Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Culturally Concordant Dbt Steps-A Intervention In Orthodox Jewish Schools, Arielle Hershkovich-Elgavi

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Existent research indicates that Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an efficacious treatment for mental health issues in many adult and adolescent populations, yet there is little research on the effect of DBT on culturally diverse, underserved populations (Mercado, & Hinojosa, 2017). Orthodox Jews are a culturally diverse, understudied, and underserved population (Schnall et al., 2014), that contends with strong stigmas against mental health treatment (Gearing et al., 2022). Orthodox Jewish community teachings are governed by religious values and precepts with a resistance to secular influence (Freund & Band-Winterstein, 2017). The social-emotional learning that is occasionally taught in some community schools …

Commencement Program 2025, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | Message from the President

3 | 2025 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

29 | School of Medicine

50 | School of Pharmacy

63 | School of Dentistry

81 | School of Public Health

94 | San Manuel Gateway College

101 | School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health …

Developing Adaptive Clothing For Patients With Advanced Als Disease, Kadence D. Trosper

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses

In 2017, over 30,000 people were battling with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells within the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord (ALS Association, 2023). The individual’s brain loses connection with muscles, slowly taking away one’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. The currently is no cure for this disease or even treatment to halt the progression, however the treatment available can help ease the symptoms. Despite the physical challenges associated with ALS, there is a significant lack of adaptive clothing options that provide comfort, functionality, and …

I Am (Me)Dicine: An Analysis On The Influence Of Humanities Courses Within The Construction Of Internal And External Identities Within Pre-Med Students At Uno, Alix Barnes

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The purpose of this project is to investigate how arts and humanities coursework may enhance the development of internal and external identities for premedical students beyond their traditional scientific coursework. A literature review shows positive findings on identity development and the influence of arts and humanities coursework on medical education. This investigation will take place through a mixed-method survey distributed to UNO premedical students and will explore themes of self-reflection, personal and professional growth, and understanding of external perspectives. An optional question prompts respondents to reflect further on their work within arts and humanities courses and their impact on these …

Predicting Steroid Concern Through Tiktok Use And Self-Esteem, Adam Lorio, Brandon C. Bouchillon, Sisi Hu, Jennifer Mortensen

Journalism Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examined student perceptions of steroid use through a survey of 154 participants. While self-esteem did not directly predict steroid concerns, specific TikTok engagement patterns revealed complex relationships. Using TikTok to pass time correlated with viewing steroids as a public health issue, whereas surveillance-based use was associated with lower self-esteem. Using the platform to interact was positively related to self-esteem, highlighting how different modes of engagement can shape perceptions about individual and collective health.

A Word From The Writing Team (May 2025), Pam Walter, Mfa, Hemma Murali, Ms

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• Publication Spotlight
• Two Ways to Fund Open Access Fees
• Mark Your Calendar for the Drs. Theresa and Charles Yeo Writing Prize Reception & Reading (See Flyer)
• Citation Manager Updates
• Check out the Instructional Design Team’s Podcast, The Learning Curve!
• Looking for Your Next Read?
• The OPWPC Canvas Page Offers Helpful Tools

On Death And Disease: How Physicians’ Perspectives Compare Across Specialties Through Written Work, Stephanie Anne C. Alkonga

Honors Capstones

Narrative medicine is a tool that the medical field is increasingly utilizing to cultivate patient-centered and culturally competent doctors and to reflect on lived experiences through texts that focus on psychosocial best practices. This study aims to examine the language used in physician-written works that address how physicians in different medical specialties treat the aging and the terminally ill, and how they view the deceased. Qualitative data guided by thematic questions will primarily be used in the analysis and comparison of these texts’ tone, rhetoric, diction, and similar literary devices to uncover if certain patterns arise across such specialties. Findings …

Kansas City, Kansas, Vida Davidović

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS is a thesis that operates in the tradition of expressionist dramaturgy and playwriting, taking up themes of abuse, imperialism, war, trauma, womanhood, Balkan identities, history of the Balkans, as well as the discourses of psychoanalysis and postcolonial theory. The use of different theoretical frameworks related to both international and personal politics, which are shown to be intertwined, suggests a strong relationship between political processes in the Second World Countries that had experienced many occupations throughout their history and the way women in those countries relate to the questions of body, authority, feminity, and interpersonal relationships. The play …

“Re-Storying” Anne Shirley And The Adhd Child: A Crip Genealogy Of Anne Of Green Gables, Darian Aleyna Wilson

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis explores the contested nature of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), focusing on its cultural and historical constructions. While ADHD has been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders since 1980, its legitimacy remains a subject of debate across medical, disability studies, and historical scholarship. Using Eli Clare’s critique of diagnosis as a tool rather than a fact, this project examines how ADHD is both pathologized and re-storied within societal and medical discourses. It highlights the tension between medical classifications and lived experiences of those diagnosed with ADHD, particularly in the context of girlhood.

