Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons^™

The Role Of Dna Exoneration In The Bloodsworth Case, John T. Brasfield

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

In the Kirk Bloodsworth case, a man was falsely convicted for the rape and murder of Dawn Hamilton. He spent eight years in prison after being convicted through witness testimony, where he learned about DNA profiling. After submitting a request to check his DNA against the DNA left at the scene, he was exonerated. Later, the DNA left at the scene was checked against a database and got a hit on a convicted rapist who had been charged shortly after Mr. Bloodsworth. If there had been the same access to DNA technology during the trial or if they had listened …

Key Biomechanical Predictors Of Driving Distance, Cooper M. Scheck, Justin L. Montney, David Fitzhugh, Helen Miles, Greg Kandt

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract: This study investigated the key biomechanical factors that influence golf driving distance using 3D motion capture analysis. Nine swings from three golfers were analyzed using the Sportsbox Golf premium platform, allowing for detailed measurement of swing mechanics across nine phases of the golf swing. Variables included clubhead speed, X-Factor (torso–pelvis separation), body dimensions, and kinematic velocities.

Results showed that carry distance is most strongly associated with clubhead speed and X-Factor at impact, while X-Factor at the top of the backswing was not significantly related. Correlation and regression analyses indicated that a combination of body dimensions, swing speed, and impact …

Oktoberfest In Kansas: Music, Cultural Heritage, And Community Identity, Lauren June

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Oktoberfest began in Munich and is known for its strong connection to music and celebration. In Kansas, Oktoberfest reflects German heritage through live bands, dancing, and traditional songs. This project explores how music helps preserve culture and bring communities together.

Perceptions Of Online De-Escalation Training, May Yu-Harper

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Higher education and professional training have increasingly adopted online and compressed course formats to meet workforce needs and expand access (Al-Youssef, 2023; Pregowska et al., 2021). While these formats provide greater flexibility for learners, they also raise important questions about course duration and its impact on student learning, knowledge gains, and course evaluation ratings (Pregowska et al., 2021). Course evaluations are widely used to assess participants’ perceptions of course quality, value, and applicability (Al-Kharusi, 2023; Loveland, 2007). Prior research suggests that course evaluation ratings may be influenced by factors beyond instructional quality, including participant background and course structure (Daskalopoulou, 2024). …

False Confessions Of A Teenage Boy: The Case Of Brian Boles And Charles Collins, Rebekah Bottner

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

On February 8, 1994, James Reid was found dead in his apartment in New York. In the days following the murder, detectives spoke to several people who lived in the building, looking for potential leads or suspects, including 17-year-old Brain Boles. Boles was initially released from questioning after he signed a statement confirming his alibi and that barely knew Reid. A month later, Boles was arrested for a separate assault and robbery. For this crime, Boles confessed, but he was then subjected to an intense and lengthy interrogation for the murder of James Reid. Eventually, Boles also confessed to the …

Ronald Jones – Guilty Until Proven Innocent, Treyton Schumacher

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Ronald Jones was arrested on January 1^st, 1989, for possible murder and rape in the incident on March 3^rd, 1985. He was beaten by the Chicago police force while in their custody for a false confession so they could close the case. With the forensic evidence skills and technology at the time not being up to par they could not exclude Ronald from being the actual perpetrator until 1997, after the second appeal made by Ronald for the re-examination of the DNA and evidence. Ronald was released two years later on May 18^th, 1999, …

Identifying Socio-Economic Areas Of Concern Towards Inclusion In Gis Hazard Management, Detroit, Michigan, Ernestina Osei

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study examines the spatial distribution of socio-economic vulnerability and access to emergency services in Detroit, Michigan, to identify areas of concern for hazard preparedness and urban resilience. While traditional hazard management strategies often prioritize physical infrastructure, this research emphasizes the importance of integrating social vulnerability factors into planning processes.

Socio-economic variables including poverty, unemployment, median household income, housing vacancy, and insurance coverage were obtained from the American Community Survey. These variables were normalized and combined to create a composite vulnerability index representing areas of heightened socio-economic risk. At the same time, proximity and accessibility to critical services such as …

Finding Her Voice: Communication Challenges And Strategies Among Young Women With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sydney Holthaus, Averi Yeo, Madison Walt, Ran An

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Background/Rationale

Research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has historically centered on males, leaving the communication experiences of autistic females underrepresented (Lai et al., 2015). Although autistic females make up a substantial portion of the autistic population in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023), far less is known about how communication differences affect their everyday lives. Diagnostic processes may also overlook communication-related signs in autistic women, particularly when masking or compensatory behaviors reduce the visibility of underlying pragmatic and social communication differences (Dean et al., 2017; Hull et al., 2020; Rynkiewicz et al., 2018). As a result, …

