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Advocating for Marginalized Communities: The Lasting Effects of Hurricane Katrina
Matthew Beachy, Claire Genovese, Precious Henderson, Owen Smith
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many communities in the Gulf Coast region faced severe water contamination, leaving thousands without access to clean drinking water. This project aims to introduce students to Hurricane Katrina, a category 5 hurricane in 2004. Students will learn details about the tragedy, the aftermath, a history of water filtration systems, and how they can give back to their communities during different natural disasters. After developing the appropriate background knowledge, the final assessment would end in students building low-cost, effective water filtration systems that could be easily deployed in disaster-stricken areas, providing immediate access to safe water. The project emphasizes simplicity and affordability, ensuring that the systems can be easily manufactured and maintained by affected communities. The project not only equips students with practical context but also fosters empathy and awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by communities impacted by natural disasters. Ultimately, this low-cost water filtration system serves as a model for future disaster relief efforts, demonstrating how students can advocate for their communities using their knowledge of historical tragedies and their lasting impacts on marginalized communities.
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AI in Education
Sarah Heflin
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is prominent in schools, classrooms, and society. In the early studies of AI in education there are identified benefits and disadvantages of AI use. One disadvantage includes difficulty comprehending information, because AI could do it all for you. One advantage includes improving the learning outcomes for students. The findings contrasting the relative disadvantages and advantages of AI are discussed.
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An Experiential Learning Perspective on Student Employment Training
Justin Long
At the University of Dayton, student employment provides valuable experiential learning opportunities for students. Student employment training programs often require significant resources and attention to detail. Despite this investment by supervisors, training programs can fall short of their intended purpose by failing to engage participants. This study examines the effectiveness and impact of student employment training programs by conducting a qualitative case study of eight recently graduated students who worked for the University of Dayton’s Campus Recreation Department. The researcher interviewed each participant, asking questions regarding their training experience, learning preferences, and the potential impact the employment experience has on their life post-graduation. The participants revealed a desire for “hands-on” training programs where they could interact with peers, engage in team-building exercises, and ask questions as they completed job responsibilities. The findings suggest that supervisors tasked with developing student employment training programs may benefit from making training interactive and aligned with the preferences of Generation Z.
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Assessment of Similarity Between Two Methods of Calculating Reactive Strength Index for Different Jump Types
Noah Clemens, Natalie Osiecki, Louisa Piotrkowski
Reactive Strength Index (RSI) is a measurement of how much force an individual can generate when under a high downward force. It is a tool to predict explosiveness in exercise performance and the amount of stress on the lower extremity joints when performing jumps. RSI is a ratio of jump height and contact time. This study focuses on two methods of calculating the jump height needed to find RSI from force plate data. It is unclear whether these two methods produce similar results. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the similarity in the calculated RSI values between two different jump-height calculation methods. Methods: Nine college-aged participants were recruited to perform a series of countermovement and drop jumps. Participants completed the jumps on VALD portable force plates. The first method used the applied force and contact time to estimate takeoff velocity, from which a theoretical jump height was determined. The second method used the total flight time to estimate the jump height, under the assumption that the jumper would reach their maximum height at exactly half of their time in air. A Bland-Altman (BA) plot was used to graphically evaluate similarity in RSI values between the two calculation methods for all three jump types. Results: Between the two methods, the mean difference was 0.248. The limits of agreement (LOA) of the BA plot showed an upper limit of 0.625 and a lower limit of 0.128. There were multiple data points outside of the LOA as well. Conclusion: The presence of a large mean-difference, large LOA, and multiple data points outside of the LOA indicate that the two methods for calculating jump height from force plate data were not similar. When separated by type of jump, the countermovement jumps showed acceptable similarity between the two methods.
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Benefits of Collaborative Learning in High School Math Classes
Matthew Carpenter
Group work, collaboration, and cooperation in high school math classes promote student learning. In the studies shared, findings include strong benefits of group work in high school math classes and how teachers can include it in their teaching. Benefits include peer-to-peer learning, self-evaluation skills, and increased conversation in class.
