Education Commons^™

Student Perceptions: How Stem Students Value Belonging Interventions, Elizabeth A. Runkel Baez

University Honors Theses

With the prioritization of increasing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates in the United States, researchers have become increasingly interested in how to promote STEM students’ sense of belonging. Sense of belonging is considered a marker of persistence in STEM. Facilitated ‘belonging interventions’ are one way to strengthen a sense of belonging amongst STEM students. How students respond to, value, and understand these belonging interventions is relatively understudied. In this study, focus groups were conducted with STEM students from a single university to investigate how they value an in-class belonging activity. Qualitative thematic coding of focus group responses revealed …

Community Science As Adult Learning: Using Theory To Understand Volunteers’ Experiences, Lauren Vilen, Jill Zarestky

Adult Education Research Conference

This study explores volunteer learning in an online community science program. Findings indicate alignment with self-directed and experiential learning theory, with implications for learner feedback and engagement.

درجة امتلاك الطلبة المعلمين بتخصص العلوم في جامعة السلطان قابوس لمهارات التفكير المستقبلي وعلاقتها بمستوى معرفتهم بالنمذجة العلمية, Samira Al Maamari, Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi Prof.

Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Research in Higher Education (مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية (للبحوث في التعليم العالي

هدف المقال معرفة درجة امتلاك الطلبة المعلمين بتخصص العلوم في جامعة السلطان قابوس بسلطنة عُمان لمهارات التفكير المستقبلي وعلاقتها بمستوى معرفتهم بالنمذجة العلمية، واستخدمت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي؛ إذ تكونت عينة الدراسة من (100) طالبٍ وطالبةٍ (45 ذكرًا، و55 أنثى) تخصص العلوم بكلية التربية في جامعة السلطان قابوس، واختيرت بطريقة العينة المتيسرة. ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة أُعدت أداتان، هما: مقياس لمهارات التفكير المستقبلي لديهم، تكون من (36) عبارة موزعة على ستة محاور، واستبانة مختلطة (مغلق – مفتوح)؛ للكشف عن مستوى معرفتهم بالنمذجة العلمية، وتضمن على 12 سؤالًا. أظهرت النتائج أن درجة امتلاك مهارات التفكير المستقبلي لدى الطلبة المعلمين بتخصص العلوم في جامعة …

Concepts In Animal Parasitology, Scott L. Gardner, Sue Ann Gardner

Zea E-Books Collection

This is a textbook covering concepts in animal parasitology. It is meant to be used by students, teachers, professors, researchers, and members of the public who are interested in learning about animal parasite biology, systematics, taxonomy, zoogeography, and ecology. The primary intended audience is upper-level undergraduate or graduate university students who have knowledge of basic biology and, particularly, basic animal biology. (863 pages, illustrated)

One of the most fascinating things that a person can experience in the complex realm of biology is the discovery of an animal living inside another animal. If this discovery takes place at an early enough …

The Relationship Between Middle Grades Algebra And Advanced Carnegie Credits: A Quantcrit Analysis, Kristian Edosomwan, Jemimah L. Young, Jamaal R. Young

Middle Grades Review

This study examines the impact of early Algebra I coursework on advanced Carnegie credits among 12th graders from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, using data from the NCES HSTS (1990-2019). Findings indicate that early Algebra students, particularly Black and Latinx, earn more advanced credits, revealing a widening gap in advanced course attainment. The study underscores the importance of early Algebra in college readiness and STEM preparation, highlighting the need for interventions to address educational disparities. Future research should explore additional factors influencing college readiness.

Math Anxiety And Avoidance Of Mathematics At The College Level: Undergraduate And Their Sense Of Not Belonging In Math Classrooms, Kay C. Lashley

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Negative experiences and perceptions of the subject often influence the avoidance of mathematics at the college level. This study explored this issue by investigating the relationship between math anxiety, belongingness in math classes, and help-seeking behaviors among STEM and non-STEM majors. The study involved 41 participants, including 24 STEM majors and 17 non-STEM majors, all undergraduate college students aged 18 to 54. The results revealed that most students (39 out of 41) felt a sense of belonging in their math classes. Correlation analyses showed a significant positive relation between math anxiety and self-reported math competency, “r(41)= .44, p < .01,” and that higher levels of math anxiety were linked to a greater likelihood of avoiding math classes, “r(41)= .35, p = .02”. Students with lower math anxiety were marginally more inclined to seek help from family or friends, “ X2 (12, N = 42) = 20.1, p = .065”. However, there were no significant differences in help-seeking behaviors between STEM and non-STEM majors. Overall, these findings are consistent with previous studies. Nevertheless, more research and interventions are needed to develop supportive math learning environments at the college level, especially for students with higher anxiety.