A Heavy Burden: Linking Body Mass, Locomotion, And Osteopathology In Aphelops And Teleoceras, Kaden W. Moses, Amanda Peng

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The Miocene of North America was characterized by a transition from C3 woodlands to more open C4 grasslands. This transition drove sympatric rhinoceroses of the Ogallala Group, Aphelops and Teleoceras, to adapt in different ways. With the two responding differently, their osteological morphology should reflect this. An animal’s mass and locomotor habit are reflected by their skeleton as is the record of injury, stress, and disease. Twenty-two unassociated specimens (10 Teleoceras humeri, 10 Teleoceras femurs, and 2 Aphelops humeri), from the Fort Hays Sternberg Museum paleontology collection were analyzed. To study this relationship, the femur and humerus were selected …

From Experience To Impact: Engaging With The Idd Community, Annabelle Malsam, Braydon Peterson, Whitney Randall, Andrew Gannon

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Tigers for IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) is an event created and led by college students to provide an opportunity for collaboration between the campus and the IDD community. Volunteers were asked to complete a survey after the event to provide feedback on their experience. Survey results show that volunteering with the IDD community is an overall very positive experience for volunteers and creates opportunities for personal growth. Individuals who volunteer at similar events, such as Special Olympics events, are motivated to participate for reasons such as giving back to the community and doing something worthwhile. Hosting community events that …

Maintaining And Axenizing Live Cyanobacterial Cultures For Bacterial Genome Sequencing, Yufei Wang, Louisa Acquah

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms are an

increasing concern in western Kansas, yet the

bloom-forming species in this region remain

poorly characterized. In this study, we

established and maintained axenic

cyanobacterial cultures to support future

genomic and ecological investigations. By

ensuring low contamination levels and stable

growth conditions, this work provides a

foundation for downstream analyses of bloom-

forming cyanobacteria. It contributes to a better

understanding of freshwater ecosystem health

in western Kansas.

Using Geoscience To Empower A Community And Provide Access To Potable Groundwater, Hendratta Ali Dr

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Access to potable water remains challenging around the world and remains one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Barriers to clean water access are exacerbated by the lack of technical expertise, limited funding for education and training, and the absence of reliable infrastructure that provides access to clean water. The Geoscientists Without Borders program, supported FHSU with funding to test, explore and provide access to clean potable groundwater to a rural community in Cameroon. We conducted water quality analyses, identified, mapped and located deep aquifers in fractured metamorphic rocks. Water quality analyses showed acidic pH and elevated amounts …

Mandibular Ecomorphology Of Tylosaurus (Reptilia: Mosasauridae), Andrew I. Price, Amanda Peng

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The large mosasaur Tylosaurus is known to have been a predator of large marine animals. Performing beam theory analysis, a computational technique that uses linear dimensions of a structure to calculate its resistance to bending, on the mandibles of six Tylosaurus specimens from the Smoky Hill Chalk of Kansas indicates dorsoventral and mediolateral bending strength both increase posteriorly along the mandible. Comparisons with Varanus komodoensis indicate relatively greater mediolateral bending strength mid-dentary in Tylosaurus, suggesting that resisting torsional forces of struggling prey was more important at this landmark in Tylosaurus and that more of its jaw length was used …

Children With Imprisoned Parents: Challenges And The Impact On Society, Alonzo Ortiz

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Nearly half (47%) of incarcerated people in the United States are parents, impacting 2.7 million children at any given time. Prior to their incarceration, about 52% of these children resided with their mother, while 40% lived with their fathers. The rate of incarcerated mothers of multiple children has continued to rise over the past couple of decades. The impact of incarceration produces secondary consequences, including negative impacts on the incarcerated person’s child(ren). In fact, having an incarcerated parent is one of the known Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and ACEs are directly related to later negative life outcomes (e.g., worsened health …

Engage & Elevate: Strengthening Presence In Online Courses, Rachel Dolechek, Latisha Haag, Janet Stramel, Jessica Heronemus

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The Digital Teaching Champions initiative is a faculty‑led effort to strengthen online teaching at Fort Hays State University through small, presence‑focused course design changes. Grounded in the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework and aligned with DigCompEdu and ISTE standards, the Engage & Elevate model invited faculty from multiple disciplines to redesign a single online activity to enhance social, cognitive, or teaching presence. Over one month, participants implemented changes such as restructured discussions, revised peer review prompts, micro‑lectures, and clearer communication plans, then gathered student feedback and met for a summit to share outcomes. Early findings suggest that targeted, manageable changes …

The Role Of Polarized State Governments In Higher Education Funding., Jackson Sinsel

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

• Polarization is something that has the potential to impact many aspects of daily life. The purpose of this study was to look at polarization in comparison to higher education funding allocations.
• A state-level analysis of 49 U.S. states from 1993-2010 was conducted.
• Overall, there was a statistically significant finding that as polarization increases, higher education allocations decrease

