Digital Commons Network^™

Frameworks For Repatriation: Moving Beyond Nagpra, Ashley Joplin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Museums and similar federally funded educational institutions have been collecting human remains since the Enlightenment era in the 1800s. Since then, these institutions have developed various collections practices that have encouraged the collection of human remains. Often unethical in nature, these collections have harmed historically marginalized communities, such as Indigenous and African American communities. While the ethics of collecting have been under scrutiny for decades, it was not until 1990 under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) that mainstream attention was drawn to the ethics of collections practices.

This thesis explores these collections practices and the repatriation …

Destination Branding Strategies In The Hospitality And Tourism Industry, Mary Ann Richey

Senior Honors Theses

Within the last few decades, destination branding has gained significant traction in the hospitality and tourism industry. Therefore, it is essential that marketers within the industry pursue destination branding and analyze both successful and unsuccessful destination marketing campaigns. Successful campaigns cultivate positive consumer perceptions of destinations for both tourists and residents. Unsuccessful campaigns showcase that differentiation and a lack of residential support negatively impact national tourism. In order to successfully conduct destination branding campaigns, industry leaders must partake and acknowledge current industry trends. In 2025, the most impactful way to successfully market tourism destinations is through the use of online …

Household Food Insecurity And Its Impact On Feeding Practices In Hispanic Families Of Young Children: A Scoping Review, Miriam Alvarez

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Household Food Insecurity and Its Impact on Feeding Practices in Hispanic Families of Young Children: A Scoping Review Abstract: Household food insecurity disproportionately affects Hispanic families in the United States and may influence parental feeding practices associated with early childhood obesity. While existing research suggests a relationship between food insecurity and non-responsive feeding practices, the specific impact within Hispanic households is limited. This scoping review explores this gap in the literature and synthesizes current evidence on how current food insecurity impacts the feeding practices among Hispanic parents of children aged 0-5 years old in the United States. Following the PRISMA-ScR …

Perception Of Emotion In Autism With Controlled Elicitation (Peace), Austin Gillespie, Rachel E. Dewald

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

It is possible that autistic people find it easier to socialize within their own peer group (Beaupré & Hess, 2006), by recognizing socio-emotional nonverbal cues, due to a shared neurodivergence. To assess this, it would be helpful for researchers to have a database of emotional stimuli, validated for use with autistic individuals. Unfortunately, this does not exist. This current study’s objective is to create such a database that evokes natural emotion, rated by autistic individuals to be used in future research. All participants completed the Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) which measures the participants’ ability to identify and describe their own emotions …

Creating A Data Processing Pipeline With Mne-Python, Lesly Vazquez, Ananda Liz Peixoto Couto

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

The UNLV Psychophysiology of Emotion and Personality Lab (PEPLab) utilizes a MATLAB based pipeline to process electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. MATLAB is a proprietary software package, which limits the ability to analyze psychophysiological data and increases the financial burden of research. To increase the accessibility of data reduction skills, we have created and tested a new pipeline utilizing MNE-Python, an open source software package (Gramfort et al., 2013). In this pilot study, we utilized existing EEG recordings and examined the relationship between the Triarchic Model of Psychopathy and Error-Related Negativity (ERN) responses across incorrect and correct trials during a Letter Shock …

Examining The Relationship Between The Initial Level Of Learning And The Rate Of Forgetting, Lex De Asis, Justin Mykovich, Rhiannon N. Soriano Smith

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

It has been widely contested whether the rate of forgetting is connected to the initial degree of learning. While recent studies suggest that forgetting occurs at a consistent rate regardless of how well material was initially learned, other studies argue that this conclusion depends heavily on the analytical approach and the operational definition supplied. Additionally, emerging frameworks, such as the Representation Theory of Forgetting (Sadeh et al., 2014, 2016), propose that different brain regions support distinct types of memory representations, with each governed by separate forgetting mechanisms. This study seeks to examine how the degree of learning affects the rate …

Enhancing Student Success Prediction With Multimodal Machine Learning Models, Senay Berhe

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

This project explores how multimodal, fairness-aware machine learning models can enhance early prediction of student success while promoting equity in higher education. Traditional prediction models often rely on static academic or demographic data, which can unintentionally reinforce bias and overlook the complex, behavioral aspects of learning. Our approach integrates engagement metrics from learning management systems, academic performance data, and motivational survey responses to capture a more holistic view of student learning. The predictive framework emphasizes behavioral and psychological features that are both actionable and ethically sound, supporting real-time intervention through the iTOOLS platform. By focusing on engagement consistency and motivational …

