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How generation Z STEM college students define the purpose of college and explain their learning preferences: a qualitative case study
No full textGeneration Z is the current generation of traditionally-aged (18-24 years old) college students.
Each generation has its own traits and preferences based upon shared experiences. Science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM) college students have different needs than students in
non-STEM majors based on their career trajectories, graduate school requirements, and
laboratory-style courses. Through this case study, I aimed to understand how Generation Z
STEM college students describe the purpose of college and how they prefer to learn inside
STEM classrooms. A second purpose is to explore if—and if so, how—these students connect
the purpose of college to their learning preferences. Common themes emerged from the purpose
of college, which were (a) career, (b) broadening thinking, and (c) social reasons. I also found
that Generation Z learning preferences are centered around the themes of (a) active learning, (b)
hands-on learning, (c) suggestions for laboratory courses, (d) suggestions for how faculty present
content, (e) suggestions for office hours, and (f) suggestions for how faculty can increase their
approachability. Participants also all saw a connection between their definition of the purpose of
college and their learning preferences. Some recommendations from this study include: (a)
increasing hands-on and active learning techniques or strategies in classes; (b) making
adjustments to laboratory courses; (c) sharing context into why courses matter in the sequence of
their majors and teaching content in a linear fashion; (d) making adjustments to office hours and
how they are presented; (e) encouraging faculty to be more approachable; and (f) taking into
consideration how students prefer to show content understanding in a course. Finally,
participants made clear connections between how they explained their learning preferences and
their definition of the purpose of college.D. Ed
Black women socialization
No full textBlack women attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) have navigated complex collegiate socialization experiences that significantly influenced their identity development. While prior research has extensively documented the barriers Black women have faced in higher education, limited understanding of how these socialization experiences have contributed to the (re)defining of their identities has been examined. Using a qualitative case study approach and semi-structured interviews, how Black women at PWIs experienced collegiate socialization, the role of counter-spaces, and the impact of these experiences on their identity development was investigated in the current study. In this study, Black women reported negative socialization experiences, including microaggressions, marginalization, and stereotype threat, hindered their identity affirmation, while counter-spaces served as vital sources of empowerment and resistance. Fostering inclusive environments that acknowledge the unique intersectional challenges faced by Black women in higher education and the role of self-curated socialization strategies for their academic persistence and personal identity formation are discussed. This study has contributed to scholarship on identity development and systemic change in higher education for Black women, advocating for institutional policies that supported the holistic well-being of Black women at PWIs.Ph. D
If this be my destiny
No full textIn this paper, I discuss the influences, significance, and methodology of my exhibition, If
This Be My Destiny. In my exhibition, I draw upon comic books, Aristotle’s Nicomachean
Ethics, and religious narratives to create vignettes of my own personal journey of overcoming
my faults by using Spider-Man characters to act as avatars as well as direct representations of the
moments portrayed. The work explores the theme of self-improvement through large scale oil
paintings painted with a variety of techniques and handmade oil colors. The series aesthetics,
technical execution, and narrative treatment is influenced by fine artists including Caravaggio,
Nicolai Fechin, Nicolas Uribe, and Alex. This paper examines the technical and conceptual
methods the paintings utilize to record my personal struggle with improvement and turn them
into an allegory of the shared human struggle to be better.B.F.A.School of Ar
Addressing the teacher shortage in K-12 public education: the crucial role of effective school leadership
No full textThis dissertation explores a question that’s deeply personal to me after 30 years in public education as a teacher, coach, and principal: Does school leadership really make a difference when it comes to keeping and attracting great teachers? With schools across the country facing a growing teacher shortage, I wanted to understand how principals can help—rather than add to—the problem. I used a phenomenological approach to hear directly from those living it: eight middle and high school principals from a range of backgrounds and schools. Through semi-structured interviews conducted virtually, I was able to gather powerful stories and insights. These conversations were transcribed and analyzed for key themes—focusing not just on what was said, but how it was said. The findings were clear: leadership matters. Principals who lead with empathy, visibility, and consistency build school cultures where teachers feel seen, supported, and inspired to stay. They prioritize well-being, growth, and relationships—not just compliance or test scores. Many are finding creative ways to offer meaningful professional development, from peer-led workshops to co-teaching alongside their staff. At the same time, principals face real barriers: limited funding, rigid systems, and a profession that’s no longer seen as sustainable by many young adults. Still, they’re finding ways to recruit purposefully and grow talent from within their communities. This research shows that school leadership isn’t just part of the teacher retention puzzle—it may be the most important piece. Principals who lead with heart, purpose, and presence can change the trajectory of a school—and keep great teachers in classrooms where they’re needed most.D. ED
Nomadism as a vehicle for change
No full textArchitects are charged with defining space, but what about non-space? For a
nomad, there is no fixed site, no fixed demographic, and no fixed neighbors.
Instead, they are concerned with movement, individuality, and freedom to
change. The concept of moving structures for mobile people, who do not abide
by the societal framework that most people in the US are familiar with, demands
a different understanding than how we usually practice architecture. It claims
that the design of non-space is a crucial piece of the architect’s scope.