Pltl Develops Scholars For Majors In The Built-Environment​, Shpat Halili, Calvin O. Walters Jr.

Publications and Research

The National Science Foundation S-STEM program at NYC College of Technology (City Tech), Developing an Ecosystem of STEM success for Built Environment Scholars (Award Number 2150432), focuses on supporting and developing scholars in the majors relating to the Built Environment. The proposed project includes the expansion of Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) at City Tech. The PLTL model creates a supportive learning environment and supplements the faculty-centered classroom with student-led and student-oriented workshops. At City Tech, existing workshops provide curricular support in statics and mathematics. The PLTL program benefits promising first-year STEM students, and the S-STEM program utilizes the PLTL model …

Linear Ode Systems Having A Fundamental Matrix Of The Form F(Mt), Kevin L. Shirley, Vicky W. Klima

CODEE Journal

We interweave scaffolded problem statements with exposition and examples to support the reader as they explore specific linear systems of differential equations with variable coefficients, $\vec{x}'(t)=A(t)\vec{x}(t)$ and initial value $\vec{x}(0)$. We begin with a constant $n\times n$ matrix $M$ and a real or complex-valued function $f$, analytic at the eigenvalues of $M$ with $f(0) = 1$, and construct a linear system of differential equations with solutions $x(t)=f(Mt)\vec{x}(0)$, where $t$ is a parameter in some interval including zero. In general, the solutions to the resulting non-autonomous system are more difficult to analyze than solutions to the constant coefficient case. However, some …

Pisa 2022. Reporting Australia’S Results. Volume Ii: Student And School Characteristics, Lisa De Bortoli, Catherine Underwood, Tim Friedman, Eveline Gebhardt

OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Australia

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an international comparative study of student performance directed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). PISA measures the cumulative outcomes of education by assessing how well 15-year-olds, who have nearly completed compulsory schooling in most participating educational systems, are prepared to use their knowledge and skills in particular areas to meet real-world opportunities and challenges. In addition to the cognitive data reported on in Volume I, PISA collected a wealth of student and school contextual data through the background questionnaires. This report focuses on a variety of constructs related to …

Learners' Perceptions Of Elementary Math Class: A Mixed Methods Exploration, Erica Moy

Educational Studies Dissertations

For social justice and change to occur in classrooms, it is necessary to consider the perspective of learners. Voices from learners around math education is limited in research, especially for younger students. This study examined math class from the perspective of elementary students, with math identity and equitable mathematics instruction as the core. A quantitative coded approach from student survey drawings (n=348) was used for comparative statistical analysis, and a qualitative observation method of categorizing attributes of interest related to emotions in the classroom was used to pull a case study of drawings for deeper analysis. Summary results from teacher …

Association Of Respiratory Viral Testing And Antibiotic Use For Pediatric Patients Admitted For Acute Respiratory Illness Between 2017-2021 At Children’S Mercy-Kansas City, Edward Lyon, Brian Lee, Rangaraj Selvarangan, Jennifer Schuster

Research Days

Retrospective comparison of hospitalized pediatric patients who did or did not have clinical viral respiratory testing performed to understand if antibiotics were used differently between these groups.

Transition Skills Lab: A Telehealth Intervention For Improving Healthcare Transition In Youth With Special Health Care Needs, Angela Combs, Alaina Linafelter, Jordan Sevart, Michele H. Maddux

Research Days

The goal of this abstract is to evaluate youth skill-building and confidence across health care tasks through the virtual Transition Skills Lab.

Long-Term Physical And Emotional Functioning In Children Following Intensive Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment For Amplified Pain Syndrome, Sabrina Ung, Jacqueline Pabis Phd, Jenny Scheurich Phd, Dustin Wallace Phd

Research Days

The current study aimed to examine the efficacy of pediatric interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) several years after treatment completion by exploring mean-level changes of physical and mental health functioning pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at follow-up 2 to 6 years after IIPT completion.

Delirium On Admission To The Cicu, Spencer Wittmeyer, Jaime Silva-Gburek, Kelly S. Tieves

Research Days

Background: Delirium is increasingly recognized in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) with an incidence up to 67% and is associated with worse outcomes including increased mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and increased rates of intubation and mechanical circulatory support. The Cornell Assessment for Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) is the only validated tool for the diagnosis of delirium in the pediatric population. The CAPD may be limited in children with developmental disabilities as it does not account for baseline ability in scoring. Prior work has identified low specificity for the CAPD in children with developmental disabilities and those requiring mechanical ventilation. This …

Reducing Sharps Disposal In The Operating Room, Kasey Brooks, Brandon Layton

Research Days

Used an education program to reduce the amount of sharps waste in the operating room within the anesthesia department.

