Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Attentional Control, Anxiety, And Depression, Anna Morgan

2026 Research Poster Competition

Anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent and debilitating mental health conditions worldwide. Research suggests that both anxiety and depression are related to deficits in the ability to focus and shift attention, known as attentional control. These effects are present in data using behavioral measures of attentional control (e.g., accuracy in resequencing alphanumeric strings) and self-report measures, though more strongly in the latter. However, studies have found little if any correlation between behavioral and self-report measures of attentional control. One possibility is that anxiety and depression are associated not only with deficits in attentional control, but also more strongly …

Caregiver Satisfaction Of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy With Autistic Youth: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Coaching Vs. Non-Coaching Approaches, Madeleine Schlegel, Chelsea Kendrick

2026 Research Poster Competition

Though few family-based interventions exist to address disruptive behaviors with Autistic youth, one such treatment, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), has a growing body of evidence to suggest that it can be used with Autistic families to promote positive caregiver-child interactions and reduce child aggression or defiance (Scudder et al., in press). However, to date, a standardized protocol to use with Autistic youth (PCIT-Autism) has not been outlined or tested to ensure that the needs of Autistic youth and families are adequately met. Based on feedback from an Autism Community Advisory Board, where Autistic community members and their families communicated their …

The David And Goliath Phenomenon: When Small Powers Win Big Wars, Vivian Pettigrew

2026 Research Poster Competition

After over a decade of war, hundreds of thousands dead, and twenty-four years of power, Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria collapsed in November of 2024 in just twelve days. The success of fragmented Syrian rebels against such a long-standing and powerful government challenges widely held assumptions about power and stability. This research addresses these challenged assumptions by examining the so-called “David and Goliath phenomenon," or cases in which smaller states or rebel groups come out victorious against greater powers. Understanding these cases is crucial to explaining predictability in war and regime vulnerability, while also having important implications for modern international …

Hostile But Lawful? Examining The Elements Of “True Threats” In Rhetoric Toward Election Officials, Kayleigh Gwiazdowski

2026 Research Poster Competition

Threats of violence have become increasingly visible, yet they remain understudied compared to acts of violence themselves. This project examines death threats directed at U.S. election administrators following the 2020 Presidential Election. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 26 current and former U.S. election administrators, I analyzed 580 hostile messages received in the aftermath of the election to understand how threats function as a tool of intimidation and coercion. Messages were examined for markers indicating (1) whether the sender expressed the intent to threaten, (2) whether the language specified a concrete act of violence or identifiable target, and (3) whether a …

Cognitive Appraisals, Empathy, And Helping Behavior: Toward An Integrated Model, Kaitlyn Lizarraga

2026 Research Poster Competition

Research on cognitive appraisals, empathy, and prosocial behavior is prevalent in the literature, but these three domains have seldom intertwined in a meaningful way despite apparent conceptual overlap. Findings suggest that causal attributions of controllability (which are similar to cognitive appraisals of control and responsibility) predict sympathy and helping behavior, but no work has been done on how cognitive appraisals fit into the mix. Thus, the purpose of the present research was to investigate which cognitive appraisals predict empathy and whether empathy subsequently predicts helping intentions through a sequential process. Research on this topic is significant because there are always …

Applied Textile Innovation In Sustainable Design: Evaluating Soy-Based Materials And Embroidery Techniques For Circular Apparel Applications, Jasmine Williams

2026 Research Poster Competition

Applied Textile Innovation in Sustainable Design:Evaluating Soy-Based Materials and Embroidery Techniques for Circular Apparel Applications  AbstractThe global apparel industry is recognized as one of the most environmentally intensive manufacturing sectors, driven by high resource consumption, chemically intensive processing, and linear production systems that generate significant textile waste. In response to these challenges, sustainable fashion research increasingly emphasizes the exploration of bio-based materials and circular design strategies that reduce environmental impact while maintaining functional and aesthetic value. This applied design research project investigates the potential of soy-based textiles combined with embroidery and applique techniques as sustainable strategies for circular apparel applications.Grounded …