Standardizing Cardiac Rehabilitation Referrals In A Rural Primary Care Clinic, Carlie H. Sanders

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cost-effective, evidence-based approach for patients with cardiac conditions to improve quality of life and health outcomes. Despite the benefits, it remains a nationally underutilized service, and extensive research has been conducted to identify interventions that most effectively increase referrals and participation in CR programs. Two of the more successful interventions include strengthening provider recommendations and using a standardized referral system (Ades et al., 2022). This quality improvement project aimed to strengthen provider recommendations and increase the frequency of referrals to the existing CR program at a rural primary care clinic by 50%. To do …

Atp Architect - Development Of A Metabolism Boardgame, Selene J. Welch, Micah Burk, Brooklyn Gilchrist, Emma Haase, Timothy T. Jones

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Traditional metabolism instruction often leaves students struggling with pathway interconnectedness and metabolite flux. To foster systems thinking, we are developing an educational board game where students manipulate tokens to navigate physiological constraints and achieve target energy goals. Grounded in Design-Based Research (DBR), the game undergoes iterative refinement based on player feedback. The design utilizes constructivism by allowing students to "fail safely" and revise strategies in real-time, while leveraging embodied cognition to externalize abstract flux into the physical trading of resource tokens.

The Rabbit Hole: Guided Engagement With Ai In Learning, Yaprak Dalat Ward

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

While Artificial Intelligence adds many advantages to education, it also wreaks havoc on what higher education institutions stand for – the very essence of knowing, doing, coexisting, becoming. Many students have a tendency of using AI in an unreflective manner, escaping the true meaning of learning. This study explored the experience of a faculty member who reframed the teaching role from policing to collaboration, aiming to guide students in rethinking the significance of intellectual and real-world workplace skills vis-à-vis AI. Prior to teaching the course, faculty engaged students in deliberate dialogues on 1) the virtues of knowledge, human judgment, self-efficacy, …

Does Traditional Music From Different Cultures Affect Sleep Quality Differently?, Keiarra J. Gonzales

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Sleep is crucial for maintaining a balanced metabolism and managing appetite, blood sugar, and diabetes. There are many global sleep challenges among college students, which includes what level of priority sleep is in college populations. Therefore, this study covers the topic question Does Traditional Music From Different Cultures Affect Sleep Quality Differently. Furthermore, this study will include peer-reviewed articles, comparison of musical traditions, and analysis of tempo, instrumentation, and cultural familiarity.

Exploring The Impact Of Generative Ai On Curriculum Design And Instruction: A Study With Preservice Teachers, Lindsay A. Gold, Vanessa Winn, Jackie M. Arnold

Thomas C. Hunt Building a Research Community Day

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is transforming education by reshaping curriculum design, individualized learning, and professional collaboration. This interpretive study examines how 70 preservice teachers engaged with GenAI through structured learning experiences focused on lesson planning, content development, and reflective practice. Participants, all fourth-year PK–Grade 5 and intervention specialist candidates at the University of Dayton, completed a co-taught seminar led by methods professors in science, social studies, language arts, and mathematics. Data sources included initial reflections on GenAI’s role in education, documentation of prompt exploration, and ongoing reflections during the seminar. Thematic analysis revealed a shift in preservice teachers’ understanding from …

A Community Showcase Of Student-Led Projects In Crj 377: Crime And Society, Ziwei Qi

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This poster presents an experiential learning initiative in CRJ 377: Crime and Society from the Criminal Justice Program at FHSU. Through student-led service-learning projects, students applied course concepts to real community needs in four areas: animal welfare and public health, community awareness with DSNWK, overdose and poison control prevention, and technology-facilitated abuse education. While each project focused on a distinct issue, all emphasized community wellbeing, public education, and outreach. The initiative shows how experiential learning can strengthen civic responsibility and turn classroom knowledge into practical community action.

Patient Perceptions Of Empathy In Medical Student Encounters: Comparing Electronic And Handwritten Notetaking Methods, Harish Karthikeyan, Asad H. Siddiqui, Stacey Algren, Angellar Manguvo

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Objectives: Patient interviews are central to clinical practice, serving as both an information-gathering tool and a foundation for rapport and empathy. With the increased use of electronic documentation during clinic visits, concerns have been raised about technology detracting from the patient-clinician connection. This study examined whether medical students’ notetaking modality (electronic vs handwritten) influenced patient perceptions of empathy during clinical encounters.

Study Design: This study employed a causal-comparative approach, as student groups occurred naturally, combined with a survey design to collect data from patients.

