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Reviving Indiana Ave.
No full textThe Continuum is a vibrant space dedicated to carrying forward the legacy
of Indiana Avenue through community engagement, entrepreneurship, and
education. The goal is to celebrate black heritage and a preservation of cultural
heritage. It pays tribute to the Avenue’s rich history while fostering opportunities
for the future, ensuring that the invaluable contributions of Black business
owners, artists, and educators are not only remembered but actively enhanced.
This building offers rentable spaces for businesses, empowering local
entrepreneurs to thrive as those who once transformed Indiana Avenue
into an economic beacon. A café serves as a gathering place, nurturing
conversation, connection, and a profound sense of belonging. Classrooms
create environments for education, mentorship, and skill-building, ensuring that
knowledge, culture, and creativity are shared with future generations. An Indiana
Avenue exhibit reveals the neighborhood’s past, showcasing its impact and
motivating new possibilities.
The Continuum embodies transformation and resilience. Its design mirrors the
evolution of Indiana Avenue, honoring its past while paving the way for a brighter
future. More than just a building, it stands as a living testament to community
strength, a space for growth, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that
Indiana Avenue’s legacy continues to shape what lies ahead.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Neurocognitive function on cut
No full textAn unanticipated sidestep cut is a game-realistic movement used in cutting sports that has been identified as one of the movements linked to non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Factors such as limb dominance and sex have been observed to increase susceptibility of injury, but reasons behind the findings remain unclear. Aspects of unanticipated sidestep cutting may be influenced by neurocognitive processing speeds, thus the purpose of the current study was to assess the influence of neurocognitive performance (NCRT) on lower extremity biomechanics during an unanticipated sidestep cut and determine if NCRT performance helps elucidate the interactions between sex and limb dominance previously observed. Repeated measures ANOVAs and repeated measures ANCOVAs were performed to analyze the biomechanical differences of a cut with and without NCRT as a covariate. Twenty-one participants (n=11 males) volunteered to participate in the study (age: 22.4 ± 2.9 years, height: 1.71 ± .082m, mass: 72.2 ± 12.8). Participants completed various reaction time tasks and five unanticipated sidestep cuts on each limb. When adjusting for NCRT performance, significant limb differences in hip extension moment (p=.027) were revealed, with additional significant sex x NCRT differences in hip flexion moment (p=0.003) and trunk lean to the plant leg (p=0.004). Significant effects for approach speed (p=.043) and knee extension moment (p=.041) were unmasked by neurocognitive performance. The results demonstrated evidence of differences based on neurocognitive performance impacting biomechanical measures related to injury risk during unanticipated sidestep cutting. The exploratory study revealed potential risk factors associated with ACL injury that were unmasked or confounded by NCRT performance which were previously attributed to either sex or limb dominance differences. Neurocognition is an influential aspect of unanticipated cutting mechanics and additional research is needed to better understand and help the prevention of non-contact ACL injuries.M. S
Reimagining public space
No full textPublic spaces in the city are underused, although they intend to serve as vibrant
centers for community interaction. In response, this thesis addresses the issues
of green space in urban environments by revitalizing an existing public space,
the Presidential Park, and rethinking its design through biophilic design and
community-centric spaces. The project explores how incorporating biophilic
features such as reused and eco-friendly materials, natural daylighting, and
vegetation can create a healthier urban environment. Additionally, it centered
around the diverse cultural communities of Indianapolis and the Indiana
Ballet Dance Company through theater design to foster deeper community
relationships.
The project introduces the concept of continuous circulation by proposing to
extend the cultural trail of downtown Indianapolis to the thesis site selection to
create a journey-like experience that engages the user throughout the spaces.
