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Grand Valley Magazine, Vol. 25, No. 2, Spring 2026, Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley Magazine

Grand Valley Magazine is a quarterly publication about Grand Valley State University produced by University Communications since 2001.

Machiavelli’S Realist International Law, Will Iboshi

Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs

By bridging the gap between scholarship on Machiavelli’s realism and legal thought, “Machiavelli’s Realist International Law” supports a historical approach of understanding Machiavellian international law through a realistic, human-centered project for state survival. I argue that if realism shapes the way that law produces order, then our interpretation of Machiavelli’s realism determines how we understand his views on the law’s source and function. Through a careful textual analysis of The Prince and The Discourses on Livy, I frame Machiavelli’s relationship to international law as a historical-ahistorical axis that situates his conception of foreign affairs alongside modern debates about realism and …

Araneum -- Spring 2026

Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs

No abstract provided.

Posture And Pain: Investigating The Effects Of Study Habits On Musculoskeletal Discomfort In College Students, Eden G. Potter

Honors Theses

Musculoskeletal discomfort is increasingly common among college students, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back, due to prolonged sitting and frequent use of electronic devices. This study examines the relationship between posture habits, study behaviors, ergonomic awareness, and musculoskeletal discomfort among students at Eastern Kentucky University. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data through an anonymous Qualtrics questionnaire. Participants reported their study duration, posture habits, device usage, ergonomic awareness, and levels of musculoskeletal pain using a 0–10 scale.

Descriptive analyses were conducted to identify patterns among variables. Results indicated that while study duration alone did not show …

Click Here For Counsel: Can Ai Uphold The Scales Of Justice?, Brianna L. Garcia-Perez

Honors Theses

This project examines the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the legal field, with a specific focus on whether AI will enhance or undermine public access to justice. In particular, it explores how AI is currently being used, and is likely to be used in the future, by both law firms and individual users. As AI becomes more widely integrated into legal practice, this research evaluates whether it improves the efficiency and effectiveness of legal services or instead introduces new risks and liabilities. Drawing on academic and professional sources, this project analyzes perspectives from lawyers, judges, AI experts, and …

Invasive Honeysuckle: Using Remotely Sensed Imagery To Map Landcover Change At Taylor Fork Ecological Area, Avery Krahwinkel

Honors Theses

Invasive species can have detrimental impacts on biodiversity and local ecosystems and are frequently targeted by natural area management for treatment and removal. Two common species of invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii and Lonicera japonica) decrease plant diversity and alter ecological systems such as food webs in Kentucky. Both species are found in abundance at Taylor Fork Ecological Area (TFEA) and difficult to effectively manage. Remote sensing tools like multispectral imagery can be used to efficiently locate and quantify the abundance of invasive honeysuckle at TFEA because of the unique spectral signatures of various landcovers. This study used a …

More Than Just Hyper: The Mislabeling And Overmedicating Of Adhd In Children Ages 5-10, Katlyn Waltz

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the frequency and consequences of the misdiagnosis and overmedicating of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in elementary school aged children, ages 5-10. The information within this paper utilizes recent evidence-based psychological and medical research done surrounding ADHD in children. Specifically focusing on what a misdiagnosis looks like and how this can affect the child. Physically, if an alternative diagnosis is overlooked, the severity of the problem worsens. Emotionally children often feel misunderstood. Misdiagnosis often occurs due to symptoms being shared with other disorders such as thyroid disease, sleep disordered breathing, developmental delays or anxiety/depression.

For children who are …

The Role Of Suffering In The Development Of Character: A Philosophical, Psychological, And Theological Analysis, Taylor Moore

Honors Theses

Suffering is an inherent aspect of the human condition, often perceived as negative yet capable of fostering profound growth. This study explores the transformative potential of suffering through philosophical, psychological, and theological lenses. Specifically, it examines whether suffering is inherently evil or can instead serve as a catalyst for developing character traits essential to eudaimonia—the flourishing life described by Socrates and Aristotle. Drawing on theories of meaning-making and virtues-centered living, this research argues that suffering can create the conditions that can cultivate perseverance, resilience, hope, and relational intimacy, all of which are vital for human flourishing. Under certain conditions, suffering …

Musculoskeletal Risk Among Radiology Professionals: Ergo, The Importance Of Ergonomics, Jodie M. Caithamer

Honors Theses

Workers in physically demanding occupations are at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), particularly with prolonged exposure to awkward postures and static loading. Healthcare workers, including those in radiology, are particularly affected. This study used an anonymous survey based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), to assess body regions of discomfort and ergonomic risk factors.

