Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Finding Uhuru, Joanna Waliuba

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Uhuru is Swahili for freedom, freedom that many victims of gender-based violence do not have. Several studies and articles have reported that Gender-based violence is a normalized global pandemic3. This normalization hides a bigger problem of lack of proper facilities and care services that aid the erosion of gender-based violence. The purpose of my thesis is to design a hub for victims of these crimes. A hub that would facilitate healing for victims and educational resources for the community to tackle the stigma of sexual education and violence. To achieve this, the implementation of trauma-informed care and trauma-informed design governed …

Toward Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Outreach And Engagement In Extension Education: Expert Consensus On Barriers And Strategies, John Diaz, Cody Gusto, Lendel K. Narine, K.S.U Jayaratne, Colby Silvert

The Journal of Extension

Barriers to the successful implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) education and outreach initiatives are being documented across higher education institutions as DEI policies and protocols are gaining attention. Despite growing attention to promote DEI in higher education institutions, there remains a need to examine barriers preventing DEI efforts in a systematic way, particularly in Extension education contexts to formulate strategies to promote DEI. We present an expert, consensus-based framework to identify the most salient barriers to successful DEI implementation in Extension. We also discuss opportunities for Extension practitioners to overcome salient barriers with tailored mitigation strategies.

The Armed Forces Of Ukraine: From The Collapse Of The Soviet Union To The Russian Invasion, Gunnar Bash

Master's Theses

The Armed Forces of Ukraine (Ukrainian: Збройні сили України (ЗСУ), Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny, (ZSU)) were once internationally unknown, having fought no wars since the fall of the USSR in 1991. However, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ZSU has become a topic of international debate and one that is discussed daily between major think tanks and war studies institutions, along with the world’s most powerful militaries. Looking back to 1991, I discuss how the ZSU came to be, how they dealt with Russian and partisan transgressions in Ukraine, and how they have evolved from their interactions with the West …

How Technology Is Exacerbating The Mental Health Epidemic, Dhruv Schultz

COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium

Every year, technology of all mediums seems to make its way further into our lives. Offering unparalleled value in the workplace and classroom, as well as entertainment in our personal lives, it’s no wonder the world is becoming digital. However, this rapid digitalization may come at a hefty price. As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and addiction are on the rise. This research paper aims to explore the correlations between technology use and mental health, asking the question: to what extent is excessive technology use contributing to the mental health crisis? …

Data Privacy And Data Regulations As A Function Of Hegemonic Power, David Oommen

COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium

This paper examines the role that data regulations play in International Relations. State actors use data regulations as a way to increase their own power and decrease the power of competing actors. New regulations in the EU and California can serve as a guide to show which direction that hegemons will go in order to maintain or disrupt the balance of power in the international system.

Faculty Sponsor: Professor David Goldberg

Investigating The Impact Of Survival Relevance On Information Recall, Het T. Gor

COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium

This presentation will discuss a Psychological study that was derived from the Journal of Experimental Psychology at Purdue University. Through the use of a questionnaire we investigated peoples' likelihood to retain information. Participants were asked to do one or three tasks: Rate common nouns on a ten point scale in order of relevance to survival, or write a small phrase on how, if at all, the words are relevant to their survival, or write a small phrase on how, if at all, they relate to the word. The findings of this study will be covered at the symposium.

Faculty Sponsor: …

The Fear Of The Unknown, Kacper Kwidzinski

COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium

My paper titled, “The Fear of the Unknown” explores the intricate world of fear and anxiety, and gives an answer to the question, “Why do humans have such a profound fear of the unknown?” In this paper, I explain the differences between fear and anxiety, what makes certain fears fundamental, and lastly, how the fear of the unknown influences our day to day lives.

Faculty Sponsor: Professor Kelly Kristof

Defining “Original Work” In The Chatgpt Era, Natalie Orsic

COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium

The sudden release of OpenAI’s artificially intelligent chatbot, ChatGPT, in November, 2022, prompted a frenzy of questions and concerns about the imminent impact of this technology. As a member of the College of DuPage’s Speech and Debate Team, I decided to tackle this topic in the form of an informative speech. This presentation explains what ChatGPT is and a few potential use cases, but most importantly explores the implications this technology has on misinformation, academics, forensics, and “original work”.

