Digital Commons Network^™

Finding Home: Evidence For Change, Ellie E. Eichhorn

Architecture Theses

In the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area there are an average of 957 people who are facing homelessness on any given night. On their journey to permanent housing they usually start at emergency shelters, which provide short-term housing and stability. Though these shelters work for some, most people leave without getting the permanence they need, causing a revolving door effect. So what is a possible solution? The problem of homelessness has inflicted the modern world for as long as it’s been around with very few solutions being 100% effective. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep trying for those in need. This …

Monastic Design: Recovering The Sacred, Thomas Larkin Derek Crompton

Architecture Theses

Throughout history, transcendental meaning has been woven into the very fabric of architecture to awaken and attune our souls toward a greater understanding of the inherent, unquantifiable aspects of life. Design elements such as light, material, proportion, and mystery were used as communicators of meaning rather than merely tools of utility. However, with the rise of positivism in the modern period, many transcendental elements of design were disregarded in favor of a more functionalist approach. The strategies employed by this approach influenced much of modern religious architecture and have resulted in many churches that lack the fundamental principle they claim …

Threshold: Transitional Living For Former Foster Youth, Regan Cole

Architecture Theses

Threshold is a transitional living facility designed for former foster youth aging into adulthood and independent living. The project explores how architecture can move beyond providing shelter to support healing, stability, dignity, and personal growth for individuals who have experienced displacement, institutionalization, and housing insecurity. Grounded in trauma-informed design principles and philosophical theories of dwelling, belonging, and liminality, the project investigates how space can transform transition from a condition of uncertainty into one of becoming. Located in Brookfield, Illinois, the facility integrates housing with educational programs, job training, counseling, healthcare, childcare, and communal spaces within a single supportive environment. The …

Byproducts In Bakken: Integrating Agricultural Waste Into Architecture As A Path To Sustainable Design In Western North Dakota, Noah Boen

Architecture Theses

Sustainable design can be seen as threatening in regions where local industries are expected to decline if introduced. This thesis explores how this can be solved in western North Dakota where fracking is a large part of the economy. North Dakota leads the nation in wheat production, and recent advancements have allowed for the waste product from harvest to be utilized in architectural applications. By introducing this as a feasible means for sustainable design in the region, through the typology of a visitor center in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the local population can become better educated …

Building On Memory: Towards A Digital Future Informed By Historical Theory, Lucas Laskow

Architecture Theses

This project synthesizes 2,000 years of architectural theory to establish an ethical framework for integrating artificial intelligence into contemporary design. The research culminates in “The Chandler,” demonstrating how AI can enhance, rather than replace, human-driven spatial and cultural values.

The assertion that human design is inherently superior to artificial intelligence relies on the flawed premise that intuitive leaps outweigh data-driven synthesis. Rather than diminishing the architect’s role, the evolution of AI demands that designers become ethical interpreters who ask the right questions. This project investigates how past architectural theorists, from Vitruvius’s foundational triad to Bruce Allsopp’s humanist return, provide a …

Architecture As A Camera: Utilizing Photographic Principles To Tell Stories Through Design, Ryan Gabriel Scherf

Architecture Theses

This thesis examines the relationship between memory, photography, and architecture as a framework for spatial design, framing memory as a fragmented phenomenon contingent upon light and time. Drawing on the theoretical work of Goffi, Barthes, and Bordeleau, it positions architecture as a temporal montage in which meaning emerges through layered absences, material “puncta,” and the interpretive gaps between fragments. Situated at the Botallack Mines in England, the project explores the intersection of photographic logic and industrial ruin by treating the site’s extractive history as a series of active fragments. Through compressed volumes and curated views, it translates photographic principles into …

Behind The Badge: Rethinking The Police Department As A Functional Workplace, Benjamin Michael

Architecture Theses

While traditional design approaches often emphasize public engagement and community visibility, this project centers on the needs of law enforcement personnel, recognizing the high-stress, high-stakes nature of their work. By integrating architectural strategies that reduce stress, foster relaxation, and support daily workflows, the design aims to improve officer morale, enhance focus, and increase job retention. Key features include dedicated decompression zones, wellness and fitness facilities, natural lighting and biophilic elements, and spatial layouts that support efficient operations while promoting a sense of safety and comfort.

