Digital Commons Network^™

How Mass Incarceration Has Destroyed African American Communities, Angeliki Karvounis

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Beginning with the “Tough on Crime” movement of the 1970s, policies such as mandatory minimums, the War on Drugs, and the Three Strikes law have reinforced racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Multiple historical and systemic factors have contributed to the disproportionate imprisonment of African American individuals. This paper explores the long-term consequences of incarceration, including the erosion of family structures, the economic marginalization of affected communities, and the perpetuation of poverty and crime. The repercussions of parental incarceration on children and the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking reintegration into society are examples of the long-term consequences …

Prisoner Reentry Into Society Viewed Through The Lens Of Women, Jalak Parekh

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

In the 1970s, President Richard Nixon declared a War on Drugs and initiated a series of policies that were intended to combat the use of illegal drugs by implementing severe sentences for drug-related crimes. As a result, the focus of the criminal justice system veered away from rehabilitation efforts. Today, the U.S. criminal justice system has considerably high rates of recidivism. This paper examines the importance of successful reentry into society for formerly incarcerated women, especially those who must resume a caregiver role to their children. However, a relapse into criminal behavior seems imminent due to societal barriers in obtaining …

Human Trafficking: An Examination Of Policies And The Impact Of Trafficking On Victims, Hannah Lyons

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Human trafficking is a pervasive and complex global issue that involves the exploitation of individuals. While there is also the trafficking of objects, this study solely focuses on sexual exploitation and forced labor of humans. This paper defines trafficking and examines the impact that trafficking has on victims’ physical and mental health. This paper also examines the intersection of human trafficking and policies designed to combat it, focusing on the effectiveness of legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of current anti-trafficking laws and initiatives, the paper explores how policies can be improved to better address …

The Lasting Effects Of Gun Violence On Victims And Communities, Anthony Do

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Gun violence is a pressing public health and criminal justice issue with lasting effects on victims, families, and communities in the United States. The psychological impact of gun violence can contribute to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and sleep deprivation. The issues are pronounced within marginalized or disadvantaged neighborhoods. The emergence of 3D-printed “ghost guns” presents further complications in the effort to regulate firearms. The United States stands out for its disproportionately high rates of firearm deaths. The findings in this paper highlight the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies that address both the current and future impacts …

The Normalization Of Clandestine Graves In Mexico, Alejandra Vela

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Clandestine graves are increasing at an alarming rate in Mexico, as cartels fight for dominance over the wealthiest territories. Those who fall victim to cartels are brutally tortured into submission or are murdered and disposed of. These graves are the preferred method of body disposal by the cartels. By disposing of various victims in hidden locations, the cartels seek to erase the existence of these individuals. Victims are reduced to only bone fragments and ash. Friends and family of those who have gone missing have created a large search organization, Madres Buscadoras, to combat the helplessness of authorities. Madres Buscadoras …

Incorporating Specialized Courses On The Prevention Of Sexual Misconduct In Policing Academies, Nina Nguyen

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

A major problem within law enforcement is police sexual misconduct (PSM), where law enforcement officers commit sexual offenses while using the power of their position. Bonds of loyalty and trust between fellow officers are strong enough that offenders have no worries about being reported, even if they are caught. Studies have shown that most offending officers were new to the field or recently completed their training at a policing academy. Since many of the officers committing PSM were fresh out of their training, it indicates that the academy is not training its recruits properly on topics of sexual assault and …

Oviposition And Immature Development Of Blowflies In Forensic Investigations, Amalia Herrera-Benitez

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Forensic entomology is a subspecialty within the field of forensic science where insect evidence is analyzed to solve criminal cases. Insects begin to colonize the body, with blowflies being the first insects to arrive. Within minutes, blowflies can lay eggs on a decomposing body, and the larvae will feed once they hatch. The life cycles of blowflies are analyzed to help determine an estimated post-mortem interval (PMI), which is crucial in investigations, as it can help establish a timeline. Various factors, such as temperature and access to the body, can cause delays in the oviposition of blowflies. A delay in …