The endless circulation blurs the boundary between interior and exterior,
allowing users to seamlessly flow between enclosed and open spaces that
reconnect users to nature. By revitalizing an existing public space through
combining biophilic design, theater programs, and continuous circulation,
this thesis demonstrates how thoughtful design in public space can foster
community engagements and promote sustainability to enrich the urban fabric
of the city for generations to come.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Faculty experiences using game pedagogies with students entering college during the pandemic
No full textPrompted by growing interest in engaging, student-centered learning experiences, this research investigates the experiences of undergraduate faculty members who use game pedagogies in their courses and how those experiences intersect with students impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Guided by transformative learning theory, this phenomenological study seeks to understand how faculty and student perceptions shifted when experiencing game pedagogies, especially throughout and after the unprecedented disruptions created by the pandemic. The researcher collected data from faculty members who used game pedagogies at four-year undergraduate institutions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study examined how instructors used game pedagogies and the impacts they perceived on student motivation, engagement, and learning, especially in a post-COVID-19 environment. It also investigates how an instructor's understanding of learning developed through both the use of game pedagogies and the impacts of the pandemic. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with five faculty members from four-year institutions, each participating in two separate 60-minute interviews. The themes from the data were split between two major categories: Game Pedagogies and COVID Impacts. The four Game Pedagogies themes were a) Identity Affinity; b) Engaging Learning; c) Learner Development; and d) Implementation Challenges. The four COVID Impacts themes were a) Engagement Shift; b) Remote Learning; c) Human Impacts; and d) Long-term Impacts. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of how games can serve as meaningful educational methods through their low-stakes, collaborative, and student-focused learning opportunities. Those findings are: a) games pedagogies resonated with faculty members’ personal pedagogical philosophies; b) game pedagogies are highly effective and engaging educational methods irrespective of and beyond the pandemic; c) faculty members can use game pedagogies to foster holistic student development; d) the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students were contained to a few cohorts; e) COVID-19 created a forced opportunity for faculty to undergo pedagogical enhancements, with benefits extending beyond the pandemic; and f) game pedagogies are conducive to creating transformational learning. This research also speaks to faculty and student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact it had on higher education classrooms, and the implications of the disruption. Finally, it offers a contribution to the evolving landscape of higher education, highlighting the potential of game pedagogies to facilitate transformative learning experiences, before and after the pandemic.Ph. D
I can't see through my thoughts
No full textI Can’t See Through My Thoughts aims to visually explain the internal feeling of being
overwhelmed by anxiety. When the thoughts that play on repeat in one’s head create a barrier to
seeing what is happening in one’s day to day life, there is a loss of reality and joy from one’s
existence. I have drawn on my experiences to create an environment with a series of installations
that aims to allow the viewer to witness the struggles that I have and continue to face. The
installations incorporate themes of anxiety in generational communication and the breakdowns
that occur between generations, as well as the uncertainty people entering middle age and
younger have had to deal with regarding being able to support themselves and their families. It is
my intent to give the viewer a chance to reflect on their own experiences by witnessing my own.
Each of the three stages of the installation incorporates materials found in everyday life
that have been repurposed, treated, and/or altered to draw attention to them. By adding materials
such as neon, glass, and resin the viewer is invited to examine the relationship between thoughts
and reality.M. A
Mental health utilization and chronic pain
No full textIndividuals with chronic pain have a disproportionately greater mental health need than
individuals who do not experience chronic pain. Despite this, they utilize mental health services
at lower rates and report higher levels of unremitted anxiety and depression when they do
engage in care. Therefore, this study aimed to explore why these disparities exist even after an
established mental health need. Specifically, it examined whether variables such as trust in the
healthcare system, belief and attitudes about mental health, stigma experiences, and perceived
efficacy of mental health treatment will mediate the relationship between chronic pain status
and mental health service use. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature as
previous studies have not examined these mechanisms. 377 chronic pain participants and 238 control participants completed an online survey assessing their mental health service utilization rates and a range of relevant beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. The results showed that people with chronic pain utilized mental health services
more than the comparison group, however, they still had a greater unmet mental health
burden and trusted the healthcare system less. Additionally, the link between chronic pain
status and mental health service utilization was statistically explained, partly, by attitudes
toward people with mental health problems and general beliefs about mental health
treatment. Practically, these findings provide valuable insights, which can inform targeted