Professional Wear For Women Aged 30 And Under Post Double Mastectomy Without Reconstruction, Lilly Davis

2026 Research Poster Competition

This study explores the fit, functionality, and style preferences of professional wear for women aged 30 and under who have undergone double mastectomy surgery and have not had reconstruction, often referred to as ‘living flat’. While there have been advancements to make adaptive post mastectomy clothing that prioritizes recovery or traditional prosthetic solutions, there still remains a gap in professional wear for younger women that encourages confidence and comfort in the workplace. This research aims to bridge that gap in the apparel industry by providing inclusive, adaptive, and empowering options for the professional setting. A mixed-methods design approach will be …

Adaptive Leggings For Crohn’S/Colitis/Isbs Patients With A Colostomy/Ileostomy Bag, Evie Liebbe

2026 Research Poster Competition

Individuals living with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and related gastrointestinal conditions often face significant physical and emotional challenges following colostomy or ileostomy surgery. While ostomy bags are essential medical devices that support health and survival, they frequently create difficulties related to clothing fit, comfort, discretion, and self-expression. Despite growing conversations around inclusivity and adaptive apparel, the contemporary fashion market offers limited stylish, affordable, and functional clothing options for individuals with ostomies, particularly younger consumers who value both comfort and personal style. This lack of inclusive design can negatively impact confidence, body image, and overall quality of …

Historical Comparison Of Fashion Symbolism: Evaluating Queen Elizabeth Ii, Princess Diana, And Princess Catherine Of Wales, Rebecca O'Dea

2026 Research Poster Competition

It is no secret that appearance is a determining factor of how one is perceived by others. One of the most significant elements of image is the clothes that one wears. Through dress people reveal aspects about themselves; a person’s attire serves as an expression of their intentions, values, and feelings in relation to their surroundings before any actual interaction takes place. The purpose of this study is to explore the phenomenon of the influential element of dress, specifically within royal costume. Within the public spotlight, the reach and impact of appearance accumulate more attraction and influence. This research focuses …

The Impact Of True Crime Podcasts On Cold Case Investigations And Victims' Advocacy, Kyle Gamache, Karlie Rice, Ashley Allen, Willem Pontbriand

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

True crime has long captivated public interest, evolving from sensationalized accounts in the Middle Ages to the widespread popularity of modern podcasts. This qualitative study explores the ethical complexities of true crime media by examining how it intersects with criminal investigations, public perception, and victim advocacy. Through in-depth interviews with law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and true crime content creators, the study investigates differing attitudes toward the role of podcasts in active and cold cases. Using Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method, data were analyzed to uncover shared and divergent themes across professional roles. Law enforcement participants voiced concerns over web- sleuthing …

The Ettrick Trail Town Guide: Trail Tourism As An Economic Revitalization Strategy, Dagny Oakley

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

The Ettrick Trail Town Guide: Trail Tourism as an Economic Revitalization Strategy in Ettrick, Virginia provides context-specific strategies for the Ettrick community to utilize to capitalize on existing and future trail infrastructure. This plan outlines demographic trends, development patterns, and trail networks, and establishes actionable recommendations for transforming Ettrick into a trail hub. Utilizing the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) framework, this plan focuses on existing strengths within the community as it pertains to trail tourism, and investigates how these assets can be capitalized on. Key recommendations include improving both physical and cultural connections to trails, adopting marketing and branding …

Understanding Community-Defined Success Of Urban Community Gardens, Josephine H. Laprad

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Rva Resilience Network: Filling Gaps With Resilience Microhubs, Andrew Bunn

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

Richmond, Virginia has experienced a steady increase in climate-related disruptions including more hot days and more extreme storm events than in previous decades. Frontline communities disproportionately feel the impacts of these events, revealing gaps in the services and resources that should allow these communities to prepare for and recover from disruptions more effectively. This plan, developed for Groundwork RVA, explores neighborhood-scale resilience microhubs as a tool to fill these gaps and increase resilience in frontline communities.

