Digital Commons Network^™

Academic Student Support Services Unite!: How We Worked Across Divisions To Focus On Student Success To Create A Learning Commons, Casey Duevel, Amy Staloch

Library Services Publications

At MSU, Mankato, our Learning Commons is a multi-year, interdivisional effort to destigmatize students seeking academic support and create an obvious and intuitive first stop, both physically and digitally, for students to find and access services. We will describe our university’s road to creating a Learning Commons, explaining our vision, process, collaborative efforts, hurdles, progress, and anticipated outcomes.

Radicle Restoration: Growing Native Plant Seedlings For Changing Landscapes, Madelyn Moore

Honors Theses

In the wake of great anthropogenic change in the landscape across eastern North America, there is a need for ecological restoration. Forests, in particular, are struggling due to the decline of previously dominant tree species and the need to protect the understory from persistent invasion. Forests cannot follow the typical path of natural development through secondary succession due to the interference of invasive species. Invasive species thrive in disturbed habitats, and they have a variety of adaptations that allow them to outcompete native species. Invasive species removal alone leads to their return to previously invaded sites. Instead, invasive removal should …

Building Bridges To Math Success: Exploring Children’S Flexible Attention To Numerical And Spatial Magnitudes, Deja A. Richardson

Honors Theses

The study analyzes how children in early childhood engage with number books and how they influence mathematical abilities such as flexible attention to magnitudes (FAM) and executive functioning. It was hypothesized that the number of books consisting of mathematical language will lead to an increase in math ability. It was also suggested that number books will engage children using mathematical language and real-world settings. 80 participants between the ages of three and five years old recruited from daycare centers and preschools in the Dayton and Bloomington area will complete 6 one-on-one sessions with an experimenter in their school.

The pretest …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Bladder And Bowel Management For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series, Julia Ryan

Student Capstone Papers

Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned to support individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in developing effective bowel and bladder management (BBM) routines. However, most existing literature approaches BBM from a medical perspective, offering limited guidance on how to translate occupation-based strategies into OT practice. This lack of discipline-specific resources contributes to reduced confidence among generalist practitioners and hinders the consistent implementation of BBM interventions across inpatient and community settings. To address this gap, a nine-part educational video series was developed to enhance OT practitioners’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and confidence in delivering BBM interventions for clients with SCI. The …

Associations Between Parental Depression And Child Internalizing Behaviors: The Role Of Gender, Abigail M. Webb

Honors Theses

The present study is a cross-sectional examination of associations between mother and father depression as it relates to child internalizing symptoms and anxious and depressed symptomatology. The study builds on the literature that underscores the importance of parental mental health for child outcomes, particularly anxiety and depression symptoms, by examining the role of gender in the link between parental depression and child internalizing symptoms. This study included 256 children (M age = 9.53 years; SD = 29.97 months; 123 males) and their mothers, fathers, and teachers. The measures included the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Teacher Report …

Environmental Exposures And Familial Background Alter The Induction Of Neuropathology And Inflammation After Sars-Cov-2 Infection, Debotri Chatterjee, Drishya Kurup, Richard Jay Smeyne

Department of Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Post-infection sequela of several viruses have been linked with Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we investigated whether mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 alone or in combination with two putative Parkinsonian toxins, MPTP and paraquat, increased the susceptibility to develop Parkinsonian pathology. We also examined if G2019S LRRK2 mice had any change in sensitivity to SARS-CoV-2 as well as if vaccination against this virus altered any neuropathology. Infection with WA-1/2020 or Omicron B1.1.529 strains sensitized both WT and G2019S LRRK2 mice to the neuropathological effects of a subtoxic exposure to MPTP, but not paraquat. These neuropathologies were rescued in WT mice vaccinated with …

When The Going Gets Tough: How Multinationals And Local Companies Used Dynamic Capabilities During Pandemic, Maha Barry, Ashar Saleem

Business Review

This study uses dynamic capability (DC) lens to explore how multinational companies (MNCs) and their local competitors make use of DCs during pandemic to achieve competitive advantage. The paper deploys a qualitative research methodology and collects primary and secondary data from 8 companies (4 MNCs, 4 Locals) in the pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan. We find that multinationals and local companies rely on different sets of DC to effectively deal with the pandemic. While multinationals make use of branding, alliancing and effective deployment of their R&D capability, locals deployed seizing, reconfiguration and strong external relationship better. In the immediate aftermath of …

In Memoriam: Conrad L’Heureux, Professor Emeritus Of Religious Studies, Dave Larsen

College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

Known for his innovative teaching techniques, Conrad L'Heureux taught religious studies for more than 30 years.

2025 Otterbein University Honors Convocation Program, Otterbein University

Honors Convocation

No abstract provided.

