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Preparing Post-Pandemic, Equity-Focused Leaders: Technology Requires Administrators to Reimagine Schools
No full textThe emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant transition towards online education in pre-K-12 schools, prompting school administrators to confront the disparities revealed by the remote learning model. This paper includes the findings of a multi-phase research project exploring the intersection of educational leadership, technology, and systemic inequities aimed to guide administrator preparation programs to meet relevant, post-pandemic leadership standards. Phase One of the research project, conducted early in the pandemic, highlights the findings from a survey administered to technology directors in Minnesota. The survey aimed to understand how school districts were addressing the technology disparities encountered by students and families during hybrid and distance learning models. Phase Two of the research project, conducted as the pandemic waned, focused on school leaders\u27 evaluation of which practices developed and implemented during remote learning should be sustained. Technology directors participated in a focus group and asserted that the pandemic was an opportunity for educational leaders to reimagine schools for the success of all students. Findings call for revised administrator preparation standards, the implementation of technology plans in every state, and continued focus on identifying and addressing educational inequities
Children’s Access to Free Play in Nature in Relation to Mental Health and Overall Well-Being
Get PDFChildren of the current generation are spending less time outdoors than ever before. Facing issues like excessive screen time, safety concerns, overscheduling, poor urban planning and inaccessible parks, children today are losing their ability and desire to play - a fundamental part to human development. Compared to children of past generations, they are less resilient, less imaginative, and more prone to serious mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, behavioral and attention disorders. This thesis analyzes current literature on the topic of children’s mental health and time spent outdoors. Children that participate in outdoor play have a more positive affect as well as fewer internalizing symptoms of anxiety and depression and fewer symptoms of ADHD. Higher levels of screen time and lower levels of outdoor play are associated with poorer social skills. The outdoors provides a balanced sensory experience for children, inspires the mind, and is an ideal setting to evaluate risks and accept challenges. Risky play allows children to overcome anxiety and fears. It allows them to build a strong character and have opportunities to make mistakes in order to learn how to handle future life challenges
In-Vitro Validation of CRISPR-Mediated Cleavage of Integrin ITGβ3
Get PDFBreast cancer is growing worldwide, requiring new avenues of treatment. During metastasis, breast cancer cells use the integrin family of receptors for adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Prior RNA-seq experiments and differential gene expression analysis of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line identified the ITGβ3 integrin gene as overexpressed. This research study aims to determine whether ITGβ3 plays a functional role in cell adhesion and migration. We hypothesize that knockdown of ITGβ3 causes MCF-7 breast cancer cells to deadhere from substrata. To test this hypothesis, prior work designed four CRISPR guide RNAs (gRNAs) for ITGβ3, two targeting the promoter (54/fw and 64/fw), and two targeting exon 2 (41/rev and 35/rev). To validate the target ITGβ3 DNA cleavage, we used in-vitro CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease assays containing synthesized gRNA, Cas9 enzyme, and a PCR-amplified ITGβ3 target sequence. After validating cleavage activity in vitro, we transfected MCF-7 breast cancer cells with the CRISPR-Cas9 complex. Gel electrophoresis of our in-vitro nuclease assay revealed the 41/rev CRISPR had the strongest cleavage, and 54/fw and 64/fw and 35/rev gRNAs showed partial cleavage. Cells transfected with a 1:1 Cas9:gRNA and 2:1 Cas9:gRNA ratio of 41/rev showed some evidence of disruption to cell adhesion among cells that were 65% and 85% viable respectively. These preliminary data, if reproducible, suggest that ITGβ3 may play a role in cell adhesion and serve as a valuable biomarker for breast cancer metastasis
Ministry Formation: An African American Pastor\u27s Perspective on the Use of Non-Seminary and Secular Work Training for Pastoral Leadership
Get PDFIn contemporary society, the role of pastors and religious leaders is crucial in guiding communities towards spiritual growth and providing support during times of hardship. However, the traditional path to becoming a pastor typically involves seminary training and theological education. This project aims to explore how an African American pastor utilizes his non-seminary training and secular work experiences to serve in pastoral leadership. By examining the unique background and experiences of this pastor, the researcher seeks to shed light on the ways in which non-traditional forms of preparation can contribute to effective pastoral ministry, particularly in diverse pastoral selection and pastoral care. This research used a narrative study format to analyze the pastor\u27s journey, including the review of his transcripts, certificate of course completions, and work evaluations. Additionally, the study will explore how the pastor\u27s secular work experiences, such as human resources, mentoring and advocacy roles, have shaped his approach to pastoral leadership and community engagement. Overall, this project aims to provide insights into how an African American pastor leverages his non-seminary training and secular work experiences to effectively serve in pastoral leadership, highlighting the ways in which non-traditional pathways can contribute to the vibrancy and effectiveness of pastoral ministry in diverse and multicultural context
Compatability of Human Nkx2.1 in the Xenopus Model as Shown by the Expression of Sftpc, Sox2, Ptf1a, and Tbx-4.
