Digital Commons Network^™

Large Language Model Enabled Mental Health App Recommendations Using Structured Datasets, Kris Prasad, Md Abdullah Al Hafiz Khan

Symposium of Student Scholars

The increasing use of large language models (LLMs) in mental health support necessitates detailed evaluation of their recommendation capabilities. This study compares four modern LLMs—GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and dataset-enhanced Gemma 2 and GPT-3.5-Turbo—in recommending mental health applications. We constructed a structured dataset of 55 mental health apps using RoBERTa-based sentiment analysis and keyword similarity scoring, focusing on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia. Standard LLMs demonstrated inconsistent accuracy and often relied on outdated or generic information. In contrast, our retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipeline enabled lower-cost models to achieve up to 55% higher accuracy than baseline models while recommending apps with …

Can A Ceh-27/Nkx2.1 Transgene Rescue Ceh-27 Neurodevelopmental Defects?, Meryl Gilmore, Martin L. Hudson

Symposium of Student Scholars

When the development of an organism’s nervous system is interrupted or altered, it can significantly impact that organism’s ability to survive and function properly. In our lab, we use a species of nematode called Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism to characterize the roles of important transcription factors in human neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Utilizing C. elegans makes analyzing this process in a lab very easy for many reasons; they are very small, have a rapid life cycle, invariant cell lineage, transparent bodies, and most importantly, around 80% of their genes have human orthologs. In …

Effect Of Volume On Pacing During High Intensity Functional Training, Haja Kabba, Caralynn Doese, James Henley, Kristyn Mcgeehan, Wil King, Gerald Mangine

Symposium of Student Scholars

Each high-intensity functional training (HIFT) workout may vary its structural design, incorporate different exercises, and prescribe different intensities and volumes. This creates infinite possible combinations, and with so many dynamic factors, it is unclear how each change alters how one completes a workout. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of altering volume only on HIFT pacing. Ten men and nine women (27.0 ± 7.6 yrs, 173 ± 8 cm, 79.3 ± 11.0 kg) with ≥6 months of HIFT experience completed two experimental workouts that differed in volume. Participants completed five rounds of power cleans (men: 52.2 …

Preparing Students For The Quantum Era: Qml Training And Applications, Triveni Kandimalla, Valentina Nino

Symposium of Student Scholars

Quantum Machine Learning (QML) emerges as a transformative approach to addressing the growing complexities of modern data processing and computational challenges. Classical machine learning (CML) techniques, while powerful, face limitations in handling vast amounts of high-dimensional data and solving complex optimization problems efficiently. Despite its potential, QML remains underrepresented in academia, highlighting the need for accessible, hands-on learning experiences and knowledgeable faculty. This project seeks to advance QML education by incorporating it into diverse curricula, creating practical learning materials, and fostering workforce readiness. Using Google Colab, an open source labware has been designed to provide interactive learning modules (M0 to …

Properties Of Eigenvalues Of The Fractal Laplacian, Eric Stachura, Andrew Chincea

Symposium of Student Scholars

We investigate the properties of the eigenvalues of the fractal Laplacian. We begin by defining the fractal Laplacian operator in one dimension and formulate the corresponding Dirichlet eigenvalue problem. Analytical solutions are obtained for specific fractal parameters, and computational results illustrate the structure of eigenvalues and their associated eigenfunctions. We extend our analysis to two dimensions using separation of variables. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how fractal geometry affects the spectral characteristics of differential operators.