The central …

The Overturning Of Roe V. Wade And People Capable Of Pregnancy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Carrie Bohmer

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) overturned Roe v. Wade in their decision within Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, removing the constitutional right to abortion within the United States (US). Leading up to this anticipated and highly politicized case, 13 states passed preemptive legislation (i.e. “trigger bans”) that immediately made abortion illegal following the Dobbs decision. Limited research has explicitly explored the intersection of sexual health and reproductive health from a psychological perspective. Grounded in a reproductive justice framework, this interpretative phenomenological analysis sought to understand how people capable of pregnancy living …

Teaching Bilingual Features To A Young Augmentative And Alternative Communication User With Autism, Paola Gallegos

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study examines how a minimally verbal, young Spanish-English bilingual child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) uses translanguaging toggle features on an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to produce multi-word picture descriptions. The study employed a Rapidly Alternating Treatments Design (RATD) to analyze AAC performance under language-controlled Spanish-only and English-only conditions. A quantitative analysis examined the frequency and patterns of bilingual AAC feature use during aided modeling and instruction, while qualitative methods explored the related challenges and benefits. This study highlights the potential for bilingual AAC systems to enhance communication effectiveness and underscores the importance of incorporating user and …

The Politics Of The Black Womb: How Education And Power Reinforce The U.S. Black Maternal Health Crisis, Foluke Akinkunmi

Honors Scholar Theses

This study investigates the alarming maternal mortality rates among Black women in the U.S. today first by exploring the historical exploitation of Black maternal bodies during enslavement and with the rise of professionalized gynecology. It challenges the narrative that attributes these outcomes to individual choices or supposedly inherent biological factors, arguing instead that the devaluing of Black women’s well-being and authoritative knowledge have been constructed along with the United States itself. To advance a constructive response, the paper analyzes curriculum competencies for obstetric and midwifery healthcare providers, surveys of Black women's birthing experiences in the previous 20 years, and interviews …

#Helpplz: Mental Health Representation In Theatre For Young Audiences, Kate Elizabeth Dirrigl

Theses and Dissertations

#HELPPLZ is a play for young theater audiences that depicts four teenagers with various mental health challenges. It’s target audience is for children ages ten to fifteen and should be performed by actors of similar ages. #HELPPLZ is an immersive theatre experience, as a audience members watch four actors perform from four different lifestyles and point of views, all while broadcast on screens behind the actors. Every seat is a good seat in the house. This play follows a shift in trends of mental health depiction in contemporary theatre. No longer demonized and much more accessible, plays such as Dear …

Am I Woke Enough To Serve In Healthcare: A Secondary Analysis Of Pre-Health Students’ Personal And Professional Growth By Engaging In Cultural Competency Assessments, Harolynn Williams

All Dissertations

Healthcare providers must be equipped to serve an increasingly diverse population, yet cultural competence remains underemphasized in undergraduate pre-health education. This study explored how embedded cultural competency training influences undergraduate pre-health students’ perceptions of personal and professional growth. Using a qualitative descriptive design, the research incorporated intercultural assessments, the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), and the Global Competence Certificate (GCC), along with qualitative reflections from students enrolled in three versions of a cultural competence course: a year-long course, a semester-long course, and a short-term study abroad immersion six-week course. Findings revealed that students demonstrated measurable growth in cultural awareness, knowledge, communication, …

Evolution And Strengths Of School Lunch Programs In The United States And Japan, Sarah Ritterling

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

School lunches around the world perform a vital role in children’s nutritional needs and overall health. These nutritional programs provide a chance for children to learn how to create a balanced meal and about the production and serving of food. However, many countries, including the United States and Japan, have taken different approaches to meet these goals, influenced by the needs of children and communities over time. The United States provides support, funding, and nutritional standards through the National School Lunch Program. Japan promotes the Basic Act of Shokuiku (food and nutrition education) within society and outlines goals for schools …

