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Glossed Over
Get PDFGlossed Over is a collection of interdisciplinary artworks exploring my Korean-American diasporic identity and how gender, queerness, religion, neurodivergence, and internet culture intersect within that experience. Through a blend of painting, woodworking, and sculpture, this installation carries the various elements of undefinable 한 (pronounced: han), a concept I attempt to define and contextualize in the Introduction and throughout this thesis. Each artwork operates through coded language, metaphor, and partial disclosure, offering space for the othered to find recognition through subtle cues and signifiers. Through Glossed Over and this thesis, I scratch the surface of my journey in reconciling generational trauma and the byproducts of my family’s immigrant story
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF LIMITING ORAL INTAKE OF THIN LIQUIDS AFTER ACUTE STROKE
No full textBackground and Aims
Although thickened liquids are often recommended for post-stroke dysphagia in order to limit aspiration and its sequelae, it is unclear if they achieve this goal. This dissertation explored relationships between dysphagia, liquid restrictions, and outcomes of aspiration pneumonia and urinary tract infection (UTI) during acute-care hospitalization for stroke.
Methods
We reviewed charts for 1216 individuals admitted with stroke to an acute-care hospital (December 2021-August 2024). Logistic regression analyses were used to examine relationships between stroke type/location/lateralization/severity, length-of-stay (LOS), age, sex-assigned-at-birth, dysphagia, smoking, dentition, liquid intake restrictions \u3e1 day, and outcomes of aspiration pneumonia and UTI.
Results
Aspiration pneumonia and UTI incidence were 114 (9.8%) and 122 (10%), respectively. Dysphagia was documented in 385 (32%) of the 1,216 sample. Instrumental swallowing assessments were performed in only 214 (18%) cases. Thickened liquids were recommended for 43 (3.5%) and NPO for 286 (23.5%). In 96/329 (29%) of the cases where liquid restrictions were ordered there was no dysphagia diagnosis present. Significantly increased odds of aspiration pneumonia were associated with: LOS\u3e11 days (4.5-fold); female sex (1.95-fold); thickened liquids (11-fold) and nothing by mouth (27.6-fold), independent of dysphagia diagnosis. Significantly increased odds of UTI were associated with: LOS\u3e11 days (2.5-fold); age\u3e60 (1.96-fold); female sex (0.39-fold); and NPO recommendation (2-fold).
Conclusions
In this acute stroke cohort, dysphagia, by itself, did not significantly predict aspiration pneumonia or UTI. NPO recommendations were highly associated with increased odds of both adverse outcomes, while thickened liquids were associated with increased odds of aspiration pneumonia. The early diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia and UTI during the hospital course suggests that factors unrelated to liquid intake restriction may explain these sequelae
A Mixed Method Case Study of Leadership for Change: Authentic Transformational Leadership in a Local Baptist Church
Get PDFThis convergent parallel mixed methods case study explores how a local Baptist church navigated organizational change during and after the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of authentic and transformational leadership. Grounded in organizational leadership and open systems framework of organizational change, the study examined two primary hypotheses: (1) RBC demonstrated an authentic transformational leadership paradigm in its change processes since 2020, and (2) this paradigm significantly and positively influenced perceived leadership effectiveness.
Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six leaders (three pastors, one minister, one staff leader, and one deacon) and 11 raters (five lay leaders, five congregants, and one support staff). It was analyzed thematically to identify leadership characteristics and contextual dynamics. Quantitative data were gathered via leadership assessments, including the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ) and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), allowing for statistical analysis of predictors of leadership effectiveness. A total of 150 responses were collected, including 68 leadership self-assessments and 82 rater evaluations. The results confirmed the hypothesis and were integrated through triangulation, revealing that leadership was contextual, dynamic, and structurally layered, particularly within a lay-led governance model.
