Digital Commons Network^™

Creating Safe(R) Classrooms: Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices In Higher Education, Shannon Pappas, Nolan Bowers, Lili R. Romann

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Trauma is a public health issue, with effects being increasingly harmful for adolescents. While instructors cannot control how students respond to trauma, they can work to create traumainformed teaching practices to support student learning and safety. Based on the principles of trauma-informed pedagogy, this manuscript details how safety, trustworthiness and transparency, choice, collaboration, and empowerment can be implemented in higher education communication courses. Additionally, a sixth principle, responding to the current climate, is introduced. Currently, instructors are grappling with supporting vulnerable students and answering to those in power. These practices offer insights into classroom adaptations to assist instructors in these …

Decolonizing Communication Pedagogy: Toward An Afro-Rhetorical Framework, Lionnell Smith

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This essay introduces Afro-rhetorical pedagogy as a decolonial framework for communication pedagogy. Building on Adam Key’s 2022 call for an Applied Africana Studies framework for public speaking pedagogy, this essay conceptualizes Afro-rhetorical pedagogy grounded in Afrocentric thought and African communication theory. Through a close reading of Molefi Kete Asante’s 2011 address on African curriculum, this essay establishes three foundational principles for Afro-rhetorical pedagogy: (a) epistemological agency, (b) decolonized knowledge production, and (c) institutional reconstruction. This pedagogical framework addresses communication education’s reproduction of white cultural hegemony by promoting African-centered principles, practices, and precepts that reposition communication pedagogy as a more liberatory …

Community Problems Need Community Solutions: Feminist Collaboration Across Campuses To Create Transformative Outcomes Through Community Engaged Learning, Elizabeth Wilhoit Larson, Jasmine R. Linabary, Ziyu Long, Kylie J. Johnson

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This study presents a multi-institutional engaged pedagogy project responding to college food insecurity that involved partnerships among students, instructors, and campus food pantries from three U.S. universities. Through analysis of pre- and post-class surveys, class assignments, and instructor and community partner reflections, we argue that our feminist collaborative approach resulted in transformative outcomes in three areas: (a) heads, as the collaboration enabled critical understandings of food insecurity and how to combat it; (b) hearts, as the collaboration fostered a culture of care and (re)ignited shared passion in doing change work, and (c) hands, as the collaboration inspired actions to address …

Meeting Rhetorical And Relational Goals In Online Higher Education: Insights From A South African Case Study, Rentia Du Plessis, Diana Breshears, Luzelle Naudé Prof

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This qualitative study examines the degree to which synchronous and asynchronous online learning platforms both supported and constrained the achievement of rhetorical and relational goals in a resource-constrained South African higher education context. As online teaching practices persist in the post-COVID era, understanding how to design pedagogically sound online environments is increasingly important, particularly in the Global South where cost, access, and connectivity pose significant constraints. Drawing on the Rhetorical and Relational Goals Theory (RRGT; Mottet et al., 2006) and Kaufmann et al.’s (2016) online learning climate dimensions, the study analyzes undergraduate students’ perceptions of Blackboard Collaborate, PowerPoint voice-overs, WhatsApp, …

The Co-Educators Framework: An Illustrative Account Of Shared Pedagogical Practice And Inclusive Teaching In A Large-Enrollment Communication Course, Divya S, Man Luo, Jisha Jacob, Shahla Shahnaz Dyuti, Victoria Michelle Main

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Large-enrollment courses present structural challenges to inclusive and relational pedagogy, particularly when instructional labor is shared across teaching teams that include graduate teaching assistants (GTAs). This study examines inclusive teaching as a communicative and practical process enacted through co-education, the coordinated instructional work of faculty and GTAs. Using a diary-based reflexive design, four doctoral GTAs contributed teaching journals across one semester of an undergraduate Communication Theory course. Reflexive thematic analysis identified four themes: collaborative course design, communication as pedagogical infrastructure, equitable assessment, and reflexive care. The study offers the Co-Educators Framework as an illustrative account of how shared, communicative pedagogical …

Exploring Power In The Classroom Through The Lens Of Relational Power, Aubree A. Herman, Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter Phd