Women’S Lived Experiences With Harassment In Gaming, Angelo Cordero, Alejandra Santos, Claudia Q. Luu

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Background and objectives: Women in gaming communities face discrimination due to their gender; however, gaps exist in the literature in understanding how allyship helps mitigate harassment’s harmful effects. To address this, we conducted a qualitative study exploring women’s lived experiences of sexual harassment in gaming and how women perceive allyship in gaming communities. Methods and approach: We used an inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns in participants’ experiences. Our sample (N = 165) included adult women who identified as gamers, recruited from a university and various Discord gaming communities. Results: We uncovered six main themes regarding women’s harassment experiences in …

November 21, 2025 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Jcihe: Vol. 17(5) 2025, Rosalind Raby

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Assessing The International Students’ Engagement Associated With The Student Government Organizations: “Bridging” The Gap In Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary, Laura Alzmeter, Rejubi Peter Enim, Zoltán Rónay

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

The growing interest of students in participating in higher education has contributed to several declarations claiming the importance of engagement in university life and university governance. Following this pattern, with more international students on higher education mobility, previous researchers have primarily relied on studying those patterns correlated together. At Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), the International Strategy Office has conducted quantitative research examining the significant problems that the international students identify at the host institution, focusing on the ways of improvements, and finding out how could international students bridge the gap in a representative body that includes them in the decision-making. …

The Minutes Of The Marshall University Graduate Council Meeting, November 21, 2025, Marshall University Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

From Potholes To Perceived Social Support: Community Influences On Individuals With Mobility Disabilities And Their Care Teams In New Orleans, Kelsey Witmeier, Gabrielle Gonzalez, Michael Norman, Mary Delahoussaye, Phil Wilson, Tung-Sung Tseng

Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association

Background: Little is known about the role of community in influencing the experiences, needs, and well-being among individuals with mobility impairments and disabilities (IMIDs), caregivers, and service providers in New Orleans. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals who identified as IMIDs, caregivers, and service providers, who were recruited using convenience sampling. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes. Results: Three themes were found: 1) community barriers and facilitators, 2) the community’s role in perceived belongingness, and 3) the unique influences of the community on caregivers. Conclusion: Community influences the experiences of IMIDs …

Exploring The Perceived Management Priorities Between Physiotherapy And Osteopathy For Chronic Low Back Pain, Mollie Ford, Alec Rickard

School of Health Professions

Purpose:Physiotherapists and osteopaths are integral to the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP), yet patient confusion often arises due to overlap in their roles and techniques. Whilst existing literature has examined the approaches of each profession separately, limited research explores the perceived roles and management priorities. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the perceived roles and management priorities of physiotherapists and osteopaths in addressing CLBP.Methods:A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Individual online semi-structured interviews were conducted with five UK-based healthcare professionals; two physiotherapists and three osteopaths. Participants were recruited through volunteer sampling and data was collected …

School Shooting Drills Across Grade Levels: What We Know And Don't Know About Student And Teacher Experiences, Katherine Cutié

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

School shooting drills have become a standard component of school safety procedures in U.S. K–12 education, yet their psychological effects remain under-researched. This literature review synthesizes findings from 39 studies published between 1999 and 2025 to describe patterns in how students and teachers experience these drills across grade levels and drill types. Across the literature, anxiety and fear were the most frequently examined student outcomes, while teachers commonly reported stress, concerns about developmental appropriateness, and increased emotional labor during drills. Lockdown procedures were most frequently examined in the reviewed studies, with less research addressing ALICE, Run–Hide–Fight, and simulation drills. Few …

The Beacon, November 21, 2025, Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2025-2026

Thanksgiving traditions around campus; NC/DC spotlight: A-Line advances to Dordt; Danny Brown album hopeful amidst addiction battle; “Sarah’s Oil” a story of strength and courage; NW students attend Mumford & Sons concert; “Stranger Things” season five is promising to fans; Gift shopping: poor deals and low funds; Dining room history: the cafeteria; Willful ignorance and complacency; England: from monarchy to liberty; Volleyball comes out on top of GPAC tournament; Raider football season comes to an end; Men’s basketball narrowly loses winning streak; AI therapy chatbots lack humanity; An aging congress and the shutdown

Exploring The Stability Of Misophonia And Other Auditory Affective Experiences Throughout Development, Erika Foregard, Rose De Kock, David Vollweiler

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Sounds can give rise to powerful affective experiences, both positive and negative. Misophonia is an intensely negative response to sounds such as chewing, whereas autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) and musical chills result are experiences as positive and pleasant. Anecdotally, all of these experiences occur as early as childhood, but we know relatively little about how they develop. We investigated this question longitudinally.