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Beyond Barriers: A Study of Cultural Identity and Belonging Among Underrepresented Engineering Students
Sama Ahmed
Representation in engineering is essential for promoting diversity, inclusion, and student success. This study focuses on the cultural identity and sense of belonging among underrepresented engineering students, particularly those enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Engineering Program (MEP) at the University of Dayton (UD). Data for this study emerges from semi-structured interviews of 10 students enrolled in MEP. It investigates the barriers these students faced, including limited resources, gender disparities, and negative stereotypes, with the goal of illuminating the challenges that affect their academic and professional goals. Building on existing research about identity and belonging in STEM fields, this study aims to pinpoint support systems that can enhance student retention and success. By delving into the experiences of these multi-ethnic engineering students, the research offers valuable insights into initiatives that foster inclusivity, such as mentorship programs and necessary institutional changes. Understanding the lived experiences of these students is crucial for advancing efforts to create a more equitable and supportive environment in engineering education.
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Beyond Boundaries: Tracing the Threads of Systemic Inequity in Education, Housing, and Mental Healthcare - A Focus on Redlining in Dayton and its Impact on Youth Mental Health Today
Alexis Taylor
Health disparities resulting from redlining have been widely documented, yet limited research explores its impact on children's access to mental healthcare. This quantitative correlational study examines the relationship between residential segregation and access to mental health services among school-aged youth. Specifically, the study investigates how redlining influences health outcomes, school district funding, and the availability of mental healthcare resources. By highlighting the systemic barriers created by historical and ongoing segregation, this research aims to illuminate the disparities in youth mental health access and their broader implications. To assess this correlation, the study will analyze historical redlining data alongside current measures of mental healthcare accessibility in affected neighborhoods. Key factors include the proximity of mental health facilities, insurance coverage, and the presence of mental health professionals within school districts. The findings of this study will contribute to the growing discourse on systemic racism in healthcare and inform policy interventions aimed at reducing mental health disparities among marginalized youth.
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Bridging Theory and Practice: Advising Skills in the Career Services Functional Area
Danny Bean
Higher education and student affairs professionals must cultivate strong advising skills if they wish to maximize their marketability and become the best advocates for students that they can be. In this brief presentation, I will connect student development and organizational leadership theory to my internship with the University of Dayton Career Services office, specifically focusing on the bridge between academic study, vocation, and future career path.
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Can Sweat Equate to Smarts? Physical Activity and Its Connection to Academic Achievement
Jackson Lucas
Physical activity is an important part of an overall healthy life. Outside of obvious physical benefits, it has a plethora of other advantages. From this literature review, I share the connection between physical activity and academic achievement for middle and high school students.
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Comparative Analysis of Graft Strength and Longevity in ACL Reconstruction: Evaluating Allografts and Autografts
Evan Cianci, Merrick Hirt, Allison Johnson, Kathryn Piech, Brendan Ware
Introduction: Our research topic is about the evolution of different grafts in the sports medicine world and which is more beneficial for an individual with an ACL injury. According to the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, the ACL reconstruction re-revision rate was 2.2 times greater for allograft compared to autograft procedures (Nissen et. al, 2018). This shows that those who undergo an allograft surgery are more likely to need follow-up work which could be important when deciding which graft to pursue.We looked at different surgical techniques, different types of grafts, recovery time and most effective recovery, chances of reinjury/failure of grafts, investigated the movement patterns that predispose athletes to ACL injuries, how physical or mental fatigue alters biomechanics and increases susceptibility, and genetic predispositions to ligament laxity and ACL injury to determine this. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine which graft will have the most strength and longevity following ACL reconstruction surgery. The research will focus on the use of autografts and allografts during ACL reconstruction in college-aged males and females. ACL reconstruction recovery is a long process and more research can ultimately lead to better outcomes for the individual.Methods: Most of our data came from empirical articles. We will also interview several University of Dayton students on campus who have had their ACLs repaired and compare their experiences with ones from the empirical articles we studied. Questions will be asked about which graft they had done and how long their recovery was. Discussions/conclusions: While this study is still under investigation, it aims to show the relationship between recovery and the type of graft used during ACL reconstruction surgery. The research will help teach individuals about the advantages and disadvantages of both graft options, which allows for more informed decisions.