The plan establishes a repeatable process for creating and expanding a network of resilience microhubs in the Richmond region. This process was tested and …

Planning For Equitable And Transparent Outdoor Recreation Permitting Within The James River Park System, Sarah J. Girard

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

The City of Richmond has experienced an imbalance within the current special event permitting process for the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. Park users are not reporting sizeable events being held within the James River Park System, which has caused concern pertaining to environmental and societal impacts. The current permitting process lacks depth and clarity that could be solved by beginning with expanding park user data. This gap of data is the missing piece for the City to be able to make informed future decisions based on a wide array of stakeholder input and tangible visitor use metrics.

Muzzle-To-Target Distance Determination Based On Lead (Pb) Concentration Of Gunshot Residue (Gsr) Using Icp-Oes, Abry Lloyd

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

The determination of muzzle-to-target distance remains a significant challenge in forensic casework. Current approaches to gunshot residue (GSR) analysis rely primarily on colorimetric testing to indicate chemical components present and subjective interpretation, limiting specificity and contributing to ongoing scrutiny within the field. This study investigates a quantitative method for estimating shooting distance based on the concentration of lead present in GSR samples (w/w%) with the utilization of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Test firings were conducted using caliber 22 Long Rifle, 9mm Luger, and 40 S&W semiautomatic handguns at defined distances to evaluate the relationship between lead concentration …

Differentiation Of Cell Populations In Saliva-Skin Mixtures Using Autofluorescence Profiling, Kara Fairfax

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

While DNA profiling of sexual assault evidence can identify biological contributors, determining the tissue source of recovered profiles remains a significant challenge, particularly in cases of suspected oral assault involving mixtures of epithelial cells. The initial goal of this study was to identify non-genetic signatures for differentiating two types of epithelial cells relevant to oral assaults, saliva epithelial cells and epidermal skin cells. To develop tissue-specific signatures, reference cell populations from saliva and epidermal skin surfaces were collected from 20 donors and analyzed using full spectrum flow cytometry.

Results from single-source reference samples showed that saliva-derived particle populations exhibited higher …

Implications Of Substrate Differences In Gunpowder Pattern Analysis: Skin Versus Blotter Paper In Forensic Reconstruction, Faith Duggan

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

Tattooing, also known as stippling, is a phenomenon that occurs from excess gunpowder being discharged from a firearm into the skin, and presents as reddish-brown or orange lesions surrounding an entrance wound on the skin. Distance determination is a practice used in many forensic laboratories to establish possible ranges of distances between the muzzle of a firearm and a target, and stippling is commonly used for this comparison. Conclusions are made by comparing the unknown pattern to known distance patterns, and determining which one is most similar. In one case, a firearm was discharged at an unknown distance and there …

Seeing The Invisible Load: Xr+ Multimodal Sensing For Cognitive Ergonomics In Industrial Training, Jessica M. Johnson, Andwele Grant

Virginia Digital Maritime Center (VDMC) Faculty Publications

Extended reality (XR) technologies are increasingly positioned as disruptive Industry 5.0 tools for human-centric industrial training and intelligent human–system integration. Coupled with multimodal sensing (eye tracking, EEG, HRV, GSR, and other physiological signals), XR environments promise to make otherwise invisible cognitive demands observable, especially for novice trainees entering complex industrial settings. Yet the evidence base is fragmented: (1) there is no quantitative synthesis of the cognitive ergonomics benefits of XR plus sensing; (2) little is known about which XR–sensor configurations yield the strongest effects; (3) prior reviews rarely focus on industrial and manufacturing tasks; (4) multimodal signals are used predominantly …

Does The Impact Of Volunteering On Health Differ By Wealth? [Research In Brief: Volunteering], Seoyoun Kim, Cal J. Halvorsen

Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging

Volunteering among older adults has many potential health benefits; however, older adults with more wealth are also more likely to volunteer in the first place, raising the question of whether they are the ones reaping the most benefits. This study asked two questions: (1) Does formal volunteering improve self-reported health and reduce depressive symptoms in older adults? (2) Does the impact of volunteering on these outcomes differ between older adults in the lowest and highest wealth quintiles?

