Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

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 …

How Can Coalitions Positively Impact Michigan’S Rural Communities And Influence Local Policies: A Comparative Case Study, Amanda Bonesteel-Kratt

Master of Public Administration Capstone Papers

This research explores the impact of coalitions on communities and their influence on local and state policies in rural agricultural communities in Michigan. Nonprofit organizations often utilize coalitions to strengthen their outreach efforts and impact, and in this paper, the author focuses on Farm-to-Power (FTP), a new nonprofit organization in Michigan. FTP advocates for landowners’ rights regarding renewable energy, specifically wind and solar, on a utility scale. This paper explores the best practices concerning effective coalition-building that have the capability to impact policy changes that benefit farming communities through improved economic stability. Access to renewable energy leases for Michigan farmers …

The Impact Of Food Access Intervention Policy On Student Learning In Portland, Oregon, Sarah Frances Edgell

Master of Public Administration Capstone Papers

Food insecurity, a condition that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, is a barrier to educational success. This study examines the impact of food access intervention policy on student learning through the implementation of the 2019 Oregon Student Success in Portland, Oregon. Findings reveal both an increased expansion of food access as well as modest gains in standardized testing scores. However, significant achievement gaps persist, especially among high-need areas and historically underserved groups. This capstone paper supports a hybrid approach to policy evaluation, wherein an integration of traditional and critical analysis methods provides a comprehensive understanding of policy outcomes while identifying areas …

Consideration Of A Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax In Michigan, Lindsay D. Reed

Master of Public Administration Capstone Papers

Gasoline tax revenue is becoming increasingly insufficient to fund road repairs and maintenance nationwide due to the increased fuel efficiency of gasoline-powered vehicles, increased sales of electric and hybrid alternatives, and overall construction cost inflation. Michigan’s solution to this problem, until now, has been to continually increase existing fuel taxes, which does little to address the aforementioned issues. Alternative policy options to supplement and eventually replace these traditional taxes include bridge and highway tolls, higher licensing and registration fees, and the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). Several states in various stages of VMT tax implementation are examined through the lens of …

Ethnic/Racial Representation In Leadership Positions In Us School Districts, 2002-2014: Are School Districts Achieving Parity?, Melissa A. Taylor, Larra Rucker, Valarie H. Hunt, Brinck Kerr

Political Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective A representative public education workforce has substantive benefits for underserved groups. While research finds considerable differences in ethnic/racial representation among public bureaucrats, little research examines representation within the public education workforce. Methods We use US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission EEO-5 data to measure the levels of representation in public school district jobs among Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites (non-Hispanic). Results Based on the analysis of 4253 US districts for 2002 through 2014, we find Hispanic and Black underrepresentation among administrators, principals, assistant principals, and classroom teachers. Based on new-hire employees, we observe improvement in Black and Hispanic representation. District size …

The Structural Barriers In Occupational Licensing For Undocumented Students, Itzayana J. Garcia

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Research has focused on understanding the barriers to financial stability, higher education, and access to healthcare among undocumented immigrants but less efforts have been geared towards identifying the obstacles they face in obtaining professional licensure. This exploratory study sought to identify the structural barriers to professional licensure for undocumented students in higher education. Methods: Qualitative data were collected on the licensing requirements of behavioral health careers in California. Using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administrations determination of behavioral health careers, specific professions were identified. The requirements for professional licensure were extracted from each profession’s official …

Impact Of Opiate Crisis On Twelve Step Participants, Mackenzie Buchanan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research is an exploratory study to gain a better understanding and new perspectives of the impact of the opiate crisis and the effect it has had on twelve step participants. This study will be utilizing qualitative research to further explore the impacts. A phenomenological approach will be utilized to explore the participant’s experiences. Participants will participate in a semi-structured interview with the researcher with close-ended questions that focus on demographics and approximately eight open-ended questions that focus on the research question. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the data by following Braun and Clarke’s (2019) protocol; this researcher …

Examining Spirituality/Religiousness As A Protective Factor For The School-To-Prison Pipeline, Selena M. Balderas

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: The school to prison pipeline (STPP) is a systemic issue that reflects the intersection of educational inequities and punitive practices disproportionately affecting society’s youth in underserved communities. The STPP funnels students out of educational environments and into the criminal justice system through the overuse of punitive practices such as suspension, expulsion, and school-based arrests. This especially affects students of color, LGBTQ youth and those with disabilities and perpetuates cycles of injustice, poverty, marginalization, and incarceration. The social control theory provides a useful framework in understanding the relationship between deviant behavior and social bonds (Stewart & Rapp, 2017). When individuals …

