Digital Commons Network^™

Health Empowerment And Learning (Heal) Data Needs And Assets Assessment, Kayla Gurganus, Amelia Hartley

HEAL Project Outputs

From October 2025 through March 2026, HEAL conducted interviews with health organization and local health department (LHD) staff to learn about the data environment and activities involving data. This report summarizes the project process and results, focusing on common challenges and needed skills identified by interviewees. The primary challenges identified by LHDs and health organizations relate to coordination and navigation, timely access and data sharing, communicating data, and staffing and funding. The necessary skills and resources interviewees shared relate to technical assistance, skills and capacity building, and staffing. The report concludes with a menu of services that the HEAL team …

The Efficacy Of Hybrid Manufacturing For High Stress Automotive Parts, Logan Trimmer

Harrisburg University Other Works

Presentation covering the broad strokes of the project. The goal was to prove the viability of hybrid/additive manufacturing for high stress automotive applications. This project focused on recreating a piston from an old engine to examine if hybrid manufacturing could be used for such applications. On a small scale, hybrid manufacturing was able to be more cost effective if the costs of the equipment and electricity were ignored. The decision to ignore those costs came from the inability to find accurate prices for industrial casting.

Eee Presentation, Hadiya Amini

Harrisburg University Other Works

No abstract provided.

Automation And Habitat Development For A Space Based Marine Life Environment, Logan Trimmer, Alexander Hang

Harrisburg University Other Works

This project was a cross-collaboration between the Environmental Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics programs for the company Monolith Space.

The goal of this project was to design an autonomous system to be able to track qualities of water in an aquaculture system designed to be sent to space.

The Efficacy Of Hybrid Manufacturing For High Stress Automotive Components, Logan Trimmer

Harrisburg University Other Works

The goal of this research was to establish the viability of using hybrid manufacturing for automotive applications. By verifying that high-stress components can be created, it can be assumed that any other lower stress part could be made to match the strength requirements. A limiting factor of adoption for hybrid manufacturing is how new the technology is. Studies on time and cost were performed allowing for comparisons with traditional manufacturing technologies (casting, forging, milling) used in automotive applications. This research utilized a Haas Automation UMC750 5-axis CNC mill with a Meltio laser wire direct energy deposition attachment. Fusion 360 was …

01.01.08. Egyptian Goose, Alopochen Aegyptiaca, M. Davis, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

The Egyptian Goose is an aggressive species native to sub-Saharan Africa that has rapidly colonized southeastern Florida in the last 2 decades, likely as a result of escapees from aviculture. It was first documented as nesting in Martin County in 2002 and has since become established throughout the southeastern Atlantic coastal counties and a few other locations in central Florida.

01.01.13. Mallard, Anas Platyrhynchos, R. D. Goodwin, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

The Mallard is one of the most widely distributed ducks in the world with breeding populations found on 3 continents. It is also known as an uncommon to common resident throughout Florida derived from domestic stock. It has become established mostly in urban areas around the large population centers of Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

01.01.11. Mandarin Duck, Aix Galericulata, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

Mandarin Ducks, congeners of the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), are small, colorful ducks native to Japan, Korea, and eastern China. Frequently introduced as pinioned waterfowl in domesticated settings they now occur commonly in Europe, Iceland, and North America.

01.01.09. Muscovy Duck, Cairina Moschata, M. J. Walters, S. K. Robinson, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

Of the roughly 100 bird species introduced to Florida over the years, 14 are considered established species, including the Muscovy Duck. The native range of this large, bulky duck species includes Central and South America, Mexico, and the southernmost regions of Texas.

01.01.18. Ruddy Duck, Oxyura Jamaicensis, C. Chancy, Ann Hodgson, Florida Ornithological Society

01.01. <em>Anatidae</em> - Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl

The Ruddy Duck can be distinguished from most North American ducks by its unique plumage and stature. This stocky, still-tailed duck breeds in the southwest and southern interior of Canada and extends its breeding range into the Lower 48 to southern California, across the northern southwest, and up through Nebraska, the Dakotas, and the western half of Minnesota.

Flood-Regime Shifts Across The Lower Midwest, Usa: Identifying Patterns Through Flood Magnitude–Frequency Analysis And Clustering, Kaiser Mostafiz

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Flood regimes describe how flood behavior changes in magnitude, recurrence, and occurrence through time. Changes in these flood characteristics can affect flood hazards, river systems, infrastructure, and floodplain management. This thesis examines flood-regime change across the Lower Midwest, focusing on Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri from 1961 to 2020. Records from 1,452 U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations were initially compiled, and 208 stations were retained after screening for record availability and analytical consistency. Flood-regime change was evaluated between two 30-year study periods: Period 1 (1961–1990) and Period 2 (1991–2020). The analysis combined Log-Pearson Type III flood-frequency analysis using L-moments in …

Student Perspectives Of A Rubric-Based Performance Assessment In A Secondary Large Ensemble Classroom: Fairness, Clarity And Learning, Jeffrey S. Payne

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate student perceptions of a rubric-based performance assessment within a secondary large ensemble music program.  Seventy high school students enrolled in a high school band class completed a rubric-based performance assessment that featured personalized feedback and opportunities for resubmission  Using a mixed-methods approach, 17 students in the class voluntarily participated in a survey, the results of which I used to study my own use of assessment.  The survey consisted of eight Likert-scale questions and four open-response questions which were used alongside data regarding the resubmission rate and teacher documentation of instruction. Results indicated …

Knowledge And Attitudes Of Medical Students About Research Methodology, Statistics, And Statistical Inference: An Assessment For Clinical Research Comprehension Skills, Laith Ashour, Lama Al-Mehaisen, Afnan Rababa, Osama Alrjoob, Moutaz Amayrh, Malak Al-Rabe'e, Qusai Al-Anasweh, Hala Al-Miqdadi, Nada Freihat, Mohammad Al Khreisha, Ala' Al Doaikat, Al-Mo'tasem Bellah Al-Rahamneh, Hamzeh Hatamleh, Fayez Zedat

Health Professions Education

Objectives: Medical students require a solid understanding of statistics in research papers. However, literature lacks sufficient studies on their proficiency, especially on Jordanian aspect. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study on 361 medical students to evaluate their attitudes toward statistics, their knowledge in research methodology, and their ability to correctly interpret commonly used statistics in medical research. Statistical attitudes were assessed using three scales (value, difficulty, and interest) from the SATS-36 scale. Additionally, a novel author's-validated scale was created to measure students' research methodology knowledge. The scale validity was assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Multiple linear regression analysis was …

Beyond Clinical: A Proposed Policy Literacy Pathway In Health Sciences Education, Zarina Syed

Health Professions Education

Purpose: Health sciences graduates require not only clinical competence but also the ability to interpret, engage with, and enact policy. Yet, undergraduate curricula often emphasize technical skills, leaving gaps in policy literacy. Method: This conceptual paper proposes a scaffolded Policy Literacy Pathway to progressively integrate policy understanding across health sciences curricula. Results: Policy is framed as a dynamic, context-dependent process, aligning global ethical frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals with regional legislation and professional regulations. The pathway comprises four stages: Encounter, Iterative Engagement, Critical Reflection, and Policy Enactment. These guide students from initial exposure to policy issues through analysis …

Healthcare Students' Perspective On The Clinical Placement Learning Environment: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Third- And Fourth-Year Students At A College Of Health Sciences In The Uae., Wuni Abdul Razak, Fatima Alrayssi, Arwa Alkarbi, Latifa Al Saedi, Suliman Salih, Ajnas Alkatheeri, Mohamed Hassaneen, Mohd Nazmi Nordin, Mbambo Collen, Emne Hammoud, Shaik Balkhis Banu, Monika Sachdeva, Noon Kamil

