Digital Commons Network^™

Learning Across Disciplines: A Team-Based Approach To Ce, Carissa Blumenshine, Heather Raeder

Nursing

No abstract provided.

Agenda (Pdf), Department Of Surgery

Surgery Research Symposium

Agenda for the 4th Annual Surgery Research Symposium held May 7, 2026.

Machine Learning-Based Prediction Of Proximal Junctional Pathology After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Systematic Review And Diagnostic Test Accuracy Meta-Analysis, Shaan Patel, Shiva A. Nischal, Yi Hein Chai, Kush M. Kale, Kevin Hines, Joshua Pelta-Heller, Jack Jallo, James S. Harrop, Srinivas K. Prasad

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and failure (PJF) remain challenging and incompletely predictable adverse event following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. Machine learning (ML) models have been proposed to improve risk stratification, but performance varies and clinical applicability remains uncertain. A systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis was performed to synthesize the predictive performance of ML-based models for proximal junctional pathology after ASD surgery.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to February 2026. Studies developing or validating ML models predicting PJK or PJF following ASD surgery were included. Diagnostic performance was synthesized using random-effects models, pooling …

From Demolition To Digital: Using Virtual Reality To Interpret Hamilton House, Hannah R. Miller

Graduate Final Projects

This master’s project investigates the potential of digital reconstruction as a tool for documenting and interpreting demolished historic resources, using Hamilton House as a case study. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates archival analysis with digital modeling to recreate the spatial context of the house. By grounding the digital model in historical evidence, this study examines how virtual reconstruction can be used to interpret social relationships, patterns of use, and lived experiences that are not fully captured through traditional means of documentation. This project also considers the interpretive implications of reconstructing using fragmentary historical data, addressing the possibilities and …

A Study On Architecture, Daven W. Lewis

Professional Practices (ART 399)

My name is Daven Lewis and I am a multidisciplinary artist who mainly focuses with the mediums of metalsmithing and woodworking. I am currently an undergraduate at Murray State University, with an estimated graduation in the fall of 2027. Through my practice, I make work about modern architecture and its correlation to the loss of craftsmanship found in everyday life, using metal and wood to create geometric sculptures meant to emphasize the forms I see in this architecture every day. Through my work I aim to talk about the increasing industrialization of the world, along with the complacency that coincides …

Art 399 Portfolio Final, Ansley M. Singer

Professional Practices (ART 399)

What inspires me to make my work is my quirky personality and how my mind works. I want people to understand that art does not have to look perfect or that the artist is not good enough. Personally, I have never really felt good enough to be an artist, and I continue to question why I am an art major. My mental health has been a really important part of my art. I use art to work through my emotions. Using clay helps me show the way I want to communicate to people about my art. Nothing has to be …

Internal Distortion By Elisabeth L. Roach, Elisabeth L. Roach, Elisabeth Roach

B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498)

I want to make people uncomfortable with my art. I use drawing, photography, and 4D elements to create gross, distorted, and unsettling pieces that stir conflicting feelings within the viewer.  Inspired by Maria Lassnig's abstracted self-portraits, I distort my own image to convey my physical and emotional anguish. Using myself as the subject of the work allows me to express pains and lived experiences directly.

While most of my work is figurative, I prioritize texture, color, and contrast over form.  The resulting works are painterly and dramatic like those of Francisco Goya. They reveal the process of their making and …

Uncovering Cytoskeletal Length Control From Growth Trajectories Using Sparse Dynamical Modeling, Carson Hearn

Theses

Understanding the governing equations of biological filament dynamics is essential for predicting cellular behavior, yet these equations are often difficult or impossible to derive directly from first principles. This thesis investigates the use of Sparse Identification of Nonlinear Dynamics (SINDy) as a unified, data-driven framework for discovering, validating, and refining governing equations from both simulated and experimental data. Focusing on biological filament processes, including growth, disassembly, and severing, this work is designed not only to apply SINDy, but to systematically demonstrate that it is a reliable and generalizable tool for modeling complex biophysical systems. To establish this, SINDy is first …

Explicit Hydration Of The Beryllium Trifluoride Anion With One To Three Water Molecules: Bef3–(H2o)N=1–3, Kayleigh R. Autry, Gregory S. Tschumper