Faculty Sponsor: Professor Brandon Wood

Cause Of Stress And Its Solutions For College, Yu Ju Tseng, Yu Sheng Tseng

COD Library Student Research and Award Symposium

This study aims to awaken awareness of students’ stress and help students not be overwhelmed by stress, even helping friends and class mates with similar situations. This topic is closely related to everyone; apart from the researchers’ initial curiosity about stress, sharing knowledge and helping others are the main reasons for choosing this topic. This study was inspired by the video of Dr. Kelly McGonigal’s 2012 talk: The Willpower Instinct. Dr. Kelly McGonigal is a lecturer at Stanford University, a research psychologist, and an author. (McGonigal, 2019) She is committed to using scientific methods to let people know more about …

Global Changemakers - Hope For The Future, Ann Flanagan

Capstone Collection

This exploratory qualitative research study explores the journey of changemakers and the role of formal and informal curricula in shaping students' understanding of social change and motivating them to take action. In addition, it investigates transformative experiences encountered through critical reflection and experiential learning and the steps universities could take to equip future changemakers with the necessary tools, skills, and mindset.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three male and two female students as well as one female teacher at Ritsumeikan University. The findings suggest that formal and informal curricula significantly shape students' understanding of social change and motivate them to …

Feathered Friends: The Positive Effects Of Owning A Companion Bird, Nicole Lea

Psychology | Student Research Posters

Loneliness is an epidemic whose full impact is only recently receiving the attention it urgently demands. While many solutions are suggested, a time-tested remedy is a companion animal. People report as deep a connection with a companion animal as with the humans in their lives due to the pet’s unconditional love and consistency. While much research has been dedicated to studying companion animal-human bonds with emphasis on dogs and cats, little has been conducted on the less popular household pet, the companion bird, even though bird owners report that their pets show just as much unconditional love and affection as …

How Granular Do You Want To Go? Analyizing Marcxml Data With Python, Rebecca Hyams

Publications and Research

While Alma Analytics can be quite powerful, it has its limits when it comes to providing answers to complex questions about bibliographic and holdings records. For those of us that do work that includes maintaining and enhancing records, having good quality data is vital in making informed decisions on the best way forward. You may find you want to know things like which additional identifiers are present in the record to help with deduplication efforts, or how many records have a particular formatting issue that needs addressing. The data is already there in the record and can be accessed via …

The Black Progress Index In Mountain West Metropolitan Statistical Areas (Msas), Zachary Billot, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Demography

This fact sheet examines data from the Brookings Institution report, “Black Progress Index: Examining Social Factors That Influence Black Well-Being” authored by Andre Perry and Jonathan Rothwell in September 2022. The Black Progress Index (BPI) score is constructed using data and social factors that impact life expectancy for Black Americans. This fact sheet compares the BPI with the actual life expectancy of Black people in Mountain West metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). This fact sheet also examines each of the 13 variables included in the original report to present the BPI in the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV MSA.

The Participation And Exploration Of Play For Children In Foster Care, Isabella J. Relph, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project, The Participation and Exploration of Play for Children in Foster Care, was completed by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy candidate at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Project objectives develop an understanding of the occupational therapy involvement in foster care and how to improve current advocacy and educational efforts related to play. A literature review of play participation, engagement, and exploration was conducted in conjunction with analysis of environmental barriers, generalized background information on children in foster care, and the role of occupational therapy for children in foster care. Play is essential for the pediatric …

The Facilitative Role Of Workplace Anxiety In Increasing Motivation And Preparation Fueled By Self-Regulation, James Hayes

Student Works

As anxiety in the workplace continues to affect a substantial percentage of employees, an understanding of the facilitative aspects of anxiety may become increasingly relevant (American Psychological Association, 2009, as cited in Cheng & McCarthy, 2018). Anxiety in the workplace is generally disadvantageous, but significant evidence supports the idea that anxiety may benefit employees in various ways (Chandra et al., 2020). Notably, anxious feelings may spark increased motivation within employees, unlocking a greater focus on future goals (Spielberger, 1985, as cited in Cheng & McCarthy, 2018). In pursuit of these goals, anxious employees may find a greater capacity for self-regulation, …

Donation Repository Helps Cancer Patients Get Treatment, Mark D. Weinstein

News Releases

A cancer diagnosis comes with many questions. How bad is it? What are my options? Will insurance cover it? These questions can be paralyzing — and their answers sometimes crushing. But one Cedarville University professor aims to alleviate the stress of cost and insurance concerns by organizing a medication donation program that could save patients tens of thousands of dollars — and, potentially, their lives.