This thesis investigates how impermanent thinking affects different elements of
design. From how we think about neighbors, to site, to structures, to objects,
and the individual. It attempts to support thoughts and research through
different scales of design, and in discussion with actual nomads. The only
constant in life is change. Thus, we are also made to change. Sometimes we
want to, and sometimes we must. Climate issues, political tensions, and socialeconomic
conditions may push us around. Or maybe, we want to move just
to see the world a bit more. If architects start thinking like nomads, will we be
ready for change?Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Imagining living for teachers: converting an old high school into an affordable and sustainable living solution that builds community
No full textThis project proposes the remodeling of a historic school building for the purpose of affordable housing for teachers, applying properties of the WELL v2 Building Standard by focusing on air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, community, and innovation. Seeing firsthand the struggles of teachers, especially recent graduates in the field of education, searching for employment that allows for a livelihood provided a reason to find a solution. As the cost of living continues to rise, the demand for affordable housing increases. Teachers are faced with many challenges including compensation for their work, making it difficult to live off their allotted salaries, and their need to build their community, making connections with like-minded individuals. While this is an issue for many districts, this focuses solely on those within this Central Texas School District. The school district can help combat these challenges by creating an affordable living solution through the reconstruction of the vacant school. Although this is not a brand-new concept, for example the Madison School and Bowtie High, it is still a present-day issue and a necessary step in the retention of quality instructors. Through thorough research, precedent studies, information gathering, estimations, and the redesign process, this project demonstrates the feasibility and necessity of creating an affordable living solution geared towards teachers. By implementing these practices and focusing on keeping the project sustainable through the use of various recycled materials, LED lighting, and more. The final design yields a place that fosters community, well-being, sustainability, and most importantly affordability.M. A
The future in detail: combining historical ornamentation with modern form
No full textModern architecture often prioritizes efficiency, minimalism, and cutting-edge
technology. Historical design techniques—such as the intricate craftsmanship
of boats, the colorful and detailed stained glass of Gothic cathedrals, or the
detailed ornamentation of the skin on Baroque structures—carry a depth and
narrative that is rarely seen today. By combining these traditional methods
with modern materials and technologies, I can create buildings that not only
push the boundaries of innovation but also honor the timeless aesthetic and
craftsmanship of the past. The fusion of old and new could produce spaces
that are not only functional but also rich with beauty, complexity, and cultural
resonance. The Future in Detail is an extension to Port Huron’s river walk where
both the community and visitors can go to experience the history of Port Huron.
Through different design techniques, the site incorporates a hotel, restaurants,
and a beautiful engaging park that creates an inviting narrative of what Port
Huron is. The site encourages its visitors to mingle with each other and the site
itself, teaching them the importance of Port Huron and its community through
stained glass, detailed ornaments, and intricate craftmanship.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Body image and sexual pleasure
No full textComprehensive understanding of African American women’s sexuality and body image
has been mired in an overemphasis on sexually transmitted illness and underrepresentation in the
literature. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between body image
and sexual pleasure in African American women from a sex positive perspective with a
theoretical grounding in intersectionality. Participants (N = 221) completed self-report measures
on body image, sexual variety and sexual pleasure. Specific dimensions of body image and
orgasm emerged as predictors of sexual pleasure and sexual behavior frequency. Both clinical
applications and directions for future research are discussed.Ph. D
The best practices using promotional videos on college websites and social media
No full textPromotional video production is the process of creating a video that is designed to advertise or promote a product, service, event, or marketing campaign. These videos aim to capture the audience's attention and encourage them to learn more about what is being presented or promoted. Promotional video production has risen and become very popular in today’s culture. The purpose of a promotional video is to grasp the interest and engagement of a specific audience, which is often done by highlighting its key features and benefits. For my project, I will be making promotional videos for the facilities within the Ball State Media Program. I will produce 9 short videos promoting the Department of Media facilities, each about one minute long. The videos will include faculty, students, and will include these spaces: Equipment Checkout, Studio D, Studio C, Studio E, Foley Studio, Podcast space next to E, Video News Studio and Control Room, Letterman Audio Suites, Surround Sound Edit Suite, and WCRD’s studio. Each video will have a small tour of the facility and what a student can use it for. I will also be conducting a literature review of the best practices using videos on college and university websites and social media. I chose to make promotional videos for my project because students are aware of the facilities, but not all students use them. This project is personal because when I came to Ball State in 2020, during COVID-19, I was not able to come and properly tour the campus. I knew I wanted to attend Ball State and join the Media Program, but I did not know much about the program and its offerings. With these videos, I hope to help current and prospective students learn a little more about what they have or could have on their campus and to use my video production background to make content for the University.M. A
Nature without barriers: accessibility meets biophilic design
No full textPublic libraries serve as vital community spaces, offering resources, support,
and opportunities for social connection. This thesis examines the integration
of Universal Design and Biophilic Design principles in public libraries to
create inclusive and restorative spaces that enhance user well-being and
accessibility. Many public libraries today focus solely on basic functionality and
compliance with accessibility standards, which often leads to inconvenient and
inequitable experiences for diverse users. This project redefines accessibility
by emphasizing seamless navigation, sensory-friendly environments, and
incorporating natural elements like daylight and sustainable materials.
This project proposes a reimagined library environment prioritizing equitable
access and user comfort. Key design strategies include intuitive wayfinding with
clear visual and tactile cues, flexible furniture arrangements that accommodate
different abilities, and integrated biophilic elements—such as natural lighting,
organic materials, and indoor greenery—to foster a calming atmosphere.
Additionally, the design ensures that all spatial layouts promote effortless
mobility and engagement, creating a space that welcomes and supports all
individuals. By merging Universal and Biophilic Design principles, this project
envisions public libraries as dynamic, inclusive, and restorative spaces for
everyone.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin