A Comprehensive Analysis Of Virtual Reality In Modern Healthcare Education, Adarsha Ganesan

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in healthcare education through multiple facets of evaluation: educational outcomes, accessibility considerations, and financial viability. Drawing from an extensive literature review on existing research and a case study of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing's "Journey Through the Kidney" VR experience, this analysis examines how technology can transform modern medical education. While research shows mixed results regarding virtual reality’s impact on assessment outcomes, studies demonstrate increased student motivation and engagement, which can have lasting downstream effects on the quality of learning. Accessibility analysis reveals both opportunities and …

Advancing Mitochondrial Dna Visualization And Dynamics In Plants: Application Of The Mt-Hi-Ness Fluorescent Marker, Madeleine H. Faber

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and inheritance, yet its dynamics and exchange remain poorly understood in plant systems due to limitations in visualization techniques. Traditional visualization methods such as exogenous DNA stains and fluorescent protein markers present challenges in specificity and live-cell imaging. To address this challenge, we adapted the MT-HI-NESS fluorescent marker, originally developed for mammalian cells, for use in plant mitochondrial studies. Using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system, we employed mitochondrial targeting sequences (IVD and AOX) to ensure accurate localization and to confirm mtDNA binding specificity. The validation process included fluorescence-based …

Understanding Automation From A Computer Science Perspective, Matthew Donsig

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis looks into automation and analyzes its benefits and problems. It begins with an explanation of a capstone project, automating the UNL State Museum’s reservation system. Problems of automation are presented in unsuccessful attempts and some pitfalls of automation. Next this thesis turns to an examination of artificial intelligence in automation. Along with that, we look at bias in automation and how people can bias automated tools or be biased by them. Turning successful examples of automation and then automation in manufacturing shows its benefits. Automation creates new jobs or changes work as much as it eliminates positions. At …

A Comparative Analysis Of Women’S Health In Latin America And The United States: Geographical Context And Preventative Actions, Holly J. Robinson

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Cervical cancer, breast cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy complications, and gender-based violence are dangers faced by women everywhere. However, the severity of these risks can increase significantly due to a country’s geography, government control, and level of development. This thesis expands upon information gained directly from on-site experiences with medical professionals and locals (including doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and patients) in Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, and further research to look at Latin America as a whole, in relation to the United States. Both the US and Latin America exhibit problems with their healthcare systems. The United States is more …

Through Every Door A New Story: An Advertising Campaign For Francie & Finch Bookshop, Aislinn T. Sullivan

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

More and more of our world is run by algorithms. What we see, what we buy, and what we share. Online retail has sent ripples through the book-selling industry, but the algorithms can’t replicate the feeling of tangible discovery and shared experience.

As more free time is taken up by digital entertainment, moms are seeking to create personally resonant experiences for those they love. This campaign strives to introduce Francie & Finch as the stage for the target market, moms ages 35-50, increasing brand awareness.

These moms remember the things that tightened their bond with their loved ones like …

The Commodification Of Native American Remains: The Use Of Native American Remains Within Educational Institutions And The Implementation Of Nagpra, Molly Nowak

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Indigenous communities have been commodified within educational institutions such as museums, universities, and governmental agencies throughout American history. Unethical collection practices have allowed for a disproportionate representation of Indigenous remains and materials within educational institutions. Indigenous bodies, funerary objects, religious materials, and other important cultural materials have been stolen from their communities and used for scientific discovery and education. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), passed in 1990, created legal protections for Indigenous graves and remains and instigates the return of the stolen materials. This project reviews the historical contexts behind the collection of Indigenous remains, the …

Espn Navigates A New World Order, Grace Rowe

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

ESPN has been at the top of sports broadcasting for decades. Recently, there has been a shift in consumer behavior towards preferring digital streaming instead of cable television. In this report, I will discuss the background of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) and its competitive advantages. I will analyze the situation using a strategic framework to take a closer look at what solutions ESPN could implement. Finally, I will recommend how to successfully transition from the crown jewel of cable bundles to an online streaming platform. After looking at the PESTEL framework, Porter’s Five Forces, the VRIO framework, …

Addressing The Lack Of Patient Adherence To Exercise Within The Physical Therapy Clinic And Creating Infographics To Improve Patient Adherence, Gretchen Panovich

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The primary objective of this applied knowledge project is to develop educational materials to enhance patient adherence. The World Health Organization defines adherence as “the extent to which a person’s behavior…corresponds with agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider.” Within the physical therapy field, non-adherence to exercise is a significant problem linked with increased duration of treatment, more patient complaints, reduced positive clinical outcomes, and even surgical intervention.