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 …

Using Motivation Science To Understand And Overcome Common Psychological Barriers To Non-Native Language Learning In Beginner And Intermediate College Courses, Ahana Nagarkatti

College Honors Program

This project examined whether established findings from the motivation science literature could be successfully applied to increase non-native language learning outcomes and persistence among college students. Participants were enrolled in beginner and intermediate language courses at a small private college. The study was longitudinal and involved “diagnosing” and immediately implementing interventions to counter deficits experienced by individual students regarding six specific motivational antecedents: expectancies for success, utility value, costs, autonomy, belonging, and growth mindsets. Over the course of a semester, participants’ motivational experiences in these areas were measured and they then completed tailored “just-in-time” intervention activities designed to increase their …

Detecting Ideological Bias In Trump's Tweets: Trump's Peace Plan As A Case Study, Amer Qasem Dr

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aims to explore the extent of ideological bias in the discourse of elected U.S. President Donald Trump on social media platforms, specifically Twitter (now known as X), regarding his peace plan, commonly referred to as the "Deal of the Century." The study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine all of Trump’s tweets related to the Deal of the Century, seeking to answer the following research questions: How did Trump portray the parties affected by the deal in his tweets? What rhetorical strategies did he employ to present the deal? The analysis spans the period from the announcement …

The Use Of Artificial Intelligence Applications By Media Students In Palestinian Universities And Their Achieved Gratifications “A Field Study”, Said Shaheen Allani Dr, Ahmad Al Sallaq

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

The study aimed to identify the extent to which media students in Palestinian universities use artificial intelligence applications and the achieved gratifications from it. The study belongs to the descriptive studies approach utilizing questionnaire as a tool for collecting data, for an available sample of (165) individuals that were distributed in five Palestinian universities. The study reached to; (54.5%) of media students in Palestinian universities use artificial intelligence applications, they use it for several reasons, the most important phrase is “it helps me to produce good digital content,” with a relative weight of (47.4%), it also achieves a number of …

Media Frameworks In Addressing Environmental Issues On Al Jazeera Net Website: An Analytical Study, Sabah Al Harahsheh Dr

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to recognize the media frameworks used to address environmental issues on (Al Jazeera Net) between 2009 and 2024. The study relied on the descriptive survey method, the theory of media frames, and the content analysis as a method and tool. The study population consisted of all articles, reports and interviews published on the (Al Jazeera Net) throughout the period specified by the study. A purposive sample was selected from the articles, reports and interviews interested in environmental issues only, which numbered eighteen journalistic works. The study identified the most important frameworks that presented the environmental issues during …

The Mediating Role Of Remote Communication On The Relationship Between Electronic Human Resource Management Practices And Organizational Performance In Iraqi Commercial Banks, Shuhub Basel Ahmad Taqa

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to measure the impact of remote communication as a mediating variable on the relationship between electronic human resources (e-HRM) and organizational performance in Iraqi commercial banks. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, with the study population consisting of managers, their deputies, and department heads in Iraqi commercial banks, totaling 242 individuals distributed across 24 commercial banks by the end of 2023. A total of 234 questionnaires were analyzed, achieving a response rate of 96.7%. The study employed Smart PLS software for data analysis and result extraction. The study revealed several key findings, the most significant of which …

Bridging The Gap: Overcoming Medical Arabic Language Challenges In The Healthcare Setting, Deena Sukhon, Maya Jaradi, Abdullah Jalal, Marwa Saad, Joud Obri, Wesam Almasri, Matthew Helou, Mazen Zamzam, Inaya Hajj Hussein

Posters

No abstract provided.

Empowering Underserved Mandarin-Speaking Communities Through Medical Student-Led Culinary Education, Amy Lin, Qihua Sun, Nathan Huang, Virginia Uhley, Misa Mi

Posters

No abstract provided.