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

This study explores how French and Raven’s relational power model shapes student communication in higher education. Through a survey of 530 undergraduates, the research investigates how TA age and gender, and student gender, impact student perceptions of power. Results indicate that TA gender and age impact student perceptions of referent power, but not expert power; however, expert and referent power emerged as the strongest predictors of course satisfaction and intention to take future courses, while coercive power negatively predicted both outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of expertise and interpersonal interaction in the TA–student relationship and suggest that French and …

Caveats For The Forensic Use Of The Pcl-R With Antisocial And Psychopathic Women, Carl B. Gacono, Ted B. Cunliffe, Jason M. Smith, Enna E. Taylor

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Special considerations are necessary when assessing antisocial and psychopathic women.  Evident throughout the evaluation process (Cunliffe et al., 2016; Gacono, 2016; Gacono & Meloy, 1994; Gacono & Smith, 2021; Smith et al., 2014, 2021; Taylor, 2015), gender differences suggest the need for modified approaches, shape the transference/countertransference between examinee and examiner, and affect the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests. In this article we summarize Rorschach findings that support the underlying dynamics in antisocial and psychopathic women, discuss the unique aspects of evaluating the female psychopath, and present eight PCL-R items in need of modification for assessing women.

Experimental Investigation On Nanocellulose And Aluminium-Oxide Hybrid Nanofluid As A New Coolant For Radiator, D. Ramasamy, Sivaraos Sivaraos, K. Kadirgama

The Nexus of Sustainability and Energy Technology Journal

Improved efficiency leads to more compact design of the radiator. The research is conducted to prove that addition of Aluminium Oxide and nanocellulose originating from plant base with varying concentration provides a better thermal efficiency compared to usage of distilled water as radiator coolant. The objective of the research is to improve a new radiator coolant based on combination of aluminium oxide and nanocellulose with readily available coolants which is Ethylene Glycol and to investigate the erosion of nanocellulose coolant on automotive radiator. The scope of the research are the nanocellulose dispersed in base fluid which is from 60:40, (EG:W). …

Effects Of Air Injection Styles And Burner Geometry On Blowoff In Premixed Swirl Flame, Haidar Ali Janna, Zaid Aldulaimi, Mohammed Alfahham

The Nexus of Sustainability and Energy Technology Journal

Understanding the effect of air injection strategies and burner configuration on flame stability is essential for preventing blowoff in premixed swirl combustion systems. This experimental study investigates the blowoff limits of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) flames in tangential swirl burners with two different geometries,namely two-inlet and three-inlet designs, while maintaining the same geometric swirl number and swirl strength. Two air injection strategies were examined:axial air injection which introduced through the burner base plate,and an air curtain system supplied through the inner circumference of the burners nozzle. Blowoff limits were recorded over a wide range of operating conditions to quantify the …

Implementation Of 4-Ir In Scm Of Woven Apparel Industry – A Case Study In Bangladesh For Prosperity And Sustainability, Kaniz Farhana, Nazibah Nowreen Onadee, Farhana Mabia Mim, Fuzail Ahmed Khan Rajit, Md. Fahad Faruk Pavel, S.M. Farhana Iqbal, Abu Shadate Faisal Mahamude

The Nexus of Sustainability and Energy Technology Journal

The significance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4-IR) for supply chain management (SCM) in the woven clothing industry is emphasized by this survey study. The implementation of cutting-edge technologies that can improve these aspects, like IoT, RFID, blockchain, big data analysis, cybersecurity, and automation, is examined from the viewpoints of woven clothing manufacturers. This investigation seeks to determine Bangladesh's key technological barriers as well as the primary motivator for the weaving RMG's adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Here, a combination of methods, including fieldwork and data collection, has been performed for thorough analysis. The research outlines the current state of affairs …

Evaluation Of Graphene Cathode And Aluminum Ion Ev Battery Performance: A State-Of-The-Art Analysis For Future, Abu Shadate Faisal Mahamude, Kaniz Farhana

The Nexus of Sustainability and Energy Technology Journal

Lithium-ion batteries may eventually be replaced with rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) due to their high energy density, increased safety, and plentiful supply of raw materials. The development of appropriate cathode materials for AIBs is a major priority these days. As a result of their better quality, graphene-based cathodes have a great chance of success. Graphene is a relatively new and promising material with a unique set of chemical and physical characteristics. Graphene's high electron conductivity and large specific surface area make it seem like one of the best electron-conducting additions, but there are several other ways to increase the cathode …

