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Transfer Student Support: Transitioning from a Community College to University
No full textThe term 'transfer student' refers to students who transfer from community colleges to four-year colleges. While transitioning to a new campus can be exciting, but also nerve-wracking. Transfer students, however, have difficulty adapting to their new campus, feel isolated from their peers, and do not feel connected to their university. It is these challenges that can hinder a student's progress in their education journey, as well as their sense of belonging. Consequently, these challenges can result in students dropping out or postponing their graduation. Several studies have documented the adjustment process of community college transfer students at four-year institutions as transfer shock (Laanan, 2004). Therefore, improved campus resources and a sense of belonging are key components of increasing transfer students' engagement. Student engagement has long been shown to have positive associations with student academic success (Turnquest et al., 2024). This graduate project emphasizes the necessity of establishing a two-day orientation to introduce the resources offered by different departments and an opportunity to connect with faculty, current students, and alumni through orientation
Comprehensive Analytical Model of GaN MESFETs Including Optically Controlled Switching Speed Analysis
No full textMicroelectronic devices continue to shape the future of technology, with wide bandgap semiconductors like Gallium Nitride (GaN) enabling significant advancements in high-power and high-frequency applications. Among these, the GaN Metal-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MESFET) stands out for its robust electrical and thermal properties, making it suitable for applications in RF systems, radar electronics, satellite communication, and microwave circuits. This research explores analytical modeling and switching performance evaluation of GaN MESFETs, specifically focusing on enhancing switching speeds through optical control methods. The study develops a physics-based analytical model to examine critical device parameters, including I-V characteristics, threshold voltage, gate capacitance, transconductance, and switching time, without relying on TCAD or commercial simulation tools. Instead, MATLAB-based simulations are used to validate the theoretical models and observe trends across varying device conditions. Ion implantation at an energy of 100 keV is considered in the channel region for modeling the doping profile. The influence of channel doping levels on device performance is investigated, with the goal of optimizing conduction and switching behavior. In the switching analysis, optical illumination is introduced to simulate photogenerated carrier effects, resulting in a marked improvement in switching time, a key advantage for future optoelectronic and hybrid device applications. By combining theoretical modeling with numerical analysis, this project not only strengthens the understanding of GaN MESFET physics but also showcases how microelectronic principles can be applied to solve real-world engineering challenges in high-speed, high-power electronics
Parking detection using MATLAB and Xilinx
No full textThis paper presents a parking space detection project that utilizes image segmentation techniques to detect cars in the parking lots. This project will analyze three specific images: an image of the parking lot filled with cars, an image of the parking lot empty, and finally an image with white rectangles covering each parking lot. The project employs image processing techniques such as morphological operations to accurately detect and extract vehicles from the parking area. This project will be implemented using both MATLAB and Xilinx platforms. MATLAB will be used to perform all image processing tasks and to record the results. The Xilinx implementation will utilize the Zybo Z7-10 board in conjunction with the VGA PMOD to display the results generated in MATLAB. By analyzing the image of the extracted cars and the mask of all the parking lots, the board will identify available parking spaces within specified areas as directed by the FPGA board
Evaluating the cause of Cretaceous intraplate magmatism in the southern Omineca Belt
No full textIntraplate magmatism is a phenomenon whereby magma is produced away from active plate margins. It is typically attributed to asthenospheric upwelling or relaxation of geotherms following extension, delamination, or crustal thickening. In the Canadian Cordillera, the Omineca Belt represents substantial intraplate magmatism that occurred parallel to, but about 600 km inboard of the present plate margin. Studies have associated the Omineca Belt intrusive rocks to subduction and crustal thickening, but the mechanisms driving magmatism remain enigmatic. This study integrates new whole-rock geochemistry with zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotope systematics to investigate the timing and petrogenesis of Cretaceous plutons in the southern Omineca Belt. Whole-rock geochemical data reveal two petrologically distinct domains: Laurentia to the east and Intermontane to the west. Plutons within Laurentia are biotite and two-mica granites, felsic (70%-78% SiO2), peraluminous, and exhibit elevated alkalinity, higher Ta, Nb, and Rb/Sr ratios relative to coeval arc suites at the Cordilleran margin and plutons of the Intermontane. Hornblende-biotite granodiorites of the Intermontane are close to