Informed Practices And Resources For Facilitating Community-Based Writing Groups, Cassandra M. Normand

Journal of Creative Writing Studies

Community-based writing groups have been found to positively impact attendees’ well-being; however, little research examines informed practices that beginning group facilitators can utilize to facilitate groups. This study interviewed 23 professionals from across the U.S. and compiled main themes for effectively facilitating writing groups. The four themes are as follows: 1). Creating a brave, caring atmosphere is key, 2). Networking is critical, 3). There are individual, group, and organizational challenges, 4). Understanding the facilitator’s role is essential. Through an in-depth discussion of themes, the researcher encourages others to start their own writing groups in their communities.

The Conservative Approach To Informed Consent: The Evidentiary Model And An Antidote To The Problem Of Framing Effects In Medical Decision-Making, James D. Polk

Honors Theses

Since the latter part of the 20th century, there has been a gradual but significant shift of the doctor-patient relation from paternalism to a more patient-centric approach. As such, informed consent – the legal and moral requirement that a physician fully disclose relevant details to their patient and gain their consent – is a central doctrine to patient-centric care. Gone are the days of the doctor governing the patient: the patient is now considered a valuable and important decision-maker. Achieving informed consent is the foundation of patient centric medicine. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that philosophical consideration be …

2025 Acssc Program, Acssc Planning Committee

Annual Celebration for Student Scholarship and Creativity

No abstract provided.

Recovering The Lost Art Of Medicine: A Role For Ignatian Spirituality, Cecilia Motherway

College Honors Program

Throughout history, medicine or healing has been deeply associated with religion and spirituality, from the ancient Greek healing god Asclepius to the medieval monastic medical tradition and beyond. This lies in their common cause: addressing the vulnerability of our human existence. Humanity has long recognized that our suffering and death raise existential questions concerning our mortality that may require perspectives greater than biology and rationality can provide. However, at the turn of the 20th century, as medical technology rapidly advanced, raising the average global life expectancy by decades, the medical field removed all non-scientific, non-secular influences to position itself as …

Volume 16, Maggie Duncan, Madeline Little, Alicia Hoffman, Megan Livesay, Gabrielle Quaresma, Serenity Allen, Laina Pfountz, Ainslie Allred, Sabrina Robles, Nicholas J. Duellman, Trinity L. Deguzman, Melissa H. Savage, Margaret Dudley, Jocelyn Escobar, Olivia Hildreth, Olivia Hopkins, Benjamin Gettier, Lee Kassay, Jade Riddle, Ashley Seiders

Incite: The Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Introduction Dr. Amorette Barber, Director, Office of Student Research

From the Editor Dr. Hannah Dudley-Shotwell

Artist’s Statement Maggie Duncan

On Mentoring Dr. Lee Millar Bidwell

The Hujum Campaign in Uzbekistan and its Consequences by Madeline Little

Wet Cupping Compared to Dry Needling for Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic by Alicia Hoffman and Megan Livesay

Optimization of eDNA Air Sampling Via 3D Printed Fan by Gabrielle Quaresma

Beyond the Classroom: A Qualitative Study of Teacher Attrition and Retention by Serenity Allen and Laina Pfountz

The Treatment of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome with Platelet-Rich plasma Injections Verses …

Inside The Mad Mind: Medical Ethics In 19th Century Fiction, Danielle Dentremont

College Honors Program

The professionalization of medicine in mid-to-late 19th century America and Britain corresponded with heightened critical scrutiny of the ethics of doctor-patient relationships in contemporary fiction. With ethics frameworks of the century focused primarily on good fellowship between practitioners, it was difficult to charge practitioners with bad ethics. Yet, the broader debates of vivisection and women’s rights brought to light power imbalances between men and women that novelists began to suggest were present in medicine as well. Wilkie Collins’ Heart and Science weighs in on the danger of the doctor-scientist encroaching on women’s rights with the suggestion that women will be …

Is Love A “Pathological Condition Of The Soul”? Joyce Carol Oates's Beasts And Rape: A Love Story, Nicolas P. Boileau

Bearing Witness: Joyce Carol Oates Studies

This paper seeks to address the question of Oates’s relation to feminist and gender theories by looking at two novellas published consecutively, Beasts and Rape: A Love Story in the beginning of the 2000s. The short texts share a common storyline based on rape, which is far from uncommon in Oates’s fiction. However, I argue that there is something very specific in these two novellas in the way Oates chooses to handle the testimony of the rape, both overtly and covertly, both in graphic details and in repressed forms of expression, giving way to a reflection on women’s vulnerable position …