Acute Myocardial Infarction In Pediatrics: Not The Same As Acute Myocardial Infarction In Adults, Lavina Desai, Laura Martis, Katie Coons, David Cloutier, Ashley K. Sherman, Eric Hockstad, Jennifer Flint

Research Days

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is rare in pediatric patients, with limited published data on incidence, diagnosis, management strategies, and outcomes. We conducted a systematic retrospective review of patients aged 1 day to 21 years who presented with concerns for ST-elevation myocardial infarction at our institution and an affiliated adult hospital (1/2013-12/2023)

Methods: Data collected from electronic medical records included patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, interventions, treatments, and outcomes. Demographic variables collected were patient age at presentation, sex, and race. Medical histories included history of congenital heart disease, symptoms at presentation (chest pain, dyspnea, shortness of breath, shoulder pain, …

Bisphosphonate Treatment In Pediatric Patients With Rare Ovarian Malignancy And Hypercalcemia: A Case Series, Samhita Bhattarai, Seth Lamb, Jennifer W. Boyd

Research Days

Objectives

To describe the presentation, management, and outcomes of severe hypercalcemia in two adolescent females secondary to ovarian malignancy.

Methods

The case series includes two adolescent female patients, aged 11 and 16, diagnosed with rare ovarian malignancies and associated hypercalcemia. Both patients presented with abdominal pain, nausea and constipation. The 11-year-old received zoledronic acid while the 16-year-old received pamidronate. Serum calcium levels, symptoms and medication side effects were monitored before and after bisphosphonate therapy.

Results

Both girls presented with severe hypercalcemia. Patient 1 was an 11-year old girl who presented with serum calcium of 15.0 mg/dL. She began hyperhydration with …

Temperature Monitoring In The Cardiac Operating Room, Abby Pint, Clint Humpherys, Dave Stubler, Nathaniel Lata

Research Days

Background: The goal of this project is to improve the accuracy of temperature readings in the cardiac operating room and, in turn, improve patient safety.

Methods: The project obtained nasopharyngeal, tympanic, and bladder/rectal temperature measurements from twenty CPB cases. Measurements were obtained at six critical points: time of incision, initiation of CPB, aortic cross clamping, removal of aortic cross clamping, CPB termination, sternal closure. Data was analyzed to determine discrepancies among methods of measuring temperature for each type of probe utilized. Plan: Tympanic probes are unreliable and provide lower temperature measurements when compared to other probes Do: Temperatures recorded from …

Academic Half Days Dedicated To Phone Triage Improves Resident Confidence To Independently Triage Calls, Sarah Gwazdacz, Kelsey Gavin, Cati Kral

Research Days

We aim to improve Children’s Mercy residents’ confidence and competence to independently triage admission phone calls, and to help residents develop a system to obtain information during a transport phone call through dedicated academic half days.

A needs assessment at the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year was completed to assess the need for triage education. Then, curriculum design, goals & objectives, educational strategies, and implementation of the half day were discussed with leaders in medical education, admission hub physicians, and hospital medicine. Pediatric residents of all training levels were divided into 5 cohorts of 10-15 participants, which rotated through …

Favorability Of Progesterone With Estrogen Among Physicians In Transgender Adolescents: A Survey, Samhita Bhattarai, Michelle Knoll

Research Days

To evaluate the current perspective and clinical practices of physicians regarding the use of synthetic progestins as an adjunct to estrogen therapy in transfeminine adolescents. The survey focuses on perceived benefits, risks and overall efficacy in gender affirming hormone therapy.

Low-Dose Bevacizumab Treatment For Retinopathy Of Prematurity, Makayla Ayres, Katherine Brown Md

Research Days

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease that affects very premature infants and causes blindness. Treatment for ROP consists of anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (e.g., bevacizumab), laser therapy, and cryotherapy. The concern of anti-VEGF intravitreal injections is systemic toxicity and potential detrimental effects on these developing infants. In research trials, doses as low as 0.031 mg of bevacizumab have been shown to be effective in treating ROP. However, in clinical practice, the most common doses used are 0.125-0.25 mg.