As a single case study, the primary aim was not to generalize statistically but to offer analytical generalization. While RBC’s specific cultural and organizational context is unique, the leadership patterns identified, particularly regarding authentic and transformational leadership responses to change, may offer transferable insights for other faith-based or non-faith-based organizations facing similar dynamics. The findings are intended to illuminate broader processes rather than predict outcomes across all organizations
Strange World
Get PDFMy thesis work explores the intersections of masculine and feminine labors as they relate to the structure of domestic space. I utilize materials and processes akin to craft, construction and architecture, and domicile upkeep, noting what is shared between gendered and polarized fields while exploring uses of the grid in various instances as a structure to adhere to and antagonize: a binary. Highlighting the queerness and fluidity of materials and the similarities between seemingly disparate processes, I relate to the objects I make and alter through my own gender fluidity. I do not see masculinity or femininity as autonomous: the characteristics these two words are used to describe can be present in any individual. They are a descriptor, not a definer, and their applications can change depending on context. Through misusing, or queer use, I search for a broadened approach to how a material can behave or be used, as humans and gender are material. I employ this concept as it permissions the notion of material agency and gives new life to the ubiquitous or discarded by using as not intended, stirring up a well of possibilities. I relate this expectation of material usage to the expected performance of masculine and feminine gender roles; how the non-fulfillment of these expectations creates new potential for being and doing; providing avenues of tangibility to the abstract. Through my queer use, I reconstruct familiar fragments of a strange world built on binary adherence
Examining Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors Associated with Smoking Behaviors Among Black Breast and Gynecological Cancer Survivors
Get PDFBlack breast and gynecological cancer survivors experience poorer outcomes than their non-Black counterparts. Although multifactorial, one contributor may be cigarette smoking behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic, clinical, and social drivers of health (SDoH) factors associated with smoking behaviors in Black breast and gynecological cancer survivors.
We conducted a secondary analysis of survey data collected from an ongoing cross-sectional study. Summary statistics (e.g., means, frequencies) were computed for all factors of interest. Chi square test of independence, t test, and logistic regression assessed the associations between demographic, clinical, and SDoH factors (e.g., social support) and the smoking status (ever smoker versus non-smoker). All hypothesis tests were two-sided at a significance level of 0.05.
Among 148 Black breast and gynecological cancer survivors in our study sample, primarily were non-smokers (63.5%), 50 years old or older (60.1%), and had breast cancer (81.1%). When comparing smokers to non-smokers, smokers were more likely to have a high school education or less (31.5% vs.12.8%, respectively) (p=0.02) and to have gynecological cancer (vs. breast) (p\u3c 0.001). In unadjusted analysis, cancer type and education were significantly associated with smoking; however, in the adjusted multivariable model, these associations were no longer significant. Age was the only significant covariate wherein for each additional year of age at cancer diagnosis, the odds of smoking increased by 6% (adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.13).
Our findings indicate a need to focus on smoking in older breast and gynecological survivors, particularly as this group is more at risk for other smoking-related chronic conditions and may have smoked longer than their younger counterparts. Future research will require an understanding of the psychology associated with smoking after a cancer diagnosis and the development of tailored methods to engage older survivors in smoking cessation interventions.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1485/thumbnail.jp
The Influence of Gender Identity and Healthcare Delivery Experience on HIV Screening
Get PDFThis dissertation examines the roles of gender identity, healthcare experience, and practitioners\u27 scope of healthcare services in the uptake of annual HIV screening among the understudied population of transgender individuals. Transgender individuals are about half as likely to have an annual HIV screening despite having similar risk profiles to men who have sex with men (MSM). The current HIV guidelines for MSM recommend annual HIV screening because of the risky sexual practice, anal sex with other men. Similar to MSM, transgender individuals who have anal sex with men are at higher risk than the general population for HIV acquisition because of their continuous engagement in anal sex with men. Increasing transgender-specific healthcare knowledge among practitioners may lead to the inclusion of transgender individuals in standardized HIV screening guidelines, lessen negative healthcare engagement experiences, and broaden practitioners’ healthcare scope, all of which may increase HIV screening among high-risk (i.e., engaging in receptive anal sex) transgender individuals. In the first investigation, we seek to understand if there are HIV screening differences among communities with similar risk profiles (engaging in receptive anal sex), specifically MSM versus transgender individuals. In the second and third investigation, we seek to understand possible contributors associated with HIV screening behaviors of transgender individuals with high-HIV-acquisition risk. This dissertation addresses 3 research questions:
1) Is there a relationship between gender identity and annual HIV screening among high-risk transgender individuals?
