Stander Symposium: School of Education and Health Sciences

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  Academic Achievement Gap of ELL Students after the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Megan K. Buzzanca

  As ELLs continue to be the fastest-growing population of K-12 public school students, itis critical to examine how ELLs were impacted by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.ELL students struggled to transition from in-class to remote learning because many educationalmaterials were not appropriate for their learning style, both before and because of COVID. (Long,2022). Now, some of these ELL students are approximately 2-3 years behind their English nativepeers in terms of academic progress. The following research will have a foundation through aliterature review as well as a focus qualitative study on ELL students and teachers. The study willgive personal accounts of how COVID-19 has impacted the ELL student’s life in 2020 andhow it continues to impact their lives today. In addition, this study will analyze effective resourcesto further support the learning of ELL students.

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  A Comparative Study of Current Socioeconomic Status to Past Socioeconomic Status in Students and How it Affects their Success in College.

  McKenzie M. Craft

  An individual's level of education and income plays a role in socioeconomic background. Research shows that the amount of education an individual receives can be linked to their income level. The higher the level of education completed, there is a greater likelihood of achieving a higher paying job. Having a higher income can give more access to needed resources like healthier foods and safe shelter. Studies have shown that not having access to basic needs can negatively affect both physical and mental wellbeing. This study will look at how the past and current socioeconomic status of students affects their success in college.

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  An Investigation into Mental Health Impacts of Young Adults Who Experienced Childhood Obesity

  Alexis G. Beaschler

  Certain habits and behaviors one engages in as a child can carry into adulthood. An example of this is childhood obesity. There is much research that covers physical impacts of childhood obesity such as poor cardiovascular system, gross motor skills and skeletal abnormalities. That being said, there is limited research on how experiencing childhood obesity can affect an individual's mental health as they mature. The goal of this research project is to better understand how young adult's mental health has been impacted by these experiences including bridging the gap between physical and emotional consequences of childhood obesity.

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  Art Integration in Elementary Schools Leading to Academic and Social Development

  Summer Sollecito

  Integrating art in the classroom environment can help students expand their understanding and ability to connect and comprehend visual and artistic ideals to the pedagogy surrounding their lives and experiences. Curriculums with art integration help students to become self-aware, socially aware, responsible distinction-makers, communicators, and develop relationship-building skills expanding their lives academically and emotionally.

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  Bridging the Divide: Unraveling Achievement Gaps Among Multilingual Students

  Elizabeth Grace Krahe

  With an ever increasing number of students learning English as a second language in the United States, it’s important to be aware of the achievement gap between multilingual and monolingual students, and work to find solutions. Existing literature from the past five years highlights that (1) the achievement gap exists as a result of labeling and grouping students based on English language capability, (2) the importance of literacy proficiency in closing the achievement gap, and (3) the importance of self-efficacy in closing the achievement gap.

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  Bridging The Gap: Preparing Students with Disabilities for College

  Oliver Frederic Shroyer

  The College transition can be difficult for any student- whether that is preparing academically or just preparing for the day to day life as a college student. By going through these articles and highlighting the effective strategies such as individualized learning plans, the evolution of educational online institutions, and the development of self advocacy skills, it will help students prepare for college and life beyond schooling.

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  Building a Strong Foundation: Sense of Belonging and Engagement at the Community College in Preparation for Transfer

  Maria Katlyn Ryan

  The purpose of this study was to explore transfer students’ experiences at the community college in preparation of transferring to a four-year institution. The participants consisted of students currently enrolled in the University of Dayton/Sinclair Academy, including pre- and post-transfer students. I used qualitative, semi-structured interviews to collect data on transfer students’ individual experiences at the community college level around sense of belonging and engagement in preparation for transfer. Participants focused heavily on academic engagement, rather than social engagement, and found belonging with peers in the academic settings. The UDSA program provided a sense of belonging before transferring to UD. These findings can help community colleges strengthen their practices to increase the number of transfer students successfully transferring to four-year institutions and graduating with a bachelor’s degree.

