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Quicknotes May 2026, Southern Adventist University

QuickNotes – Advancement e-Newsletter

QuickNotes is an e-newsletter that comes from Advancement at Southern Adventist University. The May 2026 edition features an article on the exploration of nuclear fusion.

Temporal Logic Planning In Semantic Maps Of Unknown Environments Using Tl-Rrt, Dongrui Yang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Autonomous mobile robots are increasingly expected to perform complex missions in unstructured environments. Traditional path planning approaches handle simple point-to-point navigation, but struggle with complex tasks that involve temporal and logical orderings of objectives. Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) provides a method for complex missions (e.g., sequential visits to multiple targets or surveillance tasks) in a strict way. This thesis presents an integrated planning framework that enables a robot to satisfy LTL-based task specifications in an unknown environment by combining a Temporal Logic RRT* (TL-RRT*) planner with semantic mapping. The robot builds a semantic map of its environment online using simultaneous …

Considerations When Designing In Vivo Protocols For Conducting Biomechanical Research Of The Shoulder Joint In Hockey Athletes, Kylie Giesler

Honors Program Theses

While the numbers and details of hockey-related injuries are variable across sources due to variations in sample age, sex, location, and confidentiality of many large hockey leagues, a 2023 narrative review study identified more than 100,000 upper extremity injuries documented in research since 2000. Nearly half of those injuries were to the shoulder with common injuries being acromioclavicular joint sprains, shoulder instability and dislocations, labral and rotator cuff tears, and clavicle fractures. In respect to the National Hockey League (NHL), the highest level of play in ice hockey, 12% of all injuries are to the shoulder, second only to head …

Side-To-Side Differences In Three-Dimensional Femoral Head Coverage Associated With Initial Symptom Development In Patients With Bilateral Developmental Dysplasia Of The Hip, Jiayi Sun

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is characterized by insufficient acetabular coverage of the femoral head and is a recognized cause of hip pain, instability, and early osteoarthritis. Although bilateral deformity is common, symptoms often first develop in only one hip. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine whether, in patients with bilateral DDH, side-to-side differences in three-dimensional (3D) femoral head coverage vary according to radiographic symmetry defined by the lateral center-edge angle (LCEA); and (2) to determine whether hips that appear radiographically symmetric still demonstrate focal 3D asymmetry.

This retrospective imaging-based study included patients with bilateral DDH …

Employment Pathways: Hands-On Training For Young Adults With Disabilities, Blanca E. Cruz Cruz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

An eight-week hands-on training program was implemented to improve job readiness, communication skills, and confidence among young adults with disabilities in Monterey County. Participants included nine individuals with special needs who engaged in workshops, mock interviews, product training (on the item being sold), and work shifts at a local farmers’ market in Salinas. The program involved collaboration between Special Kids Connect staff, the farmers market team, and participants’ families. Mixed methodology assessments evaluated participants’ employment skills and self-confidence. Results showed improvements in practical job skills and increased confidence levels among participants. The program demonstrated that educational hands-on learning combined with …

Introducing Mindfulness In The First Grade Classroom, Isabel Zuchelli

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Curriculum on mindfulness is often absent for young elementary school children. Without skills in practicing mindfulness, young children may miss out on the benefits of mindfulness and struggle with emotional and behavioral self-regulation. When educators support children with a curriculum that teaches mindfulness, children can increase their focus, enhance impulse control, and improve peer relations as they progress in elementary school. Therefore, I have created a two-day lesson plan that implements activities to teach mindfulness to a first grade classroom at Santa Rosa Academic Academy in Atascadero, California.

From Service To Support: Empowering Aging Veterans, Priscilla A. Mireles

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project was designed to assist aging veterans in Monterey County who face challenges staying safely in their homes long-term. It describes the Monterey County Military and Veterans Affairs Office, an agency dedicated to helping former service members and their families navigate the complexities of the federal benefits system to access essential support. The project focused on a small-scale community resource fair aimed at bridging the gap between aging veterans and local services including caregiving, healthcare, and transportation. By centralizing diverse organizations, the intervention aimed to increase awareness of available resources among this population. Most intended outcomes were met; …

Addressing Challenges With Mental Health Amongst The Unhoused Youth Community, John Paul Solis

