Gifted Education Commons^™

Gut Feeling: A Holistic Digital Tool For Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Food Sensitivities, Hailey M. Olberding

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and food intolerances are increasingly prevalent chronic gastrointestinal (GI) conditions that significantly impair quality of life. While the low-Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAP) diet has demonstrated success in symptom management, current digital tools fail to offer integrated, user-friendly platforms that holistically track contributing health factors. Gut Feeling is a mobile app (Appendix 1) and complementary website (Appendix 2) developed to fill this gap. By incorporating symptom logging, food intake tracking and complementary database, stress and sleep monitoring, and trend analysis, this platform empowers users to better understand their bodies and manage GI symptoms proactively. …

Global Brand, Local Market: A Strategic Analysis Of Netflix’S Adaptation Challenges In India, Carolina Barraza

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Netflix is a leading subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform known for its premium content and global reach. As it expands into new international markets, one of its most complex challenges is scaling in India, a market defined by intense price competition, regional diversity, and evolving regulatory frameworks, but without losing its global brand identity. This case study provides a strategic analysis of Netflix’s position in the Indian market, using external and internal assessment tools to evaluate the company’s opportunities, risks, and long-term viability. The analysis draws on publicly available data, including industry reports, financial disclosures, and academic research.

A comprehensive PESTEL …

Entre La Reforma Y La Realidad: Salud Y Derechos Humanos En Costa Rica, Cuba Y Uruguay, Alyssa M. Nielsen

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Latinoamérica tiene varios sistemas para el cuidado de la salud y el acceso es uno de la lista de los derechos humanos. Esta región es la más desigual del mundo y se han logrado grandes avances, pero no se han distribuido equitativamente. Los sistemas de Cuba, Costa Rica y Uruguay son bien desarrollados, pero funcionan diferente. Costa Rica y Uruguay tienen opciones públicas y privadas y tienen maneras como la Mutualista en Uruguay y la Caja en Costa Rica para cubrir las visitas y servicios necesarios. Cuba es el sistema más controversial y tiene gran influencia de Castro, de donde …

Perfecting The Pride Of All Nebraska, David Swotek

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

For my thesis, I completed a creative project focusing on my involvement in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. I created a documentary/YouTube-style video about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhusker Marching Band and how much work goes into creating their performances. I wanted to see what work happens behind the scenes that their large audiences never get to see.

To get all the information I needed to create an efficient and effective piece, I interviewed 13 band students ranging in years, instruments, ranks, etc. It was very important to get a large range of perspectives on this piece because …

Conagra Brands Strategic Audit, Ashley R. Nierman

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The goal of this paper is to present a comprehensive strategic audit of Conagra Brands, Inc., a major company in the consumer-packaged foods industry. The audit evaluates the external environment of Conagra, including a PESTEL analysis and Porter’s Five Forces analysis. Various industry factors that affect Conagra’s operations are taken into consideration. It will also explain the internal environment of Conagra using tools such as a SWOT analysis, financial performance review, and strategy explanation. Key areas of focus include shifting demands, including consumers’ desire for more healthy and sustainable food options, recent political and economic factors, competitive advantages of Conagra, …

Sofi Technologies Incorporated Strategic Audit, Elena Eisaman

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

SoFi, a catchy abbreviation of Social Finance, is a digital bank as of 2022. The company seeks to offer better banking than traditional alternatives. SoFi, founded in 2011, has slowly developed financial offerings with the goal of dominating digital banking. The company is best known for helping customers manage student loans, but SoFi aims to provide customers with services for their every financial need. The platform boasts 10.9 million members, 33 billion in debt paid, and 117 billion in loans issued (SoFi). This report will explore SoFi’s origin, functions, and competitive environment. These investigations will inform recommendations for the company …

A Strategic Audit Of Cnh Industrial, Cassidy Hoffman, Derek Huss, Maren Tuell, Cami Chapin, Megan Berg

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This research examines CNH Industrial, a leading global agricultural machinery company, and its strategic approach to innovation, sustainability, and customer loyalty. Operating under brands like CASE IH and New Holland Agriculture, CNH focuses on integrating advanced technology into its products, such as precision agriculture tools, to enhance efficiency, optimize fuel savings, and support sustainable agricultural practices. The company’s comprehensive business model, which spans from product development to financing, fosters strong customer retention and brand loyalty.

