Other Education Commons^™

Avian Influenza And The Approach To Designing An H5n1 Vaccine, Lauren N. Hickey

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The Avian influenza virus (AIV) H5N1 has been responsible for the culling and deaths of millions of birds since 2022 with concern for wildlife, livestock, and human infections occurring as well. With eggs flying off the shelves in grocery stores, even individuals not involved in the agricultural industry have seen the drastic effects of this disease first-hand. For chickens, this virus works quickly and overpowers the innate immune system before the adaptive immune system has time to properly respond. Therefore, a safe and effective vaccine could reduce the number of poultry deaths and prevent the continuous spread of the infection. …

Improvements Upon Reprocessing Of Orthopedic Single-Use Instruments, Alyssa P. Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Internal Medline data for Hospital A, a level I academic trauma center, identified a quality gap due to improper segregation and underutilization of orthopedic single-use device reprocessing bins. The baseline reprocessing rate of 4% for orthopedic products results in missed sustainability opportunities, financial strain, and increased regulated waste. A proposed quality improvement intervention implemented updated communication strategies, visual management tools, and education modules to reinforce current reprocessing workflows and close knowledge gaps. Outcome measures include the percentage of SUDs collected for reprocessing, survey results on reprocessing awareness, and potential financial savings in Appendix I. Early data showed a 10% year-to-year …

Fieldwork Educators' Perspectives On Occupational Therapy Students Addressing Sexuality And Intimacy: Expectations, Supports, And Barriers, Elizabeth Deluca-Berg

Student Dissertations

Sexuality and intimacy are recognized as meaningful occupations within occupational therapy practice; however, they remain inconsistently addressed in clinical care. Previous research has identified limited educational preparation as a contributing factor to occupational therapists' discomfort and lack of confidence in addressing these occupations. Although classroom instruction provides foundational knowledge, Level II fieldwork serves as the primary setting in which students apply knowledge within authentic clinical environments. Despite the central role of FW educators in facilitating students' professional development, little research has explored how they prepare OT students to address sexuality and intimacy during fieldwork. The purpose of this basic qualitative …

Transforming Advising And Improving Outcomes: Assessing Impacts Of Advising Changes, Amy S. White, Tailisha Gonzalez, Elgloria Harrison

Publications and Research

Abstract

Background: Earning full-time credit loads and persisting are how college students successfully graduate.

Objective: We measured whether credits and persistence at an urban, commuter Hispanic/Minority-Sserving Iinstitution improved after implementing a social work-based advisement strategy.

Methods: Using a quasi-experimental methodology on a college’s enrollment database, we measured the impact of a new advisement model on earned and attempted credit loads to compare traditional student advisement within control groups (n = 171 and n = 899) relative to intervention (n = 130).

Findings: In 2024, the intervention group attempted an average of 14.7 credits and earned an average of 14.3 credits, …

Global Trends In School Disaster Preparedness Research: Bibliometric Analysis Impacts On Public Health And Safety, Muhammad Farid, Muhammad Agita Hutomo, Oktomi Wijaya, Dian Ika Puspitasari

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Disasters disrupt daily human activities, arising from natural or artificial triggers, with varying impacts based on community vulnerability and resource capacity. Effective disaster management involves a cycle of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. One of the mitigation measures is to establish school disaster preparedness that integrate education and capacity building.

Objective: The aim of this research is to conduct a bibliometric analysis based on Scopus publications regarding school disaster preparedness.

Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed on publications indexed in Scopus from 1965 to 2024. Data were processed and visualized using VOSviewer to explore trends in annual outputs, contributing …

Under Pressure: Effects Of The Hot Docs Behavioral Parent Training Program On Caregiver Blood Pressure, Bria N. Ferera

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Chronic stress is heightened for caregivers of children with heightened disruptive behaviors. With chronic stress supported as a major factor leading to maladaptive parenting and caregiving practices, exploring new ways to collect data on parenting stress remains a critical research priority (van der Lubbe et al., 2024). Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) programs are linked to improved parent-child relationships and reduced problem behavior (Armstrong, 2006; Agazzi, 2021; Patrusky, 2025). However, few studies have used physiological biomarkers in conjunction with self-reported measures to explore connections in this area. Similarly, other physiological considerations are rarely considered upon evaluation of the impacts of BPT …