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  Building Bridges, Removing Barriers: Academic Advising and Articulation Experiences of Community College Transfer Students

  Amanda J. Alexander

  Community college students make up 38% of the U.S. college student population. However, only 13% of those students transfer to a four-year institution and complete a bachelor’s degree in six years. Although research has documented the many challenges community college students experience, it has been less successful in exploring specific challenges and their impact on the transfer student experience for students without the aid of a transfer pathway program. The purpose of this study is to examine experiences in academic advising and transfer credit articulation and how these areas have helped or hindered community college students without pathway program assistance. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, interviews were conducted with nine community college transfer students at a four-year private university in the Midwest. Analysis of the interview data indicated credit loss, unclear transfer credit policies, and inconsistent advising practices across academic units were significant factors in the students’ timeline to bachelor’s degree completion. Higher education institutions may use these findings to improve the community college transfer student experience by fostering a transfer-friendly academic environment that includes consistency across academic units in the implementation of transfer credit policy and high-quality academic advising.

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  Can Endurance Training Help Reduce the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression?

  Kaitlyn Ann Miller

  According to recent studies, mental health disorders are an increasing issue among individuals and society as a whole. It is found that over half of the college aged students have met the criteria for anxiety and depression. Research shows that engagement in physical acticity can improve symptoms around anxiety and depression. The purpose of this research project is to better understand specifically how endurance training can help to improve symptoms of mental health disorders.

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  Can Self-care Activities Help Combat the Effects of Academic Burnout?

  Anna Jane Caldwell, Mia G. Fiordelisi, Chloe Gwendoline Fletcher, Adam J. Jones, Sage Alisen Roberts

  Academic burnout is a rising problem in college students as college can determine the trajectory of a students’ professional life. College is also very important for personal development along with the need to acquire and obtain knowledge and skills. As a result, academic burnout is prevalent in this population. There are many factors that can prevent academic burnout, such as physical activity and many others that can add to it, like increased levels of stress. This study investigated the intricate relationship between daily stressors and academic burnout while identifying effective coping mechanisms among college students at the University of Dayton (UD). We sought to assess the amount of academic burnout on the UD campus, look at coping mechanisms utilized by students and compared it to the proven strategy of physical exercise. We also aimed to analyze students’ daily stressors that impact the prevalence of academic burnout. Employing a cross-sectional design, a single survey was distributed to participants to gauge burnout levels, daily activities, and coping strategies. Participants, recruited from Health Science Research classes and through researcher networks, included UD undergraduate students living on campus. This offered a sample of high-achieving college students that may be at risk for burnout due to a high level of involvement.nThe importance of understanding and addressing academic burnout is underscored by its potential impact on students' well-being and academic performance. By investigating daily stressors and coping mechanisms, this research contributes valuable insights that can inform psychologists, teachers, and advisors in providing support and interventions for students struggling with burnout.

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  Can't Believe It's Not Bottled!

  Molly Kennedy Delude, Ethan W. Shade, Sarah W. Stuckert

  This lesson plan unit incorporates interdisciplinary courses to actively engage students in the social justice issue related to access to water and preservation of clean water. Students will critically examine and develop a way to preserve a sustainable amount of clean water in rural and urban communities. Through this unit, students will explore the scientific and mathematical principles behind water access and sustainability, while also learning about cultural and social aspects that influence water usage and management. The unit plan emphasizes experiential learning and collaborative problem-solving, empowering students to understand and tackle real-world challenges.

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  Climate Change in the Classroom: How and Why We Teach It

  Eliot Archer Suttman

  Climate Change Education (CCE) is a topic being addressed in classrooms through curriculum and research studies. From this review, we see how teachers are building/organizing content, how it is implemented in different subjects, and how textbooks affect content knowledge. This curriculum also allows teachers to look at the social and cultural aspects of CCE.