Through a differentiation strategy, CNH maintains competitiveness in the face of intense market rivalry, particularly with industry leader John Deere. This study analyzes CNH’s ability …

Mapping Mosquito Habitats With Girl Scouts: A Citizen Science Approach Using The “Mosquito Mission: Scout & Report!” Worksheet, Claire A. Klein

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Mosquitoes, though small, impact millions around the world by being significant vectors of diseases. The search for effective mosquito control efforts is ongoing, however, there is a gap in community involvement with a focus on recognizing and reducing potential breeding areas. Public engagement is a cornerstone of effective mosquito control. This honors thesis investigates the implementation of the Mosquito Mappers program with an original Girl Scout worksheet, “Mosquito Mission: Scout & Report!” This worksheet, which utilizes NASA’s GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper app, enables the Girl Scouts to contribute to real-time environmental monitoring. By guiding Girl Scouts through an inquiry-based …

Systemic Failures Of The Criminal Justice System, Isabella Lucero

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

America’s history as a nation that was founded on the unjust treatment of the people of color has forever shaped the way our justice system has evolved. From slavery to “Black Codes” to Jim Crow Laws, the system has never been set up for equal administration of justice. The purpose of this essay is to evaluate how the Criminal Justice System disadvantages and targets individuals at all stages of justice involvement, with a particular focus on individuals from communities of color.

The Effects Of Diluted Fungicide On Western Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma Mavortium) Health, Sage Veomett

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The Western Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium) is a species of salamander that is native to Nebraska. The Western Tiger Salamander population has been in decline, specifically in Southeast Nebraska (Ferraro, 2016). The purpose of this study was to determine whether low levels of Azoxystrobin fungicide deposited in the soil are harmful to the Western Tiger Salamander. In this study, soil in tanks containing pairs of Western Tiger Salamanders was treated with levels of Azoxystrobin 0.5x under the recommended label amount for usage. Fifteen salamanders in total were used. Four tanks of salamander pairs were treated with the Azoxystrobin …

The Impact Of Provider Communication On Treatment Adherence In Patients With Hypertension And Diabetes, Trey Carlson

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Current research cites effective provider communication as an important factor in improving treatment adherence and the health outcomes of patients. This study examines the effect of provider communication on treatment adherence in patients with chronic illnesses with a specific focus on hypertension and diabetes. Provider communication was measured using patient satisfaction surveys and treatment compliance was measured as the percentage of hypertensive and diabetic patients with a blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg and hemoglobin A1C levels below 9%. A one-way MANOVA revealed that provider communication had no significant impact on the combined treatment compliance variables for hypertension and diabetes (Wilk’s …

Optimizing Transcription Efficiency Through Mutations In The T7 Rna Polymerase, Claire N. Novak

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The production of RNA is vital for many commercial and research purposes, with one of the more notable reasons being vaccine production. The RNA polymerase, derived from T7 bacteriophage, is commonly used for RNA production due to its ability to produce full-length RNA transcripts. However, researchers have faced limitations in optimizing this polymerase. For example, the polymerase generates heterogeneous RNA products that require additional purification steps during RNA production. Here, we selected three amino acid point substitutions based on a recent publication from Moderna that showed increased RNA purity compared to the wild type T7 RNA polymerase sequence. We created …

The Effects Of Interpretation On Children Of Immigrants, Crystal Carrillo

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Translation focuses on converting written text from one language to another with accuracy and cultural nuance, while interpretation involves real-time verbal communication, requiring quick comprehension and delivery, often in high-pressure settings like conferences or medical appointments. This essay also explores the experiences of bilingual children who have interpreted for family members in healthcare settings. It investigates the emotional and psychological burden that arises from this role, particularly when individuals are required to interpret complex medical information, traumatic histories, or sensitive diagnoses. The findings reveal that informal family interpreters often face significant stress, social pressure, and potential emotional harm, impacting their …

The Overthrow Of Mohammad Mosaddegh: U.S. Motivations And Long-Term Consequences, Elizabeth Herbin

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

No abstract provided.

Understanding How Family Dynamics Affect Mental Health Communication In Inside Out: A Content Analysis, Kataryna Morton

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This study examines the impact of open communication between family members on mental health and a child’s sense of belonging in the film Inside Out. Previous research has shown the impact of media on children’s socialization, which can influence stigma and make it less likely for vulnerable communication to occur. It is crucial for children to learn to communicate their emotions, and the media can play a key role in shaping these beliefs. Inside Out provides a positive example of mental health communication, which is specifically explored through Riley’s communication with her parents throughout the film. Using a content analysis, …

The Role Of Fear Of Deportation And Perceived Discrimination On Mental Health Outcomes And Service Utilization Among Hispanic Immigrant Nebraskan Women, Karen Rodriguez

