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Illinois State University, One Hundred And Sixty-Sixth Annual Commencement, December 2025, Illinois State University

Commencement Programs

Illinois State University

One Hundred and Sixty-Sixth Annual Commencement

December 2025

Allogeneic Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells For Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Trial., Mya C Schiess, Jessika Suescun, Juan D Martinez-Lemus, Charles Green, Tia S Thomas, Mohammad Shahnawaz, Emily Tharp, Nikunj B Satani, Jerome G Saltarrelli, Christopher Adams, Marie-Francoise Doursout, Vanessa Thyne, Rula Abuamouneh, Elsa M Rodarte, Sean I Savitz, Timothy M Ellmore

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Neuroinflammation contributes to Parkinson's disease (PD) progression and motor dysfunction. Allogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells (allo-hMSCs) may reduce neuroinflammation and improve motor symptoms.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of repeated intravenous doses of 10 × 106/kg allo-hMSCs in improving motor symptoms in patients with PD (PwP).

Methods: In this phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (November 2020-July 2023), mild-to-moderate PwP received either three allo-hMSC infusions, one placebo followed by two allo-hMSC infusions, or three placebo infusions at 18-week intervals. Follow-up lasted 88 weeks. The primary outcome was a >70% posterior probability (PP) of a difference in the proportion of participants …

Efficacy Of Platelet Rich Plasma Versus Placebo For Improvement In Olfactory Function In Adults With Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ali B Jafar, Ghabrielle Almeida, Fatima Al Mousawi, Eric Delgado Rendon, Amber U Luong

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Olfactory dysfunction significantly impairs quality of life. Conventional treatments such as corticosteroids and olfactory training offer limited and inconsistent efficacy. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a biologically active agent, has shown potential regenerative effects in olfactory neuroepithelium. This study systematically evaluates the efficacy of PRP compared to placebo in improving olfactory function.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD 420251045079). The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Central, and Web of Science. Seven studies (four RCTs, three non-RCTs) involving 789 patients were included. Subjective and objective outcomes were extracted and …

50+Years Of Restaurant Tipping Research Part Ii: An Analysis Of Research Subthemes And Suggestions For Future Research, Nick E. Johnston, Cortney L. Norris, H. G. Parsa

General Human Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Tipping reflects a complex interplay of cultural norms, economic incentives, and operational challenges, especially within the U.S. foodservice industry. Building on the systematic literature review and themes presented in Part I, this study examines the subthemes identified across 319 peer-reviewed articles published between 1974 and 2024. Findings reveal saturation points, underexplored topics and intersections, as well as debates surrounding regulations and policies of tipping practices and alternative compensation models. This review integrates a fragmented body of research, provides an overview of key findings, highlights critical gaps, and offers a roadmap for future scholarship and practical reforms in service compensation systems.

Embodied Overcrowding And Sensory Tensions: A Carceral Autoethnography Of Philippine Jails, Dwayne Antojado

Ateneo School of Government Publications

In this paper, I undertake a sensorially oriented autoethnography of two Philippine jails, illuminating the visceral textures of carceral life that conventional sociological or criminological discourses often overlook. Drawing inspiration from Jewkes and Young's (2021) examination of Kyoto Prison, I foreground the overlapping realms of sight, sound, smell, and touch, arguing that incarceration is inherently a profoundly embodied phenomenon. By weaving personal reflections, field observations, and broader scholarly insights, I reveal how overcrowded dormitories, suffocating heat, and lingering bodily odours converge to redefine detainees' spatial, temporal, and psychosocial realities in ways rarely captured by quantitative metrics. While mindful of Nelken's …

Decoding The Dynamics Of Ceo Sociopolitical Activism And Stakeholders’ Response, Nayyer Naseem, Yuqi Wang, Faraz Moin

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

Business leaders today function as powerful symbolic figures whose sociopolitical stances can transform consumer loyalty, investor confidence, and organizational stability. This study decodes how stakeholders interpret executive actions and respond through behaviors such as boycotts, divestment, or heightened advocacy, highlighting both short and long-term consequences. Drawing on signaling, stakeholder, social identity, social influence, intrinsic motivation, and reputational risk theoretical frameworks, this study develops a four-stage interpretive model that links leadership behavior to stakeholder perceptions, reactions, and market outcomes within varying contextual and environmental conditions. Through a case-based analysis, it illustrates how CEO stance, media framing, and ideological alignment shape these …