intermediate (66%-69% SiO2), weakly peraluminous, and exhibit geochemical characteristics similar to neighboring arc granitoids. Trace-element patterns in both domains exhibit enrichment in LREEs relative to HREEs (La/Yb > 10), and fractional crystallization of clinopyroxene. However, the lack of Eu anomalies, less fractionated signature, and high Sr/Y ratios (> 40) in the Intermontane indicate deeper melting conditions relative to Laurentia. Zircon U-Pb ages are complex and overdispersed, with common Proterozoic and Paleozoic inherited cores, and some display luminescent rims in CL with magmatic/metamorphic over-growths. Age distributions show two magmatic pulses: a mid-Cretaceous episode (115-95 Ma) and a short-lived, less voluminous Late Cretaceous event (79-75 Ma). Lu-Hf isotopic data reveal predominantly evolved εHf values in the Laurentian platform (-13 to -7), while plutons intruding the Intermontane and Laurentian margin are moderately juvenile (-6 to +7). Whole-rock geochemical trends, extensive zircon inheritance, and hybrid (i.e., derived from more than one source) εHf signatures collectively indicate significant crustal assimilation during emplacement. REE patterns and high Sr/Y in the Intermontane is consistent with a thickened crust along the Intermontane-Laurentia suture. The hybrid εHf signature westward of the suture confirms previous hypotheses on the obduction of Quesnellia. The prolonged compressional regime and crustal thickening pre-ceding magmatism, along with variable εHf signatures, suggest that mid-Cretaceous magmatism was driven by thermal relaxation and radiogenic heating of the thickened crust. This process likely extended partial melting into shallower levels of the weakened crust, particularly along the Lauren-tian margin, resulting in the spatially focused emplacement of magmas along the suture. The drivers of syn-kinematic Late Cretaceous magmatism remain uncertain due to renewed compressional tectonics, limited geochemical data, and the unresolved paleogeography of the Insular Superterrane
The Economic Impact Study of the Emilio Nares Foundation
No full textThis report assesses the economic impact of the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF) and its three core programs: Ride with Emilio, the Family Resource Center, and Wrap-Around Support. These programs are designed to support low-income families with children undergoing cancer treatment by overcoming critical barriers to care, such as a lack of reliable transportation. Missed or delayed appointments can lead to poorer health outcomes, increased emergency room visits, and higher healthcare costs. ENF mitigates these risks by ensuring timely access to care, providing bilingual support, and delivering comprehensive services across Southern California. The objective of this study is to quantify program spending, estimate healthcare cost savings, and highlight improvements in treatment consistency and family outcomes. We used cost-benefit and ROI analysis to measure ENF's impact. Our calculations relied on internal program cost and service data, published estimates on avoided emergency visits, financial hardship, and economic multipliers from the RIMS II model. Additionally, we reviewed ENF's 2021-2023 Form 990 filings and 2024 Annual Impact Report to validate our assumptions. Although the foundation is widely recognized for compassionate care, its financial impact has not been fully measured. This report includes a quantitative economic analysis and qualitative review, such as family testimonials-to show both measurable and human-centered value. In 2024 alone, ENF's programs generated approximately 933,022, yielding a benefit-cost ratio of 10.55 and an ROI of 955%. For every dollar spent, ENF delivers over ten dollars in value to families and the healthcare system. Programs like Ride with Emilio and Wrap-Around Support demonstrated returns of 1,202% and 2,263%. These findings confirm that ENF improves lives, reduces costs, and delivers system-wide value for funders, partners, and policymakers
A Survey of Speech Language Pathologists' attitudes on AI powered AAC Technology
No full texthis study explores speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) implemented Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into AAC systems, understanding clinician perspectives is crucial to ensuring ethical, effective, and user-centered adoption. A quantitative survey was distributed to practicing SLPs to assess their knowledge of AI, perceived benefits and concerns, readiness to adopt AI-powered AAC tools, and associations between attitudes and demographic factors such as age, years of experience, and prior exposure to AI technologies. Findings revealed generally positive attitudes toward AI-based AAC, particularly among SLPs who reported greater familiarity with AI. Higher AI knowledge was associated with reduced discomfort, greater trust, and greater willingness to recommend AI-based AAC. While younger SLPs had higher levels of knowledge towards AI, more experienced clinicians reported greater exposure to AI tools. Seasoned SLPs expressed stronger support for ethical regulations and data privacy protections. Barriers to adoption included uncertainty around user autonomy, lack of training, and concerns about AI replacing human expertise. This study contributes to a growing body of literature on technology acceptance in SLP, highlights the need for targeted training, ethical guidelines, and collaborative efforts between clinicians and developers.https://doi.org/10.46569/nz806848
