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Being human
No full textBeing Human explores empathy, identity, and the unseen struggles of individuals living with mental and physical disabilities. Drawing inspiration from shared diary entries, each of the f ive large-scale colored pencil and water-based media drawings capture an intimate moment that reflects the subject’s personal journey and emotional state. Influenced by artists such as Rebecca Sugar, Alphonse Mucha, and Victoria Olt, my creative process merges symbolism, composition, and mark-making to communicate themes of resilience, vulnerability, and connection. Mucha’s framing devices and floral motifs inspired my visual language, while Sugar and Olt’s emotional storytelling encouraged me to approach each subject with honesty and compassion. Through these captured moments, I aim to challenge societal stigmas and invite viewers to look beyond appearances, fostering a deeper understanding of others lived experiences. Being Human seeks to remind audiences of the shared humanity that connects us all and to inspire moments of empathy, reflection, and genuine human connection.B.F.A.School of Ar
A dissertation lecture recital of selected solo piano pieces by Carter Pann: pedagogical suggestions and musical interpretation
No full textThis dissertation lecture recital examines selected solo piano works by Carter Pann (b. 1972), a contemporary American composer whose stylistically eclectic output has received little scholarly attention. While recognized with two GRAMMY® nominations, Pann’s solo piano repertoire remains underrepresented in both pedagogy and performance, despite its significant artistic and educational value. This dissertation lecture explores selected works from Pann’s early, middle, and most recent compositions and provides pedagogical insights, interpretive considerations, and performance perspectives that serve as a resource for pianists and teachers. Each section addresses general stylistic characteristics, notational and interpretive directions, pianistic challenges, and pedagogical strategies, culminating in performance. This study is the first to engage in scholarly work on Two Lullabies, No. II, The Bills, No. I, and Three Rhapsodies. Ultimately, it seeks to foster wider recognition and performance of Pann’s solo piano works, highlighting their significance as imaginative, engaging, and idiomatically crafted contributions to contemporary piano literature.D.A
Cross-generational posttraumatic growth after coming out
No full textTrauma, though painful and potentially life altering, is not the end of the road. There is an immense opportunity for positive transformation to follow traumatic experiences. The notion that traumatic events can produce positive consequences is not a new concept, and the study of “posttraumatic growth” has become more prominent in the literature since Tedeschi and Calhoun’s work in the early 2000’s. In this study, age-related differences in posttraumatic growth (PTG) among gay men was examined, with a specific focus on three measures of growth. Two hundred and ten men were divided into three age cohorts (young, middle, and older adults), and completed the Stress-Related Growth Scale (SRGS), Coming Out Growth Scale (COGS), and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). A series of multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) were conducted to assess group differences across each measure while controlling for level of outness. Results indicated significant age group differences in all three measures of growth, and that age group was significantly associated with growth on several subscale domains. Older adults reported significantly higher levels of growth in cognitive and existential domains, including mature thinking, new possibilities, appreciation of life, and both individualistic and collectivistic growth, compared to younger participants. These findings support developmental theories of growth and suggest that age may provide increased opportunities for meaning-making, identity integration, and personal transformation among sexual minority individuals. Implications for clinical practice, identity-affirming interventions, and future research are discussed.Ph. D
The fiber type specific response of single muscle fiber contractile performance to endurance and resistance exercise training in health, sedentary adults
No full textIt is well documented that human skeletal muscle is highly responsive to exercise
training. However, the impact of endurance and resistance exercise training on single
muscle fiber (SMF) physiology has not been well studied in healthy, sedentary individuals.