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addressed the growing challenge of mental health concerns among unhoused youth in Santa Cruz County, particularly those served by the Youth Homelessness Response Team (YHRT) under the Community Action Board. Many youth in this population experience conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, which can impact their ability to engage in services and achieve stability. The purpose of this project was to increase mental health awareness and improve engagement with support services through the implementation of a Mindfulness Walk-in Workshop. The workshops were offered weekly to youth participating in YHRT, Transitional Age Youth Housing Navigation (TAYNAV), and …

Building Inclusive Communities: Addressing Bullying And Supporting Lgbtq+ Youth In Monterey County, Mayra Luna

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Bullying among LGBTQ+ youth in Monterey County is a significant public health concern, contributing to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Rainbow Connection, a program within Monterey County’s Child and Adolescent System of Care, works to improve school climate and promote inclusive environments through partnerships and community engagement. This capstone project implemented an anti-bullying event in Salinas, a prominent town in Monterey County. Pink Shirt Day event is to raise awareness of bullying prevention and promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The project included collaboration with community partners, distribution of anti-bullying educational materials, and engagement with youth, families, and school members. …

Chit-Chat With Hats: Addressing Mental Health Decline Through Art Therapy And Community Engagement, Zoe G. Mendez-Sosa

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone addresses the prominent social issue of mental health decline in Central Pacific California driven by lack of support systems for individuals. In partnership with Health Advocacy Team Support (HATS), “Chit-Chat with HATS was developed as a peer to peer group with art therapy techniques to promote emotional resilience and community connection. The primary objective of the program was to provide individuals struggling with mental health with tools to help them manage their feelings and thoughts.

The program was structured with check-ins, mindfulness techniques, and opportunities of creative expression through art therapy techniques to help participants with processing complex …

An Evaluation Of A Nonprofit Support Service For System-Impacted Individuals In Monterey County, Jackie T. Nguyen

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Formerly incarcerated individuals in Monterey County experience high rates of housing instability and homelessness due to systemic barriers such as stigma, employment discrimination, and restricted housing access. These challenges increase the risk of recidivism and long-term socioeconomic instability, highlighting the need for effective reentry support. This capstone project evaluated the effectiveness of a reentry program in promoting long-term stability and identified strengths and areas for improvement. The evaluation was conducted at Helping Empower Reentry Services (H.E.R.S.), a nonprofit organization serving Medi-Cal recipients through Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports. Activities included engaging with 30 program participants and collecting survey data …

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism In Unhoused Elementary Youth Through Leadership Training, Jocelyn Ornelas

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Outreach groups and after-school programs have been shown to contribute positive reinforcement and guidance to students who suffer from chronic absenteeism. The Salinas City Elementary School District Family Resource Center at Sherwood Elementary School provides resources to homeless and foster families. Several facilitators began conducting an outreach group with the sixth-grade unhoused population. Sessions were focused on spreading leadership knowledge surrounding the transition from elementary school to middle school. Expected outcomes included increased student leadership knowledge and overall attendance through observations, data collection, and feedback. At the conclusion of the program, 68% of the participants experienced an increase in their …

Building A Stronger Cab: Employee Experience, Retention, And Community Relationships, Rosenda Armida Jaimes

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project presented an organizational assessment of the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB), a non‑profit organization whose mission is to partner with the community to eliminate poverty. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, this assessment gathered quantitative data from a staff satisfaction survey and reviewed qualitative data from exit interviews collected throughout 2025. Together, this information   provided CAB’s executive team with evidence‑based insights into employee experiences, workplace challenges, and the underlying factors that contributed to staff turnover. The recommendations developed from this analysis aimed to support CAB in improving staff retention, fostering a more supportive and sustainable …

Caring Comforts Drive For Monarch Services, Wendy Aguilera

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

For survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, accessing essential household items shelter served as an urgent first step toward safety, dignity, and getting settled. Providing these essential items  aligned with Monarch Services’ mission as a nonprofit agency dedicated to making sure that every survivor felt supported, cared for, and empowered from the moment they entered the shelter. The agency provided comprehensive services, including an emergency shelter called the Mariposa House, which has seven rooms, case management, legal advocacy, and crisis intervention, to assist survivors in rebuilding their lives. This project was designed to address the immediate material …