Exploring Interprofessional End-Of-Life Communication Through Simulation: A Qualitative Study, Stephanie Jeffers Phd, Rn, Eric Stein Dsw, Lsw, Meg Hall Phd, Rn, Caroline Campbell Phd, Lsw, Carly King Msw, Lsw

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: The purposes of this qualitative descriptive study were to understand the perceptions of nursing and social work students regarding communication with patients and families at the end of life and to explore the perceptions of nursing and social work students' regarding interprofessional roles at the end of life.

Methods: An interdisciplinary simulation about death and dying was conducted with 16 undergraduate nursing students and 3 graduate social work students to understand their perceptions regarding communication with patients and families at the end of life and to explore their perceptions of interprofessional roles. Simulations lasted approximately 20 minutes and were …

Effects Of Clinical Exposure On The Clinical Reasoning Skills Of Senior Pt Interns In Selected Rehabilitation Centers, Jeanelle Louise D. Atienza, Kristel Mae R. Yu, Elisha Almeda, Lance O. Panganiban, Gracyl Shane Valera, Joel Isaac B. Lorenzo, Vivebonn A. Bismonte, Martin Lorenzo Rosanes, Francis U. Santos, Danny G. Espera

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction. Clinical reasoning is a fundamental skill in physical therapy (PT), enabling practitioners to recognize patterns and enhance treatment decisions. It serves as a cornerstone of competence, guiding informed judgments and facilitating optimal patient care. This study aimed to examine the development of clinical reasoning skills among physical therapy interns in selected rehabilitation centers, provide baseline data for evaluating program quality, mentorship effectiveness, and impacts on clinical practice.

Methods. A cohort study design was employed in assessing clinical reasoning skills of 36 Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (BSPT) interns before and after a two-month clinical exposure. A validated, self-constructed …

Finding A Home Away From Home: An Accessible Hotel And Short-Term Rental Guide, Atley E. Livingston

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Travel has become a significant part of today’s social culture, allowing individuals to connect with family and friends, explore new environments, and engage in meaningful experiences. However, many wheelchair users report that traveling is often frustrating, inequitable, and difficult. To better understand the limitations of travel on this population, a needs assessment was conducted through a collaboration with a nationwide organization that supports the wheelchair community. Participants identified travel accommodations and the barriers they present as a major limitation to travel. The purpose of this capstone project is to analyze lodging and housing accessibility through the lens of the population, …

The Effect Of Low And High-Carbohydrate Diets On Memory Performance In College Students, Samia Baugh, Zoe Zajko, Jamie Analuisa, Ivanna Jacome

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the brain and play an important role in processes related to memory performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a high-carbohydrate diet on memory performance in college students aged 18–22 years. For the purposes of this study, a low-carbohydrate diet is defined as a diet providing fewer than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day, while a high-carbohydrate diet provides approximately 325 grams of carbohydrates. This population is particularly important to study because college students experience high academic demands that require strong memory …

Iris Melanoma: A Case Report And Review, Emily Scully Od, Breyne Middleton Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Uveal melanoma is the most common primary cancer of the eye. It can be diagnosed with fundus exam and ancillary tests. Metastasis occurs in about half of primary uveal melanoma patients and is very often fatal. The liver is the most common site of metastasis. Iris melanomas are the least common type of uveal melanoma. Choroidal and ciliary body melanoma are the most common. Iris nevi are quite common and the rate of transformation into melanoma is low but early detection is critical given the high mortality rate associated with metastasis.

Case Report: This case highlights the importance of …

Focal Choroidal Excavation Associated With Resolved Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, Loren W. Bennett Od, Katherine M. Mehalik Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Focal choroidal excavation is a localized concavity of the choroid within the macula defined by its appearance on optical coherence tomography. The condition is typically nonprogressive and often an incidental finding. It may not impact vision, although it can be associated with other visually significant macular pathologies.