Beyond The Battlefield: Architecture As A Path To Veteran Recovery, Alexandria Hamman

Architecture Theses

For many United States veterans, the transition home is not a return to stability, but the beginning of a new and often unseen mental health challenges. This thesis explores the role of architecture in supporting the recovery and reintegration of United States veterans facing mental health challenges and homelessness. Existing mental health and transitional housing facilities are often sterile and institutional, overlooking the impact of the built environment on psychological well-being. This project proposes a combined transitional housing and mental health rehabilitation facility designed to reduce the stigma of veterans needing help, promote stability, and help reintegrate them into a …

Resilience By Design, Mckenzy Thoreson

Architecture Theses

This thesis investigates the development of a rapidly deployable modular shelter system designed to support post-disaster recovery efforts in vulnerable rural regions of Tennessee. Tennessee’s exposure to flooding, tornadoes, severe storms, and infrastructure vulnerability highlights the need for temporary housing solutions that extend beyond conventional trailer-based emergency shelters. Existing systems often lack climate responsiveness, accessibility, adaptability, and long-term sustainability. In response, this project proposes a compact modular housing system that integrates prefabricated construction, ADA accessibility standards, passive environmental strategies, and climate-responsive design principles tailored to Tennessee’s humid subtropical environment. The shelter incorporates operable windows, cross ventilation, daylighting strategies, elevated construction, …

From Radiance To Resonance: A Human-Centered City Between Geometry And Humanity: Reconciling Modernist Ideals With Human-Centered Design, Christen Zeetu Doe

Architecture Theses

This thesis investigates how architectural practice can shift from top-down, modernist planning paradigms toward an observational methodology grounded in lived experience. Engaging with the legacy of Le Corbusier’s Radiant City, it critiques the pursuit of universal order and efficiency that often suppresses the nuances of everyday life. Drawing from Georges Perec’s attentive documentation of mundane urban moments, the project develops a process of “moment mapping,” where spatial understanding emerges through observation rather than imposed form. These collected moments are then abstracted into architectural elevations and spatial constructs, translating temporal, sensory experiences into built form. The thesis is situated within a …

Little Wonders: Designing Childcare Facilities That Facilitate Cognitive Development Inspired By Reggio Emilia And Montessori Pedagogies, Makayla Parkin

Architecture Theses

This thesis challenges traditional childcare facility design strategies and studies and develops design principles that facilitate and support children’s cognitive development. By understanding how children learn through cognitive and neuroarchitecture research, this thesis targets cognitive milestones within each age range of children to best support their early childhood developmental needs. This proposed childcare facility design will incorporate children’s learning needs, large motor function developmental needs, sensory exploration, interactive design, proximity to nature, and childcare licensing requirements to produce a quality and effective design.

Located in Shakopee, Minnesota this project addresses underserved and growing communities in need of childcare. Therefore, this …

Threads Of Recovery: Transforming Youth Residential Treatment Centers, Kathryn Fitzsimmons

Architecture Theses

This thesis explores how architecture can support adolescent mental health treatment through the design of a residential treatment center for youth ages ten to eighteen experiencing mental health crises. In response to increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among adolescents, the project examines the relationship between the built environment and emotional well being. The research critiques the legacy of the troubled teen industry, where institutional architecture often reinforced isolation and control rather than healing. Drawing from environmental psychology and analysis, the project proposes an alternative campus centered on safety, reflection, and community. The design, titled Threads of Recovery, …

Implementation Of A Standardized Short Stay Pain Protocol To Reduce Pain In Short Term Care Facility, Maggie O'Brien, Kenzie Reuter, Holly Hansen, Elle Wichmann

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Pain is a common symptom across all areas of nursing care, yet it is often undertreated in skilled nursing facilities, particularly among residents receiving rehabilitation services. Pain in this population may result from a variety of causes, including musculoskeletal conditions, wounds and pressure injuries, neuropathic pain, and chronic illnesses. A review of Minimum Data Set (MDS) reports and resident pain reports from the short-term rehabilitation unit revealed a concern of disparity. Long-term care residents demonstrated strong quality indicator scores (9.21 out of 10), while short-term stay residents scored significantly lower (2.76 out of 10). This discrepancy raised concerns about pain …

Csbsju Ash Tree Maps, Trevor Barton

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Ash trees in MN are recently susceptible to the invasive species of Emerald Ash Borer. These insects burrow into native MN ash trees, lay their larvae, and significantly harm or kill the trees. MN native ash trees are not equipped to deal with this invasive species and rather need to be chemically treated to save the trees. These maps depict the GPS locations of the ash trees on CSBSJU campus proper. Trees were mapped by hand with a Garmin GPS device while size, health, and value to campus assessments were recorded to pair along with the maps in a separate …

Pennsylvania Licensed Clinical Social Workers’ Experiences With Medicare Insurance Plans Within Private Practice, Stevie N. Kioske

Social Work Doctoral Dissertations

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in private practice in Pennsylvania make critical decisions regarding the populations they serve and the type of insurance to be credentialed with. Current research shows there is minimal participation among Medicare insurance plans, both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, with mental health practitioners and minimal research centers from the perspectives of LCSWs. The findings from a mixed-methods dissertation study that examines Pennsylvania LCSWs' experiences working with Medicare beneficiaries and the factors that influence the decision to accept or opt out of Medicare.