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The 2024 US elections stirred up the anti-immigration movement in the US, thus exacerbating the culture of fear around immigration among immigrant communities. Hispanic immigrant women in the US are an underserved and marginalized group that experiences health challenges associated with immigration. These challenges may be linked with fear of deportation and perceived discrimination. This project examined the role of fear of deportation and perceived discrimination on the service utilization and mental health outcomes of Hispanic immigrant Nebraskan women. The sample consists of a convenience sample of 111 Nebraskan immigrant Latinx women. Participants completed a series of questionnaires, including frequency …

Induced Mutagenesis In West Nile Virus Non-Structural Protein 3 With A Discussion Of The Mutation's Effects On Viral Properties, Caden Connealy

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

West Nile Virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family and introduced to the Western hemisphere in 1999, presents a unique and emerging threat to human health. Infection in humans is often mild but can occasionally result in severe neurological impairment and even death. West Nile Virus non-structural protein 3 (NS3) plays an important role in the process of viral genome amplification. More specifically, the C-terminal domain of the protein folds into a helicase enzyme, which is responsible for the “unwinding” of double-stranded RNA intermediates and RNA secondary structure on the WNV genome. This is a vitally important step in …

Unveiling The Stigma: Doctor Mental Health And Intervention Strategies, Joseph Heirigs

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Background

The mental health of physicians is a pressing issue that has received increasing attention in recent years. The alarmingly high suicide rates for physicians underscores the critical need to address the mental health challenges that doctors face. Physicians are exposed to stressors that are unique to their profession, including high-stakes decision making, long work hours, traumatic patient situations, and the emotional toll of patient care. These challenges contribute to high rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and other mental health issues. However, despite these factors, physicians are often reluctant to seek mental health treatment due to fears of professional repercussions, …

Domain Communication In Bifunctional Proline Utilization A From Sinorhizobium Meliloti, Emma Bitterman

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The reduction potential of flavin bound to Sinorhizobium meliloti proline utilization A (SmPutA) is beneficial in providing vital information on enzyme activity and the active site environment. Flavin is crucial in biological metabolism such as aerobic respiration and other important processes like oxygen activation that are catalyzed by flavin-dependent enzymes. (4). In this study, we seek to determine whether the redox potential of SmPutA-bound flavin can be used to characterize potential long-distance communication and analyze the possibilities of inactivation reversibility. SmPutA is a large bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the overall oxidation of proline to glutamate via two catalytic domains (1). …

Spoken Word Percussion And Its Intersection With Communication, Gwen Leuschen

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Music is a form of communication, whether expressing emotion, telling a story, or delivering information. Communication is widely used in music. This communication takes place by conveying ideas through the sound produced by performers. This form of musical communication cues the audience into the messages, information, and emotions the composers intended. However, when text or spoken word is implemented into music, how does this affect the communication, and how can this be analyzed? This paper explores the history of music and spoken word, explains applicable communication theories, and finally applies these theories to music with spoken word, emphasizing percussion.

Boston Scientific Strategic Audit, John Trilling, Carly Gorter, Anna Coffey, Leo Ray

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Boston Scientific had a strong 2023, achieving 13.6% organic growth, $1.208 billion in profit, and maintaining a focus on employee satisfaction and sustainability. Recognized as a top workplace and leading innovator, the company is well-positioned for continued success. Its competitive edge stems from four key strengths. First, its top-tier innovation, driven by strong R&D investment, reinforces its credibility and specialization. Second, its skilled workforce accelerates product development. Third, its deep product lines foster extensive industry knowledge and creativity. Lastly, its logistical capabilities and strategic acquisitions have built a specialized, dominant portfolio. With a focused differentiation strategy, Boston Scientific competes with …

All About Over-The-Counters: The Use Of Public Health Principles In Health Education, Himanshu Gandhi

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The transition from high school to college can be extremely tough on students. There is a massive restructuring in schedules, academics, social lives, and even health. While many students come to college prepared to tackle their respective majors and courses, many of them aren’t prepared to handle the challenges of independent living. One of these challenges is self-healing and preventative care. As part of the University Honors Program, I have had the privilege of taking the first step of many in tackling this challenge. My project consisted of researching several common over-the-counter medications, utilizing my pharmaceutical and biochemical background to …

Tesla Inc. Strategic Audit, Mckenna Eppenbach

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Tesla Inc. is an American electric vehicle company. Tesla's main industry is the manufacturing and selling of electric vehicles, but it has grown to sell batteries, solar panels, and home power storages. Since the company's inception in 2003, it has grown to be the top seller of electric vehicles in the United States. This strategic audit seeks to understand Tesla's business model by analyzing its history, strategy, competitive advantages, resources, and major issues it may face. Internal and external factors were analyzed using the PESTEL analysis and Porter's Five Forces. Finally, recommendations are given on how Tesla can sustain a …

