory and emotional engagement and how AR-based experiences increase interactivity and creative participation of Gen Z art studio patrons. The inclusion of the business owner’s personal story narrative is expected to strengthen perceived brand authenticity and emotional connection. From a theoretical perspective, this work will extend experiential marketing theory by showing how immersive technologies and authentic narratives shape consumer experiences, particularly for Generation Z consumers. From a managerial standpoint, the study …

The Relationship Between Online Course Content Design And Student Satisfaction In Asynchronous University Courses, Scott Dillingham

Education Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation draws on five years of research examining course design and student satisfaction in asynchronous online courses. The study investigated the relationship between course content and student satisfaction in asynchronous online courses at The University of Texas at Tyler. A mixed-methods design combined qualitative inductive coding of online course content with quantitative analysis of student evaluation data across 20 asynchronous online courses taught by nine faculty experienced in online instruction. Results indicated measurable relationships between instructional content variables and student evaluation scores. Dialogue and Ordinary Conversation, content categories identified through emergent coding of course materials, demonstrated positive predictive relationships …

Algorithmic Armor: Rethinking Section 230'S Protection Of Platform Design, Amelia Christian Walker

North Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Edu 30 Introduction To Special Needs, School & Society Syllabus, Propa Akter

Open Educational Resources

The syllabus for EDU 30 contains a course description, course objectives, course readings divided by week and a link to OER textbooks and ZTC readings.

Dipl 6310 Research Methods For Policy Analysis, Prashant Hosur Suhas Ph.D.

Diplomacy Syllabi

This class is an introduction to political science international relations research methodology. My main goal is to teach you the basics of creating and consuming research in the social sciences. The course will lead you through conceptualization and theory construction, the derivation of testable hypotheses, and a variety of methodologies that may be used to evaluate these hypotheses. We will discuss causal inference, observation and measurement, and other issues encompassing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. We will discuss the way in which academic articles in the social sciences are written, and how they should be read.

This course includes …

Childhood, Likelihood, And Probative Value: A Further Call For Greater Probity And Less Childism In Evidence Law, Mae C. Quinn

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

What Survives, Speaks, Olivia Parmerlee

Honors Projects

Poetry collection and reflective essay that consists of a traumatic event (sexual assault) and shows the healing journey. The emphasized themes are resiliency, processing, and community-building. Healing is not linear, nor is it always beautiful. The reflective essay explains the academic and theoretical context that the collection is built on. From the invisible frameworks of patriarchy and gender roles to Audre Lorde, whose rhetoric served as an incredible inspiration to this project. The poetry collection sits at an intersection of the writers academic, professional, and creative work, with additional inspiration being derived from her volunteer work with sexual assault survivors.

Back To Basics: The Benefits Of Children’S Literature In Higher Education, Max A. Bufkin

Honors Projects

The historic undervaluing of children’s literature has resulted in little research or application of the genre in higher education. However, what research is available has shown that engaging with children’s literature as an adult can have many benefits, including better mental well-being, understanding of multicultural perspectives, and enhanced critical thinking skills. Due to patriarchal ideologies over who can and cannot engage with literature, as well as the work of children’s literature critics, the genre has been marginalized from much debate and discussion. Through student-centered learning and group reading sessions, college students from nearly every discipline can learn to utilize and …

The Racial Implications For Black Claimants At The Federal Arbitration Act's Centennial, Michael Z. Green

Faculty Scholarship

On February 12, 1925, when President Calvin Coolidge signed into law an Act to make arbitration agreements "valid, irrevocable, and enforceable," no person could have expected that this new statute would ever apply to claims by Black litigants. A century later, that law, now referred to as the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), has evolved to encompass disputes involving a broad array of claimants and processes where businesses enforce pre-dispute agreements to arbitrate. In examining whether Black claimants (businesses, consumers, and importantly, workers) may benefit from using arbitration, this Article investigates how the FAA, as enacted, never intended to address their …

Exploring Student Academic And Grief Functioning After Loss: Perceptions And Influence Of Faculty Responses To Student Bereavement, Vivian Hale

Honors Theses

Bereavement is a common yet underrecognized experience among college students, with many experiencing the death of a loved one during their academic careers. The university environment can present unique challenges that may impede the grieving process. Thus, faculty members may play an important role in shaping students’ academic and emotional outcomes following a loss. Understanding how students are affected by their faculty’s response to loss is critical for identifying strategies to support bereaved students within the academic environment. This study builds on previous research demonstrating that bereaved college students experience academic and emotional challenges while specifically examining the role of …

Exploring Adolescents’ Social, Cultural, And Health Experiences To Inform Culturally Responsive Interventions, Bria D. Singleton

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined adolescents’ perceptions of their social, cultural, and health-related experiences, assessing constructs related to identity formation, digital exposure, belonging, and safety among Generation Alpha. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from students aged 11 to 14 enrolled at a public middle school in South Carolina using a structured survey and qualitative group discussions. Survey findings indicated primarily positive perceptions of school safety and a sense of self-efficacy in caring for their mental health and well-being. However, qualitative findings disclosed the adolescents’ acute awareness of environmental threats, such as gun violence and school shootings, resulting in emotional dysregulation …

Vaccination Coverage And Factors Associated With Covid-19 Vaccination In The Adult African American Community In South Carolina: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Brittany Divon Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected African American communities, revealing longstanding disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. In South Carolina, where these inequities are particularly evident, understanding the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among African Americans is crucial for advancing health equity. This thesis examines vaccination coverage and explores social, economic, and psychological predictors of vaccine uptake in a sample of 305 African American adults through a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2023.