Educating For Impact: A Prosocial Marketing Approach To Foster Altruism Among Young Consumers, Bela Florenthal

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

This study explores how a prosocial marketing intervention in a dual-enrollment course fosters altruistic values and emotional development among young consumers while deepening their understanding of cause-related and social marketing. Grounded in holistic and experiential learning, the project required students to engage in weekly acts of kindness, reflect on their experiences, and share their actions on social media to amplify impact. Thematic analysis of qualitative data collected over two academic years revealed personal growth driven by intrinsic motivation (e.g., belonging, self-esteem) and positive emotions (e.g., joy, pride). Students demonstrated greater social awareness and practical application of marketing principles through volunteering, …

The Role Of Participative Leadership In Enhancing Strategic Foresight, Ali Mawat Al-Sudani, Hadeel Kadhm Saeed, Iftikhar Abdhussein Kataa

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

Research diagnoses the role of Participative leadership in enhancing strategic foresight in the General Directorate of Education in the First Rusafa. To explain the influential relationships between the research variables and achieve the main objective of the research, a hypothetical model was developed in light of which a set of hypotheses were formulated. To test them, the researchers used the descriptive analytical approach to complete the research by using the questionnaire as a main tool for collecting data and information, which was distributed to the research sample, which included several managers (department manager and division officials) in the General Directorate …

Reliability And Validity Of A Self-Administrated Online Assessment Of Intrinsic Capacity: A Singapore Cohort Study, Paulin Tay Straughan, William Tov, Lay Khoon Lau, Li Ling Grace Cheong, Chong Sheng Micah Tan, William Tov, Yew Yoong Ding, Wee Shiong Lim

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Objective: To ascertain the construct validity and reliability of a self-administered web-based assessment of intrinsic capacity (IC). Design: Cross-sectional data analysis of a prospective cohort study. Settings and Participants: We included data from 6,434 respondents (age, mean (SD): 65.33 (5.81) years; 52.4% women) of the Singapore Life Panel population study who participated in the online surveys in March 2022 and May 2022.MethodsIncremental nested factor structures of IC were modelled with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and their goodness-of-fit were assessed mainly with root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and standardized root mean square …

Attachment To Artificial Intelligence: Development Of The Ai Attachment Scale, Construct Validation, And The Psychological Mechanisms Of Human-Ai Attachment, K Tennakoon Appuhamillage Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly integrated into daily life, not only as tools but also as social partners that people may turn to for interaction and support. This raises important questions about whether, how, and why individuals form attachment-like bonds with AI, and the psychological implications of such attachments. Across five studies involving 1259 unique participants from Singapore and the U.S., the current work developed and validated the 15-item AI Attachment Scale and investigated the dispositional and motivational factors associated with attachment to AI, as well as its emotional and social outcomes. The AI Attachment Scale displayed strong psychometric …

Acculturation, Values, And Acculturative Stress For Autistic Latino Emerging Adults And Spanish-Speaking Parents Participating In The ¡Iniciando! La Adultez Program, Antonio F Pagán, Miriam Ortiz, Erin Bernal, Katherine A Loveland, Ana Esparza, Cecilia Montiel-Nava, Ron Acierno

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Latino families with emerging adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges during the transition to adulthood, influenced by cultural values, acculturation, and systemic barriers. Acculturation and acculturative stress are particularly relevant in this population, as they navigate cultural adaptation while maintaining traditional values like familismo (family) and respeto (respect). These dynamics are further complicated by disparities in access to resources and culturally responsive interventions. This study explores the interplay of cultural values, acculturation, and acculturative stress among Latino emerging adults with ASD and their Spanish-speaking parents participating in a culturally adapted and translated intervention. Using a cross-sectional …

Obstetric And Neonatal Nurses' Experiences Of Caring For Immigrant Women From Culturally Diverse Backgrounds After Perinatal Death, Meredith Dickey