Immigration Related Stress As A Social Determinants Of Health Among Immigrants In Santa Cruz County, Jose Manuel Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Immigration related stress is a major public health issue for undocumented immigrants and mixed status families. That is linked towards the social determinants of health associated with mental health, stress, and disparities. This capstone project was implemented at Santa Cruz County Immigration Project, a program within the Community Action Board in Watsonville, California, that provides legal assistance and support towards the community. The purpose of this project was to evaluate & analyze collected data from clients feedback through bilingual surveys & intake forms that were distributed in person, email, text, and QR code. A total of 50 surveys were collected, …

Housing Stability For Domestic Violence Survivors: Strengthening Support Through A Self-Evaluation, Joanna T. Ramirez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This capstone project addressed the lack of stable and affordable housing for survivors of domestic violence in Santa Cruz County, a critical issue of ongoing homelessness and barriers to long-term safety and independence. The project was implemented at Monarch Services within the Housing First Program, which serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, particularly those from low-income and marginalized communities. The purpose of the project was to develop a trauma informed, client centered self evaluation to better understand survivors needs and housing barriers throughout time. Implementation included the creation of an assessment tool, along with a logic …

Food Is Medicine: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Medically Tailored Produce Boxes, Mia Santos

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Low consumption of nutritious food is a significant problem in Watsonville and is associated with negative health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, a non-profit in Watsonville, offers the Veggie Rx program, which provides medically tailored produce boxes and nutrition counseling to patients with qualifying health conditions. An evaluation was conducted to assess its effectiveness by examining participants’ use of the produce and identifying areas for improvement. Data was collected through phone surveys of participants who had already completed the program and one-on-one interviews with dietitians. Findings from the data indicated …

The Effectiveness Of Outreach Materials On Engagement With Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening Services, Valery M. Contreras Gonzalez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too many individuals are being diagnosed with late-stage breast and cervical cancer in Central Coast Counties. Community Health Partnership facilitates breast and cervical cancer outreach, education, and navigation services by contracting Community Health Workers, valued for their expertise in the region’s communities. Two focus groups with the Community Health Workers were conducted to gather qualitative data on the effectiveness of Every Woman Counts outreach material for engagement in early detection screenings for breast and cervical cancer. The purpose was to consider the effectiveness of outreach material on engagement and cues to action. Some common themes and suggestions were visual appeal, …

Improving Attendance: A Data Analysis On The Salinas City Elementary School District Initiative, Andy S. Yanes-Majano

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Chronic absenteeism is a significant challenge for the Salinas City Elementary School District (SCESD). The SCESD has a high rate of chronic absenteeism on Mondays and Fridays especially surrounding a holiday or three day weekend. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Missing school at a young age can lead to poor academic outcomes while increasing dropout risk. To combat this, the SCESD created an Initiative called Power Day. Power Day is an effort where schools offer incentives to encourage students to arrive on time …

Improving Follow-Up After School-Based Dental Screenings Using Koha Data In Monterey County, Andre N. Edmond

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Limited follow-up after school-based oral health screenings is a major issue for young children in Monterey County, especially for those who do not have a regular source of dental care. This project focused on improving how screening data is used to connect students to needed services. The internship was completed with the Monterey County Oral Health Program and aimed to develop a better system for tracking KOHA (Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment) data and improving follow-up care for students identified with dental needs. Key activities included analyzing screening data, entering into a tracking system, and comparing results from different schools. The …

Systemic Barriers To Behavioral Health Treatment Access For Undocumented Immigrants And Implications For Recidivism In California, Devina I. Aparicio

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Undocumented individuals face significant barriers to accessing mental health and substance use treatment, contributing to increased recidivism rates in Monterey County, California. The purpose of this capstone project was to identify the specific barriers undocumented immigrants encounter when seeking these services and to inform strategies that improve access and reduce recidivism. This project focused on clients served by the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office of Holistic Defense. A qualitative approach was used, incorporating research and interviews with community providers, including the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office of Holistic Defense, Sun Street Centers, Monterey County Behavioral Health, and the County of …

Breaking The Cycle: Identifying Reentry Barriers For Prop 47 Clients In Monterey County, Julissa Aldaco-Ambriz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Jail recidivism is a persisting problem in California. Formerly incarcerated individuals face barriers such as limited access to treatment, housing instability, and lack of consistent reentry support. This capstone project was conducted at the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office, specifically within the Proposition 47 rapid response and mental health diversion programs, which serve primarily low-income, minority, and immigrant populations in Monterey County. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate how Proposition 47 programs are impacting recidivism outcomes. Qualitative methods, including interviews with attorneys, were used to identify barriers to reentry, as well as potential improvements. Findings showed that …