Unpacking The Role Of Virtual Exchange In Promoting Student Well-Being, Mona Pearl, Kelly Tzoumis, Allison E. Hill, Spencer D. Sutherland

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

Educational institutions and workplaces are grappling with the task of promoting the well-being of their students and employees. From 2021 to 2023, students from Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Mexico, The Netherlands, and the US participated in virtual exchange collaborations in the form of global virtual teams (GVTs) and were assessed pre (n=201) and post (n=251) their GVTs experience. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess changes in learner well-being from participation in GVTs. Based on the impact to student perceived well-being from the GVT experience, we found important results that can be useful for both employers and academic institutions …

The Scarlet - Volume Civ, No. 5 (November 21, 2025), Scarlet Staff

The Scarlet (Student Newspaper) (2011-present)

The November 21, 2025 edition of The Scarlet (est. 1939), Clark University's student-run newspaper. The Scarlet is intellectually and editorially independent of the University.

Inflammaging And Cognitive Decline: A Brief Review Of The Chronic Low-Grade Neural Inflammation Hypothesis, Gage Pompa

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

This presentation reviews the chronic low‑grade neural inflammation hypothesis as a mechanism linking aging to cognitive decline. Inflammaging refers to persistent, low‑level inflammation that develops with age due to immune dysregulation in the absence of infection. In the brain, this process is often triggered by the accumulation of beta‑amyloid plaques and phosphorylated tau tangles. Microglia attempt to clear these proteins, but their prolonged activation releases inflammatory mediators that damage surrounding neurons. Over time, this sustained neural inflammation contributes to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and major depression. Imaging markers …

Design And Validation Of A Bilateral, Multi-Site 3d-Printed Neuronal Implant For Rodent Electrophysiology, Homero Phelps, Jonathan V. Trinidad, Talha Soluoku

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Neuronal electrophysiology implants are essential tools in neuroscience for recording brain activity and investigating neurological disorders. Our lab’s previous 3D-printed implant designs centered around a single-site, recording platform that was limited in adaptability, precision, and lacked in vivo validation due to lingering engineering malfunctions. To combat limitations and expand recording capabilities, this project aimed to design and validate a new implant capable of multi-site, bilateral recordings across both brain hemispheres, specifically targeting the hippocampus (CA1 and CA3) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), regions critical for learning and memory. Building on the Open Ephys ShuttleDrive model, the implant was redesigned using …

Structural Equation Modeling Of Educational Factors Associated With Racial Trauma: Belonging, Efficacy, And Persistence Among Bipoc College Students, Miguel Castano, Richard Chang

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Racial trauma refers to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms from repeated exposure to racism and racial discrimination, generally expressed as hypervigilance and lack of safety, negative cognitions causing bleak perceptions of oneself and the world, and difficulty coping through reduced ability to manage distress. Literature shows that BIPOC students encounter racism on university campuses more frequently than non-BIPOC students, suggesting they are more vulnerable to racial trauma. Racial trauma has been linked to negative mental health outcomes; however, little is known about its impact on educational outcomes. Academic belonging, self-efficacy, and persistence are key educational factors tied to academic performance and …

Prediction Error's Influence Of Declarative Memory: A Replication, Camila Schettini, Kevin Mohawk

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

We often have predictions about what to expect in our everyday encounters. However, not all these predictions will be accurate. Prediction error (PE) refers to the discrepancy between expectations and actual observed outcomes, and it is believed to play a role in learning, such as in classical conditioning. Yet, its relationship to one-shot declarative memory remains poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed to replicate Greve et al. (2017, Experiment 1) by testing whether PE enhances memory. Participants first learned scene-word associations in which a specific scene image was paired with one of two category labels, “positive” or “negative”. …