The current study documented the fiber type specific response of SMF physiology to
endurance and resistance exercise training. A total of 37 participants were randomized
into one of three groups: endurance exercise (EE) (n=15; 47 ± 15 y), resistance exercise
(RE) (n=14; 45 ± 19 y), or no exercise (control; CON) (n=8; 45 ± 18 y). Muscle biopsies
were taken from the vastus lateralis at baseline (BAS) and follow-up (FUP) after the 12-
week intervention. Muscle biopsy samples were analyzed for fiber type distribution and
SMF contractile performance. In the EE group, MHC IIA/IIX expression decreased 12%
(p<0.05) with no other changes in fiber type observed. Limited response in SMF
contractile performance was observed in the EE group aside from a 11% decrease
(p<0.05) in MHC IIA normalized force. In the RE group, MHC IIA/IIX expression
decreased 13% (p<0.05), MHC IIA expression increased 16% (p<0.05), with no other
changes in fiber type observed. No significant changes were observed in SMF contractile
performance in response to RE training. As expected, no notable changes to muscle fiber
type nor SMF function were observed in the CON group. In summary, the fiber type and
SMF physiology data suggest that at BAS the skeletal muscle of the sedentary individuals
exhibit a high degree of heterogeneity. After training, patterns of increased homogeneity
were noted, but limited responses were observed overall. This suggests that the skeletal
muscles of these participants are in the early stages of remodeling and may only reflect
patterns of adaptation after 12 weeks of exercise training. Further studies may seek to
map the adaptive time course and the molecular mechanisms driving these responses
beyond 12 weeks of endurance and resistance exercise training.Ph. D
Lugar seguro
No full textDomestic violence is a serious issue that affects individuals and families all
across the world. Victims of domestic violence can include individuals of all
genders, ages, and backgrounds, but it’s mostly women and children who are
affected. Victims experience physical, emotional, and psychological abuse at the
hands of their intimate partners or family members. Lugar Seguro is in Marion
County, which is the area with the most cases of domestic violence reported in
Indiana.
The three main goals of the project are to provide privacy, safety, and
community to domestic violence victims. Privacy for emotional and mental
healing, safety because they escaped from an abusive cycle, and community
for emotional support and empowerment. This project provides spaces where
the residents can gather, and services to help them heal, such as therapy,
lawyers, healthcare, a gym, and daycare. Aside from these services, sustainable
design is implemented in the design of the building, in the form of natural light,
materials reuse, and the use of plants to help residents heal and grow out or
their traumatic experiences.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Articulate!
No full textThe anatomical essence of life is synonymous with a beating heart that pumps
blood throughout the body. In moments of elated ardor, the pace quickens,
causing a surge in the flow within the veins that become pronounced, visible
even on the surface. This is life in motion. Movement, in its ever-present form,
defines us. Such dynamism is also inherent in architecture through circulation,
where the pace and rhythm of movement become an integral part of the design
language. However, not all circulation within a building serves as an expressive
outlet. While some paths are purely functional, others offer the potential for a
more evocative experience. The entwinement between utility and character
is central to this investigation. Set in Chicago, the project explores how the
movement of people and programmatic activities can transcend their utilitarian
roles to become the vital organization aspect, by integrating and manipulating
circulatory forms and spatial sequences.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Characterization and agronomic evaluation of biochar amendments in a midwestern loam soil: effects on soybean yield, soil nutrient retention, and leachate quality
No full textThe development and application of biochar as a soil amendment has shown promising results for improving soil fertility, enhancing nutrient retention, and mitigating environmental degradation in agroecosystems. This dissertation investigates the physicochemical properties of biochar derived from different feedstocks and thermochemical processes, and evaluates their short-term effects on soybean (Glycine max) yield, soil nutrient dynamics, leachate composition, and plant nutrient uptake. The study combines biochar characterization with a controlled pot experiment to assess how feedstock type, production method, and application rate influence biochar behavior in soil. Chapter 2 focuses on the comprehensive characterization of two contrasting biochar types: wheat straw biochar (WSB) produced via slow pyrolysis at 400 °C and a commercial wood biochar (WB) produced via downdraft gasification. Proximate and elemental analyses, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, surface area estimation, and molar ratio assessments were used to evaluate carbon stability, aromaticity, surface functionality, and nutrient content. The WSB biochar exhibited higher ash content, greater nutrient concentrations (e.g., total K, total P, NH4+-N), and higher H:C and O:C ratios, while WB demonstrated greater fixed carbon content