Vaccination status was categorized as unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and fully vaccinated (with or without a booster). Ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between vaccination status …

Small Award, Big Ripple, Beryl White-Bing

Library Presentations & Publications

Innovation in libraries does not always begin with large national grants or major institutional investments. Often, meaningful experimentation begins with small regional funding opportunities that allow librarians to test new ideas and technologies. For academic libraries, these modest awards can serve as catalysts for interdisciplinary collaboration, new teaching tools, and innovative research partnerships.

Evaluating Current And Prospective Major League Soccer Marketing Strategies To Spanish Speakers In The United States, Larissa Lee

Honors Theses

This quantitative study identifies the relationship between Spanish-language marketing and Major League Soccer (MLS) fandom and support among consumers. Data were collected by administering a survey in both English and Spanish to ensure inclusivity and increase accessibility. A total of 497 responses were collected, and a series of simple linear regressions were conducted using SPSS to evaluate if MLS fandom and team support could be predicted by language preference for marketing campaigns, perceptions of current Spanish-language content availability, cultural representation, cultural inclusion, and demand for more Spanish-language content.

Results indicated statistically significant differences across all hypotheses. Regarding the dependent variable …

Does Sponsorship Context Matter? Comparing Local And National Sponsorship Effects On Consumer Behavior, Kathryn Flock

Honors Theses

Sponsorship use has become increasingly important as a marketing strategy for influencing consumer perceptions of the sponsoring company. This, in turn, establishes consumer relationships that result in favorable behavioral intentions. While prior research has examined national and global sponsorships, there is limited research on the differences between national and local sponsorships and how these differences could influence consumer perceptions and behavioral intentions. The purpose of this study was to examine how local or national sponsorship affects consumer perceptions, including sincerity, trust, attitude toward the sponsor, and behavioral intentions.

A mixed-methods approach was employed for this study. Study 1 used qualitative …

Appellate Review Of Child Custody In Mississippi, 1994-2024, Eleanor Detweiler

Honors Theses

This study examines changes in child custody decision-making within the Mississippi appellate court system over a thirty-year period, with a particular focus on the role of legal custody as a separate consideration from physical custody. Using a longitudinal empirical research design, appellate court decisions from 1994, 2004, 2014, and 2024 were analyzed using Nexis Uni. Cases were identified using the search term “child custody” with emphasis on case headnotes indexed under “child custody” as the area of law. Variables including party roles, types of custody sought, reasons for appeal, and case outcomes were recorded and evaluated to identify trends over …

Tough Love Or Just Tough?: The Effect Of Juvenile Military Bootcamps On Adolescent Externalizing Behaviors, Paris Labadie

Honors Theses

Externalizing behaviors, which are mental health problems manifested as outward behavior, have negative impacts on the environment and relationships (Liu, 2004). They include traits such as impulsivity, aggression, and substance use. Externalizing behaviors are more common in justice-involved youth compared to those who were not involved. Interventions for justice-involved youth, such as military boot camps, offer an alternative to incarceration and provide rehabilitation opportunities and routine. Theoretical research suggests military boot camps are problematic, citing the ineffectiveness of “scared straight” tactics. To date, there are few studies examining changes because of completing boot camps. There are also no studies examining …

What Happens After The Program Ends? Maintenance Of Physical Performance And Resistance Exercise Participation Following Exercise Oncology Interventions, Alexander Matthew Brooks

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors frequently experience persistent impairments in physical performance that compromise functional independence, quality of life, and long-term health. While supervised exercise programs meaningfully improve physical performance, there is uncertainty regarding the durability of these benefits and the factors that influence long-term participation after programs end. Although exercise oncology programs typically include both aerobic and resistance exercise (RE), participation in RE tends to decline once supervision ends and remains lower than aerobic exercise over time. Therefore, the overarching aims of this dissertation were to: 1) evaluate the sustainability of physical performance improvements following exercise interventions in cancer survivors; 2) …

Wright State University's Celebration Of Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities From Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Wright State University

Celebration of Undergraduate & Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Materials

The student abstract booklet is a compilation of abstracts from students' oral and poster presentations at Wright State University's Celebration of Student Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities on April 1, 2026.

2026 Gsba Conference Abstracts

Global Sport Business Journal

Conference abstracts from the 2026 GSBA Conference "Ideas in Motion"