Objectives/Goal: At CMKC, 0.075 mg doses of bevacizumab have been used to treat Type 1 ROP since 2022. We aim …

Navigating The Fallout: How Pediatric Spine Surgeons Cope, Recover, And Persevere After Major Surgical Complications, Sandeep Yanamala, Richard M. Schwend, Hannah Geoffroy, Gary Sutkin

Research Days

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that surgeons who continue practicing after a major complication are more likely to have strong institutional and peer support, a growth mindset, and access to coping mechanisms that mitigate distress and legal pressures. Study Design:
Qualitative study using Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) based on semi-structured interviews with pediatric spine surgeons who have experienced major surgical complications.
Introduction:
Complications in pediatric spine surgery have significant emotional, ethical, and legal
consequences. However, little is known about the factors that differentiate surgeons who continue performing spine surgery from those who transition away.
Methods:
33 pediatric spine surgeons were interviewed (28 …

Self-Study In Teacher Leadership, Jennifer Abbate

Master of Education in Teacher Leadership Portfolios

No abstract provided.

2025 May 12 - University Council Agenda And Minutes, University Council, East Tennessee State University

University Council Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Fostering Belonging: Understanding The Transfer Student Experience At Usd, Ruth Elena Santos

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

In many universities, student affairs programming is primarily designed with traditional students in mind which often overlooks the unique needs of transfer students. This study aims to examine how current USD orientation programming impacts the sense of belonging for transfer students. The central question guiding this research is: How can the sense of belonging for transfer students be improved? The study consisted of three cycles: a focus group conducted during OLÉ Weekend, a survey administered during National Transfer Week, and interviews held during Spring Orientation. The outcomes suggest that transfer students value identity-affirming events, early peer connections, and consistent engagement …

Assessing The Academic Success Factors And Needs Of Student Parents In Online Asynchronous Graduate Programs, Noriel Mostajo

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Online graduate programs are steadily growing as working professionals look to return to school and search for flexible options that fit their schedules. As the online graduate student population grows, student parents also make up this ever-increasing population. My action research questions focused on assessing the factors that contribute the most to student parents’ academic success in online graduate programs; and seeing how support for online graduate student parents can be enhanced to meet their needs. I implemented three cycles for my project. These cycles involved interviewing student parents in our online graduate programs and providing them with workshops relevant …

From First Steps To First Stories: The Power Of Being The First, Samuel Osuna

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Abstract

This action research project centers on empowering first-generation college students (FGCS) through storytelling and reflection to identify better ways to support them and expand resources. The guiding question of my research is: How can I better empower first-generation college students? To explore this, I will incorporate two cycles, one involving visual art representations and another consisting of individual interviews. These methods were intentionally chosen to provide FGCS with creative and personal avenues to express their experiences. Through this project, I anticipate that students will feel more empowered by sharing their stories and gain a stronger sense of agency in …

Engaging The Educators: Enhancing Faculty Support In Online Graduate Programs, Alexandra Constant

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

In this action research study, I explored how the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education can better support faculty in increasing their presence in online graduate programs. Drawing from the literature on faculty engagement and student satisfaction in online education, I investigated two guiding questions: How do online graduate students perceive faculty engagement, and what support do faculty need to sustain high levels of engagement? Guided by Kemmis and McTaggart’s (2000) action research spiral, the four-phase study began with an analysis of student evaluations (n = 592), derived from 58 course sections, followed by a student …

Understanding First-Generation Students’ Needs And Sense Of Belonging In Online Graduate Programs, Jessica Guerrero

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this study is to explore first-generation graduate students’ needs and perception of their sense of belonging in online programs. This data can guide the development of effective practices for supporting and retaining these students. The research question driving this study is: how can I support first-generation students as they navigate challenges, achieve academic success, and strengthen a sense of belonging in online graduate programs? Through a mixed-methods approach, three cycles were used consisting of a focus group, individual interviews, and an online webinar to collect data. The themes that emerged in this study were the need for …

Beyond Brotherhood And Sisterhood: Leading With Awareness To Forge Inclusive Relationships In Fsl, Natalie O'Neal

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my study was to explore strategies that enhance fraternity and sorority members’ capacity to build relationships across identity differences at the University of San Diego (USD). The research question that guided my study was: How can I help USD’s Fraternity and Sorority Life Office provide a capacity-building model for fraternity and sorority members to cultivate relationships across identity differences? My research utilized three cycles of workshops, surveys, and interviews. Key findings highlight the essential role of identity work in fostering self-awareness and social awareness, the challenges of discussing identity in FSL, and the need for dedicated spaces …