Case Report: A 48-year-old male patient presented with a recent history of blurred vision in the left eye. A dilated fundus examination revealed a discrete area of pigment mottling in the macula; both the history and clinical appearance were consistent with resolved central serous chorioretinopathy. Optical coherence tomography did not show residual …

Transformational Leadership In Higher Education, Dr. Jewel Hale, Jr., Kristi Apostel

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

A crisis can highlight the critical need for resilient leadership within higher educational settings. Educational leaders encounter extraordinary difficulties, ranging from different learning options to prioritizing the well-being of both staff and students, necessitating flexible and innovative methods. By exploring how school leaders apply transformational techniques in actual educational environments, this article addresses the impact of the four I’s of transformational leadership, idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration, on building educator resiliency, sustaining school effectiveness, and promoting student achievement in higher education.

Fierce Leadership-Perspectives Of Black Women Educational Leaders: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Janice Taylor, Dianne Reed

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

The authors of this transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the lived experiences of Black women based on their perceptions, values, and beliefs about the complexities of leadership and the kind of leadership required to succeed in their respective roles, as educational leaders. This study was framed by the adaptive leadership theory. Adaptive leadership recognizes the need for leaders to stay flexible and resilient in fast-paced environments (Nelson & Squires, 2017). The three Black women leaders in this study were fierce adaptive leaders. The information acquired from this study is significant and highlights how Black women educational leaders developed the …

Research Literacy And Research Production Skills As Core Competencies In Leaders, Kk O'Byrne

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

No abstract provided.

Mediation Analysis Investigating The Mechanisms Of Two School-Based Smoking Prevention Interventions In Adolescents From Northern Ireland And Bogotá, Jennifer M. Murray, Sharon C. Sánchez-Franco, Olga L. Sarmiento, Erik O. Kimbrough, Christopher Tate, Shannon C. Montgomery, Rajnish Kumar, Laura Dunne, Allen Thurston, Aideen Gildea, Abhijit Ramalingam, Erin L. Krupka, Felipe Montes, Huiyu Zhou, Laurence Moore, Linda Bauld, Blanca Llorente, Frank Kee, Ruth F. Hunter

Economics Faculty Articles and Research

Background:

Reviews have highlighted a lack of evidence on how successful intervention strategies for adolescent smoking prevention can be effectively adapted for low-middle income countries (LMICs). The MECHANISMS study compared behavioral mechanisms between two school-based smoking prevention programs for adolescents in Northern Ireland (NI; a high-income setting) and Bogotá, Colombia (middle-income). ASSIST works via peer education and diffusion. Dead Cool uses conventional classroom pedagogy. Both interventions were previously trialed in the UK and were culturally adapted for Bogotá. We investigated whether changes in smoking/vaping outcomes differed by intervention or setting. Mediation analyses were conducted to test the hypothesized intervention mechanisms. …

Exploring Graduate Nursing Students’ Learning Experiences, Perceived Cognitive Loads, And Attitudes Toward Immersive Virtual Reality (Ivr) In Clinical Training Environments, Pranam Parsanlal

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Simulation-based education (SBE) is a widely used learning method in nursing education to develop clinical skills, while in recent years, immersive virtual reality (IVR) has become a sought-after SBE method. There is a significant need to understand how to support IVR integration. Previous research suggests exploring students’ perceptions and experiences toward IVR holistically and comprehensively to understand how to integrate IVR into nursing educational practices. This explanatory sequential mixed methods research study aimed to explore the learning experiences, perceived cognitive loads, and attitudes toward IVR of 11 graduate nursing students in an IVR clinical training environment. To explore perceptions, students …

Surviving Staten Island: Black Women’S Narratives Of Resilience, Motherwork, And Embodied Trauma, Jazmin Rivera

Student Theses

This oral history dissertation centers the experiences of six Black women who had formative experiences navigating hostile school and community-based settings on Staten Island during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s. Guided by a conceptual framework that draws on Black orality, Black feminist thought, and endarkened feminist epistemology, this study demonstrates how Black women were required to cross geographic and social boundaries to survive hostile conditions in Staten Island communities and schools. Findings from this study highlight Black women’s use of community cultural wealth to inform their survival strategies and resilience. At the same time, their experiences indicate the potential …