Health Professions Education

Purpose: This study evaluates the clinical placement learning environment from the standpoint of Year 3 and Year 4 healthcare students in the UAE. Methods: The perspectives of healthcare students on clinical learning environments were studied using the validated Undergraduate Clinical Education Environment Measure (UCEEM). Third- and fourth-year (fifth-year pharmacy students inclusive) undergraduate healthcare students (radiography and medical imaging, emergency health, midwifery, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and psychology) (n=647) at a United Arab Emirates university were invited to participate in the study. The UCEEM contains 25 items under two overarching aspects, experiential learning and social engagement, with four subscales: learning opportunities at …

The Role Of Application Questions In Identifying Underrepresented Applicants In A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study, Michael Bourassa, Allison Bourassa, Saurabh Mehta

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The underrepresentation of U.S minority groups in the physical therapy profession remains a persistent challenge, with student enrollment in U.S doctoral education programs being the main pipeline to increase representation within U.S healthcare fields. This study aims to examine the association between non-academic application questions and applicant diversity in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Methods: The main outcomes measured in this study include demographic and cognitive variables, as well as non-academic application questions, for a single DPT program admissions cycle. Demographic variables include race, gender, and age, while cognitive variables include GRE scores and GPA. General non-cognitive question …

Effectiveness Of 3d-Printed Models In Undergraduate Dental Endodontic Education: A Systematic Review., Razi Jalali, Shankargouda Patil, Frank W Licari, Kamran H Awan, Shilpa Bhandi

Health Professions Education

Purpose: With the development of flexible polymers and stereolithography, 3D printed models have been proposed for dental education to overcome the shortcomings of extracted natural teeth and artificial resin blocks. This review aimed to systematically review the literature available for the effectiveness of the use of 3D printed tooth models for undergraduate endodontic education. Methods: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched. Clinical studies with full-text articles available in the English language were selected. Data extraction, risk of bias assessment using the ROBINS-I tool, and assessment of the …

Fostering Cross-Institutional And Cross-Disciplinary Peer Review Of Teaching In Health Sciences Programs, Snezana Kusljic, Nicole B Reinke, Tania N Crotti, Nidhish Francis, Sophie Paquet-Fifield, David Van Reyk, Roma Forbes

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The education of future health professionals brings with it a diversity of programs, the requirements for effective work-integrated learning experiences, and best use of discipline and clinical expertise. Peer review of teaching (PRT) is one mechanism whereby interdisciplinary connections are built to improve the quality of teaching and learning. This article introduces a novel perspective on the PRT process and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Methods: The Health Sciences Special Interest Group within the Higher Education and Research Development Society of Australasia initiated a cross-institutional PRT which included seven educators of varying academic experience from six Australian academic …

Integration Of Planetary Health In Health Professions Education And Training In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Rayishnee Pillay, Veena S Singaram

Health Professions Education

Purpose: This review explored the integration of planetary health and sustainable healthcare education in health professions education and training in low- and middle income countries (LMICs), by mapping capacity development initiatives, pedagogical approaches and contextual barriers to implementation. Method: A literature search was conducted using the following databases, MEDLINE (PubMed), EBSCOhost (Academic Search Complete), ERIC, ProQuest, Redalyc, Sabinet, Scielo, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature search on CORE, Google and Google Scholar for publications on the incorporation of planetary health and sustainable healthcare education in health professions education and training in LMICs between 1 January 2014 to 30 …

Determinants Of Postgraduate Education Pursuit Among South African Trained Paramedics: A Cross-Sectional Study, Naseef Abdullah, Patricia Mcinerney, Simpiwe Sobuwa

Health Professions Education

Introduction: The knowledge economy necessitates a highly skilled workforce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) navigating sustainable development trajectories. Within healthcare systems, paramedics represent a critical professional group whose advanced education directly impacts emergency care quality and system improve ment. While postgraduate qualifications are essential for paramedics to effectively develop and implement evidence- based emergency care and address unique healthcare challenges, the determinants influencing their educational advancement remain poorly understood. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study collected data from 265 Paramedics registered as Emergency Care Practitioners with the South African Health Professions Council through an online survey. Participants were recruited …

Exploring Job Stressors And Burnout Among Core Faculty In Entry-Level Physical Therapist Education Programs: A Convergent Mixed Methods Study, Jj Ferguson, Adam Fritsch, Jodi L. Young