Spirituality And Outdoor Recreation In Higher Education, Sierra G. Hilton

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my project is to explore the role of spirituality in an outdoor recreation office called Outdoor Adventures at the University of San Diego. My project question is: How can I integrate spiritually focused activities in outdoor recreation to foster students’ faith and increase well-being? Themes that emerged included the perceived positivity of engaging with spirituality, the value of art in doing so, and the relevance of Catholic spirituality in the lives of college students and staff. Recommendations include the development of stronger partnerships with campus partners, the creation of a database for Catholic resources for student affairs …

Enhancing Peer Coach Learning Outcomes: Integrating Alumni Insights For Future Development, Kari Adams

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

My research aimed to enhance learning outcomes for the coaches participating in a peer coaching internship program. The research question was: how can I work and engage peer coach alumni to better support the professional development of future peer coaches? I incorporated the perspectives of alumni coaches to identify key areas for improvement to support the professional development of future peer coaches. I conducted three cycles: alumni reflections, workshops, and a roundtable resume discussion. A theme that emerged from alumni peer coach reflections were to provide opportunities to engage with more psychology professionals and integrate career readiness into the internship …

Improving Interconnectedness Among Student Affairs Conduct Processes On The University Of San Diego’S Campus, Oliver H. Kushen

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my research was to learn how student conduct systems within The Division of Student Affairs at the University of San Diego (USD) could be improved by staff and students learning from one another. My research involved guiding staff and students from various conduct processes across campus to learn from each other through improved communication and restorative practices, while ensuring USD’s Mission was emphasized. Research cycles included restorative justice circles, interviews, and a survey. Common themes were the importance of the restorative mission, a focus on student wellness, and a desire to learn from one another through joint …

La Cultura Cura: Implementing Culturally-Relevant Wellness Programs For Latinx College Students, Valentina Valenzuela

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Latinx college students are the fastest growing demographic on college campuses. As this population continues to rise, institutions must adapt their programming to meet their unique needs. One key factor influencing Latinx success and retention is wellness. The purpose of this action research project was to investigate the relationship between culture and wellness and use this information to implement culturally-relevant wellness initiatives for Latinx students. The main research question that guided this study was: How can I incorporate culturally-relevant wellness events into United Front Multicultural Commons’ programming for Latinx students? I conducted three cycles that included a wellness event, plática …

An Integrated Approach To Supporting Undergraduate Students Through Wellness And Community, Nicole Manning

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Students experience mounting levels of stress due to the demands of balancing academics and social relationships. These influences can cause negative effects on the mind and body. Empowering students with resources for holistic wellbeing could relieve stress, create a nurturing environment, and impact their overall success at University of San Diego (USD). My project assisted in a course where undergraduate students develop skills to thrive personally beyond their time at USD. The research question that drove my study was: How can I help develop a successful holistic wellness course to support students in relieving stress? I completed three cycles which …

University Of Northern Iowa Faculty Special Meeting, May 12, 2025, University Of Northern Iowa.

University Faculty Documents

The meeting minutes of a University of Northern Iowa Special Faculty Meeting held on May 12, 2025.

2025 May 12 - Staff Senate Agenda And Minutes, Staff Senate, East Tennessee State University

Staff Senate Agendas and Minutes

No abstract provided.

Mixed Method Approach To Language Allocation Policies For High School English Language Learners, Rhonda Hope Huegel

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-method sequential exploratory research study aims to describe how New York City High School principals use their language implementation policies to describe their approach to closing the achievement gap for English Learners through three theoretical lenses: transformative leadership, social constructivism, and ethics of care. The study used public data and documents along with principal interviews

The Efficiency Of Sensory Systems In Postural Control Of Children With And Without Hearing Or Visual Impairments, Hamed Zarei, Ali Asghar Norasteh, Lauren J. Lieberman, Michael W. Ertel, Ali Brian Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Limited evidence exists on the efficiency of the sensory systems of children with sensory impairment. The purpose of this study was to examine the sensory systems involved in postural control of male children with hearing (HI) or visual impairments (VI) compared to those without HI or VI. Participants aged 9–13 years old (N = 45, M_age = 11.43, SD = 1.5) were placed within one of three equally stratified purposive groups (HI, VI, comparison children). Postural control was measured using a Kistler force plate (with stabilometric parameters: mean velocity in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML), standard deviation …