A self-administered questionnaire has been completed to obtain quantitative data and 92 …

Not All Dwellings Are The Same: Commentary On Ideology, Evidence And Narratives In Canada’S Housing Affordability Crisis, Matthew Arp, Simon Kiss

Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy

No abstract provided.

Dental Rehabilitation Of Pediatric Patient With Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome: Case Report, Emma Kojima Dds, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks, Amy Burleson

Posters

Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome, also known as Chondroectodermal dysplasia, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the EVC and EVC2 genes4. This syndrome is characterized by polydactyly of the hands, short limbs, ectodermal dysplasia, and congenital heart defects. Because Ellis–van Creveld syndrome affects all three embryonic layers, it presents with a range of oral manifestations, including absence of the mucobuccal fold, a serrated alveolar ridge, multiple labial frenula, abnormalities in tooth morphology, and congenitally missing teeth1. This report details a 20-month-old female who presented to the Children’s Mercy Dental Clinic in May 2019 for comprehensive dental care. The …

The Implications Of Music Therapy On The Human Mind, Mckayla Martin

Senior Honors Theses

Music therapy harnesses the power of music in clinical settings. It is primarily used to support mental health. Music affects areas such as anxiety, memory, and brain plasticity. Therapeutic music practices can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance specific types of long-term memory, and encourage neuroplasticity. It is an effective, non-invasive treatment for those experiencing mental distress. Ongoing research on the effectiveness of music therapy in clinical settings has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of mental illness, disorders, and disabilities.

Strategic Marketing Plan For An Ai-Powered Personalized Wellness Platform, David D. Dilts

Senior Honors Theses

Demand for personalized nutrition guidance is analyzed within the context of the expanding digital health and fitness sector. A review of current literature highlights major trends shaping the industry, including AI‑powered coaching, wearable integration, precision nutrition, and sustainability‑focused consumer behavior, as well as legal and ethical compliance. These insights inform the development of a strategic marketing plan for an AI‑powered wellness platform that unifies fitness, nutrition, genomics, and environmental impact scoring. The plan outlines target markets, competitive positioning, and product differentiation through adaptive personalization and ethical data practices. Findings suggest that combining AI, biometric data, and sustainable design can enhance …

Know Thy Enemy: Building A Command-And-Control Solution For Adversarial Emulation, Caleb J. Chen

Senior Honors Theses

Command and Control (C2) is a critical part of any cyberattack. It serves many purposes, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, data exfiltration, and malware deployment. Consequently, C2 frameworks play an important part in red team engagements and adversary emulation. However, many adversary emulation solutions focus on comprehensive testing through sequential technique execution instead of realistic chained and automated attacks. The proposed solution is Centurion, an open-source C2 framework that integrates MITRE's ATT&CK framework and several cybersecurity tools into modular playbooks for effective threat emulation. This paper provides background by defining key terms and concepts before delving into a …

You Can’T Spell Audit Without Ai: The Current Uses Of Artificial Intelligence In Audit, Jena Perkins

Senior Honors Theses

The accounting profession continuously adapts to the innovations provided by the broader context in which it exists. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a forerunner among tools used to enhance and optimize auditing services within the accounting profession. The realm of AI offers advancements to procedures used within an audit to detect misstatements. Based on the proprietary platforms developed by Big 4 accounting firms, AI is a key component in maintaining an advanced approach towards auditing.

Unveiling The Biochemical Pathway Responsible For Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie) By Tracking Enzymatic Activity Of Apoptosis Pathways, Becca Ringstad

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Ankyloglossia (Tongue-tie) is a condition that is caused by failed cellular degeneration leading to a short lingual frenulum. This short lingual frenulum tethers the tongue to the bottom palate of the mouth and leads to problems, including breastfeeding for infants, depriving them of important proteins that build the gut microbiome, strengthen the immune system, and fight off antigens. If left untreated, it leads to problems with speech articulation, airway development, and obstructive sleep apnea. Treatment involves a frenectomy, which is the release of the short lingual frenulum using surgical scissors or a laser. Ankyloglossia can occur with conditions such as …

Swimming Sucks, A Retrospect On Hard Work And Dedication, Braydon Ohrtman

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

This is my take on the popular This I Believe media project that originated in the 1950's. They're around 500 words, and are supposed to explain a core belief of someone through a story of someone's life. My essay is about my experience swimming and how it gave me the ability to persevere, and how I applied my perseverance to my academic life.