Student Dissertations

The ability of healthcare providers to meet the needs of immigrants from culturally diverse backgrounds has become increasingly essential as the United States faces the global migration crisis. Culturally diverse immigrant women, especially from areas of the world experiencing conflict, typically lack prenatal care and access to healthcare before coming to the United States, contributing to stillbirths and miscarriages among this population. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore obstetric and neonatal nurses’ experiences of caring for immigrant mothers from culturally diverse backgrounds after perinatal death. Knowledge gained from this study will contribute to a new understanding …

Love Affair With Thin Air: Mortality, Mastery, And The Consumerism Of Mountaineering, Kenneth Bates, Justine Rapp Farrell, Steven W. Kopp, Christopher Newman

Marketing Faculty Publications and Presentations

Mountaineering is arguably one of the most dangerous recreational challenges an individual may ever choose to undertake, yet millions of people annually venture above 8000 feet to challenge themselves in pursuit of personal goals, ideals, and support of individual values. But, why are consumers motivated to participate in such demanding and hazardous pursuits? This paper evaluates the psychological complexities surrounding adventure tourism as an act of consumerism, uncovering the pursuit of values, ideals, and identity transformation that is guided by one's own mortality salience. The present study seeks to examine consumer satisfaction beyond the simple pleasures of adventure and adrenaline …

Is Political Information Over Facebook Credible? A Look At The 2020 Presidential Election, Kristina Harrison, Shawn Thelen, Boonghee Yoo, John B. Ford

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

Much controversy still exists surrounding the events before, during, and after the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Some of this is attributable to voters’ uncertainty, driven by conflicting messages transmitted over social media, about the credibility of information surrounding the candidates and election results. Examining data collected shortly before the 2020 election, this study investigates how consumers perceive political information presented on Facebook. Drawing from Source Credibility Theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), the research tests a model that includes medium dependency, medium interactivity, information quality, information presentation, personal expertise, and power perception. Data from 407 participants were analyzed using …

The Role Of Apparel In College Student Athletic Affiliation, Robin Hardin, Michelle L. Childs

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

Athletics is often considered the virtual front porch of a university, as it is often the most recognizable aspect of a college or university. This study examines how college students use apparel to affiliate with their university’s athletic brand. Results revealed three key factors influencing athletic-related merchandise preference: fashionable appeal, uniqueness, and official merchandise. Further analysis found that merchandise featuring official logos, colors, and recognizable branding elements significantly enhances consumers’ ability to associate with the university’s athletics brand. Gender differences emerged in preferences for fashionable items, with men showing greater interest. These findings provide valuable insights for marketers and university …

Involvement Of Students With Extensive Support Needs In Pbis: Middle School Educator And Administrator Perspectives, Virginia L. Walker, Megan E. Carpenter, Sheldon Loman

Journal of Case Learning & Exceptional Learners

School-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a widely adopted multi-tiered system of behavioral supports designed to promote a safe, predictable, and inclusive school environment for all students. Despite the positive outcomes associated with PBIS, students with extensive support needs (ESN) may have limited access to and involvement in all aspects of PBIS. In this article, we describe the perspectives of three staff members––an administrator, general education teacher, and special education teacher––who participated in interviews about the involvement of students with ESN in PBIS. These staff members provided insightful information about how students with ESN were involved in PBIS …

Research To Practice Gap: Impact Of Principal Perceptions & Communication On Change Initiatives, Jennifer Sagendorf

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences, perceptions, and practices of school principals related to evidence-based change initiatives and the continued divide between the findings of educational researchers and the use of these findings by school practitioners. Since the prevalent dichotomy of theory and practice is detrimental to school improvement efforts, it is important to examine the underlying values and beliefs that contribute to perpetuating this divide. For this qualitative phenomenological study, semi-structured interviews with seven elementary school principals provided first-hand accounts of the principals' lived experiences. Through an iterative process of coding, clustering, and cross-case analysis, …

The Future Is Now: Empowering Society Through Ai Literacy, Jason S. Wrench, Sanae Elmoudden

Milne Open Textbooks

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it is the reality of the present. From the algorithms shaping our social media feeds to the generative tools transforming our workplaces, AI has permeated every aspect of modern life. The Future is Now moves beyond the hype to provide a comprehensive roadmap for understanding, navigating, and shaping this technological revolution.