Exploring Doubled-Up Homeless Among Latinx In San Bernardino County: A Qualitative Study, Patricia Carrillo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Objective: The proposed study aims to explore the factors contributing of doubled up homelessness among Latinx in San Bernardino California. The term doubling up homelessness describes the situation in which a person is residing with others in a home due to economic hardships or housing loss (Richard et al., 2022). Homelessness is a major prevalent social problem in the United States and statewide impacting individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities locally. Methods: The qualitative research method will be utilized with a phenomenology approach to explore the lived experiences of 20 Latinx adults through interviews. This study …

Diversity In Social Work Organizations, Andrea I. Corona

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This research proposal explores social workers’ attitudes toward diversity within organizations. The goal is to measure individual perception, beliefs, and receptiveness to diversity. The ATD scale measures attitudes across different dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and cultural differences. Bachelor's of social work and Master’s of social work professionals working within an organization will answer the scale and results analyzed.

Diversity is the presence of a wide range of differences among people and groups. These characteristics can be visible or invisible and make individuals unique. Diversity also involves recognizing, valuing, and respecting those individual differences. Diversity fosters inclusive …

The Evolution Of India’S ‘Counter-Terrorism (Ct)’ Policy In The 21st Century, Mule Rohit Ashok

Journal of Terrorism Studies

The changing nature of modern terrorism has proved a major threat to the global security architecture. The 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States of America, the world's ‘Police State’, is apparent. Consequently, the international community launched collective fights at different levels to deal with it. However, the nation-state at the individual level also designed a ‘Counter-Terror (CT)’ policy mechanism within the scope of the foreign policy paradigm to safeguard national security. India, since its independence, has consistently faced security challenges from terrorism from its neighbours, and has followed the same suit. The major CT policy was grounded in the …

Exploring The Dark Horizon : Artificial Intelligence (Ai) As Cyberterrorism Tools, Krisnayanto Krisnayanto, Suryadi Suryadi

Journal of Terrorism Studies

This Journal utilizes a thorough literature review approach to explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential use as a tool for terrorism. With the rapid advancement of AI technologies, there is a growing concern about their possible misuse by terrorist groups. This study extensively examines existing research, policy documents, and expert opinions and investigates the complex connections between AI and terrorism. The literature review delves into historical examples, current case studies, and emerging trends to clarify the various ways in which AI could be employed for harmful purposes by terrorist organizations. By analyzing recruitment strategies, communication …

Emerging Technologies In Boko Haram's Operations And Counter-Terrorism Efforts In Central Africa, Abraham Ename Minko

Journal of Terrorism Studies

The interplay between terrorism and technology in Central Africa has intensified, particularly with Boko Haram’s rise. This research explores how emerging technologies enhance Boko Haram's operations and the corresponding counter-terrorism efforts. It examines Boko Haram’s use of social media for recruitment, encrypted messaging for secure communication, and advanced weaponry like drones and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These technologies have expanded Boko Haram’s reach and operational efficiency, challenging security forces. The study also evaluates technological countermeasures implemented by Central African governments and international bodies, including surveillance, cyber intelligence, and data analytics. It assesses the effectiveness of these measures, noting successes and …

Impact Of Crime On Interstate Transport Operations In Northcentral Nigeria, Muhammed Etudaiye Ohida

Journal of Terrorism Studies

The study investigated the impact of crime on interstate road transport operations in north-central Nigeria. The study relies on descriptive statistics to describe the features of the populations. 200 questionnaires were purposefully administered to the four major interstate motor parks in the capital of some north-central states (i.e., Minna, Lokoja, Benue, and Lafia) using random sampling techniques. The gathered data was analysed using percentages and charts, while the T-test statistics were used to test the study hypothesis. The result shows that there is a statistically significant influence of crimes on interstate transport operations in north-central Nigeria. The study concluded that …

Assessing Bioterrorism Preparedness In Indonesia: Challenges And Strategic Frameworks For National Security, Toni Toni, Haliansyah Haliansyah

Journal of Terrorism Studies

Bioterrorism represents a growing global threat, necessitating robust preparedness frameworks to safeguard national security. This study aims to assess Indonesia's bioterrorism preparedness by identifying key challenges and proposing strategic frameworks for improvement. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this quantitative research examines the relationship between Government Capacity (independent variable), Crisis Management Effectiveness (intervening variable), and National Security Preparedness (dependent variable). A structured survey was distributed to key stakeholders, including public health officials, security experts, and policymakers, yielding 100 valid responses. Data analysis through SEM revealed that Government Capacity significantly influences Crisis Management Effectiveness, which in turn positively impacts National Security Preparedness. …