In total, 48 radiology healthcare workers participated. Musculoskeletal discomfort was highly prevalent, with 96% reporting symptoms in the past 12 months. The most affected areas were the lower back (76.1%), neck (56.5%), and shoulders (34.8%). Awkward postures such …

Media On Trial: The Effects Of Media Coverage On Legal Proceedings In High-Profile Cases, Julia Luxon

Honors Theses

This paper examines the constitutional tension between the First Amendment and the Sixth Amendment, specifically in relation to media coverage and the right to a fair trial in high-profile criminal cases. This study explores the contextual and media environments surrounding the high-profile cases of Sheppard v. Maxwell, The People of the State of California v. Orenthal James Simpson, and State of South Carolina v. Richard Alexander Murdaugh. By conducting a comparative analysis, I examined the media narratives present in each case and how they influenced public perception and its impact on the administration of justice. This study …

You Hit Your Head, What Comes Next? How Can Speech-Language Pathologists Assist In Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery?, Elayna R. Wollam

Honors Theses

Traumatic Brain Injuries are complex injuries caused by an impact or penetrating wound to the head that disrupts the typical functioning of the brain. TBIs are highly prevalent and complex injuries. They can present in different severities, have numerous causes, and result in a variety of different types of symptoms and impairments. These impairments can include articulation disorders, language disorders, fluency disorders, swallowing disorders, social communication disorders, cognitive communication disorders, and more. Every injury will be different, and every individual will experience different symptoms and have different priorities for their recovery. This means treatment should also be nuanced to reflect …

Legalizing Sex Work: Transforming Hidden Jobs Into Professions, Sakura L. Wilder-Hamilton

Honors Theses

Prostitution, also known as the “world’s oldest profession,” has long been tried and remembered as a tolerated vice. However, sex work is still a stigmatized and criminalized profession around the globe that has yet to become a real profession. Because of this stigma and criminal label, sex workers have become a hidden population within society. Meaning, although there is a lot of stigma attached to sex work and sex workers, there is relatively little known about the realities of sex work, as sex workers are often excluded from scholarly research and discussions regarding their work. This research, through a thematic-chronological …

Me Or We In Criminal Behavior: A Cross-National Examination On The Impact Of Narcissism On Criminal Behavior, Adrian J. Zaragoza

Honors Theses

Crime is a worldwide issue that exists within any society. Many studies have not examined narcissism and its relation to crime in a cross-cultural perspective. The current study aimed to examine how culture can impact narcissism and criminal behavior. Hypothesis 1: Individual narcissism will be positively associated with criminal and antisocial responses to provocation scenarios in the United States. Hypothesis 2: Collective narcissism will be positively associated with criminal and antisocial responses to provocation scenarios in Kenya. Hypothesis 3: The association between individual narcissism and criminal/antisocial behavior will be stronger in the United States than in Kenya, …

Gender Differences In Autism Diagnosis: The Need For Female-Specific Diagnostic Criteria, Leslieann R. Mahl

Honors Theses

Autism has a vastly growing diagnosis rate as more people are understanding the signs of this disorder. This thesis investigates how gender differences affect the presentation of autism in people. Also acknowledging the impact of how these different presentations can lead to misdiagnosis or late diagnosis in females specifically. Using a narrative analysis method, 23 articles were analyzed talking about how autism presents differently in different genders. Results show that females are better able to unconsciously or consciously match their behavior to those around them, allowing for them to not be recognized for their possible autism symptoms. This study describes …

All Harm, All Fouls: Human Trafficking At Large Sporting Events, Addison Caravona

Honors Theses

Human trafficking affects thousands of people worldwide every year. During large sporting events, this can become an issue as the line between consenting sex work and trafficking becomes blurred. The difficulty of quantifying human trafficking combined with the legality of sex work creates a predicament where measuring human trafficking statistics over a smaller period of time becomes incredibly difficult. Sporting events bring in millions of patrons every year, which produces unique challenges for law enforcement and advocacy groups to manage and prevent trafficking. This research investigates human trafficking surrounding large sporting events and the processes and legislation in place to …