2) Is there a relationship between healthcare experience and annual HIV screening among high-risk transgender individuals?
3) Is there a relationship between practitioners\u27 scope of healthcare services and annual HIV screening among high-risk transgender individuals?
Our findings suggest that despite having a similar high-risk profile (engaging in receptive anal sex), when compared to MSM, transgender individuals were less likely to have an annual HIV screening. Furthermore, transgender individuals who received primary care services in the past 12 months had a higher likelihood of having an annual HIV test. These findings suggest that being transgender and having high-HIV-acquisition risk (i.e., receptive anal sex with men) may impact annual HIV screening uptake, but their odds of having an annual HIV screening are higher when involved with primary care services. However, when examining the relationship between healthcare experience and annual HIV screening, we found no significant relationships. Furthermore, high-risk transgender individuals whose practitioners’ scope of services includes both trans-related and routine healthcare (versus routine healthcare only) were more likely to have an annual HIV screening, suggesting that when treating high-risk transgender individuals, the scope of the practitioner may impact the rate of HIV screening. Further work in this field includes developing, testing and evaluating survey questions that explicitly address sexual practices in order to isolate high-HIV-acquisition-risk (i.e., engaging in receptive anal sex) populations, as well as, developing survey questions with clear distinctions between healthcare provider types
A ReSET for Virginia: Systemizing Leadership and Resource Support for Alternatively Prepared Special Education Teachers
Get PDFVirginia continues to face the impacts of the national teacher shortage, particularly in special education. The scarcity of licensed special education teachers has led to an increasing number of educators entering the profession through alternative routes with limited classroom experience. These alternatively prepared special education teachers (ARSETs) require sustained, targeted support to implement high-leverage practices (HLPs) that improve student outcomes. Although numerous professional learning opportunities exist, the current system of support is fragmented, and resources are inconsistently applied. Compounding this challenge, many schools lack enough experienced educators to provide in-field mentors for every new hire.
To assist the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Department of Special Populations in addressing this issue, four research questions were explored: (1) What HLPs should special education teachers (SETs) implement? (2) How can administrators use practical look-fors as tools for coaching and mentoring ARSETs? (3) How can coaching cycles be integrated into administrative practice to ensure consistent support? (4) How can existing resources be made more accessible to those who need them?
Using improvement science methodology, including a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, the team examined ARSETs’ support needs and effective strategies for administrators. Focus groups were conducted with veteran special educators, a coaching tool based on findings was developed, and feedback from administrators was gathered to refine the tool. This work generated key insights into supporting ARSETs and informed five targeted recommendations for VDOE to strengthen mentoring and coaching practices for alternatively licensed special educators
Integrating Machine Learning and First-Principles Methods in Quantum Chemistry: Toward Accurate and Efficient Modeling of Solvation, Binding, and Catalysis
No full textThis dissertation addresses the challenge of improving the accuracy-efficiency balance in quantum chemical simulations of complex molecular systems. It spans three major themes: efficient computation of solvation free energies, accurate ranking of protein-ligand binding affinities, and surface catalytic behavior of transition metal phosphides.
For solvation energy calculations, we investigated the application of delta-machine learning (Δ-ML) models. While conventional high-level methods are accurate, their computational cost is prohibitive for larger systems. Δ-ML bridges this gap by learning correction terms on top of lower-level quantum mechanical results. Our benchmarks across various solvent environments confirm that Δ-ML provides reliable predictions with a fraction of the computational expense, maintaining both generalization capability and chemical accuracy.