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc Strategic Audit, Carter Herchenbach

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Abstract:

This case study focuses on Take-Two Interactive, Inc (TTWO). Take-Two is a video game developer and publisher most well known for their 2K Sports and Grand Theft Auto video games. By focusing on issues critical to strategic management, this paper provides a detailed analysis of Take-Two Interactive and its subsidiaries. To accomplish this, the paper uses different analysis to examine how, where, and what actions Take-Two uses to compete in the video game industry. The analysis implemented to accomplish this includes a PESTEL analysis, Porter’s Five Forces analysis, and an analysis of Take-Two’s senior leadership team and corporate strategy. …

Volunteering For Medically Underserved Children: Clinic With A Heart–Back-To-School Clinics, Isabella Marie Kerby Kessinger

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Medically underserved children, often from low-income families or areas with limited healthcare resources, face significant barriers in accessing essential medical services and represent a fundamental challenge to equity and social justice. School physicals and back-to-school clinics play a crucial role in addressing these healthcare needs, serving as a gateway to educational and extracurricular opportunities.

Clinic With a Heart (CWH), a non-profit medical and dental clinic in Lincoln, Nebraska, serves as a model for addressing healthcare disparities. In 2023, CWH provided 3,109 visits to 1,846 unique patients, with 83% lacking health insurance and 63% having household incomes below $16,000 annually. The …

Virtual Control: A Comparison Of Methods For Hand-Tracking Implementation, Nathan Roberts

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This thesis examines the design philosophy of modern virtual reality applications that utilize hand-tracking as a primary form of user input. The analysis presented hopes to provide ideas for future implementations of this technology so that more immersive experiences are developed. This analysis starts with the discussion of a modern example of successful hand-tracking implementation, then comparing that implementation to a recent senior design project. This comparison is primarily based on each experience’s ability to create interactivity and immediacy. Interactivity is the degree to which the user can quickly and reliably make changes to their virtual environment, while immediacy is …

Nebraska Department Of Transportation Strategic Audit, Chloe Hoover

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is a state government agency that is responsible for the planning, development, design, construction, maintenance, and administration of the state highway system. Two strategic analyses are completed about NDOT: a PESTEL analysis and Porter’s Five Forces analysis. Both of these analyses showed that since NDOT is a state agency, it impacts foundational aspects of its strategy. NDOT’s strategy is influenced by its financial strategy, policies or political influence, and public importance. NDOT competes with other companies in its workforce and employees and/or applicants leaving NDOT for other companies. This report details NDOT’s strategy, competitive …

In The Case Of Prince Ling Ching: Visualizing The Boxer Rebellion Through Puck Magazine, Mimi Yu

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Through the framework of orientalism, this paper examines the historicism behind satirical illustrations created by artists and editors in Puck Magazine which depict the Boxer Rebellion, spanning from 1899 to 1902. In doing so, I aim to explore the nuances in which mass-produced visual satire seeks to justify Western hegemony. Widely published and distributed in the United States, Puck was a satirical magazine from the late 19th and early 20th century, and one of the first satirical magazines to contain colored lithographic covers. Puck further contributed to discourse over the “Yellow Peril” by employing caricature art and passages of punchlines …

Insects All Around Us: A Four-Session Bug Club Lesson Plan For Grades 3-5 Covering The Biology And Importance Of Insects In Nebraska, Carolyn Almonte

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Insects are often overlooked in science curricula when talking about conservation due to the surrounding fear and disgust regarding insects. This disgust not only permeates the mindsets of students, but also teachers, which leads to a hesitance to incorporate an insect-based curriculum or club into a lesson. In response to this, I have created a four-session club curriculum that can be used across four two hour long sessions spread out across four weeks. The goals of this club are: to explain the key traits of insects and arthropods, differentiating the two groups; to explain and define the basic stages of …

A Lonely Walk Down 24th Street, Ladaysia Smith

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Growing up in North Omaha, 24th Street represented history and community to my family. Inspired by their memories, I began chronicling its history and architecture, only to discover its current silence and neglect. "A Lonely Walk Down 24th Street" became a monument to beauty interwoven with loneliness. Known as the "Street of Dreams," 24th Street was a thriving metropolis. Will Brown's lynching in 1919 signaled its demise, resulting in decades of municipal indifference. My research focused on documenting the Street's desolation and degradation. Challenges included creative block, technical issues, and adjusting to an older camera given to me by my …