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work investigates the micro hydration of the beryllium trifluoride anion (BeF₃^–) with up to three water molecules (BeF₃^–(H₂O)_n where n = 1–3). Full geometry optimizations and harmonic vibrational frequencies were computed on various BeF₃^–(H₂O)_n stationary points using density functional theory methods (B3LYP-D3BJ, B3LYP, ωB97XD, and M06-2X) as well as the CCSD(T) and MP2 ab initio methods with a triple-ζ correlation-consistent basis set augmented with diffuse functions on all non-hydrogen atoms (haTZ). One BeF₃^–(H₂O)₁, five BeF₃^{– …}

The Response Of Child Protection Services To Prenatal Substance Exposure, Cierra Hassel

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE) is a growing public health concern that requires Child Protection Services (CPS) involvement. CPS is a government agency that investigates child safety to determine whether child removal is necessary. Due to the increase of substance use during pregnancy, often linked to the opioid epidemic, more mandated reporters are submitting reports for positive drug tests at birth, which are screened in as neglect by the mother. PSE has significant implications for developing fetuses, potentially causing both short- and long-term behavioral, medical, and developmental challenges.  

Pregnant women with substance use disorder may often neglect prenatal care, as they …

Exploring The Skills Gap And Implications Of Science Technology Engineering And Mathematics Graduates And Professional Laboratory Staff, Indrajee Wewaliyadda

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The noticeable expansion of the biotech and research industries, fueled by increased funding due to the 2019 pandemic (Wallace et al., 2022), which increased the existing skills gap among fresh STEM graduates entering professional laboratories. This study aims to evaluate whether bachelor’s degree holders in biological sciences possess the necessary laboratory competencies to meet professional demands. Utilizing survey methods and Kolb’s experiential learning model (Kolb, 1984), the research examines the extent and implications of the skill deficiencies observed. The study helps to understand the gap in practical laboratory skills among new graduates. Further, results from this work will show the …

The Intersection Of Faculty Perceptions Of Student Evaluations Of Teaching And Nursing Retention: The Challenges Of Undergraduate Nursing Programs In Higher Education Institutions, Melissa Wolff

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

For over 100 years, higher education institutions in the United States of America have been using student evaluations of teaching (SET) to evaluate course effectiveness and teaching quality. SETs are used to inform faculty about areas where course improvements are needed, if course objectives have been met, and the strength of their teaching ability. Even with the longstanding integration of SETs in higher education their reliability and validity have been questioned. Various factors negatively influence student ranking of faculty including class size, faculty appearance, ethnicity, and gender. SETs also impact faculty’s ability to earn tenure and promotion, which raises concerns …

Strength, Growth, And Self-Discovery: A Journey Of Reflection And Development, Kristen M. Glover

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The self-analysis is a way to dive into personal strengths and growth that have shaped the growth of a career and profession. The self-analysis project examines the past, present, and future. The process of self-analysis reflects one’s ability to relate and educate with full potential, while understanding that more personal experiences determine the ability to accept and recognize other perspectives. Reflecting on individual growth and development enables one to serve and support others in the counseling field. This self-analysis analyzes intimate thoughts, theoretical assessments, significant others’ perspectives of the author, and theoretical conceptualizations allowing for more successful individualized planning and …

Analysis Of Self, Adam D. Krebsbach

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Analysis of Self

A Thesis Presented to

the Graduate Faculty of

Minnesota State University Moorhead

By

Adam Daniel Krebsbach

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

Master of Science in Clinical Mental

Health Counseling

March 2026

Moorhead, Minnesota

Abstract

“Selah” represents an intentional pause—a moment to reflect, reassess, and seek deeper understanding. Through a process of self-analysis, I have embraced the opportunity to practice Selah by consulting with loved ones, reflecting on past opportunities and mistakes, and challenging my own thoughts and behaviors. The purpose of this project is to explore who I was, who I am, …

Analysis Of Self, Annika Gb Anderson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This paper is an analysis of my personal experiences, relationships, development, and how these factors have shaped who I am personally and professionally. I reflect on different areas of my life including my relationships, academic and career journey, mental, chemical, and physical health, cultural identity, coping strategies, strengths, and personal interests. I also discuss the results and personal impact of personality and career assessments as well as interviews with family members who know me well. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of how my life experiences have influenced my values, beliefs, and approach to counseling. I found …