Demystifying the Machine

This textbook serves as a user-friendly guide to the “black box” of AI. It breaks down complex technical concepts—from machine learning and neural networks to large language models—making them accessible to students across all disciplines. By establishing a …

Interpersonal Communication: A Mindful Approach To Relationships 2nd Edition, Jason S. Wrench, Narissra M. Punyanunt-Carter, Katherine S, Thweatt

Milne Open Textbooks

Interpersonal communication is the way we connect with others. Whether engaging with a spouse, a coworker, a close friend, or a stranger, our daily lives are defined by the messages we send and receive. Interpersonal Communication guides students through the complex landscape of human interaction, helping them navigate relationships in the twenty-first century.

A Mindful Perspective

What distinguishes this textbook is its integration of mindfulness into the study of communication. Moving beyond simple skills training, the text encourages students to engage in mindful awareness and mindful practice. By learning to be fully present, open, and non-judgmental, students develop the …

Spectrum Of Headache Disorders In Pakistan: A Multicenter Study, Amina Javed, Shafaq Saleem, Safia Awan, Saba Zaidi, Manzoor Lakhair, Fahad Saleem, Waleed Shahzad, Ahmed Wali

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective:

Headache disorders represent some of the most prevalent neurological conditions worldwide. While community-based

studies provide general prevalence, data on their diagnostic spectrum in specialized clinical settings in Pakistan remain

limited. The objective of this multicenter study was to evaluate the demographic distribution and spectrum of headache

disorders among patients presenting to neurological services across Pakistan.

Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study was carried out at 39 neurology centers across Pakistan, from August 2017

to December 2019. Diagnosis was made using International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition

(ICHD-3). Demographic details, and headache subtypes were compared across gender and …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Relapse Rates And Medication Compliance In Bipolar I And Bipolar Ii Disorders: A Comparative Study, Nasir Mehmood, Qudsia Tariq

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and objective:

Bipolar disorder is a chronic, serious mental health condition characterized by mood episodes, and medication non-compliance is a significant predictor of relapse. The objective of this study was to investigate the relapse rates and medication compliance in patients with bipolar I and II disorders.

Methods:

This retrospective observational study was conducted at Karwan-e-Hayat Institute for Mental Health Care, Karachi, Pakistan. Medical records of 377 patients diagnosed with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder between July 2019 and June 2022 were retrieved from the Hospital Management System (HMS). Diagnosis was confirmed using DSM-IV criteria. Medication compliance was assessed …

Lack Of Multidisciplinary Collaboration In Stroke Rehabilitation In Pakistan: A Call For Integrated Care Models, Etisam Wahid, Shahzad Ahmad, Nimrah Humayoon

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

No abstract provided.

Trust And Fintech: A Review And Research Agenda, James F. Devlin, Sanjit K. Roy, Harjit Sekhon, S. M.A. Moin, Mehmet Sahiner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The primary objective of this paper is to formulate a detailed research agenda focussed on trust in the context of FinTech. To achieve this objective, conceptualisations of trust and related constructs are reviewed, and a detailed model of trust is developed. The domain of FinTech is then introduced and is taken to include current and emerging innovations in financial services incorporating aspects of big data and AI, as well as open and decentralised finance and crypto assets. Typologies of FinTech services are also explored. Arguments concerning the importance of trust in financial services are then reviewed, along with prior studies …

Improving Intimate Partner Violence Screening In Telehealth Mental Health Settings, Marina Oliynyk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive yet frequently underrecognized public health concern, particularly within telehealth psychiatric care, where nonverbal cues may be absent. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve the identification and response to IPV by implementing a standardized, evidence-based screening protocol in a private telepsychiatry practice. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, the validated E-HITS screening tool was introduced, along with structured trauma-informed care training, to six psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Six PMHNPs completed pre/post-confidence surveys (5-point Likert) and tracked screening activity across 100 telehealth encounters (98 of 100 visit were eligible). Over a three-month …

Full Issue (Volume 4, Issue 2): Evolving Englishes, Innovative Pedagogies, And Emerging Linguistic Insights

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

Abstract not applicable.