Multiple factors affect patient adherence, making it hard to pinpoint a singular cause. Clinical observations and research suggest that belief in the rehabilitation process may suffer due to a prolonged recovery period, lack …

Seeking Sustainable Tutoring Programs: A Case For Supplemental Instruction For The Success Of Middle School Students At The Sj Davis Campus In San Antonio, Texas, Charles Mazuca

Theses & Dissertations

Seeking Sustainable Tutoring Programs: A Case for Supplemental Instruction for the Success of Middle School Students at the SJ Davis Campus in San Antonio, Texas

Charles Andrew Mazuca

University of the Incarnate Word, 2025

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to implement a pilot tutoring program on the campus of a public middle school in San Antonio, Texas, that supports improved math performance of under-performing students on the state mandated standardized test known as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam; broadly speaking, the study posed the question “How might a school community create a sustainable …

Empowering Educational Leaders: Elevating Social-Emotional Learning Through Transformative Professional Learning, Jennifer Hoffman

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

As educational institutions transition back to normalcy following the pandemic, fostering strong relationships between educators and students remains paramount. School connectedness represents a multifaceted framework that includes school culture, the rapport between students and teachers, and the implementation of targeted strategies to develop essential skills, all aimed at enhancing student achievement. In the ongoing effort to address student learning holistically, traditional approaches to managing student behavior, such as disciplinary exclusions, continue to persist. Disciplinary exclusions refer to measures that remove students from instructional settings as a consequence of school-related behavioral issues (Gage et al., 2019). A closer examination reveals that …

Improving Early Intervention Team Practices: A Single-Case Design, Christopher Jay Siano

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This dissertation examined how a high school’s Early Intervention Team (EIT) identifies and supports disengaged students. The researcher focused on applying Team-Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) protocols within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to enhance team effectiveness. Grounded in the Improvement Science framework, this study followed the process of identifying a problem of practice, understanding root causes, developing and testing change ideas, and measuring impact. The researcher utilized a mixed methods single-case design to investigate how professional development influenced EIT practices, particularly in meeting foundations and problem solving. During the initial phase, a comprehensive root cause analysis identified key factors contributing …

Teacher Mindset: Improving Academic Outcomes For Students With Disabilities, Tracy A. Edwards

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This mixed-methods Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) explores the discrepancy between general and special education student performance on measures of growth and achievement in English Language Arts and Math in a small, suburban school district in Southwest Connecticut. Research supports that the growth rate for students with disabilities often decreases as they get older, leaving special education students with fewer opportunities to close the achievement gap over time. This study illustrates the importance of addressing teachers’ mindsets, perceptions, and collective efficacy to close the achievement and growth gap. Fifteen special education teachers and related service providers participated in a …

Using Function-Based Thinking To Support Adaptive Student Behavior For Elementary Students, Hilary R. Baude

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This study investigated the factors influencing educators’ difficulty managing students’ maladaptive behavior in a suburban Pre-K-5 school. Research demonstrates that educators’ ability to manage student behaviors directly impacts students’ social, emotional, academic, and behavioral outcomes. This study examined the impact of an 8-week Function-Based Thinking (FBT) intervention on Pre-K-5 general educators’ ability to identify and implement function-based supports to promote adaptive behaviors for general education students in the classroom setting. The researcher conducted a convergent mixed-methods study with six general educators and merged quantitative data measuring FBT knowledge, beliefs about behavior, and students’ behavioral trends with qualitative findings from exit …

Using Community Circles To Build A Sense Of Belonging In Kindergarten, Andrea J. D’Aiuto

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice explored how implementing daily community circles in kindergarten classrooms equipped teachers with strategies to support dysregulated students. The participants for this study consisted of three kindergarten teachers. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design, the practitioner investigated the impact of delivering five Professional Learning Series (PLS) sessions and implementing community circles on students' behaviors and sense of belonging. The practitioner merged quantitative data comprising pre- and post-survey results from the Community Circles Teacher Survey and prosocial and antisocial frequency student behavior data with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews to answer the proposed research questions. …

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism Through Transformative Strengths And Self-Efficacy-Based Family Engagement And Learner Support, Gemma Joseph-Lumpkin

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Chronic absenteeism in K-12 educational settings poses significant challenges, particularly in its impact on cognitive and socio-emotional development and learning opportunities across grade levels. This dissertation examines the multifaceted nature of absenteeism, emphasizing strengths-based and self-efficacy-based approaches to mitigate its effects. Drawing on extensive literature, the study highlights the importance of family engagement solutions that foster student and family empowerment from early grades through high school.