Addressing Postsecondary Lack Of Preparedness Through Exposure And Empowerment, Deztiny A. Ochoa

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too many high school students are not college or career ready when they graduate. At Learning For Life Charter School, the school counselor and the intern worked together to implement a project to address the issue. The community served was 7th graders to 12th graders. A lot of these students were on the verge of dropping out or completely dropped out of traditional school. The capstone project consisted of taking 10 students on a field trip to a community college nearby. The purpose of this trip was to give students the opportunity to see their options after high school and …

From Custody To Community: Improving The Release Experience Through The Monterey County Reentry Initiative, Diana M. Yanes

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This project examines the challenges faced by individuals reentering the community after incarceration in Monterey County, with a focus on housing instability, limited access to behavioral health services, and gaps in coordinated reentry support. It explores the Monterey County Reentry Initiative, a program designed to support individuals transitioning from custody as well as community members in need of recovery and social services. The purpose of this study is to understand how the program is structured, how it has evolved into a broader outreach and recovery model, and how it connects with other systems such as the Public Defender’s Office. Information …

Promoting Healthy Relationships Among Youth: A Community Based Educational Intervention, Cynthya N. Carrillo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Unhealthy relationship behaviors among youth, including poor communication, lack of boundaries and normalization of control, remain a significant public health concern. This capstone project was implemented at Teen Health Outreach, a program within Santa Cruz County Public Health Department that provides sexual health education and outreach to youth. The community served included youth ages 12-18, with a focus in Watsonville, a diverse and underserved population with limited access to culturally responsive health education. The project involved the development and facilitation of an interactive healthy relationships workshop designed to increase knowledge of consent, communication and relationship “red, yellow and green flags,” …

Reducing Childhood Dental Decay: Fluoride Education Campaign With The Monterey County Health Department, Shelby L. Minter

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Dental decay is a significant problem for youth across Salinas, contributing to preventable oral health disparities. The Monterey County Health Department Oral Health Program provides oral health education and prevention services across Monterey County. This project focused on improving parental knowledge and confidence about fluoride usage in areas where pediatric dental caries rates are high. Its purpose was to support the prevention of dental decay through the promotion of fluoride benefits. Two educational campaigns were conducted at elementary schools in Salinas; Monte Bella Elementary School and Alisal Community School. The expected outcomes were increased knowledge, confidence, and positive attitudes towards …

Supporting Newcomer Students Through Social-Emotional Learning, Maria Evelin Cabrera Ramirez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Newcomer students, who are new arrivals to the United States, often face emotional challenges when adjusting to a new school such as outbursts. These emotional challenges can affect their relationships, their confidence, and their ability to learn effectively.  When newcomer students learn skills to cope with adjusting, they become more successful in school and have a stronger relationship with adults and peers. Therefore, to help in this situation, I have created a two-day lesson for newcomer students in the fifth grade from Elkhorn Elementary School in Castroville, California.

Supporting Women Through Evaluation: Measuring Service Impact At Gathering For Women, Shavea L. Salafai

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Homelessness among women in Monterey County continues to be a significant and growing concern, with many women facing barriers to accessing basic needs, housing, healthcare, and supportive services. This capstone project was conducted at Gathering for Women, a nonprofit organization that provides a safe and supportive environment for women experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The purpose of this project was to assess whether the needs of the women served are being effectively met through existing services and to identify gaps in care.

A quantitative client needs assessment survey was implemented using to evaluate key areas including overall satisfaction, access to …

Improving Technology Skills And Usage For Older Adults, Jasmine Alaniz

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This paper attempts to provide further context of how older adults may lack skills in technology usage, navigating the internet, and understanding complex technology processes.

Improving Fafsa Completion For High School Graduates, Haylee B. Padilla

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Too many students at Learning For Life Charter School graduate without a clear understanding of social mobility and are unprepared for the academic and practical demands of college. This project addressed the need for increased FAFSA completion and college and career readiness among 11th and 12th grade high school students graduating in the 2026 school year. The purpose of this project was to provide support to help students get federal student aid by walking them through filling out the FAFSA form and giving clear steps so they could apply without stress. Key activities included workshops, one-on-one support guiding students through …