Atomistic Insights Into The Interfacial Properties And Thermal Transport Of Mxene–Copper Nanocomposites: A Molecular Dynamics Study, Navid Aslfattahi, Maryam Sadat Kiai, K. Kadirgama, L. Samylingam, Chee Kuang Kok, Mohd A.F. Rosli, Thong Leng Lim

The Nexus of Sustainability and Energy Technology Journal

Understanding the interfacial heat transport mechanisms in Ti₃C₂T_x–copper nanocomposites is essential for developing advanced Thermal Interface Materials (TIM) for electronic and energy systems. This study provides atomistic insights into how MXene surface terminations (–O, –OH, –F), copper crystallographic orientations ((111), (100), (110)), and MXene layer thickness influence thermal conductivity and interfacial thermal resistance. O-terminated MXene exhibited the strongest interfacial adhesion (∼0.45 J/m²) and the highest thermal conductivity (∼68 W/m· K), while F-terminated MXene showed the weakest interfacial bonding and poorest heat transfer (∼45 W/m· K). Increasing the MXene thickness introduced additional phonon …

From Seed Funding To Global Impact: Building A Successful Nurse-Led Research Program, Nicola Cornally, Mohamad M. Saab

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Large scale nurse-led research is infrequently observed when compared to other health disciplines. Advancing nurse-led research and improving uptake of evidence requires a shift in how the profession secures funding.[1] Nurse-led research faces barriers like limited opportunities, competing demands, low perceived value, and a paucity of role models/mentors. [2] With the increase in doctorly trained nurses, there is an urgent need to address such barriers.

Aim: To explore the mechanisms that build a successful nurse-led research program.

Methods: Case studies (CS) of how two nurse Chief Investigators navigated the path to leading major grants.

CS1: From a small post-doctoral …

Family Systems And Cultural Adaptation In Psychosocial Cancer Interventions For Latinx Families: A Critical Review, Nicole M. Vélez Agosto, Gladys Stephanie Hernandez, Sarah Chavez Chacon, Danielle Moreno, Cecilia Montiel-Nava

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Cancer creates significant distress to Latinx family dynamics. Research on family interventions has omitted critical aspects that could significantly improve mental health outcomes in this vulnerable population, including the development of interventions with a robust theoretical framework that are simultaneously culturally aligned with deeply rooted Latinx values. This critical review addressed existing psychosocial interventions for families with a cancer patient, their strengths, and limitations. It expanded on three major themes relevant to designing cancer psychosocial interventions for Latinx, while also reviewing nine intervention studies that consider system-family components in intervention design and research, two of them with the additional integration …

Synergistic Reinforcement Of Lignin–Chitosan Hydrogels Using Vanillin As A Sustainable Green Crosslinker, Moses Ayitey-Adjin Jr., Mohammad Jahid Hasan, Jeremy Erb, Kishore Chand, Garry S. Crosson, Kenya Crosson, Esteban Ureña-Benavides, Erick Salvador Vasquez-Guardado

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

While bio-based hydrogels derived from lignin and chitosan are promising sustainable adsorbents, their practical application is hindered by poor mechanical stability. This study addresses this limitation by synthesizing lignin-chitosan hydrogels using vanillin as a green, bio-derived crosslinker via a facile solution-casting method. The formation of imine (Schiff base) linkages between the aldehyde groups of vanillin and the primary amines of chitosan was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy (C = N stretching at ~ 1602 cm^− 1). SEM and TGA results demonstrated a reduction in the pore size of the crosslinked hydrogel and an enhanced residual thermal mass. Rheological and …

Msw Portfolio, Natalie Lynn Pitkin

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio reflects my development as a social work professional throughout the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana. My experiences in child welfare, family support, and inpatient behavioral health have shaped my understanding of social work as a profession that requires both meaningful relationships with individuals and a commitment to addressing the systems that influence their lives. Through academic learning, University of Montana's core competencies, field education, and professional experiences, I have strengthened my ability to apply an intersectional, trauma-informed, and empowerment-focused lens to practice.