interventions aimed at improving the experiences of individuals with chronic pain and
increasing access to equitable mental health care.M. A
Nature and play: the role of design in biophilic play areas for children with autism
No full textPromoting children’s social and cognitive development as well as their overall well-being
is vital during recess or play time. This project will analyze research regarding the attention
restoration theory and stress recovery theory, biophilic design in learning and play (both in the
interior and exterior environments), and autistic children’s behaviors with sociality, touch, and
outdoor play. In addition to analyzing the published research, multiple case studies on
incorporating natural elements in play areas will be evaluated. The goal of this project is to
utilize the published research and case studies to provide 3D rendered examples of an interior
play area that promotes attention restoration, stress reduction, social growth, and general wellbeing.M A
I am my own art collection
No full textIn this paper, I talk about my influences and significances through my art career and the way they have driven me creatively through the semester. I touch on subjects including my past experiences and emotions, major events that have impacted my life, pieces of both illustrated and animated media that I have taken inspiration from regarding style and color, as well as digging a little into color psychology to explain color choices I made when choosing inks to use in my works. I go on further to explain the significance of sharing my personal experiences and what I want to show off to the audience and those who view my work, sending out a message that there are moments that help make up who I am as a person and why I strive to be an artist. I then talk about future plans and reflect back on my series and my work as an artist and what is next for me moving forwards. My exhibition statement comes up next followed by my exhibition list that showcases the collection and titles of the six pieces I created.B.A.School of Ar
Discovery of novel anibiotic-producing bacteria from dairy farm environments
No full textAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, with multidrug-resistant bacteria diminishing the efficacy of existing antibiotics. The widespread dissemination of resistance genes in critical human pathogens, coupled with the lack of new clinically useful antimicrobial developments since the 1970s, is a primary driver of the AMR crisis. This study aims to address this gap by exploring microbial diversity in a dairy farm environment for novel antibiotic-producing bacteria effective against ESKAPE pathogens, high-priority multidrug-resistant pathogens identified by the World Health Organization, and Bacillus cereus (another pathogen of rising concern due to antimicrobial resistance). Systematic screening of dairy farm-associated isolates using a novel anaerobic cultivation approach revealed seven out of forty bacterial isolates with potential antagonistic activity against target pathogens. Specifically, Bacillus strain 22 displayed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecium, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, Bacillus strain 07 with antagonistic activity against Staphylococcus aureus
and Klebsiella pneumoniae under aerobic conditions was also effective against Bacillus cereus anaerobically. Thin-layer chromatography and bioautography of extracted bacterial metabolites further confirmed their strong antibacterial properties. These findings highlight the untapped potential of dairy farm microbiota as a reservoir for novel antibiotics to combat AMR and emphasize the value of diverse cultivation strategies in antimicrobial discovery.M. S
A qualitative study: exploring non-governmental organizations' (NGOs) support for women in intimate partner violence in Nigeria
No full textIntimate partner violence (IPV) significantly threatens the well-being and happiness of individuals, making it a critical issue addressed by civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria. In the absence of comprehensive federal anti-IPV legislation, NGOs frequently intervene to support victims. These NGOs operate as humanitarian or cooperative entities, functioning independently or with limited government involvement. While existing studies classify intimate partner violence into physical, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse, and identify those who perpetrate it, there is a lack of understanding regarding the actions taken by CSOs and NGOs to address and alleviate this problem within the country. This qualitative research examines how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria support women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Given the high incidence of IPV and the limited state-led initiatives, NGOs play a vital role in providing prevention, intervention, and advocacy services. Rooted in feminist and social justice theories, this research is based on structured interviews with leaders from 20 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across various regions in Nigeria. The thematic analysis of findings revealed three predominant themes: the support services provided by NGOs, which include psychosocial, financial, and housing assistance for survivors; the positive effects of these interventions on survivors’ lives and community awareness; and the persistence of challenges despite various initiatives aimed at intervention and awareness, including geographical disparities, cultural obstacles, religious beliefs, funding limitations, and conflicting family values. This research concludes that although NGOs play a crucial role in supporting survivors of IPV, their effectiveness is hindered by systemic and societal constraints. This study advocates for enhanced collaboration between CSOs, NGOs, and the Nigerian government, the establishment of sustainable funding models, and trauma-informed care training for NGOs' staff. This research contributes to the broader discussion on gender-based violence and highlights the importance of grassroots civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting women's rights and social justice in a developing country context.M. A