Building On Campaign Success, Cedarville Sets New $175m Goal, Mark D. Weinstein

News Releases

Two years earlier than expected, Cedarville University has surpassed its $125 million goal for One Thousand Days Transformed: The Campaign for Cedarville. The university announced that it has received commitments of $131.8 million.

Balancing Act: A Study Of Graduate Student-Parents And Their Experiences Navigating Family And Academic Demands At The University Of San Diego., Jessica Rammell

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to learn about the experiences of graduate students who are raising children while enrolled in master’s and PhD programs at the University of San Diego. The question that guided this research was: What do the stories of graduate student parents inform us about the need to improve policies and practices at USD? Three cycles of action research were conducted at the University of San Diego between November 2022 and March 2023, with a total of seven participants. The methods of research included focus groups, interviews, and a creative group session. It was found that …

First-Generation Latina Testimonios: Navigating A Predominantly White Institution And Achieving Academic Success, Nancy Correa

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my research was to understand the experiences of Latina first-generation college students at the University of San Diego, a predominantly White institution. Six Latinas participated in a series of group platicas to share testimonios with one another and build community. One research question that guided this study was: “How can the self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and academic achievement of first-generation Latina students be enhanced in a predominantly White institution?” Findings suggested participants’ negative experiences with faculty and White classmates impacted their sense of belonging and academic self-efficacy. Most participants worried how they will continue to finance college …

The Untapped Potential Of Commuters: Engaging Faculty And Staff To Foster A Commuter-Inclusive Space And Student Interest At The University Of San Diego, Monica Gonzalez Herrera

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The commuter student population faces many challenges in getting involved on campus. Taking an asset-based approach, this study aimed to enhance first-year commuter engagement and support their sense of belonging at a private, faith-based university. By modifying McNiff and Whitehead’s model of reflect-plan-act-exhibit, students were invited to engage in several identity, community, and leadership activities throughout the academic year. Results suggest first-year commuters need role modeling or mentorship that is challenging and supportive, the support of creating a ‘third space’ away from home and school, and the development of authentic and genuine connections among peers and staff. It is recommended …

Creating Community Among Women Of Color In Stem At The University Of San Diego, Alejandro Picasso

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Women of color (WOC) are underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and many feel disconnected from their fields of study. At the University of San Diego (USD), a predominately White institution, WOC in STEM are particularly underrepresented. Thus, I explored how USD might create a community that could enhance the belonging, retention, and the future success of WOC in STEM. I sought to learn if the USD environment welcomed and allowed WOC to feel they belonged. Findings indicated USD and the STEM departments provide these students with a welcoming environment. However, the lack of representation of WOC faculty …

The Valley In Between: Fostering Biracial Pride And Exploring Community On Usd Campus, Pauline Herring

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Biracial students face more challenges in higher education than students with one racial identity because universities lack student support services for biracial students, affecting their student development and compromising a student’s success. This study aimed to create an identity-based student service for biracial students to support them and provide a way to foster biracial pride. My guiding questions are: How can I assist bi-racial students in finding a sense of community at USD by centering their stories and needs? How will the concept of biracial pride impact students and their higher education experience?

Excavating The Strata Of (Some) Of Archaeology's Problems And Applying Feminist Solutions, Kristin M. Dew

Honors College Theses

Over the past thirty years, feminist scholars in archaeology have gained a foothold in the discipline. Conkey and Spector's “Archaeology and the Study of Gender” (1984) is often credited with being the turning point for the topic of gender in archaeology. Still, there is more ground to gain. I argue for a fully engendered archaeology by understanding that achieving this will be difficult due to the past and current sociopolitics of American archaeology. Historically, mainstream archaeology has viewed feminist epistemologies, like those on which gender archaeology is based, as simply a standpoint, creating a disconnect identifying their importance. Despite these …

Ouachita Student Media Honored Among The Best Locally, Nationally, Felley Lawson, Office Of Communications & Marketing

Press Releases

Ouachita Baptist University student media have earned 82 awards for excellence, including seven national and 38 state awards for the Ouachitonian yearbook and 37 state awards for the Signal newspaper, Ouachita Sports Digital Network, online media, and television coverage.