Msw Final Portfolio, Teresa M. Asbury

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio: Development Of A Social Work Practitioner, Loren Fitzpatrick

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio details my experiences and professional journey throughout the University of Montana's Master of Social Work program. It provides significant reflection of core social work elements and competencies while highlighting an understanding of trauma informed care, development of theoretical orientation, and the importance of culturally responsive practice. Examples of competency are displayed through provided coursework assignments, group projects, and research papers.

The Question As Discipline: A Journey Toward Advanced Integrated Practice, Claire Boonmanop Webb

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

All Food Is Good Food – Steps To Becoming An Eating Disorder Therapist, Aurelia R. Nelson

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Cosmetic Nationalism: Fashion And Feminine Performance In Trump-Aligned America, Nicola Rountree-Williams

Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals

This paper examines how fashion, beauty, and feminine presentation operate as political tools within Trump-aligned American culture. Drawing on historical examples from fascist Italy, Francoist Spain, and European aristocratic fashion, it argues that aesthetics have long been used to reinforce nationalism, gender hierarchy, and political authority. The paper analyzes contemporary trends such as “Republican makeup” and “Mar-a-Lago face,” arguing that these hyper-feminine and highly racialized beauty standards function as performances of loyalty, wealth, and traditional femininity within Trump-aligned politics. Through figures such as Kristi Noem, the paper demonstrates how women’s appearances can visually legitimize masculine authority while limiting women’s autonomy …

Msw Portfolio, Aspen Widdicombe

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio was written by an MSW student where they talk about their practicum experience and how this relates to the MSW Competencies.

Msw Portfolio, Aunnika K. Woods

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

A professional portfolio displaying a collection of experiences and development throughout my time in the MSW program, documenting growth, challenges, and values.

Growth In Discomfort, Kayla Marker

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio captures the transformation into an advanced social work practitioner, emphasizing self-reflection, social justice, and the integration of theory into practice. Through personal narrative and practical examples, the document demonstrates growth in ethical behavior, advocacy for marginalized groups, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility, particularly in rural and Indigenous contexts. This portfolio details the application of systems, social learning, and empowerment theories, and highlights the importance of bridging micro and macro practice, engaging in research and policy analysis, and assuming leadership roles. The work showcases adaptability, collaboration, and evidence-based approaches, culminating in a commitment to lifelong learning and justice-oriented leadership …

Identification, Validation, And Prediction Of Longitudinal Recovery Phenotypes In Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Analysis Of Prospective Cohorts And A Randomised Controlled Trial, Karlo Pedro, Mohammed Ali Alvi, Christopher Lozano, Vishwathsen Karthikeyan, Alex Bak, Benjamin Davies, James Harrop, Jetan Badhiwala, Jefferson Wilson, Wendy Lou, Zihang Lu, Kevin Thorpe, Michael Fehlings

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Symptom evolution in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is traditionally characterized by severity of neurological deficit. A recent expert consensus challenged this view, proposing that DCM fluctuates across neurological, functional and health-related quality of life measures. We examined whether joint changes across these three domains define distinct recovery patterns in a clinic-based cohort of adult patients with DCM.

METHODS: Cohorts analysed were the Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy-North America (CSM-NA, 2005-2007, N = 278), CSM-International (CSM-I, 2007-2011, N = 479) and the CSM-PROTECT Trial (2012-2017, N = 290). All participants were symptomatic adult DCM patients who underwent surgical treatment and completed at …

Roots And Systems: A Portfolio Of Clinical Growth, Trauma-Informed Care, And Culturally Centered Practice, Sarah Rice

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio, Liam A. Sienko

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Ngram Data Social Media, William Zywiak

Data and Datasets

Data set for a NSF STEM grant.

Lag Correlation Variance, William Zywiak

Data and Datasets

Data set for a NSF STEM grant.

Norman H. Cromwell, Unl Chemistry; Nu System Dean; Eppley Cancer Center Director, Norman H. Cromwell, Pete Boughn, Mark A. Griep

UNL ORCA Interview Series

This 1980 interview of Normal Cromwell was done by Pete Boughn at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He asked about Cromwell’s history but mostly about his time as director of the Eppley Cancer Center. The interview is reproduced with permission from the UNMC McGoogan Library.

Cromwell was born in 1913 in Terre Haute, Indiana. In 1935, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in his hometown. In 1939, three things happened: he earned a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Minnesota, he got married, and he was hired …