In the early grades, interventions aimed at supporting children and families from impoverished backgrounds are underscored, while the middle grades focus on instilling hope and resilience in adolescents. At the high school level, the …

An Improvement Science In Practice: Empowering Paraeducators Working With Students With Disabilities In Supporting Student Engagement And Self-Regulation, Carol Anne Barnes

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Paraeducators play a vital role in supporting students with disabilities, contributing to their academic, social, and emotional success in both special education and general education classrooms. This ISDiP study employed a convergent mixed methods design and action research methodology to implement a tiered model of professional development aimed at increasing paraeducators’ feelings of self-efficacy in applying skills and knowledge to support students with disabilities. The tiered model of professional development incorporated didactic instruction, modeling, coaching, and feedback. As part of the intervention, paraeducators completed pre-and post-surveys, attended at least two of four training sessions, and provided qualitative feedback through exit …

The Integrated Teacher: A Mixed Methods Study On How Professional Development In Comprehensive Wellbeing Practices Affect Special Education Teacher Stress And Efficacy, Katlyn Hagley

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) sought to examine the effects of mindfulness-based and trauma-informed instruction on special education teachers' (SETs’) perceived levels of stress and self-efficacy to improve teacher wellbeing, reduce attrition, and foster a stronger sense of school community. This study was conducted in a large, urban public school district in the Northeastern United States using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design within a participatory action research framework. The research addressed the following questions: Does participating in an eight-week virtual training in mindfulness exercises positively influence the perceived levels of jobrelated stress among SETs? Does participating in an …

Protecting The Dignity Of The Child: A Study In Trauma-Sensitive Practices And Collective Efficacy In An Alternative Educational Setting, Erin Dessureau-O'Hara

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This dissertation addresses the issue of ineffective proactive approaches to students' emotional regulation by educational staff, which contributes to a high incidence of punitive discipline. The study aims to increase teachers' trauma-sensitive approaches to students' emotional needs to reduce the use of punitive and exclusionary discipline practices. Using a convergent mixedmethods research design, data were collected through interviews, exit tickets, classroom observations, focus group discussions, student behavior data, and pre-and post-assessments of collective efficacy. Participants included elementary teachers, support staff, and behavioral staff. The findings demonstrate that professional learning focused on trauma-sensitive approaches, the science of emotions and the brain, …

Improving Teacher Capacity To Support Student Wellness In The Classroom, Kelli M. Wedgewood

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This mixed methods Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP), examined the impact of a social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, Character Strong, on teacher’s SEL knowledge, belief, and practices. This study, conducted in a rural northeastern state, trained teachers to use Character Strong, a low-burden, high-impact SEL curriculum for six weeks. Participants generated quantitative data via three surveys. Two were administered in a pre and post test format, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test was administered to establish statistical significance. The third survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Teacher participants generated qualitative data through interview processes. Qualitative and Quantitative data were …

Strengthening Educators' Metacognitive Instructional And Assessment Practices To Support The Academic Achievement Of Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth, Meredith G. Kennedy

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This mixed methods Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice (ISDiP) explored the impact of strengthening educators’ use of metacognitive instructional and assessment practices on lesson planning and delivery to support the academic achievement of juvenile-justice involved youth (JJ youth) in a Juvenile Detention Center School (JDC). During an eight-week intervention, the teaching staff of the JDC participated in professional development (PD) sessions, individual coaching, and classroom observations. The resulting data included exit slips following PD sessions, researcher field notes, the metacognitive observation support rubric, and feedback from a focus group. The results indicate that the JDC educators strengthened their capacity to …

Climate Change In An Urban Catholic School: Taking The Temperature With A Three-Pronged Sel Intervention, Christa Marie Chodkowski

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice examines the impact of a 10-week social-emotional learning (SEL) intervention on school climate at Newberry Catholic Academy, an urban Catholic school with high teacher turnover. The intervention, combining a book study, daily gratitude journaling, and common planning time, aimed to improve collaboration, collegiality, and belongingness among faculty. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the study assessed changes in teacher perceptions and the effectiveness of each component. Quantitative analysis via the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed significant declines in Professional Learning (p=.01), Feedback and Coaching (p=.03), and School Leadership (p=.01), highlighting a need for further inquiry. Qualitative …

Reviving Baybayin: The Pre-Hispanic Writing System Of The Philippines, And Raising Awareness In The United States, Richana K. Stone

Honors Thesis

Baybayin is an Indigenous system of writing in the Philippines that has been preserved, but has seen rapid decline in usage throughout the centuries. This paper explores the history of Baybayin and the methods of reviving the written script that have been suggested and used to reimplement Baybayin into the daily lives of Filipinos. Furthermore, this paper will look at how Lakota and Peruvian recording systems, the winter count and the khipu, respectively, have been preserved and used in modern times. Viewing the history of these groups and how they preserved these writing systems sparks a potential for the adoption …