Relationship Between Caffeine Use And Eating Disorders, Hannah Segura, Maegan Nation

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Eating disorders are a spectrum of cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms related to eating and compensatory weight management behaviors. Body image concerns can be a significant risk factor for various disorders, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Additionally, eating disorders are commonly comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Supplement usage such as performance enhancing supplements is becoming increasingly common, especially among younger populations. Using different supplements has been shown to put adolescents at an increased risk for body dysmorphia, disordered eating behaviors, as well as other potentially harmful health effects, like electrolyte complications, heart issues, or even death. Across the …

Gendered Patterns Of Trauma & Ptsd Symptoms Among Latine Americans: A Mixed-Methods Analysis, Abigail Panariso, Gerardo Garcia, Melanie Garcia, Yajairy Carbrales, Mariam Sultan

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Latine communities in the U.S. experience disproportionate exposure to traumatic events, contributing to behavioral health disparities such as elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and underutilization of mental health care. Gender, as a key social determinant of health, influences both types of trauma encountered and the severity of symptoms. Little research has tackled how gender intersects with structural inequities within Latine populations, such as discrimination, immigration stress, and socioeconomic marginalization. This mixed-methods study assessed gender differences in trauma experiences and PTSD symptoms among 328 Latine American adults (148 men, 180 women) recruited through an online survey. We predicted gender …

Associations Between Gad-7 And Phq-9 Scores And Willingness To Seek Treatment, Josephine Shaw

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

In recent years, mental health concerns among college students have increased significantly. This study aims to analyze data on student willingness and frequency to seek counseling services, such as UNLV CAPS (Student Counseling and Psychological Services), and the appeal of utilizing alternative interventions such as exercise and meditation. This study collected data from UNLV students, faculty, and staff through distribution of a scannable QR code. It included whether they were in therapy, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, their respective functional impairment questions, and willingness to consider therapy alternatives. Based on respondents’ answers to the PHQ-9, the highest proportion peaked at 36% …

Supplement Use And Ed Self-Assessment Accuracy, Darin Beasley-Williams

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

The widespread availability of dietary supplements has contributed to their increased use, with over half of U.S. adults reporting regular consumption. Prior research suggests that supplement use is associated with better overall health, and regulatory legislation has been implemented to mitigate potential adverse effects. One motivation for supplement use may be self-diagnosed health issues; however, incorrect self-diagnoses could lead to inappropriate supplement consumption and potentially contribute to disordered eating patterns. This study examined whether regular supplement users are more accurate in self-identifying an eating disorder. A sample of 511 undergraduate students completed a self-report questionnaire assessing supplement use and eating …

Martial Arts Studies: A Commentary On The Exploration Of Consciousness In Modern Martial Arts, James H. Sutton

Journal of Conscious Evolution

The rapid globalization of martial arts has reconditioned how the beliefs, customs, and philosophies of traditionally based systems are interpreted and applied in modern practice. As contemporary scholarship struggles to accommodate the cultural histories, myths, and traditions that permeate the perception of martial arts in modern contexts, the focus of inquiry has shifted towards explaining cultural variations in practice rather than understanding the nature of self-awareness derived from self-practice. Consequently, the deeper meanings of martial arts as pathways to personal and transpersonal awareness are often invalidated in favor of objective and verifiable explications. In short, the role of consciousness is …

An Examination Of Disparities In Adhd Diagnosis Between Men And Women, Julia Holloway

University Honors Theses

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has become an increasingly popular area of study over the last decade. The rise in cases over the same period likely explains this trend, as does ADHD’s status as one of the most commonly encountered neurodevelopmental disorders. While much of this research has served as an invaluable asset to both practitioners and patients there are still blind spots which have yet to be addressed by the existing body of research. This progress in our understanding of ADHD has gone far in illuminating the biases which have set the precedent for treatment and diagnosis, however, widespread understanding …

Art And Critical Thinking, Audrey Nixon

University Honors Theses

The voice of art molds and dictates norms and behaviors of society. Art eases people into sitting with discomfort or alternate ideas of the world. I work with mixed-media collage to respond and react to culture and the current American political climate. Through the act of expressing and working through thoughts and emotions, art teaches people how to process, it teaches histories of resistance, and empathy. Artists have the ability to engage their audience to critically think about what is happening in our world. By channeling expression and passion, art can help people make necessary connections about concepts that lead …