Health Professions Education

Purpose This study explored burnout among core faculty in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, identifying its most prevalent aspects and key organizational correlations. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design integrated quantitative data from the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Educators Survey and the Areas of Worklife Survey with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews. Data were collected concurrently, analyzed independently, and merged during interpretation. Quantitative analyses used multiple linear regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results Eighty-one faculty completed the survey and 20 participated in interviews. Emotional exhaustion emerged as the most prevalent burnout dimension, with 51.9% reporting moderate to high levels. …

Professional Identity Development Among Nursing Students: The Impact Of Structured Reflective Practice, Abdelmonim El Fadely, Kamal Takhdat, Charaf-Eddine Ahraiba, Rahma Bouali, Sabah Selmaoui, Boujemaa Agorram

Health Professions Education

Purpose This study aimed to assess the impact of a structured reflective practice intervention on the development of professional identity among nursing students. Method A mixed-methods design was adopted. The intervention, based on guided reflective practice, was implemented with a voluntary sample of 58 participants. The evaluation relied on a quasi-experimental quantitative approach using the Macleod Clark Professional Identity Scale, with a comparison group and both pre-test and post-test measurements. A qualitative component was also included to explore the dimensions of the studied concept in greater depth. Results Quantitative findings showed a statistically significant difference between the post-test means (p < 0.001), indicating that the reflective practice intervention had a positive effect on the experimental group compared to the control group. The qualitative results further illuminated students’ reflections, which were organized into ten themes corresponding to the study’s conceptual framework: professional knowledge and skills, values and ethics, the nursing role, leadership, professional self-image, social image of the profession, sense of belonging, identification with role models, theory–practice integration, and career choice. These dimensions provided a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of professional identity, capturing the complexity of the concept. Conclusion These results support the integration of reflective practice as a pedagogical approach to fostering the construction and development of a positive professional identity. Professional identity, as a rich and multidimensional concept, goes beyond the process of professionalization—it represents its ultimate achievement.

Nursing Education In Indonesia And The Global Demand For Quality Healthcare: A Systematic Review, Evelyn Hemme Tambunan

Health Professions Education

Purpose: This study systematically reviewed evidence (2019–2025) on Indonesian nursing education, focusing on accreditation, competency based curricula, and workforce readiness in relation to global standards

Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, DOAJ/PMC, and policy repositories. Eligible sources included peer reviewed studies, systematic reviews, and policy reports related to nursing education in Indonesia quality assurance, competency based learning, and workforce demand.

Results: Twelve studies and reports were included, producing three themes: accreditation and quality assurance, competency based education and curriculum innovation, and workforce readiness and global alignment. Accreditation reforms, particularly Indonesia’s 2025 outcomes based …

Climate Change Education In Medical Curricula: Integration, Collaboration, And Preparedness For Emerging Health Challenges, Sungkono Sungkono, Agus Santoso, Firdiawan Ekaputra, Firdian Makrufardi

Health Professions Education

Climate change poses increasing risks to global health, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals who understand the links between environmental change and health outcomes. Medical education is a key platform for fostering such competencies. This study aimed to examine the role of climate change education within medical curricula, focusing on its integration, the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, and its contribution to preparing students for emerging health challenges. This perspective paper provides an overview of current approaches to the integration of climate change education into medical training. Sources addressing curriculum design, knowledge acquisition, practical skill development, and collaborative learning were considered. …

Undergraduate Research Experiences Toward Student Success: Challenges And Opportunities For Medical Science Students At A University Of Technology, Ziningi Nobuhle Jaya

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the research experiences of undergraduate medical science students at a university of technology to identify challenges and opportunities and determine the affordances of research participation for student success.