Moments, Movements, And Manifestation: Disrupting Neoliberal Ideologies Through Documentation In Collaborative Arts Partnerships, Geralyn Schroeder Yu, Juana Reyes, Teju Adesida, Noé Cuéllar, Mark Diaz, Brandon Phouybanhdyt

Education Department Faculty Articles

For over three decades, Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE) has challenged neoliberal approaches and classroom hierarchies through arts integration inquiry practices involving students, teachers, and teaching artists. The authors emphasize a two-year study of CoLab, a CAPE initiative that fosters new public-school partnerships. Using narrative inquiry, the researchers highlight the documentation practices described by CoLab teaching artists as they collaborate with teachers and students. The research results reveal how documentation in collaborative arts integration serves as a process of meaning-making, characterized by moments, movements, and manifestations that spread and grow, much like ripples in water after a stone’s disruption.

Implementation Of Transformative Sel Standards For Preparing Future Educators: A Case Study, Kristin Rush, Maiko Hata, Deirdre Hon, Lauren Vega O’Neil

Curriculum and Instruction Faculty Publications and Presentations

Despite two decades of research on positive impacts of social and emotional learning (SEL), many teachers feel underprepared to support their students’ SEL. The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe the efforts of several of Oregon’s Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to conceptualize and carry out implementation of Oregon’s SEL standards to better support future teachers. We explored how EPPs across Oregon are addressing these new standards with interviews of four institutional representatives who are members of The Oregon Collaborative for SEL in Educator Preparation (OCSEP). The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities …

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy In Mathematics Instructional Practices For Students With Disabilities, Pendo S. Nyanda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Middle school mathematics special education teachers struggle to integrate culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) into their instructional practices for students with disabilities (SWDs). The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore middle school mathematics special education teachers’ understanding of CRP and the support needed to integrate it into mathematics teaching practices. CRP was the conceptual framework for this study, explaining that teaching practices that integrate students’ cultural backgrounds promote their academic success. Two research questions guided the exploration of teachers' understanding of CRP and the support they believe is needed for integrating it. The study collected data through semistructured …

Visualizing Success: The Role Of Visual Mathematics In Higher Education, Taylor-Paige M. Winslow

Education Dissertations

Despite being well-documented methods for supporting deeper understanding of complex mathematical concepts, visual mathematics remains underutilized in undergraduate higher education, where traditional equation-driven and memorization-focused approaches dominate instruction. Using data collected from pre- and post-intervention surveys and written reflections from 24 participants, the purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine how implementing visual representations into a college algebra course influenced students’ mathematical self-efficacy, confidence, perceived understanding of the material, and attitudes toward mathematics. Findings revealed that students who experienced the visual mathematics intervention reported notable improvements in their sense of preparedness, confidence in performing mathematics both numerically and visually, …

Early Childhood Educators’ Experiences Facilitating Learning Of Noncognitive Skills, Amanda Taylor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that early childhood educators need help supporting young children in learning noncognitive skills, such as socialization, perseverance, and self-efficacy. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood educators’ experiences facilitating the learning of noncognitive skills, specifically socialization, perseverance, and self-efficacy. The study was grounded in the conceptual frameworks Nagaoka et al.’s noncognitive framework and Stingher’s learning to learn in early childhood framework. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with eight local early childhood educators who teach 3- and 4-year-olds, who were contacted via email, word of mouth, …

Examining The Relationship Between Teacher Characteristics And African American Vernacular English (Aave): A Quantitative Study, Mary Michelle Porter

Theses & Dissertations

African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is a distinct linguistic variety characterized by unique grammatical and phonological features. Despite its linguistic legitimacy, AAVE is often subject to negative perceptions that can adversely affect the educational experiences of students who speak it. The purpose of this study is to examine elementary school teachers’ attitudes toward AAVE and how these are influenced by demographic factors. Forty-eight teachers from Suffolk, New York, and Houston, Texas, participated in a survey that included demographic questions and the Language Attitude Scale (LAS), a validated instrument for assessing attitudes toward AAVE. Demographic variables included age, race, years of …