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  Comprehensive and Inclusive Sex Education

  Paige Louise Kurtz-Carney

  A literature review about the health effects and behaviors of students based on their exposure to different types of sex education. Teen pregnancy statistics, LGBTQ mental health, and youth behavior risks surveys are included. And a review of public opinion on Sex education's current and future state is discussed.

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  Cross-Campus Collaboration: Advancing Behavioral Health Education

  Cara M. Daley, Blade Reed Mills

  In pursuit of advancing behavioral health education, the University of Dayton’s Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) program set-forth the goal of developing diverse leaders through Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPEP). BHWET is a cross-disciplinary collaboration of faculty and graduate students from UD’s three graduate-level mental health programs. We empower diverse professionals to become leaders through training, research, and community outreach. Students collaborate with community partners to tackle systemic barriers hindering access to mental health services for youth across our 30-county region... Engaging with a spectrum of stakeholders including schools, mental health agencies, law enforcement, hospitals, public health boards, faith-based organizations, and public service organizations, BHWET participants work to: 1. Increase accessibility to healthcare services for children, adolescents, transition-aged youth, families, athletes, and first responders; 2. Address mental health workforce shortages in critical areas of need across various disciplines; and3. Cultivate diverse leaders adept at navigating the complex behavioral health landscape. As Graduate Research Assistants for BHWET, we have the unique perspective of working on both the development and implementation of research and community outreach projects. We've gained lessons and skills that may be beneficial to other graduate students, faculty, staff, program managers, and community partners. Those lessons/skills include: •Enhancing productivity across diverse fields through effective communication skills.•Managing a 30+ participant team using a project management platform.•Facilitating a curriculum on IPEP training.•Collaborating with community partners to tackle the shortage of behavioral health personnel in crucial regions.•Developing partner-centric programming through tailored strategies, collaboration, and continuous refinement.•Recognizing the importance of flexibility in driving successful project outcomes.•And, understanding how public health and education services intersect to promote societal well-being.At Stander, we aim to share our insights and gather feedback from students, faculty, and community members on the BHWET program.

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  Does Cycle Syncing Help Females Balance Hormones?

  Aubrey M. Swart

  Some of the most important hormones that influence women throughout a cycle are cortisol, leptin, estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Examining the relationship between small variations in these hormones and emotional and cognitive functioning has been made easier with the use of the menstrual cycle (Le, Thomas, 2020). Throughout the menstruation cycle, hormones can drop or rise through specific phases of the cycle. It is important to learn how hormones fluctuate throughout a cycle so that women can learn how to balance them. Having balanced hormones can lead to a better lifestyle, less PMS symptoms, regulate cravings, and help regulate weight. Cycle syncing is one way that women are able to balance hormones. Cycle syncing is somewhat of a new concept where women exercise and eat specific foods around the different phases of a menstrual cycle. The goal of this research project is to see if cycle syncing helps female college students to balance hormones.

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  Does Engaging in Mindfulness Activities Improve Mental Well-Being in College Students?

  Madelyn Grace LoPresti

  Research has shown that mental health is a common struggle among college students, which can lead to disruptions in daily routines. According to Pevekar et al., (2023), college students struggling with anxiety were more likely to have impaired academic performance, decreased quality of life, and increased utilization of healthcare services. The purpose of this research study is to determine if engaging in mindful activities can help to improve mental well-being in college-aged students.

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  Does Engaging in Physical Activity Provide College Students with Greater Academic Success?

  Ashlee Hoang Nguyen

  It is shown that in order to maximize health benefits, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Past research has shown that regular engagement in physical activity has the potential to improve cognitive ability. The goal of this research project is to better understand the relationship between physical activity and academic performance among college students at a private university in Central Ohio.

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  Does Regular Exercise Improve the Quality and Quantity of Sleep in College Students?