Comparing Fastbridge Reading Assessment Scores: Reading Interventionist Vs. Lexia Powerup For Sixth-Grade Students, Amanda K. Boss

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This study investigates the differences in FastBridge reading assessment scores among sixth-grade students at a middle school in Southeast Minnesota. A sample of 266 sixth graders participated in the technology-based intervention program, Lexia PowerUp, while 35 students received additional support from a reading interventionist using the UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Initiative) Foundations curriculum. Employing a quantitative, non-experimental post hoc analysis, the research revealed that both Lexia PowerUp and UFLI: Foundations enhanced FastBridge AUTOreading scores; however, FastBridge aReading scores showed no significant changes for either program. Notably, students utilizing Lexia PowerUp consistently improved throughout the year, whereas those in the …

Mirrors Of Learning: Amplifying Engagement And Retention With Culturally Relevant Teaching In 21st-Century Education, Britney Buckner

Honors College Theses

This research investigates the impact of Culturally Relevant Teaching (CRT) on student engagement and information retention, in alignment with 21st-century learning objectives. CRT, which incorporates educational content reflecting the diverse identities of students, fosters a deeper connection to the material and aligns with the fundamental purpose of education in preparing students for societal and global contexts. By mirroring their realities in the curriculum, students are motivated to learn and retain information, recognizing its relevance to their lives. This increased retention is essential for accurately assessing student knowledge against state and national benchmarks, indicative of successful 21st-century education. Furthermore, CRT supports …

Grossly Misunderstood: How Two Low Socioeconomic Black Parents In The Rural South Perceive Their Involvement In Their Children's Education, Diana Carver

All Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of low-socioeconomic Black parents living in the rural South regarding education. The study was designed to amplify the voice a marginalized community that is misunderstood regarding their children’s education. Using a detailed narrative design, I interviewed two single-parent families living in a Section 8 apartment complex to capture their perceptions of their children’s education.

In this study, the participants were single mothers who expressed their desires and goals for their children. In addition, these mothers shared their backgrounds and experiences growing up and attending school, which shaped and molded …

Creating Resilient Social Workers: A Pilot Study On Implementing Resilience-Building Skills With Social Work Students, Andrea Sparrow

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

Social work students in Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs are expected to develop competencies in working with individuals, groups, and communities. However, limited research exists on their preparedness with resilience-building skills to navigate occupational challenges. This mixed-methods exploratory study examined the relationship between completing online resilience-building modules and students’ knowledge of resilience strategies. A pre-and post-assessment measured knowledge uptake among undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Louisville’s Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. The study explored two key questions: (1) What is the relationship between completing resilience-building modules and students’ knowledge …

May 2025 Library & Learning Newsletter, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Library & Learning Dean’S Office Communications Team

Library & Learning Newsletters

PDF version of the May 2025 (Volume 3, Issue 7) Library & Learning Newsletter.

Beyond The Flow: A Critical Examination Of Engagement And Learning Outcomes In Game-Based Learning Through Bibliometric And Manual Literature Analysis, Daniel Ray Singletary

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the role of flow in game‐based learning and compares the effects of continuous flow states with those produced by structured cognitive interruptions. The research combines a bibliometric analysis of 2,466 peer‐reviewed articles (2004–2024) with a manual review of 106 studies using a custom Flow‐Impact Analysis Framework (FIAF). This framework was developed specifically for the review and may assist future investigations into flow in game‐based learning. FIAF categorizes studies based on how they define flow, the instruments used for its measurement, and the links between flow and cognitive, affective, and behavioral learning outcomes.

Findings show that most research …

Exploring Factors That Increase Self-Efficacy In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) In Elementary Student Populations, Gina Kwid

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores gender and racial-minority perceptions that enhance self-efficacy in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among elementary student populations using a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 61 fifth grade students at a public charter school in Idaho through surveys. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews, observations, and field notes with 13 students, 2 teachers, and 7 parents to identify key themes. The study researches the constructs of family support, engagement and participation in STEM activities, and students’ perceived long-term value of STEM learning as key factors in developing self-efficacy. Despite increasing awareness of the need …

Secondary Public School Teachers' Perception On Professional Learning Experiences That Influence Their Beliefs And Feelings Of Ease With Integrating Technology, Daquita Pounds

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to examine secondary teachers’ perceptions on the role of others and the role of their professional learning experiences as influencing factors on their belief in their ability to and feelings of ease with integrating technology. A basic qualitative design is used for the current study. A total of six secondary, in-service teachers provided evidence for this study across a total of three semi-structured interviews that occurred during the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic school year. The teachers in this study were given the opportunity to share how they selected their learning experiences for technology integration …