"See Something, Say Something": The Effect Of Bystanders And Public Posting On Campus Crime Reporting, Makiah Hollinden

Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to see if bystanders reacting (versus not reacting) and the presence (versus no presence) of a public crime post, on a college campus, affected student participants' intent to report a crime. We hypothesized that if bystanders responded to the crime, and if there is a public post about crime reporting, then participants would be more likely to intend to report the crime. Research participants (n = 68) were given an online survey assessing the intent to report the crime and other social norms in one of four vignette conditions: bystanders react/public post, bystanders do …

Sol Fridge Kenya (Turkana County), Ava Valdez, Dhuha Almutairi, Go Ogawa, Jeremy Boze

Business Core Student Work

Sol Fridge is a solar-powered refrigeration solution designed to improve food security and nutrition for low-income communities in Kenya. The project responds to the challenges of food spoilage, limited refrigeration, and poor access to affordable nutritious food, especially in rural and arid regions where electricity is unreliable or unavailable. By providing portable, affordable, and durable cold storage for families and small vendors, Sol Fridge helps preserve fresh food, reduce waste, and support healthier daily meals. The project also promotes sustainability through solar energy, recycled materials, and community-based distribution, creating social, environmental, and economic benefits for the communities it serves.

Phresh, Diego Gomez, Thomas “Kane” Perry, Lela Schuler, Olivia Cox, Sofia Rueda

Business Core Student Work

pHresh is a sustainable food safety solution created to help low-income communities in New Delhi, India detect spoiled food before it reaches consumers. The project responds to the serious risk of foodborne illness in informal markets, where limited refrigeration, high temperatures, and inconsistent inspection make contamination more likely. pHresh offers affordable, biodegradable pH testing strips that provide fast and easy-to-read results for vendors, households, and market inspectors. Through local production, accessible distribution, and eco-friendly materials, the project aims to improve public health, support small vendors, and build safer food systems.

Cleantide, Ryan Agozo, Valeria Jimenez, Danny Blanchard, Adam Sandoval, Daylin Diaz, Hernan Garcia

Business Core Student Work

CLEANTIDE is a water sanitation and filtration initiative created to improve access to clean water in remote island communities across the Polynesian region. The project responds to challenges such as contaminated water sources, waterborne disease, and the lack of reliable infrastructure in underserved coastal and rural areas. By providing affordable, durable, and environmentally friendly filtration systems, CLEANTIDE helps households and communities gain consistent access to safe water for drinking and daily use. The project also emphasizes local training, trust-building, and sustainable implementation to support long-term impact.

Nutri Boost — A Nutritional Powder For Children In Bihar, India, Dimas Sandoval, Sofia De Anda, Everett Macdonell, Mikaella Faye Acob, Maria Fernanda, Haris Khan

Business Core Student Work

This presentation outlines Nutri‑Boost, a fortified, locally sourced nutrition powder designed to reduce childhood malnutrition in Bihar, India. The project responds to widespread poverty, limited healthcare access, and inadequate dietary diversity by offering an affordable, shelf‑stable product for primary schools and low‑income families. Nutri‑Boost strengthens local agriculture, uses environmentally sustainable packaging, and operates through a community‑based value chain involving farmers, NGOs, and government partners. Financial projections demonstrate a scalable nonprofit model with strong social, economic, and environmental impact.

Foreword, Paola Berumen, Alondra Martinez

UC Law SF Journal on Gender and Justice

No abstract provided.

Ggp And Dogwalker, Cynthia Danielian

UC Law SF Journal on Gender and Justice

No abstract provided.

Yes Under Duress: The Paradox Of The Fawn Trauma Response In Consent Law, Madeline Paoli

UC Law SF Journal on Gender and Justice

This article examines the evolving landscape of sexual consent law through the lens of trauma-informed legal analysis, focusing on the underrecognized trauma response known as fawning. Existing consent frameworks fail to capture the complex behaviors of many survivors who outwardly feign consent as a survival mechanism. To assess how fawning evidence might fit into consent statutes, I categorize U.S. state law into four subtypes of consent: affirmative, hybrid, forcible compulsion, and statutory silence. Each sub-type fails to adequately account for trauma-informed behaviors. By examining each of these subtypes and its corresponding case law, I identify statutory and doctrinal gaps that …

Greeting, Saianurag Karavadi

UC Law SF Journal on Gender and Justice

No abstract provided.

