Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Menstrual Muses: Art, Storytelling, And The Care-Based Communication Of Menstrual Justice, Burcu Koleli

Masters Theses

Menstrual Muses is an artistic research project comprising a written thesis and a body of work developed across soft sculpture, ceramics, illustration, graphic memoir, digital media, and participatory workshops. The written component operates alongside the studio practice, outlining the project’s theoretical framework, methodology, and context while engaging questions of communication, accessibility, embodiment, and stigma. It situates menstruation within feminist discourse, examining how it has been culturally silenced, regulated, and shaped through systems of power.

The artistic work functions as research materialized through practice, responding to the central question of how my art can facilitate conversations around menstrual justice. It explores …

Where Each Step Lands: Reconnecting And Reparenting Through Visual Narrative, Skye Wang

Masters Theses

This research begins with lived experiences of dissociation and a persistent sense of disconnection between body and consciousness. It explores the potential of visual narrative as an embodied practice. Through daily walking and sketching, bodily sensations are translated into visual language through a synesthetic process, forming the foundation for a picture book as the central outcome of this project.

The picture book adopts the perspective of a jumping spider positioned beneath a five-year-old girl’s shoe, creating a shifting, downward-facing viewpoint. The spider functions as a viewing position, while the girl represents the inner child. The narrative is constructed around the …

Open_______, Eitan Boiarsky

Masters Theses

This thesis examines how ambiguity can function as a deliberate design strategy rather than a condition to eliminate. While modern design traditions have prioritized clarity, efficiency, and immediate legibility, this work revisits Umberto Eco's concept of the Open Work and Oskar Hansen's Open Form to argue that openness is not a failure of design but a method within it.

Through a series of workshops and object-based experiments, ambiguity is structured as a design instrument that invites interpretation rather than delivering fixed meaning. Participants encounter unfamiliar forms with deliberately withheld information, producing moments of hesitation, speculation, and reinterpretation. These encounters demonstrate …

Waterway: A Steam-Based Therapeutic Device System, Mingyuan Dong

Masters Theses

Across history and global cultures, water has played a central and often spiritual role in practices of care, from cleansing rituals to saunas and steam therapies. Yet, within contemporary product design, water is typically treated as a utility rather than as an experiential material capable of shaping perception, attention, and well-being. This thesis, Waterway, investigates how water, specifically in its steam state, can be designed as both a therapeutic medium and a ritualized experience that engages the body and mind.

Waterway proposes a steam-based wellness system that addresses physical pain and somatic discomfort while cultivating slower, more attentive interaction. Rather …

American Paradise, Virginia Hanusik

Masters Theses

The following is a collection of stories and ideas about the making of our physical and emotional worlds, along with their fracturing, deconstruction, and degradation within the American industrial landscape.  It suggests the value of the unknown and the grace of mistakes, emotional and material friction, and the hiccups that come with learning.

For American Paradise, I’m bringing my interest in landscape extraction, and the people and families within them, to my own autobiography. In this work I turn to where I grew up, the people that brought me there, my connection to manual labor, and the use of specific …

Archives Of The Future, Ka Oskar Ly

Masters Theses

Archives Of The Future is a practice-based thesis that invokes the archive and the future as simultaneous.

This research insists on the recentering of HMong Indigeneity and its own rooted traditions of HMong Queerness and HMong Feminism as ancestral knowledge systems.

They are the medicine. To recover their cosmological capacity is to traverse centuries of systematic eradication by empires and patriarchy.

I treat artistic making, community encounter, memory, and materials as equally valid ways of knowing and as collaborators. Field research from 2020 to 2026 moves through kinship and artisan teachings. It spans Southeast Asia, France, the United States, and …

Material Costs, Karima Weinman

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates how migration fatality and disappearance data can be reinterpreted through material craft to create a more reflective encounter with information. Working with the Missing Migrants Project's dataset, this project asks how design can communicate dimensions of human loss that conventional data visualization cannot reach.

The work situates contemporary border violence within a longer colonial history, arguing that the logics of surveillance and quantification that structured European imperial expansion persist in the databases that govern mobility in the Mediterranean today.

Terrazzo is a 15th-century Venetian flooring technique built from discarded fragments bound together into a unified surface. This …

Hidden Systems, Samuel Choi

Masters Theses

Across buildings and cities, moisture is managed, concealed, and discharged through convoluted systems of containment. Still, water ultimately resists this framework. It reveals itself as leaks, puddles, condensation—moments typically understood as technical failure. Hidden Systems reframes these conditions as architectural knowledge, one that becomes evidence of water’s material capacity, limits of infrastructure, and a record of time.

NYC is constructed on, powered by, and profiting from water. Although it hosts a robust network, seepages disrupt control, allowing systems to be traced across scales. As pipes expand, contract, and freeze, the project unfolds seasonally, moving through water’s three states: solid, liquid, …

Just Between Us (And Everyone We Tell...), Deborah Khodanovich

Masters Theses

Graphic designers are often obsessed with a broader public. The desire to be seen, to be heard, to have our work reach the broadest audience possible—these are goals deeply ingrained in our discipline. But why? Just Between Us (and everyone we tell…) challenges us to abandon this fixation, proposing instead that graphic design should concern itself with the private—the intimate, the local, the unseen.

This is where gossip comes in. Gossip is the language of the invisible, a form of sharing, and a means of knowledge-production and preservation that has historically been dismissed as frivolous, immoral, and—most egregious of all—associated …

A Psycho-Spiritual Transformation In Covid-19 Crisis Narratives: A Comparative Study In Indonesia And Pakistan, Heru Prakosa, Nurlaela Widyarini, Johanes Seno Aditya Utama, Juan Carlos

Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia

Although the COVID-19 pandemic ended as a global health emergency, its psychosocial legacy persists in many communities. This study examines how religion and spirituality support recovery in Indonesia and Pakistan by shaping crisis narratives. Faith-based language is treated as psychosocial data and interpreted through its functions in meaning-making, emotion regulation, social connection, value anchoring, and action commitment using Psycho-Spiritual Transformation (PST) as a guiding framework. Open-ended responses were collected from 274 participants via an online survey in July 2021 (Indonesia n = 236; Pakistan n = 38). Across both contexts, narratives typically moved from pressure and inner conflict toward spiritual …

Recruitment As Care: Building Trust With Hard-To-Reach Populations In Sensitive Health Research, Alexander N. Vera

MUSC Conference Presentations

Recruiting participants for sensitive health research on social media presents unique ethical and methodological challenges. This session shares lessons learned from a qualitative study examining how young adults in South Carolina use TikTok to seek sexual health information. The presentation highlights creative and trauma-informed recruitment strategies that successfully engaged a hard-to-reach population while maintaining participant trust and privacy. Attendees will learn how recruitment language, social media algorithms, and transparency practices shape engagement, and why building trust matters more than technology alone. The session also considers how these lessons can inform future research in health sciences librarianship, especially for librarians supporting …

Examining Whether The Relationships Between Specific Psychiatric Diagnoses And Both Adolescent Suicide And Reoffending Are Moderated By Sex, Michael T. Baglivio, Katherine Jackowski, Brooke Neupaver, Grayson Black, Bailee Perry, Kevin T. Wolff

Publications and Research

The current study examines the relationships between specific psychiatric diagnoses and both adolescent suicide and reoffending, the implications of adverse childhood experiences on these outcomes, and assesses whether these relationships are moderated by sex. Using a multilayer multiyear statewide sample of 6,515 adolescents who completed juvenile justice residential placements, logistic regression and moderation models were used to examine these relationships. Findings demonstrate that the rate of suicidal ideation was 2.5 times higher for female youth, while the recidivism rate was 1.7 times higher for males. Psychiatric diagnoses prevalence ranged from 65.9% for conduct disorder to less than 1% for personality …

Latinx Immigrant Parents’ Adjustment To Their Children’S Health And Educational Services For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Eliana Cristina Gassette

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Psychosocial Risk Factors And Recidivism Among Violent Offenders, Abbey Elizabeth Burgess

Dissertations and Theses

This study examined whether changes in LS/CMI domain scores between prison intake and release were associated with three-year recidivism among violent offenders following their release from custody. While the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) framework emphasizes the importance of targeting dynamic criminogenic needs to reduce reoffending, relatively little research has assessed whether changes in domain-level risk factors translate into improved outcomes over time. Using administrative data from a state correctional system, this study analyzed domain-level changes in LS/CMI scores and their relationship to rearrest, while controlling for demographic characteristics, criminal history, and institutional factors. Results indicated that changes in most LS/CMI domains were …

Tuning The Neighborhood: Purifying People, Places, And Environments In Suburban Kolkata, Sourav Saha

Yale Journal of Music & Religion

In modern science, disciplines such as physics, mechanical and civil engineering, seismology, and acoustics have conceptualized vibration as a quantifiable mechanical phenomenon, measured through the metrics of frequency, amplitude, and resonance. In contrast, scholarship in anthropology, musicology, and sound studies has approached vibration as a socio-historical, cultural, and political phenomenon. This article examines how vibration (spandan) operates as a metaphysical, sensory, and ethico-affective force that mediates relations among people, places, and environments. Focusing on the practice of satsang adhibesan (devotional congregation), the article demonstrates how members of the Deoghar-Satsang community participate in sonic rituals of prayer, silent chanting, meditation, sacred …

The Autonomy Plan In Morocco: Legal Foundations, Political Dimensions And Prospects For Resolving The Sahara Conflict, Limam Boussif, Jalila Ait Soudane

Journal of Maya Heritage

Summary: The territorial conflict over the Sahara is one of the most enduring territorial disputes in international relations, involving issues of sovereignty, self-determination, and regional stability. In this context, Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Plan is presented as a negotiated framework of self-government under Moroccan sovereignty.