Almost Last Again? Mississippi's Labor Force Participation Rate: Causes And Solutions, John Martin Fox

Honors Theses

Mississippi is currently ranked second to last in labor force participation rate in the country. This is the latest damning statistic inhibiting the state from growing and becoming a more nationally recognized state with higher economic output. This thesis examines how Mississippi arrived at this bleak labor force participation rate and what is currently ongoing to alleviate it. It also examines some possible proposed solutions to accelerate those efforts. Through extensive research and numerous interviews with officials from public and private sector employees directly dealing with this predicament, this thesis has assembled a thorough and comprehensive picture of how the …

Measuring Market Sentiment Towards Ceo Incentives, Joshua C. Whitehead

Honors Theses

In the absence of agency issues, CEOs will act in the best interest of shareholders by maximizing firm value. Existing literature documents the individual agency of the CEO and how firms incentivize CEO behavior to align with shareholder interests. To study groups with varying initial incentives, I divide CEOs into internal and external origin to determine differences in compensation. This study then utilizes regressions to study the differences between candidate origin and corresponding incentive structure. I hypothesize that CEO profile influences compensation design to address candidate skills and agency costs, impacting firm value and market perception of CEO future value. …

Demography And Habitat Associations Of The Basalt Cactus Pediocactus Nigrispinus, Zarha S. Dillon-Zuppelli, Mary E. Poulson, Eric A. Graham

Biology Faculty Scholarship

Cacti are iconic members of arid ecosystems. Pediocactus nigrispinus is a species of cactus endemic to the Pacific Northwest and has been listed as a sensitive species due to its vulnerability to habitat loss. Best conservation methods for this species are poorly understood, due in part to a limited understanding of its demography and habitat associations that may help define its occurrence. A demographic study from four plots in Washington State was implemented in 2016 to provide a baseline of the population dynamics for P. nigrispinus and to enhance conservation efforts for this sensitive species. Five years of size, fecundity, …

Developing A Hypothetical Learning Trajectory For Loops In Integrated Math-Cs Lessons (Poster 27), Anahita Ashineh, Jody E. Clarke-Midura, Deborah Silvis, Jessica F. Shumway, Joseph S. Kozlowski, Camille M. Lund

Spatial Activities and Robot Coding (SPARC)

https://aera25-aera.ipostersessions.com/Default.aspx?s=37-77-1B-1F-D5-4D-5A-16-54-EC-62-88-D3-40-E9-03

"We Had An Amazing Idea, But Then Someone Already Had It": Norming "Novelty" In Early Childhood Computer Science (Poster 31), Deborah Silvis, Ana Ashineh, Jody Clarke-Midura, Jessica Shumway

Spatial Activities and Robot Coding (SPARC)

https://aera25-aera.ipostersessions.com/Default.aspx?s=BF-36-33-8A-0D-DF-81-2C-B8-C6-4F-C6-21-5F-A2-FC

Food & Drugs Unite: Targeting Leukemia With A [6]-Gingerol And 5-Fluorouracil Combination Chemotherapy, Alexa Mazzeo, Samantha Wechsler

Biology Presentations

Leukemia is a cancer found in the blood characterized by rapid growth of blood cells. This study examines the effect of [6]-Gingerol and 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) on the proliferation of the Jurkat cell line, a cell line that is a model for T-cell leukemia due to similar mechanisms. MTT assay technique was used to measure cell proliferation and viability. We expected to see high cell fractional affect and reduced proliferation as the concentrations of the combinational therapy of [6]-Gingerol and 5-FU increased. These two cell compounds were selected because of their anti-carcinogenic effects: [6]-Gingerol is used aid in the inflammation …

Anxiety And Depression Symptoms And Certainty In Negative Future Predictions: The Role Of Intolerance Of Uncertainty And Perseverative Thought, Isabella Glennon

Psychology Student Scholarship

Isabella Glennon ’25, Biology & Psychology major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Emily Gentes, Psychology

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) — the tendency to experience discomfort when faced with an uncertain future — and perseverative thought (PT) — characterized by repetitive, negative thinking such as rumination — plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of anxiety and depression. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anxiety and depression symptoms and the roles of IU and PT, particularly in relation to the development of certainty in negative future predictions.

Jealousy And Conflict: The Mediation Between Romantic Attachment Styles And Dating Aggression, Alexa Wing

Psychology Student Scholarship

Alexa Wing ’25, Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s & Gender Studies major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Charlene Collibee, Psychology

This study examined whether jealousy and conflict mediate the relationship between romantic attachment and dating aggression (DA). Data were collected over six months from 120 young adults (ages 18–25) with a history of DA in romantic relationships. Measures assessed attachment style, jealousy, conflict, and DA. Results showed that relational anxiety was associated with both jealousy and DA. Jealousy partially mediated the link between anxiety and DA, but conflict did not. No significant associations emerged between relational avoidance and DA. Discussion will address the …

Perceptions Of Aging & Sleep Health, Grace Lynch

Psychology Student Scholarship

Grace Lynch ’25, Psychology and Biology major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Caitlan Tighe, Psychology

Intolerance Of Uncertainty In Trauma And Ptsd, Juliette Bonchonsky, Zoe Rosnov, Jayden Peacock

Psychology Student Scholarship

Juliette Bonchonsky ’26, Psychology major

Zoe Rosnov ’25, Psychology major

Jayden Peacock ’25, Neuroscience major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Emily Gentes, Psychology

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is associated with PTSD severity (Raines et al., 2019), even among those with subthreshold symptoms (Clauss et al., 2023). The objective of the present study was to test if there is a specific association between IU and PTSD symptoms, or if trauma exposure is also associated with elevated IU.