Methods: A total of 135 student–patient encounters were analyzed at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School …

Current Status Of Msk Diagnostic Ultrasound Education In Doctorate Of Physical Therapy Programs In The United States: A Survey, Lesley Parrish Dr., Heather E. Mount, Casey Charlebois

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) is a dynamic, cost-effective imaging modality increasingly integrated into Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Despite growing interest, variability exists in the integration and implementation of MSK-US in entry-level DPT programs. This study aimed to assess the current status of MSK-US education in accredited DPT programs across the United States. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all 294 accredited DPT programs in the U.S. via email. The survey consisted of 32 questions that addressed curriculum content, instructional methods, faculty qualifications, and barriers to implementation. Participation was voluntary, and 44 programs responded. No experimental interventions were applied. The …

Campus Connection And Classroom Confidence: Indicators Of First-Year Success At Arkansas Tech University, Lynnlee Mitchell, Peyton Henderson, Joe Kinneberg

ATU Scholars Symposium

For our research project, we will examine first-year student success and persistence through freshman retention rates at Arkansas Tech University among students enrolled in TECH 1013 and TECH 1001 from January to December 2025. Our poster will show our assessment of overall grades, survey data, and two shared assignments. Using the Campus Events Assignment, Week 3 Quiz, and the Skills for Success module (administered during the fall semester only), we will assess indicators of academic transition, college readiness, and campus engagement.. The study explores how belongingness, learning communities, and peer mentorship influence resilience, growth mindset, and student agency. We will …

Implementation Of Primary Care Provider Education To Increase Earlier Hospice Referrals, Ruth A. Swaney

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Purpose

The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to provide hospice education to healthcare providers to increase their understanding of earlier hospice referrals for enhanced quality of life.

Background

Patients with end-stage disease have complex situations and need as much support as possible. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) recommends that clients receive a minimum of 90 days in hospice to provide optimal multidimensional end-of-life care. The median hospice stay is approximately 24 days (NHPCO, 2019).

Methods

A hospice eligibility resource was emailed to 19 clinics in the hospice service area. Follow-up visits were conducted by the …

From Intention To Action: Training Future Health Professionals To Champion Exercise Adherence In A Medical Fitness Setting, Gage Degarmo

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Center for Health Improvement at HaysMed Internship

The CHI was a great learning experience for FHSU students. Job shadowing at this facility allowed us to interact with people that were trying to remain active or also recover cardiac, neurological or other physical injuries. The CHI provided opportunities for a lot of people to work out who otherwise would have a sedentary lifestyle. CHI had 4 different programs that let people workout at their own pace, depending on their capabilities. Other than recovering from injuries, the CHI gave these individuals an opportunity to be part of a community where they could …

Professional Practice Areas Of Occupational Therapy, Jaycie Theis

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Jaycie Theis- Professional Practice Areas of Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a dynamic healthcare profession focused on promoting independence, functional skills, and quality of life for individuals across the lifespan. This poster outlines the professional practice areas of occupational therapists, including hospitals, schools, home health, and long-term care facilities, highlighting the unique roles, responsibilities, and client populations in each setting. Core job tasks such as patient assessment, individualized treatment planning, therapeutic intervention, and caregiver education are emphasized, along with essential skills like communication, adaptability, and clinical reasoning. The poster also reviews common goals of OT, including improving physical, cognitive, …

How Reliable Is Your Run Data? A Framework For The Physiological Validation Of Coros Wearable Technology, Tyler Lampert, Christian Darrah, Gage Degarmo

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Wearable technology such as COROS has advanced athletic monitoring; however, the accuracy of its physiological measurements must be validated to ensure effective use in training and performance settings. The purpose of this study is to compare physiological metrics obtained from COROS running watches with gold-standard laboratory instruments to determine their validity. Methods will include three separate testing sessions. The first, an indoor laboratory session, will assess VO2 max, lactate threshold (heart rate and pace), and energy expenditure using a metabolic cart, electrocardiogram (EKG), and a portable lactate analyzer. The second, an outdoor session, will evaluate GPS-derived distance, pace, and running …

Exploring The Role Of Cine-Virtual Reality In Empathy And Awareness Of Social Determinants Of Health Among Occupational Therapy Students, Leah M. Stade, Madison Mckeever, Emma Gardner, Jana L. Wardian Phd

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

Understanding social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial for Occupational Therapy students to develop empathy and deliver optimal healthcare. This study explores using web-based 360° cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) simulations in Level I fieldwork to address SDOH education and occupational engagement before community-based exposure.

This mixed methods study involved surveys and thematic analysis of written reflections from fifty students in a distance-based program at a Midwest university. Students viewed 12 web-based immersive cine-VR modules about a client experiencing multiple SDOH impacts. Surveys were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-weeks post-intervention, measuring empathy using the Jefferson Empathy Scale and attitudes toward …