Threshold Sites Of Encounter: Dialogic (Place) Making To Enable Cross-Cultural Community Development—Lessons From Tuti Island, Khartoum, Sudan, Ioana Popovici, Robert Brown

School of Art, Design and Architecture

This text explores a possibility for extending our thinking on enacting dialogical placemaking and its potential to contribute to cross-cultural exchange through co-joining making and place as threshold sites of encounter. Advancing our knowledge and practice of dialogical placemaking and cross-cultural interaction is significant owing to the increasing presence of cultural differences, and with it economic, environmental, and social disparities, in an ever-increasingly globalized world. To advance this intention, this text will, through qualitative research, critically reflect upon the experience of a postgraduate Design Studio project based around the regeneration of an urban community situated in Khartoum, Sudan. Preliminary conclusions …

Riding The Waves Of Power: Power Fluctuation, Cognitive Energy, And Goal Pursuit, Hae-Lueng Rose Kim, Trevor A. Foulk, Michael Schaerer, Jake Gale, Eric A. Anicich

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

A central finding in the power literature is that experiencing elevated power facilitates employees’ goal-relevant cognitions and behaviors. In this work, we suggest that the relationship between power and goal pursuit is more complex than previously assumed. Specifically, we examine how experiencing power fluctuation—alternating states of high and low power during the workday—can uniquely promote employees’ goal-relevant behaviors beyond the effect of static power. Integrating insights from the Dynamic Equilibrium Model of Organizing (DEMO) and the Model of Proactive Motivation (MPM), our work demonstrates that power fluctuation can facilitate employees’ cognitive energy, in a way that enhances their goal-relevant cognitions …

Up From The Archive: On Stigma, Resilience And Chosen Families. Hassan Khalil Thinks With Bernard Gardiner 2018, Hassan Khalil

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper reflects upon Bernard Gardiner's qualitative study of the lived experiences of older gay people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in regional Queensland. The study explores how advancements in the biomedical field have extended the life expectancy of PLHIV, allowing this group to navigate through persistent challenges both psychosocial and structural. Central to Gardiner's study is the exploration of stigma, trauma and financial challenges. The core strength of the study is its participant-led narrative which offered valuable insight into complex lived experiences of ageing PLHIV. Gardiner's findings remain relevant in the contemporary and current context, highlighting the need …

Should The Army Be Involved In Divorce? Re-Examining The Pre-Divorce Defaults For Spousal Support, Artem M. Joukov, Thomas Godfrey

MC Law Review

Army Regulation 608-99 assigns a large portion of a Soldier’s paycheck to the spouse upon marital separation. The assignment occurs without a hearing, discovery, or consideration of critical evidence which might moderate the amount of support. The obligation rests on the Soldier to obtain a court order or spousal agreement to reduce the financial burden. The adversarial nature of modern divorces renders these requirements unrealistic. Amending the regulation would ease the burden of the Soldier, which is desirable in light of the ongoing recruitment crisis and the need to attract recruits and retain those already in the service.

Sociocultural Influences On Disordered Eating In Arab, Middle Eastern, And North African American Women: A Population Gap Research Study Examining The Roles Of Acculturative Stress And Family, Peer, And Media Pressures, Maria Kalantzis, Peiyi Wang, Katherine Meschino, Amanda Raffoul, Reza N. Sahlan, Abby Braden

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African (A-MENA) Americans are historically excluded from body image and eating disorder research; more specifically, no study to date examined sociocultural risk factors for disordered eating in this population. The current study is a secondary analysis (Kalantzis et al., Eating Behaviors, 53, 101868, 2024) from a mixed-methods study, which found, through qualitative feedback on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, bicultural identity and family appearance pressures may be relevant when examining general eating, shape, and weight concerns in this population. From a non-clinical sample of A-MENA American women (N = 244), pressures from …