Differential Equations For Modeling Pathways Leading To Diabetes Onset, Viktoria Savatorova, Aleksei Talonov

CODEE Journal

This paper presents a mathematical model that explains potential pathways leading to diabetes onset. By utilizing a system of nonlinear differential equations to describe the dynamics of the glucose regulatory system, the model can serve as a pedagogical tool for teaching and learning differential equations, dynamical systems, mathematical modeling, and introduction to biomathematics. Within this framework, students can analyze equilibrium solutions, investigate stability, assess parameter sensitivity, and explore the potential for bifurcations. Theoretical analysis is complemented by illustrative numerical examples. Instructors have the flexibility to adapt and incorporate suggested activities according to their teaching preferences and objectives.

The Impact Of Childhood Opportunity Index On Treatment Outcomes Of Osteochondritis Dissecans Of The Knee, Colton Schwarz, Kennedy J. Morey, Brian R. Lee, Angie Vanderpool, Kevin Latz, Natalie C. Stork, Donna Pacicca, Brian Harvey

Research Days

This study aims to explore the relationship that Childhood Opportunity Index (COI), a validated measure of socioeconomic status, has on the outcomes of treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) of the knee in pediatric patients age 0-18 years.

Thyroid Dysfunction In Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Emily Metzinger, Jennifer Boyd, Julia Broussard, Christopher Klockau

Research Days

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is increasing in the treatment of different cancers. This study investigates ICI and thyroid dysfunction in pediatric patients at Children's Mercy Kansas City. This is a retrospective chart review that looked at development of thyroid disorders in patients who received PD-1 inhibitors, PD-L1 inhibitors, or CTLA-4 inhibitors in 19 pediatric patients. Results showed that hypothyroidism developed in 3 patients who received any of these medications. Additionally, 2 patients had thyroid dysfunction prior to starting ICI therapy, and 1 of these patients developed hyperthyroidism shortly after beginning ICI therapy. Thyroid dysfunction can be seen …

Characteristics And Clinical Outcomes Of Iud Insertion Under Conscious Sedation In Pediatric And Adolescent Patients, Alleana Corpin, Madeline Ross, Anne-Marie Priebe, Ashli A. Lawson

Research Days

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a favorable option for adolescents for contraception and menstrual suppression. However, few choose this option citing anxiety and concern for pain related to insertion procedure. Our institution proposes utilizing conscious sedation techniques for anxiolysis and analgesia during IUD insertion. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics of teens choosing conscious sedation for this procedure and likelihood of successful insertion.

Key Words: Intrauterine device (IUD), adolescent, conscious sedation

An Increased Failure Rate Of Asparaginase Desensitization With Calaspargase Pegol, Jillian Fry, Erin Guest, Keith August

Research Days

BACKGROUND: Pegaspargase (SS-PEG) became unavailable to younger patients in 2022, leaving calaspargase pegol (SC-PEG) as the only available long-acting asparaginase formulation. SC-PEG has been compared to SS-PEG and found to have similar rates of adverse events and event-free survival. Our institution uses a desensitization protocol for those with asparaginase hypersensitivity reactions. Here we review our experience with desensitization since the transition to SC-PEG. OBJECTIVES: To compare the rate of hypersensitivity reactions, success of desensitization, and need for alternative asparaginase preparations between patients receiving SC-PEG and SS-PEG. METHOD: This is a retrospective, single center study of pediatric patients who received >2 …

Effects Of Drug Delivery On Ppi-Responsive Esophageal Eosinophilia, Alex Biller, Rachel Chevalier, Amornluck Krasaelap, Janelle R. Noel-Macdonnell

Research Days

Determine if formulation of proton pump inhibitory (pill/capsule vs liquid) affects eosinophilic infiltration of esophagus in patients with PPI-Responsive Esophageal Eosinophilia.

Simultaneous Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy And Deceased Donor Liver Transplant In A Pediatric Patient With Cirrhosis And Class 3 Obesity, Lakshmi Kunam, Voytek Slowik, Brooke Sweeney, Ryan T. Fischer, Jason D. Fraser, Bhargava Mullapudi, Richard J. Hendrickson

Research Days

Background: Liver transplantation is a life saving procedure for children with end-stage liver disease with the goal of returning to a normal healthy life. Obesity and weight gain can lead to post-transplant steatosis and contribute to patient morbidity and mortality. In patients with obesity, simultaneous bariatric surgery can lead to reduced body mass index (BMI) and decrease allograft steatosis and patient metabolic syndrome.

Methods: After obtaining patient and family assent/consent, patient records were reviewed and analyzed.