Method: The study population comprised all third-year medical science students (n=30) enrolled in the research methods module, which is the only such module offered as part of the medical science academic program. Participation was voluntary and so the final sample represents a self-selected subset of fourteen individual from the full cohort. The data collection tool comprised closed and open-ended questions evaluating challenges, lessons learned, skills developed, …

Clay Modeling As An Effective Method Of Teaching-Learning Among Second-Year Medical Students In Pathology, Seema Umarji, Padmapriya K, Sulata Kamath

Health Professions Education

Introduction: Pathology is a core subject in undergraduate medical education, but students find it challenging to understand and retain microscopic concepts through lectures alone. Clay modeling, multisensory learning strategy, is shown to enhance comprehension in other subjects but remains understudied in pathology.

Purpose: To assess augmentation of learning using clay modeling, evaluate retention of knowledge after one month and explore student perceptions of clay modeling as a teaching method.

Methods: This interventional study involved 60 second-year MBBS students in the Department of Pathology over six months. Students were randomized into study and control groups. The study group used clay modelling …

Beyond The Numbers: A Mixed-Method Evaluation Of Faculty, Peer, And Self-Assessment Using Rubrics In Blood Pressure Determination Among Phase 1 Mbbs Students, Abeetha S, Chitra M, Suba A, B. Dharani, Sadhana S

Health Professions Education

Background: Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) emphasizes formative, learner-centred assessment. Blood pressure (BP) measurement, a core clinical skill, integrates knowledge, skills, communication, ethics, and attitude. While rubrics are widely used to standardize evaluation, their utility in triangulating faculty, peer, and self-assessment in BP measurement remains underexplored.

Aim: To evaluate the reliability and educational value of rubric-based faculty, peer, and self-assessment in BP determination among Phase 1 MBBS students using a mixed-methods approach.

Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 98 Phase 1 MBBS students in a South Indian medical college. Forty-nine students performed BP measurement, assessed simultaneously by 5 faculty …

The Predictive Ability Of Decision-Making For Cognitive Dissonance Among Nursing Students, Adnan Yousef Atoum, Omar Atallah Al-Adamat, Emran A. Abu Aqoulah, Aya Al-Ali, Marah Al-Smadi

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The present study aimed to examine the levels of cognitive dissonance and decision-making among nursing students at Irbid National University-Irbid, Jordan, and to investigate the predictive ability of decision-making for cognitive dissonance.

Method: The study sample consisted of (251) male and female nursing students at Irbid National University-Irbid, Jordan. The cognitive dissonance scale and the decision-making scale were used after assuring validity and reliability.

Results: The study results indicated that the level of cognitive dissonance was low, and the level of decision-making ability was high. The study results also indicated that decision-making variable explained 17.2% of …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of The Well-Being Through Occupational Participation (Wbop) Intervention In Promoting Well-Being In Occupational Therapy Students From A Philippine University: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study, Elena Wong Espiritu, Maria Concepcion Dc. Cabatan, Guia Allyza D. Rabacca, Marlowe Eriberto P. Acuña Jr, Jay Allen B. Villon, Peñafrancia E. Ching

Health Professions Education

Purpose: Filipino occupational therapy students experience decreased well-being during their educational experience. However, there is a limited amount of literature describing their well-being and a scarcity of culturally specific interventions to promote student well-being. The Well-Being Through Occupational Participation intervention is an evidence-based, manualized program consisting of a variety of occupation-based activities. The objective of this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a modified version of the intervention in promoting undergraduate Filipino occupational therapy student well-being.

Methods: A convergent mixed-methods approach was used, specifically longitudinal survey for the quantitative design and qualitative descriptive for the qualitative design. Data was …

Development Of A Faculty-Led Program To Improve Npte Readiness, Yaqiong Wang, Marlon Addison, Michael Hauber, Rachel Mcgraw, Karen Bock, Brendon Stewart

Health Professions Education

Purpose. The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a multiple-choice examination that Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students must pass to obtain licensure as physical therapists in the United States. Recent national data show a concerning decline in first-time pass rates, dropping from 91% in 2020 to 82% in 2025.¹ This downward trend is also reflected at our university. These findings underscore the need for effective strategies to enhance NPTE preparation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to: 1) Describe a scaffolded model of faculty-guided exam preparation, designed to enhance students’ success on the NPTE during the months …