State Sponsored Terrorism As A Tool For Proxy War, Brice Tseen Fu Lee, Juan Pablo Sims, Kotchaphop Kornphetcharat

Journal of Terrorism Studies

This paper explores the role of state-sponsored terrorism as a tool in proxy wars, examining its effectiveness in achieving short-term geopolitical objectives and its long-term consequences. By analyzing historical and contemporary case studies, such as Iran’s support for Hezbollah and Pakistan’s backing of militant groups in Kashmir, the paper demonstrates how states use financial, military, and intelligence resources to empower non-state actors. The analysis applies realist, constructivist, and asymmetrical warfare theories to understand the motivations behind state sponsorship and the risks involved, including blowback and international sanctions. The paper concludes by assessing the future of state-sponsored terrorism in light of …

Monitoring Incentives And Tax Planning: Evidence From State-Owned Enterprises, Eva Eberhartinger, David M. P. Samuel

Research Collection School Of Accountancy

This study provides new evidence on the association of state ownership and tax planning by showing that a state owner’s monitoring incentives affect a firm’s tax planning. Using the setting of a developed market economy, Germany, we distinguish between state owners that directly benefit from state-owned enterprises’ (SOEs’) income tax payments and those that do not. Our results indicate that state ownership is not associated with less tax planning unless the state owner directly benefits from higher tax payments. These results are robust to various specifications and suggest that shareholders’ monitoring incentives are a determinant of a firm’s tax planning …

Limitations Due To Occupational Credentialing For Immigrants In Massachusetts: Survey Report, Phillip Granberry, Florita Coto Tristán, Fabián Torres-Ardila, Jonathan Vega-Martinez, Maria M. Pache De Athayde

Gastón Institute Publications

The Gastón Institute began investigating occupational credentialing because of a previous research project with English for New Bostonians, which had found that many people in its ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes complained that lack of an occupational credential had caused them to suffer unemployment or underemployment. The Latino Equity Fund at the Boston Foundation provided the funding for a study addressing the problem of determining the extent to which Massachusetts immigrants are having trouble in the labor market because they lack the proper occupational credentials. The study has two complementary components: a qualitative study with interviews of …

Empowering Dreams: The Massachusetts Tuition Equity Law And Its Impact On Undocumented Latine Students, Belén Zúñiga, Melissa Colón

Gastón Institute Publications

As a result of the Tuition Equity Law enacted in September 2023, Massachusetts is one of 25 states1 that have encouraged access to higher education for non-citizens, including undocumented students2 (Broder and Kmec, 2024). Under the Tuition Equity Law, undocumented students, who: attended a high school (9th-12th grade)3 in Massachusetts with any combination of three years, graduated from a Massachusetts high school or have a Massachusetts high school diploma equivalent (GED/HiSet), and are admitted to a public institution of higher education in Massachusetts, can attend at in-state tuition rates (Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, 2023). They are also eligible to …

A Fragile New World: An Analysis Of The History, Present, And Future Of The U.S. Global Fragility Act, Declan F. Coakley

International Studies (MA) Theses

In 2019, the U.S. Congress passed the Global Fragility Act with bipartisan support. (GFA). The act aimed to reform U.S. foreign aid and development, focusing on stabilization initiatives that proactively address the root causes of conflict before they escalate into full-blown violence. Despite the significant implications of the GFA for both domestic and international foreign policy, extant research examining the novel legislation remains limited and disjointed in its examination. This paper builds on previous studies by combining content analysis and qualitative interviews with a diverse group of professionals within the foreign aid sector to offer a comprehensive analysis of the …

Contracted Wars, Compromised Oversight: Private Military Companies In Iraq, Afghanistan, And The Decline Of U.S. Accountability Standards, Brianna N. Buzzell

International Studies (MA) Theses

The Global War on Terror, beginning in 2001, started U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, facilitating the expansion of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) through a combination of operational necessity, strategic policy decisions, and systemic oversight failures. Despite their growing role, PMCs operate in legal and oversight grey zones. Despite a growing body of work on PMC accountability, there remains little agreement on how U.S. military interventions created conditions for their proliferation. This paper examines how U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan facilitated the expansion of PMC influence, resulting in reduced oversight and accountability for both the U.S. government …

The Burden Of Care: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into The Lived Experiences Of Homeless Shelter Administrators Leading Through The Pandemic And Lasting Implications On Program Operations, Marie Adele Wilson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The theories guiding this study are Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, conflict theory, and complex systems theory, which explain the relationship between the theory and resource limitations and acquisition, systems, and nature of acquiring human needs. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe homeless shelter administrators'/directors' experiences delivering services during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Eastern Coast of the United States and Texas. It further seeks to unravel how the pandemic informed the delivery of services and program administration related to homeless shelters and its impacts. The research questions sought to understand the impact of COVID-19 on delivering services …

