University of Central Florida
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Open Ed Live: OpenStax in Action - Integrating Open Educational Resources for Teaching
No full textJoin Daniel Williamson from OpenStax and biology instructor Matthew Tye (University of Central Florida) as they share practical strategies for leveraging OpenStax open educational resources (OER) in higher education. This presentation explores why instructors would incorporate OER to improve student learning outcomes. Drawing from their experience, the speakers will demonstrate methods for using OpenStax\u27s interactive content and customizable resources to increase student engagement and accommodate diverse learning needs. This session is ideal for educators seeking to learn more about OpenStax and how to implement OER in their courses
Where Passion Meets Purpose: Pineapple Theatre Cultivates Community and Leadership Beyond the Stage
No full textThe University of Central Florida’s campus is large with countless opportunities. However, not for non-theatre majors hoping to be a part of the performing arts on campus. This is where Pineapple Theatre Company comes in! It’s a registered student organization on the Rosen College of Hospitality Management campus.
Founded in 2018, Pineapple Theatre Club started as a small club with the missions to “create, entertain, and inspire” starting with 15 members. Since then, it has dramatically grown in size to a creative community. We explored the organization in our Cultural Audit service-learning project for our Lead Scholars Class (LDR 2002) with the intention to get a better understanding of the community and see if there espoused values were actually enacted on.
We chose Pineapple Theatre because we were inspired by their inclusive and passionate approach to allowing UCF students to get involved with theatre. As volunteers, we assisted with helping the organization better align with their mission statement by encouraging marketing around campus and helping with general production tasks for their production of “Legally Blonde”.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025spring/1041/thumbnail.jp
What makes a song likeable?
No full textThe purpose of this project was to demonstrate the skills I learned in my research intensive course, Statistical Methods III. The goal of this project was to find out what aspects of a song can be used to predict the number of streams, and which aspects are most significant. To do this I used data from the Spotify API, and used R to clean and transform the data, as well as build a model. Through this course and project I learned the full process of statistical model building, how to interpret output from R, and how to communicate my findings to others in an understandable way.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025spring/1023/thumbnail.jp
Linear Regression Analysis of the Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Academic Performance: A Study of Students in India and Southeast Asia
No full textThis study investigates the relationship between lifestyle factors and academic performance among students in India and Southeast Asia. Using a dataset of 2,000 student observations from Kaggle, we examined how study habits, sleep patterns, physical activity, and socializing relate to Grade Point Average (GPA) and perceived stress levels. The motivation for this research stems from growing concern about academic stress and its impact on student well-being and success. Our objective is to provide practical insights for educators and health professionals to promote healthier routines that support both mental health and academic achievement.
We employed multiple linear regression to assess the combined effects of lifestyle factors on academic outcomes. The analysis began with testing statistical assumptions, including constant variance, normality, and linearity. The Shapiro-Wilk test and Q-Q plots confirmed the data followed a normal distribution, and the Box-Cox method indicated no need for data transformation. Potential outliers were evaluated using Cook’s distance and jackknife residuals, confirming that the data met conditions for linear modeling. Additionally, there was no intersection between variables.
The final model was selected using backward elimination, forward selection, and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Results from each method largely aligned, supporting the final model. This model revealed that study hours and extracurricular hours were significantly associated with GPA.
Our findings offer valuable perspectives on how specific lifestyle factors influence academic performance, with an emphasis on students in India and Southeast Asia. These insights may inform efforts to improve student support systems in other regions, including the United States.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025spring/1036/thumbnail.jp
SECOND CHANCES: A Journey with Save a Life Pet Rescue / LEAD Documentary
Get PDFFor our LEAD class project, we decided to partner up with Save a Life Pet Rescue, a local nonprofit organization located in Orlando, dedicated to rescuing dogs from high-risk shelters and placing them in loving homes in order to give them a second chance at life through adoption.
The dogs we worked with were fed and cared for by extremely kind volunteers who demonstrated both their passion for service and their love for animals. The entire experience was lively and seamless, as everyone we dealt with was kind and well-informed about the organization. Despite the lack of assigned roles for volunteers, the overall atmosphere conveyed a genuine dedication to animal welfare.
With actual testimonies, dog footage, and firsthand accounts that emphasize the significance of their mission, this documentary was produced to visually represent the organization\u27s work.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2025spring/1060/thumbnail.jp
College Student Health Outcomes Through the Lens of Social Class and Possible Interventions
No full textSocial class is a key determinant of college student health that is often overlooked. This project explores how students from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds face unique barriers to physical and mental well-being, including financial strain, food and housing insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and chronic stress. These inequities contribute to disparities in sleep, nutrition, mental health, and academic performance.
While universities have implemented general health initiatives, many fail to address the specific needs of low-SES students. Through an analysis of existing programs and systemic gaps, this research highlights the urgent need for targeted, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
Promoting health equity on campus requires more than awareness, it demands action. This poster advocates for concrete interventions such as sliding-scale health services, food access programs, and peer-led wellness education to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive. Addressing health disparities is not only a public health priority but a matter of educational equity and social justice
Rooted in Resistance, Growing in Boriken: The Fight for Climate and Agricultural Justice in Puerto Rico
No full textThis project examines how Puerto Rico’s agricultural system has been shaped by historical colonization, economic policy, and climate change. Once largely self-sustaining, the island now imports more than 85 percent of its food, creating major vulnerabilities during natural disasters and economic disruptions. My research analyzes four key systems of injustice political, economic, social, and environmental and how they intersect to impact food sovereignty. The project also highlights grassroots solutions such as agroecology education, land protection, and investment in sustainable infrastructure. Through this work, I developed a deeper understanding of how colonial legacies continue to affect food systems today and how local resilience efforts offer meaningful pathways toward justice
The Lack of Mental Health Support in Caribbean Households
Get PDFGrowing up in a Caribbean household, mental health, amongst other topics, was something no one dared to speak about. Seeking therapy or talking to a trusted family member is not an option since you will look weak. When mental health issues are left untreated, long-term adverse effects on the emotional, social, physical, and behavioral aspects of life. In some instances, it may result in suicide. This research will explore the different elements that affect a person’s willingness to receive mental health treatment in Caribbean households. Would teenagers and young adults seek mental help if given the right resources and support? Would Caribbean parents encourage their children to seek help if they were educated on healthy methods of addressing their issues and concerns? What problems can arise from neglecting signs of declining mental health