Substance Use Behaviors And Treatment Engagement In Individuals With Severe Psychopathology With And Without Comorbid Obesity, Rachel M. Madera-Arnold

Theses and Dissertations

Research has found significantly higher rates of both substance use and obesity among individuals with SMI compared to population samples which in turn can lead to worsening health outcomes. Despite this, there is limited research on the co-occurrence of obesity, substance use, and SMI and how these conditions may interact to affect patient outcomes. In addition, there are many gaps in the research regarding the relationship between substance use and body weight, appetite and/or eating behaviors. This study conducted a secondary analysis of the NSDUH 2021 survey that characterized substance use and disorders among individuals who had severe psychopathology, examined …

Connectedness And Help-Seeking Among Veterans: Integrating The Andersen Behavioral Model And The Three-Step Theory Of Suicide, Samuel Ochinang

Theses and Dissertations

Veteran suicide rates remain higher than those of nonveterans, yet many veterans who die by suicide are not engaged in care prior to death. Veteran help-seeking research often focuses on healthcare utilization, overlooking informal sources of support and the decision-making processes that precede service use. Connectedness is a central protective factor in suicide theory but has received limited attention within help-seeking models. This study examined how connectedness influences veterans’ willingness to seek help. Guided by the Andersen Behavioral Model and the Three-Step Theory of Suicide, this secondary analysis used data from the Military Health and Well-Being Project. The analytic sample …

Family- And Cultural-Level Influences For Latine Adolescent Nicotine Use: A Qualitative Study Informing Prevention, Cindy M. Hernandez Castro

Theses and Dissertations

Early tobacco use among Latine adolescents represents a critical public health concern, with 23.8% reporting current use and exceeding rates among other racial/ethnic groups (Birdsey et al., 2023; Gaddy et al., 2022). This early initiation elevates risks for nicotine dependence and related morbidity in adulthood (Tsao et al., 2023). Guided by Structural Ecosystems Theory (Szapocznik & Coatsworth, 1999) and contemporary grounded theory analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; Charmaz, 2006; Noble & Mitchell, 2016), this study examined multilevel influences on nicotine-related attitudes among Latine youth, including: (1) familial factors (i.e., parental monitoring, caregiver-youth communication), (2) cultural dynamics (i.e., cultural values and …

Identifying Mobility Hub Suitability In The Mid-Sized United States Urban Area Using Weighted Overlay And Percentile Based Local Peak Analysis, Eric Asplund

Theses and Dissertations

IDENTIFYING MOBILITY HUB SUITABILITY IN THE MID-SIZED UNITED STATES URBAN AREA USING WEIGHTED OVERLAY AND PERCENTILE‑BASED LOCAL PEAK ANALYSIS

By Eric Asplund

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Urban and Regional Planning at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2026.

Major Director: Dr. Ivan Suen, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Faculty of Urban and Regional Studies and Planning

Shared mobility hubs are increasingly posited in transportation planning as interventions supporting multimodality, sustainability, and equitable access, but guidance on evaluation of potential hub locations remains uneven, particularly in mid-sized United States cities where …

Examining Bidirectional Associations Between Mothers’ Beliefs About Emotions And Child Social-Emotional Outcomes, Sydney Sumrall

Theses and Dissertations

Social-emotional (SE) skills encompass the ability to recognize and regulate emotions, manage behavior to act on goals, and maintain social relationships (Abrahams et al., 2019). Parents play a crucial role in child SE skill development. According to theories of emotion socialization (ES), the beliefs parents hold about emotions shape parents’ ES behaviors, including teaching children how to understand and express feelings (Eisenberg et al., 1998; Gottman, 1996). Because emotion socialization practices are influenced by cultural values (Raval & Walker, 2019), the parent beliefs and ES strategies that best support children’s SE skill development may vary across families’ racial backgrounds. Although …