Understanding Myself As A Helping Professional, Mia Duncan

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This paper reflects on my own personal experiences that have shaped the person I am both personally and professionally. The purpose of this paper is to showcase the emotional, mental, and physical events I have gone through as well as the work I have done to overcome these challenging events to better serve my future students and clients. I have identified pivotal relationships in my life, therapeutic approaches that have worked for my own development, as well as what I use to help my students as a school counselor, and what my plans are after I graduate to continue as …

Megan Doebbeling Plan B Project, Megan J. Doebbeling

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This self-analysis project explores my personal, academic, and professional gorwth as I work toward becoming a school counselor. Through reflection on my relationships, family background, career path, and life experiences, I examine how these have shaped my approach to helping others. I identify both strengths as well as areas for growth for personal and professional development. This paper also outlines my evolving theoretical orientation, grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and a holistic wellness perspective, all of which align with my belief in strengths-based, actionable counseling. Finally, insights from formal assessments and interviews with close family …

On The Outside Looking In: A Reflection Of Self, Andrew J. Bates

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

As a musical theater enthusiast, song lyrics hold deeper meaning for me than poems or historical quotes. One line from Hamilton that is particularly meaningful to me is, “I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable. I am an original.” (Lin-Manuel Miranda, 2015, 1:34). Through my exploration of self, I have found these three things to be true. By re-walking the path of my past, through my childhood, relationships, and growth, I have discovered just how original I truly am. This theme emerged again whilst examining my theoretical conceptualization. Many others may use the same …

My Journey Into Discovering How My Experiences Shape Who I Am Today, Sabrina K. Forde-Kerbaugh

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This is an ‘Analysis of Self’ portfolio that goes through many key points and people that have shaped the person I am today. This paper will start with going through my background information, which will range from my close relationships, to my favorite activities and hobbies. The second section will go through two different self-assessments and what I learned from completing each of them. The third section of this paper will go through the results of the interviews I completed with a handful of my close family members and friends. After going through the themes from conducting my interviews, I …

Countless Journeys: Becoming A Mental Health Counselor, David Smallen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This self-analysis articulates the author’s process of developing, across his own lifetime, personal aspects essential to professional practice as a mental health counselor. Explored in this paper are the author’s experiences across diverse areas of development, including: relationships, culture, mental and physical health, career and hobby interests, and personal strengths. The author’s theoretical orientations towards therapeutic practice, including the lenses of Psychosocial Lifespan Development, Relational-Cultural Theory, and Existential Theory, are articulated and connected to his personal narrative. Results from two personality inventories, the VIA Character Strengths Inventory and the Primals Inventory are presented and discussed, as are key points from …

Layers Of Self: Unpacking Identity And Experience, Alayna N. Gary

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

In this paper I explored myself through my history, assessments, feedback, theories, and personal & professional reflection. In the background section, I looked at formative life experiences & developmental theory, my worldview, and why I chose this career path. Using the assessments Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory, I gained a better understanding of my personality strengths and career alignment. Interpersonal interviews with my family members, coworker, and classmate all revealed common themes in myself and how others view me. I conceptualized how several theories including Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Adlerian, relate to my personal and professional identity. I integrated …

A Moment For Pause, Jared J. Saunders

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This essay outlines the life of Jared Saunders, from his birth in 1995 to the day this was written in 2026. Born, raised, and educated in Minnesota, he grew up in a stable household with a moderate sized family. Trained to be an educator, he has recently redirected his career path towards becoming a school counselor in the hopes that he can better serve his students. Throughout the process of researching and writing for this essay, the author reflected on his life and the mechanisms that steadily sculpted him into the person he is today. After chronologically reflecting on his …

Between Sessions: Counseling The Counselor In Training – The Long Conversation, Ashley J. Sather

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The analysis of self can open up new opportunities to reflect on experiences that shape us. Exploring past experiences that got us to where we are now, looking at present experiences and perspectives, as well as looking forward to future career goals all have a part in knowing yourself. Learning about my own journey will help me in supporting others through theirs. What I have been through with family and friends, my faith, my academic career, and my culture have created the person I am. I used assessment and theoretical orientation exploration to gather deeper information into who I am …