Hands-On Healing: The Role Of Creative Art And Clay In Happiness And Stress Reduction, Aria Mokhtari, Mahdi Ghasemi, Melika Eshaghian, Kat Bishop, Brittany Turner, Ryan Golshir, Ana De Faria Lima, Kaylee Stone, Soojin Lee, Jennifer Cooper

Symposium of Student Scholars

Stress and mental health concerns are increasing among students at Kennesaw State University. Creativity has gained recognition for their therapeutic benefits. This research investigated the impact of clay sculpting on stress reduction and emotional well-being. Through qualitative and quantitative assessments, we analyzed participants' self-reported stress levels before and after participating in clay sculpting. A pre-and post-event survey measured the impact of engagement in these activities. After evaluating feedback and statistical trends, this study can provide evidence supporting clay sculpting as an effective tool for enhancing mental well-being among students. Stress levels were assessed using numerical rating scales (a form of …

Stories About Reading In Schools And What They Can Tell Educators About Teaching Reading, Arin Hilson, Roberta Gardner

Symposium of Student Scholars

Stories about reading in schools and what they can tell educators about reading is based on the practices of personal reading lives of teachers. This project is based on their instructional practices, focusing on how their reading habits influence the reading journey and experience for their students. By looking into the past and present lives of educators through portraiture methodology (Lawrence-Lightfoot, 1997), the study explores how personal reading habits such as prevalence of reading for enjoyment and the obstacles that come along with it can inform educational approaches in the classroom. By interviewing teachers this research aims to gather data …

The Translucent Fortress, Owen Phillips, Robin Puttock

Symposium of Student Scholars

Domestic violence is a nationwide crisis affecting millions of women, with severity increasing since COVID-19. In Georgia, over a third of women report experiencing physical violence by an intimate partner, with rural victims facing even greater risks. They experience abuse more frequently, must travel farther for help, and are more likely to be turned away due to limited shelter capacity. Existing shelters often fall short due to poor design and security.

Several factors complicate the issue, including geographic isolation, religious and familial pressures to stay with an abuser, and financial barriers limiting transportation access. Addressing these challenges requires reimagining the …

Human-Ai Teaming For Academic Performance Analysis, Kendarius Ward, Elise Hernandez, Tom Antony, Md Abdullah Al Hafiz Khan, Kazi Aminul Islam, Abm Adnan Azmee

Symposium of Student Scholars

Educators today often work with students who are struggling academically, but limited time and resources make it difficult to uncover the root causes and provide timely assistance. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing, viable tool for analyzing large datasets and solving problems in different domains; however, human expertise is required to enhance the AI model’s performance. This study will utilize human-AI teaming to assess student performance based on factors such as their academic involvement, hours spent studying, and grade-point-average, among others. These findings will help instructors better grasp each student's academic needs. By incorporating humans into the AI pipeline, we …

Building Resilience: Strategies For Sustainable Wildfire Management In California, Jaiden Rennie, Pegah Zamani

Symposium of Student Scholars

Wildfires in California are becoming more intense and destructive, threatening communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods. This project explores how resilience and sustainability can work together to reduce wildfire risks and long-term damage. By reviewing research, case studies, and expert insights, it examines what’s driving these fires, climate change, poor land management, and human activity, and looks at solutions that can make a real difference. From community education programs to AI-driven fire detection and smarter policies, the findings highlight practical ways to better prepare for and manage wildfires. The goal is to contribute to a future where communities and the environment are …

Using Rf Hardware Technologies To Counteract Interference Within Dsrc Caused By Adjacent Unlicensed Bands, Grayson Hatcher, Billy Kihei, Nathan Kirkwood, Marco Tello

Symposium of Student Scholars

In recent years, competition within Radio Frequency (RF) communication bands has led to an overlap between the U-NII-4 band used by low-cost consumer devices, and the Dedicated Short Communication Band (DSRC) used by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Past research con- firmed that this interference leads to drastic reduction in Packet Reception Rate (PRR) for Roadside Units (RSUs) and On- Board Units (OBUs) throughout the country, resulting in a reduction of stability between different components of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). Our research team set a goal to prove that a low-cost and simple modification can be made to RSUs …

Ecological Analysis Of The Atlanta Beltline, Ethan Mcfarland, Ranbir Kang

Symposium of Student Scholars

Headed by Ranbir Kang, we divided different segments of the Atlanta Beltline and I was chosen to spearhead the research and analysis of the West-side and West End segment of the Atlanta Beltline, we then took photographs of the different works of Art, Sculptures, Murals and Graffiti and got to work analyzing the Ecology of the Areas of the Beltline

Foster Grandparents, Claire Bunnell, Robin Puttock

Symposium of Student Scholars

Can designing a connection between independent living facilities and the foster care system increase companionship, physical and mental health for older adults and foster care children?