and structural stability, reflecting the influence of both feedstock and highest heating temperature (HHT) on biochar physicochemical characteristics. Chapter 3 presents a 60-day experiment examining the impact of WSB and WB at 1% and 3% w/w application rates, alone and in combination with mineral fertilizer. Treatments were evaluated for effects on soybean shoot biomass, root traits, nodulation, pod production, yield, and plant nutrient uptake, alongside measurements of leachate ammonium, nitrate, dissolved phosphate, and potassium concentration. The WSB, particularly at the 3% (w/w) application rate, significantly enhanced pod number, pod dry weight, and shoot biomass, likely due to improved nutrient availability and water retention. In contrast, WB treatments exhibited lower leachate volumes and reduced nitrate losses, suggesting superior hydrological regulation and potential for mitigating nutrient leaching. Soil cation exchange capacity and nutrient retention also improved in biochar-treated soils, with notable differences between feedstocks in their effects on pH and cation retention. Collectively, the findings emphasize the importance of biochar feedstock selection and production conditions in determining its agronomic performance. The reported research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the role of biochar role in sustainable soil management and provides guidance for optimizing biochar application strategies in Midwestern agricultural systems.Ph. D
The effects of invasive Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) on largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) fishing inferred from state data and digital catch logs
No full textHydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) is an invasive aquatic plant often assumed to enhance Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans) fisheries by providing complex structure. However, its actual effects on bass size and angler behavior remain uncertain at broad spatial and temporal scales. We analyzed extensive public and private datasets from 2017 to 2023, including angler-reported catches from the Fishbrain app, to assess how Hydrilla, other aquatic vegetation, and lake features influence bass fisheries across Florida waterbodies. We used tree-boosted mixed-effects models and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) to evaluate how vegetation, lake morphology, and landscape features affect bass size and the number of reported trips. Based on our results, Hydrilla had no unique advantage over native vegetation in supporting larger bass or attracting more anglers. We also applied a linear selectivity index and paired t-tests across 28 lakes, revealing that anglers caught more bass near vegetation edges formed by Tape Grass (Vallisneria americana). However, observed differences in fish size near Hydrilla were likely due to aggregation along dense vegetation mats rather than superior habitat quality. These findings challenge the perceived fisheries value of Hydrilla and underscore the importance of conserving diverse native vegetation in aquatic habitat management strategies across Florida.M. S
Designing for autism: prototype hotel room artificial lighting design
No full textThe hospitality industry is constantly evolving, with styles, colors, and designs emerging
and receding, making old trends new again. While building and accessibility standards are
emphasized, sensory design is less discussed. As more people are diagnosed with autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) each year, the needs of travelers with ASD grow. Inclusivity becomes a
priority, and designing for these needs becomes a key goal.
This research focuses on designing sensory-sensitive lighting for hotel rooms. Current
hotel lighting designs prioritize budget, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. However, with the
increasing number of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and undiagnosed sensory
sensitivities, its importance in creating inclusive lighting designs. This project focuses on
guestroom lighting, highlighting the need for sensory-sensitive and inclusive designs, and
reviews the current state of guestroom lighting as well as the cost implications of incorporating
an inclusive lighting design package into the prototype guest room design.M. A
SWPBIS & discipline gap in urban high schools
No full textRates of school discipline disproportionality based on race, gender and special education
classifications exit in schools across the county in varying degrees. Over 25,000 schools across
the United Stated have implemented School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
(SWPBIS) as a framework to improve school culture by teaching positive behaviors in an
attempt to reduce misbehavior in schools. This study examined the implementation of SWPBIS
in five high schools within a Mid-Western urban school district. The purpose of this study was
to understand to what extent SWPBIS implementation changed the disproportionate rate of office
discipline referrals and out of school suspensions for all students based on race, gender and
special education eligibility. Data were analyzed comparing two years of discipline data prior to
the implementation of SWPBIS and six years of SWPBIS implementation from all five high
schools within one large urban school district. Descriptive analysis and linear regression models
were completed to describe changes in school discipline outcomes based on school-level
intervention implementation and student-level demographic characteristics. Results showed
overall decreases in office discipline referrals and out of school suspensions during SWPBIS implementation. The implementation of SWPBIS appeared to work the best for White, female and students not eligible for special education. Although all groups of students experienced fewer school discipline incidents, the disproportionate overrepresentation of students based on race, gender and special education eligibility continues. Implications for policy, practice and future research are discussed in the context of promoting more equitable school discipline
practices.D. Ed