This article analyzes the evolution and consolidation of the Autonomy Plan using a conceptual approach based on self-determination, territorial governance, and conflict resolution theories. It shows that the initiative has progressively evolved from a national proposal into an internationally recognized framework, particularly through growing diplomatic support and developments within the United Nations Security Council, including Resolution …

Les Grands Chantiers De La Transition Énergétique Au Maroc: Le Cas De Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Entre Réalisations, Facteurs De Réussite Et Perspectives, Limam Boussif, Jalila Ait Soudane

Journal of Maya Heritage

Résumé: Cet article examine la dynamique de la transition énergétique au Maroc à travers une analyse descriptive et analytique du cas de Dakhla-Oued Eddahab. Dans un contexte marqué par l’accélération des politiques de décarbonation à l’échelle mondiale, le Maroc s’impose comme un acteur stratégique en matière de développement des énergies renouvelables et de l’hydrogène vert. L’étude met en lumière les principaux chantiers structurants engagés dans la région de Dakhla, notamment le développement des énergies éolienne et solaire, les projets de production d’hydrogène vert, le dessalement de l’eau de mer, ainsi que la réalisation du port Dakhla Atlantique. L’analyse montre que …

Adapting And Promoting Tourism For Children In Venice And The Lagoon Islands: A Comparative Analysis Of Food-Related Discourse Strategies In English And In Italian, Daniela Cesiri Prof.

International Journal of Islands Research

According to the latest available version of the Annual Tourism Survey drafted by the City of Venice, in 2023, 12,628,079 tourists visited Venice and the Lagoon Islands (Bettiol & Marini, 2025). This survey does not provide data on the age groups of these visitors, but they are available in the previous version of the same Survey (Bianchetto & Marini, 2022), which reports that 29% of tourists were in the 46-71 age group. Therefore, we can presume that, excluding the older age groups, quite a large proportion of visitors is likely composed of young tourists and families with children. This study …

Book Review: Through The Brazilian Streets: The Migration Of East African Athletes To Brazil, Joao Paulo Melleiro Malagutti, Fernando Augusto Starepravo

Journal of Global South Sport Studies

This review examines the book Through the Brazilian Streets: The Migration of East African Athletes to Brazil (Rojo, 2024), which analyzes the migratory processes of African road-running athletes competing in Brazilian races. Situated within the field of the Sociology of Sport, the book combines theoretical discussion on globalization and migration with empirical research based on interviews and documentary sources. The review highlights the analytical framework proposed by the author, which examines sports migration through cultural, political, economic, and personal dimensions. Particular attention is given to the study’s focus on migration flows between regions of the Global South, a perspective that …

Health Practices And Use Of Traditional Medicine Among Asian Indian Immigrants In The United States: A Pilot Study, Parita Patel, Anil N.F. Aranha

Medical Student Research Symposium

Title: Health Practices and Use of Traditional Medicine Among Asian Indian Immigrants in the United States: A Pilot Study

Authors

Parita Patel, MPH¹; Anil N.F. Aranha, PhD^1,2

Medical Education¹, Internal Medicine², Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Traditional and alternative medicine (TAM), including Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, and home remedies, remains widely used among Asian Indian (AI) immigrants in the United States alongside Western medicine. Cultural familiarity, family influence, and perceived safety shape these practices. This pilot study examined TAM prevalence, patterns, and perceptions among AI immigrants and …

Comparing Injury Incidence Between Major League Soccer And The English Premier League During The 2024/2025 Season: A Retrospective Cohort Study, William Gadbois, Youssef Salama, Kevin Reck, Scott Mohamed El-Sayed Yaekle

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background

Major League Soccer (MLS) and the English Premier League (EPL) differ substantially in geographic footprint, travel requirements, competition structure, and scheduling. These structural differences may influence player injury risk, yet no study has directly compared injury incidence between the two leagues within the same competitive season. In 2024, MLS introduced a centralized, standardized injury-reporting system that improved transparency and created a unique opportunity for direct comparison with the EPL.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study will analyze all reported time-loss injuries during the 2024 MLS and 2024–25 EPL seasons. Injury data will be collected from publicly available league reports, club …

Environmental Mercury Alters Immune Pathways Linked To Autoimmune Risk In Mice Mirroring Humans, Maurgan Lee, Paul Stemmer, Randall Gill, Allen Rosenspire, Anil Aranha, Heather Gibson

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background and Purpose: Mercury is a pervasive environmental contaminant, and human epidemiologic studies have linked chronic low-level exposure to increased autoimmune disease-risk. Dysregulated lymphocyte activation and impaired signaling tolerance are central mechanisms in human autoimmunity. Protein phosphorylation governs lymphocyte differentiation and function, alterations in phosphoproteomic networks may represent a signature of immune disruption. This study evaluates how low dose mercury exposure modifies B and T cell abundance and intracellular signaling patterns in BALB/c and Diversity Outbred (DO) mice.