Social And Community Determinants Of Alcohol Use Among Hispanic/Latino College Students: The Role Of Early Adversity And Drinking Motives, Isis A. Garcia-Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

Background. Alcohol use remains one of the most prevalent health-risk behaviors among college students in the United States and is associated with a range of academic, physical, and psychological consequences. Hispanic/Latino college students navigate complex social and cultural environments that may influence alcohol use behaviors, including exposure to early-life adversity, sociopolitical stressors, and culturally grounded sources of resilience. Guided by the Healthy People 2030 Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, this study examined how social and community context factors relate to alcohol use among Hispanic/Latino college students and whether drinking motives function as a psychological mechanism linking social experiences to …

Follow The Cyclists: Everyday Navigation Of Richmond's Bike Infrastructure, Emily E. Schreer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the embodied experience of cycling in Richmond, emphasizing the importance of centering firsthand, lived experience in cycling research and urban planning. While traditional transportation planning can often myopically prioritize efficiency and safety metrics to evaluate infrastructure, this project argues that such approaches overlook essential experiential, sensory, and emotional dimensions of cycling that determine how infrastructure is perceived, used, and ultimately succeeds or fails.

Through an ethnographic approach combining field observation of cyclist behavior and mental mapping sessions with Richmond cyclists, this study positions people who bike in Richmond as expert knowledge holders. Participant contributions, combined with observations …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Teacher-Report Modifications Of A Tier 2 Evidence-Based Program In Elementary Schools After Implementation Supports Are Withdrawn, Navneet Kaur

Theses and Dissertations

Growing literature emphasizes the importance of examining modifications (i.e., responses to unforeseen challenges and deliberate changes to a program) made by implementers to understand the long-term outcomes of evidence-based programs (EBPs), particularly after formal implementation supports, such as training and coaching, are withdrawn. Although prior research has documented that they occur during implementation, less is known about whether modifications occur once external supports are no longer available, and if so, what types of modifications are made, and the rationale for them. This gap is especially salient in school settings for teacher-delivered interventions. To address this gap, this study used semi-structured …

Examining The Impact Of Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Meditation On Posttraumatic Growth Following Interpersonal Trauma: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Margaret Poandl

Theses and Dissertations

Research on interventions designed to increase posttraumatic growth (PTG) among interpersonal trauma survivors is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a six-week trauma-informed mindfulness meditation intervention on PTG. Additionally, I examined outcomes of posttraumatic stress (PTS) and loneliness, as well as analyzed the variables of dispositional mindfulness, hope, spirituality, and self-compassion to understand their potential role as mechanisms of change within the intervention on PTG. To answer these research questions, I conducted a randomized controlled trial study with 113 adults from a community sample who reported experiencing interpersonal trauma. Utilizing linear mixed modeling and …

Digital Scholarship At Parkland College, Donica Swann

Library Scholarship

Presentation highlighting the benefits and capabilities of digital scholarship platforms available to students, faculty, and staff at Parkland College.

Practicing From The Inside Out: A Portfolio Of Trauma-Informed And Spirit-Led Social Work, Cailey R. Denboer

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio represents the integration of academic learning, practicum experience, and personal growth throughout my Master of Social Work education at the University of Montana. Grounded in empowerment theory, trauma-informed care, and anti-oppressive practice, this work reflects my commitment to ethical, culturally humble, and relational social work across individual, community, and organizational contexts. Drawing from coursework and practicum experiences, I highlight the development of core competencies through applied work.

A central theme of this portfolio is the ongoing process of self-reflection and humility, particularly in recognizing areas of growth and navigating the tensions between personal values, professional responsibilities, and systemic …