For the ranking of protein-ligand binding affinities, this study uses two subsets of CDK2 protein complexes-CDK2-12 (PDB code: 2VT-) and CDK2-6 (PDB code: 4FK-)-as benchmark datasets. Several computational approaches were evaluated for their ability to produce accurate ranking correlations, including the Generalized Many-Body Expansion (GMBE), semi-empirical quantum methods, the D3-ML approach, and the Sfcnn deep learning model. Linear correlation analyses between predicted and experimental binding affinities were conducted for each method across both datasets, highlighting their relative strengths, stability, and applicability to systems of varying molecular complexity. These findings provide data-driven guidance for energy ranking in drug discovery and molecular screening workflows.
In the catalytic domain, we employ periodic boundary conditions and first-principles calculations to investigate the surface properties of transition metal phosphides. By constructing representative catalytic surfaces and analyzing adsorption energies and reaction barriers, we uncover the active sites and surface-specific reaction mechanisms. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of structure-function relationships in heterogeneous catalysis.
In conclusion, this work presents a cohesive framework combining machine learning, quantum chemistry, and materials modeling to tackle complex molecular and catalytic systems. The methodologies developed herein provide scalable and accurate tools for predicting thermodynamic and kinetic properties in realistic chemical environments
Evaluating the cardioprotective and synergistic anti-tumor effects of the novel first-in-class small molecule AMPK activator NM922
No full textDoxorubicin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent associated with dose-limiting cardiotoxicity, which can lead to long-term cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. Current cardioprotective strategies are limited, particularly in patients with aggressive cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where interrupting or reducing chemotherapy intensity is clinically undesirable. This dissertation investigates the therapeutic potential of NM922, a novel small-molecule AMPK activator and mTOR inhibitor, to mitigate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity without compromising antitumor efficacy.
To evaluate whether NM922 interferes with the therapeutic effects of doxorubicin in cancer, we utilized a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of TNBC in nude mice. Mice were treated with doxorubicin (10 or 15 mg/kg), NM922 (50 mg/kg), or both in combination. Tumor volume, mortality, and cardiac function were monitored throughout the study. While NM922 did not enhance tumor regression, it also did not impair the anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin. Importantly, NM922 significantly reduced mortality associated with higher-dose doxorubicin and preserved cardiac ejection fraction, suggesting a protective effect on cardiac tissue without compromising chemotherapy outcomes.
In a second experiment, we tested whether NM922 could restore cardiac function after the onset of doxorubicin-induced injury. Non-tumor-bearing mice were treated with 15 mg/kg doxorubicin and monitored for cardiac dysfunction. At 8 weeks post-treatment, when reduced cardiac reserve was evident, half of the doxorubicin-treated mice were randomized to receive daily NM922. Cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography and isoproterenol challenge at weeks 10 and 12. Mice treated with NM922 showed a progressive improvement in cardiac reserve, with ejection fraction returning to control levels by week 12. No significant differences in stroke volume, heart rate, or cardiac output were observed across groups, indicating a selective effect on functional reserve.
Together, these results demonstrate that NM922 can both prevent and reverse doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction without attenuating its anticancer activity. These findings support the further investigation of NM922 as a cardioprotective agent in the setting of anthracycline-based chemotherapy and highlight its potential to improve long-term outcomes in patients with high-risk breast cancers
From Plans to Panels: Leveraging Local Government Tools to Meet Virginia\u27s Clean Energy Mandates
Get PDFThis professional plan investigates the role of local governments in advancing small-scale solar development in Central Virginia, in response to the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) of 2020. The study identifies gaps between state renewable energy mandates and local land use planning, focusing on zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans in eight localities. Through document reviews, interviews with planners, and a suitability analysis using GIS, the plan highlights key permitting and siting challenges. It provides targeted recommendations to align local planning practices with statewide clean energy goals, promote energy sovereignty, and ensure more equitable and efficient deployment of small-scale solar infrastructure. The findings emphasize the importance of proactive local policymaking, community engagement, and regional collaboration in meeting Virginia’s decarbonization targets