Importance of Digital Literacy and its Relationship to ELA Student Outcomes
No full textThis case study researched how digital literacy is relevant in elementary school classrooms and specifically how it correlates with ELA student outcomes. This qualitative research includes two interviews with elementary school teachers about their digital literacy experiences. The different ways they address it and how they get their students to understand the importance of it. As well as how they navigate the boundaries they set so their students know how to access credible information. While acknowledging the importance of meeting your students with their at and what interests them. Language ideologies, such as "A Companion to Linguistic Anthropology", highlight how technology is shaping language. This case study is relevant since students are learning through multiple modalities and communicating with their peers in various ways. An implication of the study highlights how much technology is being used in the classroom and how much further students are moving away from handwriting and learning primarily through technology resources
The Importance of Life Skill Courses in Public Schools
No full textUtilizing research on "real world" readiness as well as possession of life skills students possess, the study investigated how students and their parents feel about readiness for the real world and how more life skills courses and teaching styles can be incorporated into public schools and classrooms The three major findings that were found during the research and study are as follows: 1) the need for more opportunity, 2) having deeper exposure to more nontraditional academic courses and options, 3) incorporating more life skills into traditional academic courses that help students gain necessary skills to navigate the "real world". A key implication of study and research is that public schools should consider life skills needed for student success post-high school and change the curriculum to reflect more life-skill-based learning
The Effects of Cell Phone Usage on Student Relationships
No full textThis study explores the effects of student cell phone usage on peer relationships in elementary school settings. The purpose of the research is to understand how having access to and ownership of cell phones influence students' social interactions, emotional well-being, and conflict resolution abilities. The research is grounded in growing concerns from educators and mental health professionals regarding the developmental and relational challenges associated with early exposure to cell phones. Focusing on students in grades 3 through 5, the study examines how social media trends, group messaging, and digital behavior affect the communication skills and peer dynamics of students. Drawing from a phenomenological, qualitative approach, data was collected through anonymous teacher surveys and semi-structured interviews with educators and administrators. The findings highlight consistent patterns, including increased distraction, reduced face-to-face communication, and a rise in peer conflicts linked to online interactions. While some educators noted positive uses of technology for peer support, most expressed concern about the emotional toll and developmental disconnect worsened by unsupervised cell phone access. Results suggest that no-phone school policies reduce visible use but fail to address the deeper influence that cell phones have on students. The study recommends shifting from restrictive device policies to proactive digital citizenship education, with stronger partnerships between schools and families. This approach may help students navigate online experiences while maintaining healthy, in-person relationships. The conclusions contribute to the broader conversation on technology integration and youth development in education
Smartphone Crisis: How Smartphones Are Negatively Affecting Adolescents' Ability to Build Social Emotional Skills
No full textThis study investigates adolescents' perceptions of how smartphones may be adversely affecting their ability to develop social emotional skills and also inflicting negative mental health issues due to overuse and a lack of regulation while using smartphones. 92 adolescent age students were surveyed from the Los Angeles Academy of Arts and Enterprise, answering quantitative questions about how smartphones may be affecting them socially and emotionally. Research revealed that in fact, face-to-face interaction is decreasing and over half spending only one day per week with friends in person. In the area of smartphone usage rates by adolescents, half reported staying up late past midnight on their phones multiple nights a week, while a portion lack regulation of phone use by someone in their family, relying instead on self-regulation. Due to the data from this study, it is evident that a majority of adolescents are experiencing mood and behavior changes as a result of the use of their smartphones, creating a strong connection between smartphone use and a lack of an ability to properly develop social emotional skills. There is an obvious necessity amongst parents and educators to be mindful of the effects that smartphone devices are having on their children and students, crafting regulation tactics inside the home and strict smartphone rules inside the classroom. Given the rising amount of smartphone usage by adolescents, this study serves also as a call to mental health officials and the like to further deepen their understanding of the most up to date studies and research on this topic