Digital Commons Network^™

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Vicarious Trauma And Emotional And Somatic Resource Replenishment Among K-12 School Principals In Suburban Communities, Rachael A. Garcia

Education Doctoral

This qualitative study, grounded in the job demands-resources (JD-R) theory, explores the lived experiences of K-12 principals in suburban communities as they encounter vicarious trauma (VT). The study aims to fill a gap in the research by examining how these leaders deliberately employ strategies to replenish their emotional and somatic resources and develop resilience. The role of school principals has evolved significantly, now requiring them to provide substantial social-emotional support for both students and staff, which exposes them to others' traumatic experiences. This exposure can lead to vicarious trauma, a deep psychological transformation resulting in emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and …

Functional Genomics Studies Of Psychiatric Disorders In Individuals Of Latin American Populations: A Scoping Review, Luz M Porras, Isabelle Rodríguez-Lausell, Gabriel Iglesias-Maldonado, Emily Val F Tuliao, Gabriela Martínez, Chelsey Leveque, Julian Tobon, Rachel Eloy, Sintia Belangero, Cynthia M Bulik, Camila M Loureiro, Carolina Muniz Carvalho, Vanessa Ota, Diego Luiz Rovaris, Eric A Storch, Eva Maria Trujillo-Chi Vacuan, Maria M Velasquez, Latin American Genomics Consortium, Marcos L Santoro, Humberto Nicolini, Elizabeth G Atkinson, Janitza L Montalvo-Ortiz, Paola Giusti-Rodríguez

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Over the past 15 years, genetic studies of psychiatric disorders have provided important insight into the contribution of both common variants of small effect, as well as rare exonic and copy number variants with large effect sizes. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) allow us to understand the intricate polygenicity characteristic of many psychiatric disorders. However, a considerable proportion of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) implicated in these disorders localize to the non-coding regions of the genome. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms that underlie the etiology of psychiatric illnesses requires integration using functional genomics approaches. Functional genomics methods are critical for developing a mechanistic …

Initial Injury Type And Violent Reinjury, Nicholas Szoko, Daphne Lew, Taylor Kaser, Zoe M Miller, Matt Vogel, Michael A Mancini, Lindsay M Kranker, Christopher Behr, Vicki Moran, Rachel Ancona, Kristen Mueller

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Importance: Violent injuries are the leading cause of death among children and young adults in the United States. Violent injury may increase the risk of subsequent injury (ie, violent reinjury), but it is unclear how this risk varies across different injury types (eg, blunt assault, stabbing, firearm).

Objective: To describe patterns of violent reinjury across different injury types to inform tailored prevention strategies.

Design, setting, and participants: This multicenter cohort study included patients who presented with violent injuries to 2 adult and 2 pediatric level I trauma centers in St Louis, Missouri, from January 2016 to December 2023.

Exposures: Violent …

Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In Children With Congenital Heart Disease, Mike Seed, Cynthia Ortinau, Caroline Lee, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Neurodevelopmental impairments are common in children with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: To compare neurodevelopmental outcomes by cardiac diagnosis and identify associations between medical and social factors and early neurodevelopmental outcomes among children with congenital heart disease.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional analysis used neurodevelopmental follow-up data obtained between May 1, 2019, and June 30, 2022, and entered into the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative (CNOC) registry, with linkage to the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium registry. Children younger than 30 months from 25 CNOC sites were studied. Data analysis was performed between January 2023 and December 2024.

EXPOSURES: Patients …

Rethinking Ethics For An Era Of Trusted Computational Tools, Kristin M Kostick-Quenet, Meghan Hurley, John Herrington, Eric A Storch

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Computer perception (CP) technologies are poised to deliver near real-time behavioral insights with high precision. As technical barriers recede, our field's ethical focus must shift from "Can we trust the data?" to "Should we use it here, and how?" We propose a contextual ethics framework that: (1) defines the appropriate scope of CP integration; (2) advocates codesigned roadmaps to manage expectations and epistemic conflict; (3) expands evaluation beyond performance metrics to humanistic outcomes; and (4) anticipates future high performance systems to safeguard dignity, empathy, and shared decision-making in clinical care.