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Creative Writing: Strategies for Implementation and Curriculum Design
Mary Tarkany
Creative writing, also identified as narrative writing and story-telling, is a strategy to approaching curriculum that is applicable from kindergarten to undergraduate education. It is also utilized in schools and non-school educational environments. Implementing creative writing can engage students in dialogues that enrich perspective, grow communication and collaboration. Conversation among students and educators acknowledges cultural learning for social justice embodied in this interdisciplinary practice.
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Do Schools Have Adequate Accommodations for Anxiety?
Anna Murray
There are numerous accommodations identified for students with anxiety. These include presentation, response, timing, environment, and organizational accommodations. Although accommodations are identified, there is minimal research on which accommodations are most beneficial and for which students. This lack of research, identified in the literature, makes it difficult to answer the question: Do schools have adequate accommodations for students with anxiety?
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Dyscalculia in the Classroom: Students Experiences, Strategies, and School Support
Alexis Detty
The purpose of this project is to understand the effects of dyscalculia. Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that makes it challenging for students to perform basic mathematical operations and understand numerical relationships. I present findings about how educators can better understand how schools identify and can make changes for students with dyscalculia. Spreading valuable information about this learning disability in order to broaden people's understanding and have awareness is important.
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Educating Diverse Student Populations in Inclusive Settings
Ava Franke, Gabriella Hudetz, Carly Olson
The landscape of education is shifting to become more pluralistic with students who are culturally and linguistically diverse. As future teacher educators, our project aimed to create a set of resources for K-12 educators that would support culturally responsive teaching strategies for all students especially culturally and linguistically diverse students with a focus on the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity in schools. Our work is grounded in critical theory research with frameworks such as Global Education, Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed, and Culturally Relevant Teaching with the Marianist Social Justice at the forefront of the work. We focused on collectivism where multiple stakeholders are included and actively engaged in educating our students as we sustain their cultures and communities. Teachers across the globe need to find strategies to address classroom curriculum instruction, environment and to empower and engage students in the classroom if we plan to foster students who are citizens of the world.
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Effect of Flipped Classrooms
Holly Short
In a flipped-learning environment, students watch, use, and learn from content outside of the classroom which they then implement inside the classroom for practical application. Giving students a way to learn and practice outside of the classroom can increase confidence and participation when they are back in the classroom. This practice and confidence can relieve stress when cooperating with peers.
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Effects of STEM Education on Students
Ava Pollicina
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) is a hands-on type of education. While some express skepticism, many studies have been done on STEM courses showing positive results including creating connections to the real world, fostering students’ fondness for subjects like math, and more students showing interest in a STEM related career. The benefits and development of students in STEM courses is important and the courses and teachers are only becoming better.
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Effects of Step-rate Manipulation on Running Economy at a Performance Pace in Elite Male Distance Runners
Noah Clemens
Background: Running economy (RE) is a key performance variable for distance runners, as greater efficiency improves performance. Step-rate (SR) represents the number of steps taken per minute while running and is commonly manipulated to improve running economy or reduce injury risk. Research shows that highly trained individuals are not self-selecting their most economical step-rate when running at slow speeds, but no available research has examined highly trained individuals running near competition velocities.Purpose: This study aimed to determine if highly trained male distance runners self-optimize their SR at an ecologically valid performance pace.Methods: Twelve highly trained male participants 22.5+/-3.7 (M+/-SD) years of age completed this study. The protocol consisted of nine 4-minute trials of running at 4.96 m/s, with two minute rest periods. In the first trial, participants self-selected their SR. In the following eight trials, a metronome cued different SR. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was collected for each trial. VO2 was plotted against SR and a line of best fit was used to estimate each participant’s most economical SR.Results: Eight participants were included in the analysis. Optimal SR could not be determined for four due to an inability to match a wide range of cued SRs. Participants’ selected SR (M+/-SD; 186+/-7.56 steps/minute) was higher than their optimal SR (M+/-SD; 179.15+/-9.07 steps/minute); however, this difference was not significant (p=0.1417). Participants were more economical at their optimal SR than their self-selected SR, but not significantly so (p=0.07476). The mean difference of 0.7665 mL/kg/min represented a 1.3% improvement in RE at the optimal SR.Conclusion: Our results suggest highly trained runners do not self-select their optimal SR. The 1.3% improvement in running economy leads to an expected improvement in race velocity of roughly 1%. This equates to roughly a 30 second difference over the half-marathon distance – a meaningful difference to competitors.