Cancer Gets Extreme: How Extremophiles Can Improve Research And Therapy, Jason Malmgren

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Extremophiles are organisms that can survive in extreme environmental conditions, and their unique biological adaptations have gained attention for potential applications in cancer research. This paper explores how the molecular characteristics of extremophiles, such as enhanced DNA repair, resistance to oxidative stress, and structural stability, may be useful in improving cancer treatment strategies. A range of studies were examined to understand both direct and indirect roles of extremophile-derived compounds in oncology. Some research shows that compounds from organisms like Deinococcus radiodurans and extremophilic Streptomyces species can inhibit cancer cell growth, increase reactive oxygen species, and trigger apoptosis. Other studies highlight …

Rhodium On Alumina Catalyzed Hydrodechlorination Of Trichlorethylene, Amber Krueger, Gage Mueller

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

Chlorinated ethylenes are common groundwater contaminants that persist in the environment and pose significant risks to human health such as damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and even increased risk of cancer. Catalytic dehydrochlorination has emerged as a promising strategy for detoxifying compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE). This study investigates whether rhodium on alumina (Rh/Al₂O₃) in the presence of hydrogen gas can completely degrade TCE to non-toxic products without the accumulation of harmful chlorinated intermediates. While palladium catalysts have been widely studied for dehydrochlorination, the activity and mechanism of rhodium supported on alumina in aqueous systems remains less characterized. …

Brick-By-Brick: Incorporating Lego Bricks To Increase Engagement In Managerial Accounting, Bonnie R. Albritton, Jennifer Bannister, Amy Foshee Holmes

School of Business Faculty Research

In this case study, students apply managerial accounting concepts through a business simulation as two friends use a LEGO competition to jumpstart their business. The real-world setting and kinesthetic learning increase engagement in managerial accounting as students create a unique LEGO product, estimate revenue and costs, conduct financial analyses, and prepare a presentation to pitch their business to potential investors. Implementing this project as a holistic overview to connect managerial concepts reinforces understanding and knowledge retention. Following the case study, students reported a perceived increase in engagement in the course and the ability to understand and think critically about the …

Spectacle And Survival: Tourism, Colonialism, And Indigenous Agency In Taiwan, A Case Study Of Alishan And The Tsou Indigenous Group, Ganga Corsaro

Standard Theses

This thesis examines tourism in Taiwan as a contemporary continuation of colonial processes through a case study of the Tsou people and the Alishan region. It traces how Tsou ancestral land was transformed into a national tourist landscape and analyzes how state tourism narratives frame Indigenous land and culture while obscuring histories of dispossession and political exclusion. At the same time, the thesis considers Indigenous tourism as a potential space for cultural continuity and self-representation when shaped by Indigenous authority and community priorities. By bringing together historical context, analysis of tourism materials, and scholarship on Indigenous tourism, this project argues …

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling Of Counter-Current Flow In Channels Separated By A Membrane, Akram Mashhour Riziq Abdullah

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Counter current flow in channels separated by membrane were studied in several published studies. The present study aims to numerically and analytically simulate and physically describe the distribution of pressure, volume flow rate and velocity in counter current flow module. Numerical simulation Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was performed by solving Navier-Stokes (N–S) equations in the channels and membrane pores (vertical channels) to determine pressure and velocity fields. An analytical solution one-dimensional (1-D) model was developed to simulate the flow in the channels and membrane pores by solving the continuity and Darcy’s Law to obtain pressure and volume flow rate. Accordingly, …

Keeping Track Of Time: Does Formal Education Of Temporal Symbols Refine People's Ability To Perceive Time?, Alyssa Gabrielle Smith

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

While many studies find a relation between symbolic and nonsymbolic numerical abilities (e.g., Chen & Li, 2014), whether this relation is causal has been questioned. For example, does learning symbols refine nonsymbolic abilities (i.e., Refinement Hypothesis)? One study found that as children gained proficiency in their verbal counting abilities, their nonsymbolic numerical acuity increased (Shusterman et al., 2016), thus supporting the Refinement Hypothesis. As studies have found similar processing for numerical and temporal abilities (e.g., Walsh, 2003) and a similar relation between symbolic and nonsymbolic timing abilities has been found (e.g., Hamamouche & Cordes, 2020), it begs the question of …

Deep Learning For Predicting Impact Energy And Compression After Impact Strength Of Composite Materials Using C-Scan Images, K. T. Tan, Jason P. Mack, Faizan Mirza, Zhong-Hui Duan

University Research

Traditional assessment of post-impact performance in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites often relies on simplified scalar metrics that fail to capture the complex spatial interactions driving failure. This study addresses this limitation by developing an automated, end-to-end deep learning framework that shifts from manual feature extraction to the direct interpretation of raw damage morphology from ultrasonic C-scans. Using a ResNet18-based convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on 1,428 augmented images, the model achieved coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.7948 ± 0.0847 for compression after impact (CAI) strength and 0.9436 ± 0.0098 for impact energy. Beyond prediction, this dual-purpose methodology serves …