While independent living communities are often ideal for older adults in generally good health, studies indicate that over one-third of older adults report feelings of loneliness and a lack of meaningful companionship. This sense of isolation has profound consequences, as research shows that socially isolated seniors are 59% more likely to experience physical and mental health decline. Furthermore, many seniors residing in nursing homes face a troubling paradox: while these facilities are intended to …

Crosswing Hall- A Biophilic Student Hub For Connection, Community, And Growth, Marianna Sanchez, Robin Puttock, M. Uddin

Symposium of Student Scholars

The Marietta campus of Kennesaw State University has long been perceived as disconnected and lacking vibrancy compared to its counterpart in Kennesaw. This project seeks to transform that narrative by creating Crosswing Hall, a dynamic student hub that fosters campus pride, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lasting connections. Grounded in biophilic design principles, Crosswing Hall utilizes natural materials and thoughtful spatial planning to reduce student stress, enhance well-being, and create a welcoming environment where students feel supported and engaged.

Current student spaces on the Marietta campus prioritize capacity over adaptability, often leading to overcrowding and diminished effectiveness in fostering a sense of …

Bridging The Gap: Care Team’S Perspectives On Technology And Ai Integration In Healthcare, Sarah Fernandes, Pranathi Boyina, Awatef Ergai Dr., Wellstar Health System, Mohammad Yousef Mousa Naser, Sylvia Bhattacharya Dr.

Symposium of Student Scholars

As healthcare systems increasingly integrate digital solutions, understanding the perspectives of frontline healthcare workers on technology adoption is critical. This study explores how Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), collectively referred to as the Care Team, interact with existing and emerging healthcare technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). Given the growing reliance on digital tools for clinical and administrative tasks, this research examines the challenges and benefits perceived by healthcare professionals when incorporating AI-driven solutions into their workflows.

A cross-sectional research design was employed, involving 30 semi-structured interviews with Care Team members from an Intensive …

Affirmative Action Ban And Fafsa Delay Impact On Multi-Marginalized Students, Prevailer Idowu, Debalina Maitra, Angelie Santos-Silvano

Symposium of Student Scholars

The FAFSA has introduced what was initially seen as a beneficial policy aimed at improving students' access to financial aid. However, the plan has backfired, making it increasingly difficult for students to file their FAFSA applications. At the same time, the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to ban Affirmative Action has removed race as a factor in college admissions, further complicating access to higher education for historically disadvantaged groups. This project investigates key questions related to these developments: “How do the removal of Affirmative Action and the challenges associated with FAFSA affect the experiences of multi-marginalized undergraduate students? In what ways …

Reimagining Recovery: The Role Of Architecture In Sobriety, Teagan Littleton, Robin Puttock

Symposium of Student Scholars

Alcoholism recovery housing often overlooks the profound impact that architecture has on the rehabilitation process. Many sober living houses fail to consider how design elements influence healing, leaving a gap between the physical and mental spaces necessary for recovery. This thesis explores the design of a sober living house in Atlanta that integrates biophilic principles, choice architecture, and WELL Building Standards to create a healing environment that fosters community integration, resilience, and well-being. Situated in an urban context, the project addresses social and environmental challenges by providing therapeutic spaces that support recovery while acknowledging the financial and emotional realities of …

Pathways To Possibilities, Melanie Nin, Robin Puttock

Symposium of Student Scholars

Pathways to Possibilities explores the importance of establishing a Montessori Pre-K through 8th grade school for a large population of children, highlighting the unique challenges they face in accessing an education that meets their fundamental needs. By incorporating Montessori design principles and learning theories, the proposed school aims to create an inclusive, supporting environment that fosters self-directed learning, creativity, and social engagement. It advocates expanding the Montessori model to a larger school that fosters an inclusive environment that supports diverse students’ needs