The Child I Was, The Individual And Counselor I Am Becoming: A Theoretical Self Conceptualization, Jill Neustel

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This paper examines the development of my personal and professional identity with the help of multiple counseling theories: Family Systems Theory, Developmental Trauma Theory, Adlerian Theory, and Existential Theory. By reflecting on my life experiences, I connect how childhood and family relationships, inconsistent caregiving, and emotional unpredictability impacted my development of self, the ability to cope, and function within various relationships. From my family dynamics, I became hypervigilant, had chronic self-doubt, and a persistent belief that something was wrong with me. My childhood contributed to my internalized shame, masking behaviors, and seeking external validation. Through theoretical integration, I was …

Plan B- Self Analysis, Michaela K. Halvorson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The background information includes the topics of: family/relationships, academics, mental, chemical, and physical health, culture, resilience, and coping skills of the writer. Addressing what has impacted the writer’s life and development is covered. Topics of impact are family structure, heart issues, and my own mental health issues. Application of the assessments, Myers-Briggs type indicator, and the Strong Interest Inventory, then interviews of five people close to the writer, and the counseling theories: wounded healer, disenfranchised grief, and Bowen's family system theory were used in conceptualizing the writer's background information. A reflection of professional identity and a plan to continue professional …

My Existence And Experience, Ava Aigner

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This analysis of self-paper aided me in exploring and reflecting on personal experiences that had a direct impact on my development and identity. Several elements aided in developing an indepth analysis of self, including taking and interpreting assessments, engaging in interviews with significant individuals and reflecting on their responses, and the integration of relevant theories throughout the paper in order to develop a conceptualization of self. Through this analysis, I have reflected on my life, which has helped me become more self-aware and confident in my professional abilities as I continue to evolve and learn. Keywords: Attachment styles, relationships, family, …

Exploring The Impact Of Ungrading On Student Engagement And Motivation In A First-Year Composition Class, Mary B. Gruis

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study investigated the association between student engagement, motivation, and self-efficacy in college-level writing-intensive courses using an ungraded approach. Motivated by disillusionment with traditional grading methods and inspired by texts on equitable grading and culturally responsive teaching, the researcher explored how ungrading could foster deeper learning and equitable educational practices. Grounded in Bandura’s (1997) self-efficacy framework, this qualitative case study examined the lived experiences of first-year composition students at a two-year institution. Data collection included student interviews, student reflections, and an instructor interview. The analysis revealed themes aligned with self-efficacy, engagement, and motivation, suggesting that ungrading positively impacted students' perceptions …

Self Analysis, Halle K. Siegler

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This self-analysis paper is written to divulge different information that will be beneficial after the completion of my mental health counseling graduate degree. Within this paper, I explore different topics pertaining to relationships, hobbies, therapeutic theories, and interviews from those who know me best. The analysis works to highlight strengths and abilities, weaknesses, and growth to allow a deeper understanding of who I am, and who I want to continue to be. All these aspects are things that have importance to me and have shown importance to others and are to be used as a reflection of myself for growth …

Ace’S On Adult Mental Health Outcomes, Isabella L. Fears

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This self-assessment explores how personal development, lived experiences, and relational influences shape my emerging professional identity as a counselor. Through a reflective examination of background experiences, this assessment considers how developmental factors shape values, beliefs, and relational tendencies related to clinical practices. Self-assessment instruments, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Career Report and the Strong Interest Inventory, were utilized to provide additional insight into personality, preferences, and vocational interests. The analysis integrates person-centered, Adlerian, and existential theoretical perspectives to conceptualize personal development and functioning. Additionally, Jung’s concept of individuation and the wounded healer framework are used to examine how …

The Person Behind The Counselor: An Analysis Of Self Project, Maya G. Knudsen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This project is an in-depth analysis of the self, intended to strengthen self-awareness and guide the development of a professional identity as a clinical mental health counselor. Using a narrative exploration of personal background information, this project examines the influence of family dynamics, mental health history, cultural identity, and life experiences. This project includes assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal, to provide more insight into specific personality traits and behavioral patterns. There are also perspectives from individuals interviewed that contribute to a deeper and more thoughtful understanding of personal strengths and areas to …