The Rape Kit Backlog: Problems And Solutions, Tracey Cao

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

This literature review examines the ongoing issue of rape kit backlog in the United States. Rape kits are a means of evidence collection from victims of sexual assault that can be used in court. Across the nation, many state jurisdictions have hundreds and thousands of rape kits left untested and locked away in storage facilities. Consent for testing, police bias, and funding issues are the main issues that will be addressed. Many victims choose not to have their kits tested. Other kits never get tested due to police choosing not to submit a kit due to their bias against some …

Detection Canines: An Insight Into Investigative Working Dogs, Adriana Pliego

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

In a comprehensive exploration of detection canines, this paper aims to research the depth of their utilization by many investigative agencies and fields. A relevant case is discussed to present the application of detection canines and how they are useful for investigative measures. Shedding light into the various components of detection canines, this paper will discuss desirable canine characteristics that are sought out. On the other hand, undesirable characteristics are also discussed to inform recruiters of which attributes they should opt out of. This paper continues to discuss the roles and capabilities of detection canines given their unique potential. Then, …

The Role Of Criminology In The Courtroom, Nia Mehroke

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Criminology and expert witness testimony play a crucial role in modern-day court proceedings. Scientific data and insights utilized in criminology can assist with seeking justice and fairness. This essay aims to provide a basis for the history of criminology and define the practice. It will explore the evolution of criminology practices and how theories have developed that are still utilized today. Furthermore, it will discuss criminologists’ many contributions as expert witnesses, including the role of ethics that criminologists must follow in court. Some key ideas presented include the methodologies criminologists use to present evidence and what standard criminologists must follow …

Forensic Psychology Of Serial Killers, Karla Suarez

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Many serial killers share patterns in psychological and neuropsychological disorders and behaviors. These behaviors and patterns should be recognized and acknowledged to understand why serial killers murder without remorse or guilt. It is important to discuss matters such as common patterns, typologies, and characteristics within serial killers. After looking at these essential aspects of serial killers, common neurodevelopmental disorders, brain damage, and biological epigenetics will be further explored. In order to fully assess this topic, forensic psychology and behavioral analysis are essential to aid in understanding serial killers and how their brains function to lead them to the actions that …

Comparative Analysis Of Forensic Science Systems: Scotland Vs. America, Alec Noland

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

Forensic science plays an important role in the justice system of both the United States and Scotland, but the structure, application, and effectiveness differ significantly. This research paper presents a comparative analysis of forensic science in two different legal and institutional contexts, examining differences between the two forensic science systems. This includes forensic laboratories and services, education and training, policing, court procedures, legal framework, and crime scene investigation. The analysis highlights significant differences such as Scotland’s centralized system versus America’s decentralized system, which impacts resource allocation and standardization for forensic science. Despite major differences, both countries emphasize scientific reliability, standardized …

Optimizing Genetic Ancestry Adjustment In Dna Methylation Studies: A Comparative Analysis Of Approaches, Kira D Höffler, Seyma Katrinli, Matthew W Halvorsen, Anne-Kristin Stavrum, Kevin S O'Connell, Alexey Shadrin, Srdjan Djurovic, Ole A Andreassen, James J Crowley, Jan Haavik, Kristen Hagen, Gerd Kvale, Kerry Ressler, Bjarne Hansen, Jair C Soares, Gabriel R Fries, Alicia K Smith, Stéphanie Le Hellard

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Genetic ancestry is an important factor to account for in DNA methylation studies because genetic variation influences DNA methylation patterns. One approach uses principal components (PCs) calculated from CpG sites that overlap with common SNPs to adjust for ancestry when genotyping data is not available. However, this method does not remove technical and biological variations, such as sex and age, prior to calculating the PCs. The first PC is therefore often associated with factors other than ancestry.

Methods: We developed and adapted the adapted EpiAnceR + approach, which includes 1) residualizing the CpG data overlapping with common SNPs for …

Fellowship Of Christian Athletes (Fca) Social Expansion: An Analysis Of The Fca Brand Architecture, Victoria Williamson

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has seen much growth over the past seven decades, after being created in a small town in Oklahoma in 1954 with only 15 members to now having 2,000+ staff and reaching 100+ countries (FCA Timeline, 2024). How did such a small organization with such a specific niche, become the well-known non-profit global ministry it is today? This thesis will discover how the Fellowship of Christian Athletes grew its brand worldwide pre and post-digital media through its marketing and communications methods.