Exploring Technology-Aided Education In Dementia Care, Ifeoma Britany Ohaya, Foluwake Timothy, Dandre Williamson, Kemberly Isabel Suazo, Magdalene Boadu, Toi-Ann Kingsby, Venkata Sasidhar Reddy Palagundla, Benjamin Karanja, Modupe Akintomide

Symposium of Student Scholars

Background: Healthcare and allied professionals (HAP) play an important role in providing quality care for persons living with Alzheimer's and related dementias (ADRD) and their families. With over 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older living with ADRD, it is imperative that HAP students are properly educated in dementia care prior to graduating from their programs. Examples, registered nurses play an essential role in providing quality care to persons living with dementia, which is why it is important for nursing students to be given an education on ADRD-related care.

Objective: To explore the experience of HAP students in learning about …

Student Psychosocial Adjustment In Relation To Student Success, Julian Quintana, Lauren Taglialatela

Symposium of Student Scholars

The purpose of this study is to examine student psychosocial adjustment and how it may be related to retention and success college students. More specifically, this study will analyze the factors such as social adjustment, academic adjustment, institutional attachment, and coping styles. As of 2022, the United States had 15 million students enrolled in undergraduate programs. 23% of freshman drop out, and students who continue take 6 to 8 years to finish a degree. With this protracted amount of time from entry to graduation, students accrue tens of thousands of dollars in debt. These metrics underscore the need to better …

Sustainable Smart Farming Device With Leafit Adaptive Growth Technology, Saville Atkins, Anthony Iwejuo, Julian Pitts, Luis Mercado, Rachnicha Rojjhanarittikorn, Sandip Das, Hai Ho

Symposium of Student Scholars

For farmers, gardeners, and horticulture enthusiasts worldwide, one immutable reality is that maintaining a consistent physical presence to care for plants is not always feasible. In addition, different plants have unique needs for watering, nutrients, and environmental conditions to thrive. Failing to meet these specific needs can result in poor plant health, reduced yields, and inefficient resource usage. In this research project, we have designed and developed ‘LeaFit’ – a cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) device that offers a sophisticated and sustainable smart farming and gardening solution. Equipped with intelligent soil moisture, ambient temperature, humidity, and light sensors, LeaFit autonomously …

Reviving Humanity, Ana Gomez

Symposium of Student Scholars

The surge in female incarceration rates in the United States has heightened concerns about the mental health challenges faced by women within correctional facilities. This thesis research explores the intersection of women's incarceration, mental health, and sustainable architectural design aimed at improving outcomes for female inmates. Factors contributing to the increase in female incarceration rates, including changes in sentencing policies, socioeconomic disparities, and the criminalization of mental illness and substance abuse, are critically examined. Research indicates a disproportionately high prevalence of mental health disorders among female inmates, often rooted in past trauma, domestic violence, and systemic inequalities. These issues are …

Designing For Adhd In The Workplace, Nayeli Gonzalez

Symposium of Student Scholars

The post-pandemic era has left the United States with nearly one billion square feet of vacant office space, creating significant economic and social challenges. Alongside this, many employees continue to work from home, often experiencing adverse effects on their physical and mental well-being due to environments that are not conducive to long-term productivity. Addressing these issues, this thesis explores how outdated and underutilized office spaces can be revived, reinvented, and renovated to not only attract employees back to the workplace but also to accommodate the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. Neurodivergent people, representing millions globally, often encounter sensory overstimulation and …

Eos Wellness Center: Circadian Rhythm & Mental Health Facility Design, Emily Simms

Symposium of Student Scholars

The design of mental health facilities significantly impacts patient outcomes, especially for individuals with depression. Environmental factors such as lighting, thermal comfort, and access to nature influence mental health. This research explores how architectural design can reduce self-harm incidents and enhance recovery outcomes for patients with depression. The project hypothesizes that synchronizing light patterns and thermal comfort with patients' circadian rhythms will reduce self-harm incidents and improve recovery.