  Matthew T. Mahoney

  The purpose of this investigation is to determine if regular exercise improves sleep patterns in college students. In order to have strong cognitive function, it is imperative that sleep quality and quantity remain positively consistent. Research shows that strong cognitive function can lead to greater success in college coursework and extracurricular activities. Sleep is also important for physical and mental health. Building high-quality exercise and sleep habits at a young age can lay a solid framework for a person's health as they age, leading to a higher quality of life.

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  Effects of Digital Use on Social Wellbeing and Development

  Johnny P. Nguyen

  With the advancement of technology in the 21st century, digital usage has become more prevalent in society that the younger generations are now growing up in the presence of technological innovations. Because of this, researchers have tried to study the impact of digital technology on the social well-being of not just the youth, but people of all ages as well. This study observed the effects of digital technology on the social well-being of young adults–ages 18-25. Many studies have been conducted observing a generalized usage of digital technology on social well-being. With how advanced digital communication has become and how efficient young adults are able to use such digital modes for communication, studies have shown some disconnect when it comes to social well-being and development. This study specifically examined how communicating and connecting through digital technology affects social well-being in young adults.

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  Embracing College Students LinkedIn Profile

  Alyssa Leanne Smith

  LinkedIn is a tool all college students should embrace, whether they realize the importance of it now or not. The goal of the platform is to create a professional image. It can enhance and grow an expert network, which allows students to pursue career goals. The presentation conducted will analyze not only how to update and create LinkedIn profile, but it will also give ways to continue to enhance and utilize the tool daily. Following these steps on LinkedIn will allow career seekers to organize their page and start the connection process with contacts and employers. This presentation will show best practices of how to start and maintain a professional LinkedIn profile. These steps are needed for all college students to be in the game of networking and feel confident in the way they display themselves through their professional profile.

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  Examining the Relationship between Eating Disorder Diagnosis and Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders

  Molly Joy VanDerWoude

  The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between eating disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders specifically in people ages 18 to 25. Much research has been conducted on the general correlation between eating disorders and mental health disorders. However, research on the relationship between the two co-occurring disorders is limited, which is why attention on this topic is needed. This study aims to explore the causational relationship between eating disorders and mental health disorders to help with earlier diagnosis and prevent life threatening impacts these disorders may have.

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  Exploring Accessibility in Education: Are we creating Equal Learning Opportunities for Students with Disabilities?

  Grace Marie Van Atta

  It was only in 1959 that laws requiring education for children with disabilities started to appear. Since then, numerous laws have been put into effect to provide these students the adequate instruction and skills support needed to succeed in school. The accessibility of schools vary between rural, suburban, and urban schools. Different access to professional development for teachers, funding for students with disabilities, and the effects of Covid have impacted accessibility in education. This review aims to look at these factors and their effects on accessibility in education and thus the education that students with disabilities are receiving.

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  Exploring Influencing Factors of Body Image and their Impact on Mental Well-being

  Lauren Marina Santiago

  Body Image has been described as the mental picture an individual has of themselves. How an individual perceives their shape and size can be directly related to their self-esteem. Those who experience body dissatisfaction have also been found to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. The goal of this research project is to explore the underlying factors that can influence body image, and how experiencing distorted body image can impact mental well-being.

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  Get Involved! The Positive Difference Extracurricular Activities Make

  Madison Rose Konen

  Extracurricular Activities create an abundance of opportunities for students to succeed. Students participation in extracurricular activities can lead to the development of greater academic achievement and a higher self-esteem. Extracurricular activities help students engage in activity that promotes a sense of belonging and has positive effects towards social competence. This study is a review of how extracurriculars affect students' academic and social engagement.

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  Gifted Education: How Does it Look in the 21st Century?

  Carly Joan Olson

  Gifted education is an approach designed to provide students who have been identified as “gifted and talented” with more opportunities to grow and challenge themselves. What these programs look like varies from school to school, with little consistency. The results of this are that children within the program have vastly different experiences and opportunities depending on what their school has in place for gifted students. This review examines the gifted education system as it stands in the 21st century in U.S. schools including the selection processes, requirements for teacher training, impact on students, and evidence of inequality within the system.