The Cabin In The Woods, Albee Mccovey

Celebrating Writers and Writing in our Communities

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Exploration Of Spirituality In People Living With Dyspnea And Serious Illness, Leah Mccann Klug

All Poster Presentations

No abstract provided.

Drug Cartel Innovation: A Case Study Report, Isaac J. Moelter, Ares Boira-Lopez, Amanda N. Moeller, Samuel Hunter

Reports, Projects, and Research

This report explores the emerging landscape of cartel innovation through a series of case studies that highlight key events where cartels introduced novel tactics and capabilities. These cases explore not just what occurred, but how and why each event unfolded, and what it means for policymakers, practitioners, and communities. These examples illustrate how innovation is a strategic response to pressure and competition within an increasingly complex environment.

Mitigating Disparities In Diagnosis Of Dementia, Lycia Tramujas Vasconcellos Neumann, Simin Mahinrad, Erin L. Abner, Soo Borson, Goldie S. Byrd, Maria Carrillo, Lindsay Clark, Anthony N. Correro Ii, Kacie D. Deters, Gladys E. Maestre

School of Medicine Publications

The field of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) is undergoing a transformative shift with a better understanding of disease biology, biomarker-based diagnostics, and disease-modifying therapies. Yet, these advancements risk exacerbating existing disparities in diagnosis and care. The 2024 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) Advancements: Exploring Equity in Diagnosis convened interdisciplinary experts to address these inequities and chart a path toward population-generalizable research and practice. This article synthesizes key insights from the conference, highlighting considerations for inclusive and representative research design, ethical approaches in diagnostic disclosure, as well as challenges and solutions at individual, community, and systemic levels to advance …

Deficient Executive Control In Transformer Attention, Suketu Chandrakant Patel, Hongbin Wang, Jin Fan

Publications and Research

Although transformers in large language models (LLMs) effectively implement a self-attention mechanism that has revolutionized natural language processing, they lack an explicit architecture for the executive control of attention found in humans, which is essential for resolving conflicts and selecting relevant information in the presence of competing computations and is critical for adaptive behavior. To investigate the impact of this limitation in LLMs, we employed the classic color Stroop task, widely regarded as the gold standard, to test the executive control of attention in these models. Our results revealed a typical conflict effect of underperformance in terms of accuracy in …

The Impact Of Ai Companions On Family Law, Clare Huntington

Faculty Scholarship

People of all ages and backgrounds regularly use AI companions — virtual friends, lovers, and confidantes powered by artificial intelligence. As a new form of relationship, this development poses novel doctrinal and policy questions for family law. As a doctrinal matter, what does child neglect look like when a parent delegates caretaking to an AI companion? How should standards for elder neglect adapt to the widespread use of robotic caregivers? Should lawmakers impose mandatory reporting requirements on therapy bots if children share experiences of abuse or neglect? And can people designate an AI companion as a health care proxy? As …

The Relationship Between Sleep And Mental Health, Lily Faucher

Psychology Student Publications

This paper looks at the relationship between sleep and mental health across the lifespan. Sleep is an essential process for our bodies to function. Understanding this relationship between sleep and mental health can help individuals to choose healthy habits and prioritize sleep as it is an important part of overall wellbeing.