Teaching The Physical Exam, Matthew Clark Do

Faculty Development Tips

No abstract provided.

Beetroot Juice And Vitamin C Co-Supplementation Enhances Anaerobic Performance And Reduces Post-Exercise Glycemia In Wrestlers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial, Maedeh Nojoumi, Ali Jafari, Alireza Hosseini Kakhiki, Ali Jafarzadeh Esfehani, Hossein Rafiei, Chad Kerksick, Oluwatoyosi Owoeye, Reza Rezvani

Faculty Scholarship

Background

Wrestling, characterized by high-intensity intermittent efforts, demands exceptional anaerobic power and recovery capacity. Nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BRJ), supplemented with vitamin C, has emerged as a potential ergogenic aid through increased nitric oxide bioavailability. However, limited data exists regarding its acute effects on anaerobic performance in combat sport athletes. This study investigated the acute effects of BRJ supplemented with vitamin C on upper- and lower-body anaerobic test performance and selected biochemical markers in collegiate wrestlers.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 28 collegiate male wrestlers (18–24 years) consumed a single 250-ml BRJ drink (8.4 mmol nitrate + 90 …

Effects Of Dietary Nitrate And Caffeine On End Power And Work Above End Power During A 3 Min All-Out Test In Trained Male Cyclists, Anthony M. Hagele, Kyle Sunderland, Petey W. Mumford, Chad Kerksick

Faculty Scholarship

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute dietary nitrate (NO3−) and caffeine (CAF) supplementation on end power (EP) and work performed above EP (WEP) in trained male cyclists during a 3 min all-out test (3MT) on a cycle ergometer.

Methods: Fifteen healthy, trained male cyclists (28.5 ± 5.3 years, 79.2 ± 9.1 kg, VO2peak 55.2 ± 5.6 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed four exercise trials in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study design separated by 3–7 days. The four experimental conditions were placebo beverage (nitrate-depleted) + placebo capsule, nitrate-rich beetroot juice + placebo capsule (BR), …

Terra: Bodies + Territories, Devin Arne

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

Dr. Devin Arne, Music Theory, History, and Composition, and Silvana Cardell, Creator of TERRA: Bodies + Territories, present on the performance of "TERRA: Bodies + Territories".

Egyptian Labor Migration To Europe: Brain Drain, Brain Waste, And Brain Gain In The 2020s, Dina Abdel Fattah, Ayman Zohry

Faculty Journal Articles

This study, Egyptian Labor Migration to Europe: Brain Drain, Brain Waste, and Brain Gain in the 2020s, is shaped by a key transition of mobility among high-skilled Egyptian migrants towards Europe. Historically, mobility among high-skilled Egyptian migrants has been towards the Arab region, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries. The additional demand in the European labor market, alongside demographic changes, has encouraged high-skilled migration to Europe. This study, conducted under the framework of the Egyptian Migration Hub (EHUB) II project by the Center for Migration and Refugee Studies (CMRS) at The American University in Cairo, provides a timely contribution …

Inflating Your Success: An Algorithmic Approach To Improving Outcomes In Pediatric Tissue Expansion, Jackson C Green, Samuel G Ruiz, Kylie R Swiekatowski, Ellen B Wang, Paul Won, Chioma G Obinero, Tien Do, Danielle Sobol, Matthew R Greives

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Tissue expanders (TEs) are vital for creating soft tissue for reconstruction. This study examines the challenges of pediatric TEs and proposes an algorithm to minimize complications and optimize outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective review (2014-2024) included patients younger than 18 years with TEs, excluding breast reconstruction cases. Initial TE fills were performed in-clinic 2 weeks postoperatively with parent education, whereas subsequent expansions were managed at home. Parents monitored for complications, started antibiotics, and scheduled urgent visits if needed. Data collected included demographics, TE characteristics, indications, defect size, and outcomes.

Results: Forty pediatric patients (median age: 5.2 y) had 96 TEs …