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Efficacy of Curl up Task As Abdominal Exercise Program for Diastasis Recti Abdominis for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Julia Black, Ariana Bostwick, Sierra Darlington, Brooke Sizemore
Purpose/Hypothesis: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder that affects many systems including the musculoskeletal system. In hypermobility-type EDS, individuals may experience joint instability, dislocations, and pain leading to difficulty activating the abdominal muscles. The study aims to determine if a 3 to 6 month rehabilitation program improves inter-rectus distance (IRD) and abdominal strength in women with EDS.Materials and Methods: Women (n=24) 33-62 years (mean 45 years) were randomized into an intervention group (EX) (n=11) or a control group (CON) (n=13). Outcome testing occurred at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. IRD was measured at rest and with curl-up at the level of the umbilicus with digital calipers. Abdominal strength was assessed with manual muscle testing. EX was instructed in exercises performed 3x/week, 5 repetitions each: strengthening (Preactivation transversus abdominis (TrA) with curl-up), education on lower rib mechanics and engaging the TrA in breathing and posture. CON was not provided with exercises.Results: Participants were similar at baseline on age, BMI, time since last birth, and activity level via the IPAQ questionnaire. The IRD at rest and with curl-up improved from baseline (33.64 (6.9) and 29.82 (5.76) respectively) at 12 (25.36 (4.8), p=.001; 21 (5.71), p=<.001) and 24 weeks (15.55 (5.09) and 11.09 (4.01), p<.001) only in EX. IRD at rest and with curl-up improved in EX compared to CON at both 12 weeks (p=.003 and <.001) and 24 weeks (p=<.001). Strength improved in EX from baseline (2.64 (.381)) to 12 weeks (3.36 (.51), p=.021) and 24 weeks (3.91 (.7), p=.006), and compared to CON (3.33 (.65)) at 24 weeks (p=.038).Conclusions: Significant improvements in IRD at rest and with curl-up in the intervention group at 12 and 24 weeks in comparison to control. Meaningful strength changes require a longer intervention of 24 weeks rather than 12.
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Examining the Effects of Exercise on the Levels of Academic Burnout in College Students at the University of Dayton.
Haley Alig, Madison DeSalvo, Mary Claire Dyke, Erin Flaherty, Claudia Giambrone
Introduction: Academic burnout is a condition where students experience extreme mental, physical, or emotional fatigue caused by prolonged stress from academics. This is an important topic to discuss as the issue continues to grow among college students and become more common in an academic environment. Prior studies in this field have focused on the prevalence of mental illnesses and sleep levels in relation to burnout, but there is little research on the effects of exercise on the level of burnout. Studying the effects of certain variables such as exercise, on academic burnout can help the academic field to make changes and help to minimize the occurrence of burnout in students.Purpose: This study aims to identify the relationship between the variables exercise and the level of academic burnout among college students at the University of Dayton. By studying the impact of exercise we will be able to better assess the prevalence of burnout in college students and how to prevent/lessen the stressors and effects of burnout.Methods: We will conduct the data collection quantitatively, using a survey format. Participants will include students from various majors and school years at the University of Dayton, allowing us to ensure equal representation among the grade levels and majors. The Burnout Assessment Tool will also be utilized in our survey by asking the participants questions directly from this assessment tool. This tool will help us to accurately measure the level of academic burnout each participant currently experiences. Discussions/conclusions: While this study is still under investigation, our results will suggest how varying levels of exercise contributes to tendencies of academic burnout in university students. With our findings, we will make emphasis on the exercise-academic burnout relationship and the significant impact experienced by college students.
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Exploring Project-Based Learning: Pros, Cons, and Comparisons to Conventional Learning
Lindsay Slattery
Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching method based on real-world experiences and peer collaboration. Conventional learning is teacher-directed instruction in which teachers determine the content and method of instruction. PBL is student-directed instruction, allowing students more autonomy over their learning. Studies have shown both the benefits and challenges associated with project-based learning.