Methods: BALB/c and DO mice were exposed to low dose HgCl2 in their water for two weeks or provided standard water controls. …

Real-World Clinical Outcomes Of Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Propensity-Matched Comparative Study, Hassan Yassine, Amir Ghafarian, Jawad Saad, Abdel Kareem Hilo, Muaaz Wajahath, Khaled Saleh

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) is increasingly utilized to improve component alignment and soft-tissue balance, yet its impact on clinically meaningful outcomes in large real-world populations remains uncertain. Although prior studies demonstrate improved radiographic accuracy, whether robotic assistance reduces postoperative complications, opioid utilization, or midterm mechanical failure has not been established at scale.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective, propensity-matched cohort study using the TriNetX US Collaborative Network to identify adults undergoing primary TKA from 2018–2023. Robotic-assisted procedures were defined by CPT 27447 with concurrent robotic navigation codes. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed to balance demographics and comorbidities, yielding …

From Strategic Commitment To Practical Action: A Selection Of Projects To Advance Inclusive Collections, Anne E. Rauh, Winn W. Wasson, Rebecca G. Johnston, Hannah Marosi

Librarian Publications

No abstract provided.

Growing Together: Building Communities Of Practice For Mlis Students And Librarian Instructors, Amanda Crego-Emley, Alicia G. Vaandering, Mary Allbee, Lily Hobin, Hannah E. Olson

Public Services Faculty Presentations

Reflective teaching as a community of practice can offer critical support in honing both teacher-librarian identity and classroom management skills.  In this session, we will outline how university librarians and MLIS students collaborated to develop a community of practice around reflective teaching. Attendees will hear firsthand from MLIS students about how participating in this community of practice shaped their development and confidence as emerging instructors. Our practice included pre- and post-semester reflections, structured goal setting, regular reflection on one-shot instruction, and periodic cohort meetings to share how reflection shapes future practice. We aimed to create a non-hierarchical approach to reflection …

Organizational Redevelopment: A Systematic Approach To Behavioral Health Mergers, Acquisitions, Or Consolidations, Inesha Shairon Trahan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

A Qualitative Analysis Of Citizen Response To The 2025 Post Fire Recovery In Los Angeles, Richard Vaughn

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The Lawyer Is In!: Copyright Litigation Over Time, Ellen Amatangelo, Marissa Bischoff, Morgan Capitan, Jack Newman

Faculty Publications

This presentation is an overview of copyright litigation that has affected libraries. The session provides a hands-on look at specific cases and how they have affected and changed library work over time. A lawyer from the BYU Copyright Office provides commentary on each case and librarians discuss the impact of these cases on library policy. This helps to alleviate librarians' fear of copyright and legislation and provides guiding principles for the future.

This session was hosted by the Copyright Education Roundtable and presented at the Utah Library Association 2026 Annual Conference.

Electronic Research Notebooks And Partnership Checklists: Fostering Cultured Collaboration In Evidence Synthesis Projects Using Labarchives And Swirl-Sr, Gary Kaplan, Mslis, Ahip, Abby Adamczyk, Mlis, Ahip, Emmett Booth, Mlis, Ahip, Stephanie Roth, Mlis, Ahip

Academic Commons and Scott Memorial Library Staff Papers and Presentations

Background

Librarians providing evidence synthesis services often face project management challenges, from tracking progress on search strategy development to clarifying team roles. Librarians have a variety of tools to address these challenges.¹ We propose using electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), which standardize how scientists record research progress. Institutions have adapted ELNs to protect intellectual property and improve rigor and reproducibility.

Although many published systematic reviews report following guidelines such as PRISMA, they still lack rigor and reproducibility.² Therefore, one of the authors developed the Standards for Working with Research Librarians-on Systematic Reviews (SWiRL-SR) checklist to facilitate collaboration and improve …

Hedonics Of Used Car Attributes On Market Price, Alexander Bent, Jason Gutierrez

Undergraduate Economics Working Paper Series

This paper uses Rosen's paper on hedonic pricing as a framework to analyze the determinants of used car prices found in Craigslist. Using cleaned data, we observe over 43,000 listings from 2005 to 2020 and investigate factors that affect used car prices and how they interact in this market. Results show that odometer readings and condition are the strongest factors that determine price, while manufacturers, paint color, drive type, fuel type, size, and year have more ambiguous effects that depend on certain perceived attributes or conditions.