Results: The patient was initially evaluated at 8 years of age for right upper quadrant pain. Imaging consistent with cirrhosis and portal hypertension prompted …

Teaching Stem For Social Justice: An Exploration And Analysis Of Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Zachary Minken

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

Research Problem

Reforms in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education over the past several decades have resulted in a somewhat steady pressure to infuse personal, social, and cultural relevance into STEM education (DeBoer, 1991; Gallagher, 1971; Hekimoglu & Sloan, 2005; ITEEA, 1996, 2020; NCTM, 2000; NRC, 1989, 2009, 2010, 2012). This emphasis on relevance eventually resulted in a push for social justice in education as a means to both engage learners and to develop students’ moral and ethical reasoning abilities in hopes that this would lead to a more just world (Dos Santos, 2009; Zeidler, 2016). Amidst rising concerns for …

Variation In Systemic Corticosteroid Prescribing During Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Across Children's Hospitals, Sian Best, Kathryn Kyler, Matt Hall, Jessica L. Bettenhausen, Shelby Chesbro, Nicholas Clark, Adrienne Deporre, Jonathan Ermer, Leah Jones, Jessica Markham, Maria Newmaster, Laura Plencner, Henry T. Puls, Smit Shah, Bridgette Jones, Megan Collins, Elisha Mccoy

Research Days

This abstract describes the variability and trends in inpatient systemic corticosteroid prescribing practices for acute asthma exacerbations in children's hospitals, and aims to determine associations between the prescribed steroid and hospitalization outcomes.

Therapeutic Efficacy Of B7-H3 Car T Cell Therapy In Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas With H3g34r/V Mutation., Monika Yadav, Siddharth Subham, John Szarejko, Douglas Myers, David Akhavan, Viveka Nand Yadav

Research Days

Background: Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are aggressive brain tumors responsible for significant childhood mortality. These tumors often carry mutations in the H3F3A gene, which encodes histone H3.3 proteins. However, current treatment options are limited, underscoring the need for innovative approaches. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy, which was successful in treating certain childhood cancers, holds promise for pHGGs with H3G34R/V mutations. This study aims to assess the potential of anti-B7-H3 CAR T cell therapy in treating the challenging pHGG tumors.

Method and Results: Here, we examined the expression of B7-H3 in various pHGG cell lines, encompassing those with H3G34V/R and H3K27M …

Increasing Feedback From Endocrinology Faculty To Fellows: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Emily Metzinger, Emily Griffing, Michelle Knoll

Research Days

Feedback is essential in medical training. Our aim is to increase the frequency of feedback that CMH endocrinology fellows receive in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. We noted initial success of increasing feedback in the inpatient setting however later decreased to below goal. Frequency of feedback in the outpatient setting has remained below goal. Tracking feedback has been challenging, but a recent survey showed that fellows perceive that they receive more feedback.

Central Venous Catheter-Associated Complications In Pediatric Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia, J Allyson Hays, Maggie Ziegler

Research Days

Background

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a mainstay of pediatric cancer treatment for but have risks. CVCs can cause local site infections and systemic infections, known as central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Analyzing rates of complications associated with different CVCs may inform future decisions about CVC choice. Hypotheses We hypothesized that tunneled cuffed (tunneled) catheters will have higher rates of CLABSIs compared to implanted ports (port) and ports will have higher rates of local site infections compared to tunneled.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at Children’s Mercy Hospital (CMH) identified patients treated from 2010 to …

To Bpd Or Not To Bpd: A Comparison Of The 2022 Versus 2011 Nichd Web-Based Risk Estimator For Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Mitch Kinkor, Jake Schneider, Farhath Sulthana, Janelle R. Noel-Macdonnell Phd, Alain Cuna

Research Days

This study compares the performance of the 2022 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Outcome Estimator and its original 2011 version in identifying high-risk infants.

Nrp, Pals, And Their Utilization During Code Events In A Pediatric Quaternary Hospital: A 'Compressed' Analysis, Mitch Kinkor, Deepa Kumar, Allison Taber, Stephen Pfeiffer, Jessica Brunkhorst, Danielle Reed

Research Days

Both the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithms are utilized for resuscitation during pediatric codes. The optimal time period to transition from NRP to PALS is not well studied. This study describes the utilization of chest compressions, prescribed medications, and patient outcomes during and after code events organized by the algorithm used to direct resuscitation (PALS or NRP) in a similarly aged patient population.

Oscillometry In Term Neonates Without Respiratory Disease, Anna Nelson, Cheri Gauldin, Brooke Smith, Venkatesh Sampath, Winston Manimtim

Research Days

This feasibility study aims to determine normative values of oscillometry for neonates without respiratory disease.