Marshall University 2026 College Of Health Professions Student Research Day, Cohp Research Committee

Appalachian Student Healthcare Research Review

Marshall University

2026 College of Health Professions Student Research Day

April 16, 2026

Student Oral Presentations

1. Validity of Using Smartphone Cameras and Pose Estimation Algorithms for Quantitative Analysis of Human Dynamic Movements

Flanders B, Wolfe T, Saines J, Liang H: School of Physical Therapy

2. Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Anaerobic Capacity and Body Composition in Novice Rock Climbers

George LG, Jones BJ: School of Health and Movement Sciences

3. Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Injuries and Mental Health

Rice C, Konz S: School of Health and Movement Sciences

Student Poster Presentations

4. Effects of Bright Light Therapy on Depression

Adams, …

Understanding Victim Experiences Within The Criminal Justice System, Carmen Hardin, Caron Lott

Journal of Criminal Justice and Law

This study explores crime victims’ perceptions of participation in criminal justice proceedings. In all, eight (8) interviews and 314 surveys of crime victims were conducted in Arkansas.  Among crime victims, 92% reported the crime to the police, 76% felt the case’s outcome served justice, 78% would be okay attending court again, 45% felt very safe in court, and 38% strongly agreed that their needs and wishes were considered in court.   Three main themes emerged from the interviews: 1) impact of crime victimization on individual needs, 2) perceived access to mental and physical well-being support, and 3) perceptions of crime victims …

Developing Sight-Reading Proficiency In Music Education: A Synthesis Of Instructional Strategies And Pedagogical Approaches, Charles Clements Ii

Theses

Sight-reading is a foundational skill in music education that enables students to perform unfamiliar musical material independently. Despite its importance, instruction is often inconsistent and driven by performance priorities rather than systematic skill development. This thesis synthesizes existing research on sight-reading pedagogy to identify effective instructional strategies and organize them into a cohesive framework for educators.

By connecting research to classroom application, this project provides a practical, research-informed model for sight-reading instruction. The findings suggest that effective instruction requires a structured and integrated approach that supports both cognitive processing and musical performance, ultimately promoting greater student independence and musical literacy.

Development And Validation Of The Lifetime Sense Of Safety Scale In Kenyan Adults, Karen Blackmon, Anne Nyambura, Anne Gitere, Levi Muyela, Catherine Onyancha, Kendi Muchungi, Catherine Ajalo, Litha Musili, Rachel Maina, Edna Bosire, Lukoye Atwoli, Zul Merali, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

Background. Safety supports psychological wellbeing and potentially shapes brain aging yet existing scales overlook cumulative lifespan safety experiences.

Methods. To address this gap, we developed and validated the Lifetime Sense of Safety (LSS) scale in Kenyan adults. The LSS uses visual analog scaling with a red-to-green color gradient to retrospectively rate felt safety across life stages and settings. We evaluated scale psychometrics and associations with social determinants of health and indicators of brain health.

Results. The LSS shows adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability, with two distinct but correlated factors representing childhood and adulthood safety. Women and …

Navigating Precarity: Resourcefulness And Interdependence In The Upper Valley Dairy Industry, Benna Mcdermott

Geography Undergraduate Senior Theses

No abstract provided.

Concordia Seminary Magazine Spring 2026, Ken Ohlemeyer

Concordia Seminary Magazine

Shaped for His Service

Students’ Perceived Differences, Othering, And Engagement In Online Learning Spaces: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study, Hajeen Choi, Jaesung Hur, Dan He

School of Engineering Faculty Publications

In online learning spaces, students may feel disconnected not only because of limited interaction but also when they notice differences in their backgrounds or beliefs. This survey study examined students’ perceived differences and their implicit and explicit experiences of othering based on their backgrounds and beliefs. Descriptive results showed that political orientation, culture, and socioeconomic status were common areas where students felt different, while race/ethnicity, culture, and religion stood out as stronger points of distinction. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses showed that many students described subtle forms of othering, such as discomfort and self-doubt, while others encountered more direct negative …

Enhancing Knowledge And Perceptions Of The Behavioral Emergency Response Team In The Hospital Setting, Selma Dajani

2026 Nursing Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Creating Space For Grief: A Bereavement Support Initiative In Critical Care, Donna Nguyen, Morgan Curnell

2026 Nursing Research Conference

No abstract provided.