A Study Of Special Districts: Research Of Financial Indicators As Predictors Of Fiscal Distress, Scott Keith Harrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since 1946, Special Purpose Districts (SPDs) have become the most prevalent form of government in the United States. Unfortunately, they fail more often than General Purpose (GP) governments. This study researches the predictability of the Florida State Auditor’s financial condition indicators for SPD financial health and the influence of intergovernmental transfers (IGT) on government financial health. The significance of this research lies in confirming whether a national SPD fiscal distress predictive model can be generalized to a single state. Additionally, the study researched the influence of intergovernmental transfers (IGT) on financial health. The quantitative research design used the Cox regression …

2025 May, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for May of 2025.

A Theoretical Model Of Participatory Team Science Training, Angela E. Jordan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

BACKGROUND: Teams have long been used to address major scientific and societal problems, and interdisciplinary teams are understood to be the best approach to complex systems-based problems like climate change. Engaged research collaborations incorporating community members as equal partners in research projects are recognized as both a means of advancing equity and justice in research, and also of improving the success of research translation by developing solutions with community use-value. The science of team science (TS) and community-engaged research (CEnR) have emerged as scholarly disciplines, with attempts to define competencies, skills, functioning, and success. A growing body of literature in …

From Basel (1989) To Busan (2024): Developments And Contradictions In The Global Plastic Waste Trade, Megan E. Hughes

Honors Theses

In 1989, the international community convened in Basel to adopt groundbreaking, legally binding legislation on the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. Plastic waste was notably absent from the initial Basel Convention due to the perceived economic value in plastic recycling despite social, economic, and environmental harms. Consequently, the transboundary sale of plastic waste for recycling– known as the Global Plastic Waste Trade (GPWT)– has proceeded largely unregulated, enabling unsustainable plastic consumption while exacerbating environmental justice divides between developed and developing nations. Recent commitments in the GPWT, such as the European Commission Circular Economy Action Plan (2015), China’s National Sword policy …

Entangled Exclusions: Borders, Frontiers And Urban Geopolitics From Northeast India, Prerona Das, Gaurav Mittal, Jasnea Sarma

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

An epicentre of ethnicity-based identity politics and exclusions, India's northeastern region has long been politically imagined as both a ‘frontier’ and ‘borderland’ for state control, territorialization, extractive economies and (re)developments by colonial and subsequent post-colonial regimes. In post-independence India, the region experienced many territorial assertions made on ethnic grounds. With the rise of religio-national and neoliberal politics, new urban ‘developments’ and connectivity projects in the region have deepened exclusions based on class, caste, ethnic and religious borders. These have, in turn, led to further displacement, enclavization, and ghettoization of minority communities who are deemed ‘non-native’ along ethnocentric lines. Taking two …

Fostering Positive Bonds: Exploring Key Influences On Foster Youth-Foster Parent Relationships, Maria Baldivid, Karen Cedano

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Each year, thousands of children enter the U.S. foster care system and spend a significant amount of time in out-of-home care. Unfortunately, many of these children face placement instability, exacerbating the stress and trauma they undergo in addition to the inherent challenges of being in foster care. Recognizing the pivotal role of the foster youth-foster parent relationship due to the prolonged time spent in foster homes, this study aimed to explore influential factors in developing positive relationships from the perspective of former foster youth. Employing a qualitative research design, the study conducted individual virtual interviews, and subsequent data analysis identified …

Parent-Child Contact In Family-Focused Programs For Incarcerated Individuals, Carol Marie Nettie Mcdonald

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The following research study will evaluate family-focused programs offered to incarcerated individuals and determine if these programs are hindered when there is little to no contact between parents and children during incarceration. Family-focused programs include parent/child bonding, and/or parenting classes and other similar programs. The research method that will be used in this study is a qualitative design and will gather data through interviews of formerly incarcerated individuals as well as former children (now adults) who have been involved in family programming. The study will also gather data from licensed clinical staff who have been involved in related programming while …

Social Workers Perception Of Co-Occuring Disorders, Mirella Ramirez, Raelyn Calderon

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study investigates how social work practitioners in California view their approach to treating people with co-occurring disorders—disorders that involve both mental health and drug use problems. Eleven clinicians participated in in-depth Zoom interviews for the study, which reveals the main obstacles and variables affecting their treatment with patients who have co-occurring illnesses. The questions focused on the clinician's own experiences working with clients, including the challenges they face and common miscommunications or occurrences that have influenced their approach. Numerous challenges are shown by the research, such as complicated client needs, scarce resources, stigma, and a lack of family support. …