Transforming Dietetics Curriculum: A Culinary Nutrition Certificate Grounded In Competency-Based Innovation, Jennifer R. Watson, Rachel C. Sinley, Jangwoo Jo

Journal of Dietetic Education

Culinary nutrition has become a promising interdisciplinary field that combines culinary arts and nutritional science to enhance health outcomes through practical, food-based education. As the healthcare landscape increasingly emphasizes preventive care, dietitians are well-positioned to lead culinary nutrition initiatives; however, formal training opportunities remain scarce. To address this gap, Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) created a new Culinary Nutrition Certificate that combines experiential cooking coursework from the School of Hospitality with core nutrition education from the Department of Nutrition. This paper places the certificate within the broader context of culinary nutrition and dietetics education, emphasizing the importance of …

The Impact Of A Social Wellness Intervention On The Perception Of Social Support Among Working Adults, Jannysse Gray

DNP Research Projects

Abstract 

Objective: Social isolation and loneliness have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. For working adults, these experiences may impact work attendance, performance, satisfaction, and retention, leading to burnout, fatigue, grief, and disengagement. Barriers to developing and nurturing healthy relationships, such as competing work and family responsibilities, or a lack of resources or energy, can contribute to this problem; therefore, this group was chosen for the intervention. This project aimed to raise awareness of the importance of social connections and to analyze whether an online educational intervention was associated with improved perceptions of social support among working adults. Methods: …

Navigating Mental Wellness: A Peer-Led Journey Into Adult Services, Kristin G. Haberek

DSW Capstone Projects

Students with severe emotional disturbances (SED) occupy one of the most underserved intersections in American education and mental health care. As they age out of children’s services, they face abrupt service discontinuation, disrupted therapeutic relationships, and adult systems ill-equipped to meet their needs. These vulnerabilities, including heightened risks of crisis, hospitalization, homelessness, and justice involvement, constitute a central practice problem. This capstone addresses these transitions across three scholarly products: a systematic literature review, a theoretical concept paper, and a practical application paper, tracing a unified arc from diagnosing structural failures to proposing an evidence-informed, equity-oriented clinical response. Synthesizing key findings …

Research Productivity Variation In Applicants Who Matched Into Home Orthopaedic Surgery Programs, Frances Akwuole, Cole Christenson, Freddy Jacome, James Macleod, Omar Shaikh, Michael W. Pullen, Avani Chopra, Owen Lema, Justin Lee, Sia Cho, Annemarie K. Leonard, Alfonso Mejia

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background. Research output among orthopaedic surgery applicants remains an important factor in the orthopaedic surgery residency selection process. However, there is limited literature comparing objective measures such as research productivity across different types of orthopaedic surgery applicants. We aim to determine if students who match at their home programs have significantly different research productivity and, secondarily, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) membership rates, compared to those who match at external programs.

Methods. This study was conducted in April 2024. A list of orthopaedic surgery residents was acquired from publicly available websites using a Python script. Programs were stratified into four geographic …

Abc Pharmaceutical Company Change Model: Implementing J.P. Kotter's 8-Step And Adkar Change Models For Ethical Alignment, Shelbi B. Chandler, Amalfi Gayosso, Alison Lawton, Ali Holness-Roland

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

In this paper, we use the pseudonym ABC Pharmaceuticals (ABC) to refer to the company under examination, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). ABC Pharmaceutical (ABC) must assess, adapt, and change to ensure regulatory compliance, maintain and attract employees, and remain competitive. ABC has a history of erroneous practices and is at risk internally with employees, and externally with regulators and the public sectors. The authors applied J.P. Kotter’s (1996) 8-step and the ADKAR (Hiatt, 2006) models for change management. J.P. Kotter’s top-down model addresses leadership’s role in creating a compelling vision aligned with its actions, and the ADKAR bottom-up model assesses employees’ readiness …

Community Health Nursing And The Spiritual Domain: Clinical Rotations In Faith-Based Residential Communities For Prelicensure Nursing Students, Paulette D. Slowinski, Amy Sweeney

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Contextualized spiritual education in undergraduate nursing programs is often limited. Community-based clinical rotations present an opportunity to introduce nursing students to professional practice in faith-based communities. Junior and senior undergraduate nursing students from a state university worked with the wellness nurses at a residential community for older adults funded by the county Catholic diocese. In this unique environment, students participated in nursing care focusing on health promotion and disease prevention and management. This learning opportunity allowed students to have meaningful interactions with residents while gaining insight into faith-based nursing practice and the value of spiritually focused care for vulnerable populations.