Adults diagnosed by clinical interview with current PTSD (n=25), history of trauma without PTSD symptoms (n=28), and no trauma history (n=48) were given the Intolerance of …

Repetitive Negative Thought, Subjective Stress, And Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety, Haley Margulies, Juliette Bonchonsky, Isabella Glennon

Psychology Student Scholarship

Haley Margulies ’25, Biology and Psychology major

Juliette Bonchonsky ’26, Psychology major

Isabella Glennon ’25, Biology & Psychology major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Emily Gentes, Psychology

Engagement in repetitive negative thought (RNT) in response to stress may be associated with risk for anxiety and depression. Individuals who engage in rumination following stressful life events are more likely to experience negative affect and symptoms of depression and anxiety (Ruscio et al., 2011). Similarly, worrying after a stressful life event is prospectively associated with increased stress symptoms (Roussis & Wells, 2008). The purpose of the present study is to test whether subjective stress …

Teachers’ Experiences With The Reduction Of Play And Its Impact On Social-Emotional Development And Behavior In The Preschool Setting., Jacqueline Renee Smith

Student Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, phenomenological study explored teachers’ experiences with the reduction of play in the preschool setting and its impact on social-emotional development and behavior in the preschool classroom. The problem addressed was the decreasing amount of time spent on play in early childhood education. While play is a developmentally appropriate way for children to develop social-emotional, physical, and cognitive skills, the teachers in East Tennessee are experiencing a decline in play. Deficits in social-emotional skills and behavior affect not only the child but also schools, early childhood centers, teachers, administrators, and other students in the classroom. There are long-term ramifications …

How External Efficacy Influences Support For Third-Party And Independent Candidates: A Mediational Analysis, Joren (Jordy) Santana

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

As displayed by Ralph Nader in 2000, non-major party candidates can play a decisive role in presidential elections without emerging victorious. Throughout U.S. history, several third-party and independent candidates have garnered notable support, typically among voters who self-identify as independent of partisanship. However, most Independents, particularly leaning Independents, ultimately vote for one of the two major political parties. This research utilizes external efficacy--an individual’s perceptions about the responsiveness of government officials and institutions to citizen demands--as a predictor for voting behavior and partisan identification. In theory, citizens with low external efficacy are more likely to possess frustration with the two …

Jtc 25: An Unexpected Academic Journey, Staff Report

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2025 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

Jtc 25: Saying Yes To The Spotlight, Marvis Herring

University of Mississippi News

This story is part of the 2025 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of Mississippi students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.

How State And Local Tax Rates Impact Interstate Migration: An Analysis Of Interstate Migration Patterns Since The Passage Of The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act, James Endyke

Economics Student Scholarship

James Endyke ’26, Business Economics/Accountancy major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Fang Dong, Economics

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted in 2018, includes a provision that limits the federal tax deduction for state and local taxes paid to $10,000. This paper uses panel data from each state from 2013-2022 to examine whether state and local taxation has had a more pronounced effect on interstate migration since this bill was enacted. The fixed and random effects regression models constructed suggest that, while the impact of property and sales taxes on interstate migration has not significantly changed, the deterrent effect of state …

Global Inequities: The Exploitation Of Labor In The Global South By The Global North, Catherine Taylor

Education Student Scholarship

Catherine Taylor ’27, Management major

Faculty mentor: Dr. Comfort Ateh, Secondary Education

One of the UN goals is a better life for all, but in the Global South, many do not experience this human right. Laborers in the Global South are exploited to produce the commodities demanded by the Global North. This global issue is highlighted in Tanzania, as miners of tanzanite experience inhumane mining conditions to benefit the Global North. These miners receive no protective equipment, with 16.1% falling to their deaths while being lowered into the mines. The awareness of this issue is critical for a global partnership …

Library And Learning Resources Committee Ir Presentation, Ashley L. Smith

Library Presentations

No abstract provided.

Usa V. Edwin Williams

2025 Decisions

USDC for the Western District of Pennsylvania

In Re: Kudzai Shonhai

2025 Decisions

USDC for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Addressing Interoperability Issues In Employment For Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Teaching Self-Determination Skills In Conjunction With Early Exposure To Work Experiences, Matthew Husband

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who graduate from high school face higher rates of unemployment, lower wages than their neurotypical peers, and lower levels of self-determination, which is crucial for autonomy and positive adult outcomes. Early exposure to work experiences, whether paid or voluntary, has been identified as a key predictor of post-school success. However, there is a significant gap in services when students graduate from high school, and parents often lack the preparation to navigate transition-related resources related to their child’s employment, transportation and independent living.

To address these challenges, this project provided early exposure to work experiences, …