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Exploring the correlation between sleep quality and academic performance: The effect of sleep factors on perceived focus levels
Mary Bischoff, Katherine Heublein, Ace Kinman, Olivia Reddy, Julia Reilly
Introduction: Educational achievements are influenced by a range of factors, one of the most significant being sleep. Both the duration and quality of sleep play a crucial role in academic performance. Prior studies indicate that sleep consistency was negatively associated with overall scores in a class along with longer sleep duration having a strong positive correlation with academic performance (Okano et al., 2019). However, research remains uncertain on how perceived level of focus, which correlates to academic performance, is impacted by variousaspects of sleep.Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate if there is a correlation between the sleep quality and quantity of college students and their academic performance. Academic performance will be measured by individual level perceived focus in the classroom and correlated with various factors of weekday sleep.Methods: This research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques in a survey to explore the impact of sleep on academic performance among a diverse group of college students. The survey will be completed by one hundredstudents on the University of Dayton’s campus of various majors. The survey will include questions regarding their amount of sleep during the weekdays, focus levels in class, and factors that could affect their sleep conditions. T-tests will be performed to find associations betweensleep and perceived level of focus from scaled survey questions.Discussion/Conclusions: While this study is still under investigation, our results will suggest how focus levels will be affected by factors of sleep quality and quantity. With the pressure of college students to complete a variety of extracurriculars while also balancing school work,determining a correlation between sleep quality and quantity in relation to academic performance could highlight ways to create a beneficial schedule for college students.
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Exposing High School Students to the Field of School Psychology
Lauren Davis
The shortage of school psychologists is a pressing issue, particularly in regions like Ohio, where underserved communities often lack access to crucial mental health services. This scarcity hinders schools' ability to support students' diverse needs. Even more pressing is the shortage of marginalized individuals within the field. Recognizing this challenge, this study aims to evaluate students' knowledge and perceptions of exposure initiatives such as the National Association of School Psychologists' Exposure Project. This exposure project teaches students about the roles and functions of school psychologists, training requirements, and job prospects within a 30 minute slide-show presentation. This study was conducted in 9th through 12th-grade general education classrooms in two central Ohio high schools. By employing quantitative methods, this study utilized an anonymous electronic survey administered to students directly after the Exposure Project. Through the collection of this data, a comprehensive understanding of high schoolers' knowledge and perceptions regarding school psychology was gained, contributing valuable insights to address current shortage of school psychologists.
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Finding Your Tribe: Cultivating Meaningful Connections at a Marianist Online Doctoral Program
Maha Azzazi
A positive college experience is characterized by proving a holistic development of the student beyond the classroom where students thrive to engage and grow. As a student at the EdD in Leadership for Organizations online program, I experienced development not only in academic aspects but also through cultivating meaningful social connections and engaging in extracellular and cultural activities provided by the program. Leading to personal growth through supportive faculty and mentors’ guidance, this program fostered students a sense of belonging and confidence. Nurturing the whole student development experience in this program provided the tools to build a virtual cohort community connected globally for a lifelong friendship and learning experiences. This experience impacted in empowering me as part of this program to reach my potential goals so I can contribute positively to my community in the future.
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Flexible Learning environments: The role of furnishings and technology
Camerine Rowe
In this literature review, I investigate the impact of furnishings and technology on pedagogical agility and student engagement within flexible spaces. Using various research methods, including focus groups, interviews, and surveys, the research reveals that elements like writable surfaces and digital displays promote collaborative learning. The findings highlight the necessity of dynamic classroom designs that accommodate diverse learning needs, ultimately enhancing student commitment and fostering a sense of ownership in the learning process.
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Fostering Creativity in Young Minds
Rachel Shawgo
Significant research proves that creativity has a critical role in education. By promoting creative thinking, it allows for better development of students' problem-solving skills, engagement in class, and their learning as a whole. Being able to develop a classroom that focuses on the importance of creativity in all lessons will ultimately promote success for students going forward.
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