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion After Covid-19, Danielle Kalberer Od, Mba, Grace Tan Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: A healthy, 39-year-old male patient presented with sudden onset, painless vision loss of the right eye’s superior visual field two months after a mild case of COVID-19.

Case Report: The patient was diagnosed with an acute branch retinal artery occlusion and referred to the emergency department for prompt evaluation. When the emergency workup was unremarkable the patient was referred to cardiology and hematology and follow up with a retinal specialist. The exhaustive systemic work-up was unremarkable other than recent COVID-19. Retinal perfusion to the affected area resumed in the weeks after the incident but irreversible vision loss occurred.

Conclusion: …

Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report, Erica Vanderpool Od, Carla Gilbertson Kuiken Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by faulty transmission at the neuromuscular junction leading to fatigable muscular weakness. Ocular MG is distressing in that it can cause visual difficulties, but generalized MG can be life-threatening. MG is an acquired disorder that can easily be overlooked in clinic and is commonly misdiagnosed. Providers should be aware of the clinical features of this condition, as well as the critical testing needed to confirm the diagnosis so the appropriate management course can be implemented.

Case Report: This case features a 67-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis …

Treatment Considerations For Early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma In Active-Duty Military, Ridwan Carim-Sanni Od, Danielle Kalberer Od, Mba

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The tools available to treat glaucoma via intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction include pharmacological therapy or surgical intervention.

Case Report: This case study explores these tools in the context of glaucoma in active-duty military personnel. It involves an active-duty army patient diagnosed with early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) who was initially prescribed IOP-lowering medication. Barriers in treatment compliance occurred while the patient was deployed that led to significant glaucomatous changes detected when the patient returned stateside.

Conclusion: This report suggests a shift from the traditional pharmacological …

Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane For Corneal Epithelial Abrasions: Case Series, Laura Goldberg Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Corneal abrasions are one of the most frequent ocular conditions encountered in the emergency department and can lead to significant morbidity and visual impairment. Amniotic membrane has inherent anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties that help accelerate epithelialization and help prevent the complications known to be associated with corneal injuries. Herein we assessed the time till complete epithelialization after in-office application of cryopreserved amniotic membrane in cases of traumatic corneal abrasions in the acute setting.

Case Reports: A total of ten eyes (5 right eye; 5 left eye) of ten consecutive patients (8 Male; 2 Female; average age 40.9 ± 17.8 …

Building Insight One Tray At A Time: A Systematized Review Of Sandtray Expressive Arts On Counselor Trainees’ Self-Awareness, A'Lyse M. Miranda

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the impact of sandtray expressive art interventions on the self-awareness of counseling students, recognizing the vital role self-awareness plays in counselor development. It is essential for counselors to practice self-awareness so that they may connect effectively with clients, make ethical decisions, and enhance their professional competence. Self-awareness is best identified as a transformative and reflective integration process. While traditional methods like journaling and supervision are commonly studied, the use of sand tray therapy as an expressive art intervention has received limited attention. This review synthesizes existing literature on self-awareness and sandtray expressive art interventions in counselor education, …

Differences In Peer Social Connections Between Traditional And Online Nurse Residency Programs, Tatum Leonard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The anticipated retirement of baby boomer nurses by 2030 will intensify the global nursing shortage, a crisis that demands innovative strategies for onboarding and retaining new graduate nurses. Nurse residency programs (NRPs) are designed to ease the transition from student to practicing nurse, reduce turnover, and foster professional resilience. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many NRPs rapidly transitioned from traditional, in-person seminars to synchronous, online formats. This study explored differences in peer social connections between traditional and online NRPs, focusing on three constructs: sense of community, collaborative learning, and peer social support. Using a quasi-experimental, mixed methods approach, this secondary data …