So Much More Than Summer Camp: The Importance Of Environmental Education At Nature Centers, Olivia Upton

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Education in the U.S. currently faces a deficit in the promotion and proper teaching of climate change curriculum. Obvious gaps are created by a lack of clear teaching standards for environmental education, the American political machine stirring up controversy over the legitimacy of climate change, or teacher preferences. As climate change is considered one of the greatest threats facing humanity today, there is a need to educate people, especially younger generations, in order to navigate future challenges and make informed decisions. Nature centers offer the ideal location for the promotion of climate change education based on their direct connection to …

Nightmare Blueprint: How Personality Types And Anxiety Levels Influence Enjoyment Of The Horror Genre, Bralynn Steppe

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Why do some people enjoy being scared while others avoid fear at any cost? This study investigated how individual differences in personality, anxiety, and morbid curiosity contribute to the enjoyment of horror. Drawing on frameworks such as Mood Management Theory and Threat Simulation, this research explored psychological and emotional responses to five horror subgenres. Thirty-five participants completed assessments on personality, morbid curiosity, and anxiety and enjoyment before and after watching clips. Results revealed that high negative emotionality was associated with significantly heightened anxiety responses, while low-anxiety individuals reported increased enjoyment. Familiarity with horror had an effect with lower anxiety and …

How Protests From 1913 To 1920 Led To The Ratification Of The 19th Amendment, Margaret Stell

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Stress On Injury And Sickness Rates Of Middle-Distance And Distance Division Iii Athletes, Hailey Smith

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Running training intentionally stresses the body to experience positive physiological changes, however, maladaptions such as suppressed immune function and growth hormone production may occur without adequate recovery. Male distance and middle distance athletes (n = 14) participated in this study. For 6 weeks, heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (HRrest), perceived stress, and cortisol levels were assessed as indicators of recovery and stress. It was anticipated that indicators of physical stress, such as higher resting heart rates and lower heart rate variability, would correspond with greater perceived stress and higher occurrence of injury and sickness. Cortisol (n = 2, …

Analyzing The Use Of Quantifying Patient Acuity On Medical Surgical Units And Its Impact On Nursing Care, Molly Silva

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Using existing data, qualitative research and quantitative research, this paper is an analysis of the literature regarding the use and effects of assessing patient acuity within the medical surgical population. A patient acuity tool is a system used in health care to determine the complexity of a patient. Current methods and studies of implementing a patient acuity tool are presented and their results are analyzed to determine aspects that have improved, as well as negatively impacted, the delivery of nursing patient care. The need for a standardized patient acuity tool is linked to better patient outcomes, yet a protocol is …

Framing The East: An Exploration Into Tony Blair’S And George Bush’S Speeches And Orientalism, Darcy Ross

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Orientalism is a theory that is heavily ingrained in Western Society. It is the theory which explains how the West portrays or views the East, or more specifically the Middle East. It is a way to separate or “other” a region. It is a degrading tactic used by the West to look at the Eastern regions differently from things such as religion (Said 2-8). Since the West views the Eastern region as uncertain or different, there is an urgency to label them as bad or unstable (Said 2-8). Western Society becomes uncertain about the East, creating a sense of danger …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Chatgpt In Solving Math Problems Across Varying Levels Of Difficulty And Its Implications On Education, Emma Nicol

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

This project aims to make the literature on LLMs, like ChatGPT, more accessible, while also evaluating its effectiveness in solving math problems of varying difficulty. In order to achieve this, I generated and ranked math problems based on their difficulty and the analysis/steps required to complete them correctly. From there, these problems were inputted into ChatGPT to be solved, and patterns of error were documented in order to see what steps or sections of these problems were conducted incorrectly. Additionally, analysis of this information allowed me to determine the benefits of ChatGPT and what areas still need improvement, in terms …

Ethics Of Domestic Violence Punishments In The Nfl, Jesse Lichti

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Everyday Nonverbal Communication: A Comparative Study Of South And East Asian And The Mid-Atlantic United States Cultures, Jamila Jones