The problem established in the research is that disruptions to circadian rhythms increase the risk of depression, PTSD, and anxiety by 30% (Burns et al., 2022). Suicide is also the second leading …

Generative Ai In South African Healthcare: Navigating Challenges And Harnessing Opportunities For Industry And Research, Linda Paul, Ravinder Rena

Management Dynamics

This research seeks to evaluate how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) can be used to disrupt and revolutionise the South African healthcare sector in addressing anomalies and utilising opportunities. This study employed a qualitative approach using secondary data analysis, drawing on policies formulated from the years 2015-2024, the study combines findings from published literature, institutional reports, and reputable databases to explore the potential opportunities, applications, and challenges of integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) in South Africa's healthcare system. Thematic analysis and trend mapping were used to investigate GAI in diagnostics, drug discovery, personal medicine, data clerking, and medical training. The results …

Renal Protection By Upadacitinib In Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Insights From A Male Rat Model", Furqan Hashim Hussein, Najah R. Al Mosawi

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Renal ischemia reperfusion damage is a severe syndrome that can develop after kidney transplants, kidney-targeting surgery, or other clinical situations that restrict blood flow to the kidneys. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the JAK1 inhibitor upadacitinib in lowering RIRI in a rat model. The rats were stratified into 4 groups after a 1 week acclimatization period. The study found that HMGBox and inflammatory substances like TNF-α and IL-6 impact RIRI. Upadacitinib's inhibition of the JAK1/STAT3 pathway minimized RIRI by significantly lowering these molecules. It also significantly reduced NF-κB activation, thereby reducing the inflammatory response and programmed cell death. The …

Older Groundwater Reservoirs In Nebraska, Marvin P. Carlson, Steven S. Sibray

Conservation and Survey Division: Faculty and Staff Publications

Sedimentary rocks below Nebraska's regional water table are saturated down to the crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks of Precambrian age. The total thickness of these sedimentary rocks ranges from about 600 feet to over 10,000 feet. Nearly all current wells in Nebraska produce water from the near-surface, unconsolidated or partly consolidated rocks. Most studies to date -- interpretive reports, test drilling, inventory of wells, monitoring water levels, and water quality determinations -- have concentrated on these near-surface sources of groundwater.

Rooster, Taylor J. Templeton-Jager

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

I painted this rooster during my first semester of graduate school while relaxing after a long day of research. It was my first time using oil paint and a palette knife. I kept it because it brings me joy and reminds me to try new things.

Two 55-Word Stories: Reasonable Suspicion And There’S An Art To This, Angel Ogbeide

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Narrative medicine, specifically the 55-word story, provides clinicians an opportunity to reflect on experiences they encounter and garner significant meaning from them. These 2 stories discuss difficult situations I have experienced in my practice of medicine.

“Reasonable Suspicion” is an internal reflection on the weight of the complex decisions providers are often faced with (mandatory reporting, etc) and are not emphasized enough in health care. Doing the right thing in a clinical situation is taught. How doing the right thing can make a provider feel is not.

“There’s an Art to This” discusses grief. How do you grieve a patient? …

How To Write A Successful Research Manuscript: Back To Basics, Nayda Parisio Poldiak, Nancy Crossley

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Writing a research manuscript is a meticulous process necessary for effective communication of scientific findings. In this article, we cover the key concepts and steps involved in crafting a well-structured manuscript. Research manuscripts use a formal structure with discrete sections that facilitate data review and interpretation. The opening section is a structured abstract, which summarizes the entire manuscript in about 300 words and highlights the research problem, using the headings Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. The introduction provides context, states the research question and justifies its significance. The methods section details the study design, data collection, and analysis procedures. The …