The 2022 Ouachitonian was honored with a Pacemaker Award from the Associated Collegiate Press. Announced in March during the ACP National College Media Conference in San Francisco, the Pacemaker is one of the oldest nationwide awards for college journalism. Additionally, the Ouachitonian was awarded the All-American distinction in the ACP’s annual critique service of student publications. Marks of Distinction were earned …

The Role Of Cultural And Expressive Arts Therapies In The Puerto Rican Diasporic Identity: A Literature Review, Melissa Clay

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Identity for Puerto Rican immigrants is a growing concern with the influx of migration due to numerous natural and human based disasters. This literature review will review Puerto Rico’s tumultuous history and the development of identity through history. Including the Taino, the influence of African slaves, The Three Root Model and colonization by Spain and the United States. Accordingly, this review explores culturally specific beliefs and culturally creative arts and how those can be used in healing practices through Expressive Arts Therapies. We will also consider the culturally sensitivities needed in further research on this topic and within current day …

Economic Inequality And Political Participation In East Asian Democracies: The Role Of Perceived Income Inequality And Intergenerational Mobility, Mi-Son Kim, Dongkyu Kim, Sang-Jic Lee

Political Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study examines how perceptions of economic inequality affect political participation focusing on East Asian democracies. It develops nuanced predictions on how perceptions of income inequality and social mobility and their interplay affect individuals’ engagement in various types of political activities in six East Asian democracies. Using the fourth wave of the Asian Barometer Survey, we examine novel arguments built upon the existing inequality-participation nexus. Our analysis suggests that inequality is a multifaceted concept, and the mechanisms of the inequality-participation nexus could vary depending on the regional, socioeconomic, and political context.

Best And Worst States To Work In The Mountain West, Vanessa Booth, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Economic Development & Workforce

This fact sheet explores workplace index rankings for the Mountain West states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah from the 2022 Oxfam survey “The Best and Worst States to Work in America.”

My Name Is Barbra Public Relations Campaign, Thomas Scalese

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Barbra Joan Streisand was born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. She is an award winning actress, singer, director, and producer. Barbra began her career by performing at nightclubs and different theaters in the early 1960s. She soon signed to Columbia Records in 1963 and produced her debut album, “The Barbra Streisand Album." At that year’s Grammys she won her first of many Grammy awards for Album of the Year. She is extremely well-known for her singing ability and has released multiple albums, including “The Barbra Streisand Album,” “Je m’apelle Barbra,” “Streisand Superman,” and“Love is the Answer." In …

The Changing Perceptions Of Public Libraries, Aleisha A. Stout

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In 2018, OCLC and the American Library Association revisited a 2008 survey on the perception of public libraries. Questions looked at how participants believed libraries are funded, used, and perceived. Public libraries are valued by the public, even as perceptions move away from core aspects of library services. In-person library visits and visits to library websites have declined in recent years. Strong libraries are perceived to raise property values within a community. Libraries increasingly manage social problems, such as homelessness and substance abuse. Some libraries have social workers on staff to meet patrons at the point of need. Public libraries …

Juror's Perceptions Of Evidence-Based Suspicion, Nicholas Welter

Student Theses

Eyewitness misidentification is a leading cause of wrongful conviction. Although the prior probability of guilt (i.e., pre-identification evidence strength) is the most important factor for predicting a defendant’s actual guilt status and the accuracy of any subsequent eyewitness identification, no study has examined whether it affects juror decisions. This oversight is problematic because when officers place suspects in lineups when there is little evidence connecting them to the crime, it falls on jurors to examine the probative value of identification evidence. Participants (N = 357) watched a mock trial depicting an armed robbery that varied pre-identification evidence (strong vs. …