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

People communicate not only through spoken and written language but also through facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact. Nonverbal communication is a vital part of everyday life across cultures. Grounded by qualitative interviews and observational analysis, this study explores people’s perceptions and experiences of intercultural nonverbal communication, comparing South and East Asian cultures with those in the mid-Atlantic United States. The goal is to enhance understanding of differences using social learning theory to adapt to foreign cultures and facilitate communication when spoken language is not an option. This study can help mitigate miscommunication and foster cross-cultural connections as the global …

Parallel Paths:, Jacob Jones

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Observing The Prevalence Of Wolbachia Found In Tick Species From The Central Virginia Region, Madison Hoover

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Research has found that ticks are considered the second highest global vector of disease. Ticks can serve as a vector for pathogens such as Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease), Borrelia miyamotoi (B. miyamotoi disease) and Borrelia hermsii (tick-borne relapsing fever). Tick species such as Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog ticks), Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast ticks), Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star ticks), Ixodes scapulari (Black legged ticks), and Ixodes affinis can be found within the southeastern Virginia region. Arthropod hosts that possess Wolbachia can have their reproduction negatively impacted through methods such as Parthenogenesis, Male Killing, Feminization, and …

Building Up Borders: Political Framing And Anti-Immigration Attitudes In Hungary And The United States, Jacobsen Gamble

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

In the Summer of 2015, the European Union was faced with an unprecedented immigration crisis. In response, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán unleashed a vigorous anti-immigration campaign, focusing on the cultural, security, and economic threats that Hungary would be burdened with. This was done through negative political framing, via Orbán’s speech acts, the governing Fidesz-KDNP’s political propaganda, and the government’s control of the media. Furthermore, since 2016, the United States has experienced its own issues with immigration. This topic became and has remained one of the most salient throughout Donald Trump’s three presidential campaigns. Like Orbán, Trump has used negative political …

F1'S Marketing Drive: Cracking The Code To Capturing The U.S. Market, Matt Fox

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Formula 1 (F1) has historically faced challenges establishing itself in the American sports market dominated by NASCAR and IndyCar. F1 has been long perceived as a European-centric sport, which has led to struggles with inconsistent U.S.-based Grand Prix events, premium ticket pricing, and a lack of American drivers. Liberty Media's acquisition in 2017 marked a turning point, introducing innovative marketing strategies like digital engagement, new U.S. events, and the Netflix series "Drive to Survive." These efforts have driven tremendous growth, with increased viewership and attendance for U.S. fans. However, while F1 averages 1.1 million U.S. viewers per race, this remains …

Espionage And Counterintelligence During The Cold War, Natalee Coates

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Counterintelligence is a tool that is used in detecting espionage. This topic is important because it allows the United States government to determine if there is a spy in their midst. The purpose of this research is to identify different methods that have been used to catch spies, and how those methods can be implemented today by government agencies. It gives the intelligence community a framework for how to catch spies through the lenses of money and disgruntlement. The two hypotheses that this research tested are that issues around financial gain and workplace disgruntlement are or are not reasons that …

Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Dance Movements In Enhancing Activities Of Daily Living For Geriatric Patients And Relevant Implications For Nursing Care, Rachel Bruce

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Within the healthcare industry, the geriatric population holds a unique set of patient-care needs due to a myriad of physical and cognitive challenges that are not present in other subcategories of the population (Cremer et al., 2023). The presentation of these challenges can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life and their overall independence, which in turn decreases their overall quality of life (Cremer et al., 2023). One specific challenge healthcare providers must consider when caring for elderly patients is the reduced range of mobility typically associated with growing older (Machacova et al., 2015; Hartigan, 2007; Sinoff & Ore, 1997; …

The Relationship Between Lynchburg Area Ob-Gyn Physician Exercise Recommendations, Physical Activity Status, And Depression In Postpartum Women., Mckenzie Brundage

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts maternal well-being and infant care, necessitating effective and accessible interventions. This study examines the role of physical activity as a potential therapeutic modality for PPD, focusing on whether OB-GYNs in the Lynchburg, VA area provide exercise recommendations to pregnant and postpartum patients, and how these recommendations relate to postpartum activity levels and mood. We hypothesize that OB-GYN recommendations on exercise will lead to a positive correlation between regular physical activity and reduced PPD symptoms, supporting the integration of exercise into standard postpartum care protocols. Methods: Data was collected through an anonymous Google-Form administered to …