From Incident To Action: Enhancing Safety Responses Through Stat Huddles, Katie Witherspoon, Eman Chami

2026 Nursing Research Conference

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Journaling On Nurse’S Well-Being, Jennifer Michalski, Jennifer Dejans

2026 Nursing Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Impact Of In Situ Simulations On Healthcare Team Workload And Sepsis Care Performance In The Intensive Care Unit, Suzanne Schlacht, Madison Osentoski

2026 Nursing Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Design For Belonging: Environmental Factors Shaping Safety, Trust, And Engagement, Lauren Cole, Rebecca Hawkins

All Podium Presentations

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Reliable Backup Childcare Services On Work-Life Balance And Stress Levels Among Working Parents, Christiana Arhin

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between access to reliable backup childcare services, work-life balance, and stress levels among working parents. Building on Arhin’s (2025) research, this study seeks to address limitations in sample diversity and incorporate qualitative methods to gain deeper insight into these variables. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will examine how access to backup childcare services influences work-life balance and stress levels, with a focus on capturing both quantitative trends and qualitative perspectives of working parents. By exploring these relationships, the study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the role …

International Advice, Mature Democracies And The Venice Commission, Maartje De Visser

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The aim of this article is to explore the role and practice of constitutional advice-giving as it relates to mature democracies. More precisely, this article considers how the Venice Commission – the official advisory body for constitutional matters of the Council of Europe – exercises its mandate vis-à-vis such democracies through the delivery of country-specific Opinions, based on a close reading of all such Opinions rendered between 2002 and 2024. It examines the substantive focus of those Opinions, the way they engage with constitutional experiences elsewhere, as well as the tone of the assessment and the approach taken in formulating …

C-Tran Bus Stop Accessibility Action Plan, Grace Alston, Michelle Auster, Zoe Beckley, Noah Crawford, Ryan Gallo, Angelique Wallmann

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Workshop Projects

Project Background

C-TRAN is the regional public transportation provider for the Clark County Public Transportation Benefit Area in Southwest Washington, providing connections to the Portland, Oregon, metro region. C-TRAN connects people to opportunities, supports economic vitality, and enhances the quality of life for the community.

The challenge - 66% of C-TRAN’s bus stops are non-ADA compliant, C-TRAN’s existing capital investment strategy lacks community input and a multi-year application.

The Opportunity - Our Bus Stop Accessibility Action Plan will leverage community engagement and social metric data to develop a long-term investment strategy.

Application Of Information Literacy Skills To Everyday Life Information Seeking In College Students: Implications For Instruction, Stephanie Ward, Rachel Dineen, Darren Ilett

Communications in Information Literacy

Academic librarians who teach information literacy (IL) skills hope students will transfer those skills to their information seeking in everyday life. However, there is little evidence that students are transferring what they learn about research to their lives outside college. This study aims to find out what search and evaluation strategies college students who have had IL instruction apply to their own personal information seeking behaviors. To do this, a talk-aloud protocol was used to record participants’ thoughts and actions as they navigated scenarios that required them to select a source that met a non-academic information need. The findings indicate …

"An Open Mind And A Critical Stance": A Content Analysis Of Information Literacy Integration Into A Course About Poverty And Discrimination, Ashley Shealy, C. Rebecca Oldham, Clay Oldham, Tara L. Griffith

Communications in Information Literacy

The ACRL Framework argues that infusing curriculum with information literacy concepts can improve students’ attitudes and abilities to navigate complex information landscapes. This paper describes how a librarian and a faculty member integrated an information literacy curriculum into an undergraduate upper-division course about poverty and discrimination. Curriculum efficacy was assessed through directed content analysis of student responses to open-ended questions about engaging with news and social media, forming opinions, and having conversations about controversial topics. Responses were analyzed using a coding scheme based on course objectives derived from Framework dispositions and knowledge practices. Results indicated that exposing students to an …