Get PDFNkx2.1 gene is part of the nkx2 gene cluster with transcription factors binding to homeobox 1. Nkx2.1 is directly involved in the formation of respiratory tissue and the thalamus, but is part of a diverse panel of transcription factors that establish the progenitor cells for many of the mature organs in the early stages of xenopus development. Sftpc, sox2, ptf1a, and tbx-4 are all genes that are involved in early oraganogenosis. Upregulation of nkx2.1 has been correlated with changes in the expression of each of those four genes through mechanisms that are not well understood. Xenopus nkx2.1 has a very close homologue in the human nkx2.1 gene and since xenopus is used as a common model species for human development and disease modeling it is valuable to investigate how the supplementation of human nkx2.1 trascription factor affects the expression of genes correlated with xenopus nkx2.1. Microinjections of human nkx2.1 gene were given to xenopus blastula at the 8 cells stage which were then fixed with antisense probes through in situ hybridization at nf stage 38 and examined with BM purple stain. Ectopic expression was observed in 25% of embryos assayed for sftpc, 80% of embryos assayed for sox2, and indeterminate results for embryos assayed for both ptf1a and tbx-4
Developing a Leadership Model That Encourages Racial Equity in the Church
Get PDFThis project, Developing a Leadership Model that Encourages Racial Equity in the Church, brings the reader to a place of real contemplation over personal quandaries regarding racism in this country, as well as current leadership practice in the Church at large. One of the greatest problems in this country is racism; one of the greatest problems in the Church at large is lack of how to handle racism. People think of the Church as a safe haven where they can feel like they have a “place” in society when everything on the outside of the Church is in chaos. However, this is not necessarily the case, as has been proven through research in this project. The Church is missing the basic theme of Christianity in so many ways–love, which is the basis of all Christ’s teachings. When people work and act in love, people’s needs will be met, the Church will retain unity, and political and social pressures will ultimately dissipate. Although this seems simplistic, love is the basis for developing a leadership model that encourages racial equity in the Church. The researcher uses scholarly articles, books, and dissertations to build her case that love is the answer to today’s racial issues. The model that she developed includes the “Five L’s” (Love, Listen, Learn, Label and Link) that are necessary for leadership to be effective and long-lasting
Navigating and Caring for Mental Health In a Group Home Setting
Get PDFDuring my Nursing Assistant internship, I transitioned from classroom learning to real-world caregiving. Guided by an instructor, I further developed practical skills. At Immaculate Homes Care, I faced challenging and new situations, and as a provider, I administered medications and interacted with residents regularly. This experience reinforced the importance of empathy, documentation, and patient care. It also prepared me for my career and boosted my confidence in making decisions
A Flavorful Adventure: Interning at Old Dutch Foods
Get PDFThis is an internship in which I worked at Old Dutch Foods for a summer working as a lab technician. I performed many daily tasks as well as larger projects for just my boss as a form of research and data analytics. I learned many things about lab etiquette and analysis, professionalism, as well as workplace communication
The Barriers of Exclusive Breastfeeding for Primiparas: An Integrative Review
Get PDFIntroduction: Current professional position statements support the optimal method of feeding for the first six months of life is breastfeeding. Despite current recommendations, exclusive breastfeeding rates remain below 50% in the United States at three months postpartum. The aim of this integrative review is to find evidence to support how obstetric practitioners can encourage primiparous patients personally, interpersonally, and socially in their shared goal of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Following a rigorous search method, a keyword search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, and SCOPUS. Studies were then screened using Covidence software and PRISMA methodology, yielding 21 studies to be included in the final review. Findings were then organized using King’s Theory of Goal Attainment as a theoretical framework. Results: Findings provided evidence from 5,728 participants ranging between the ages of 18 and 35, with over half of the studies exclusively having collected data from primiparous participants. Studies were obtained from developed or developing countries around the world with eight included studies from the United States. The data supports common barriers to breastfeeding for primiparas patients including difficulty latching, perception of inadequate milk supply, fatigue, pain, worry surrounding infant weight gain, lack of support, long labor, and misinformation or unrealistic expectations. Positive associations with exclusive breastfeeding duration for primiparous parents include the promotion of breastfeeding self-efficacy through education, interpersonal support, and supportive systemic policies. Conclusion: Standard obstetric practice needs to include more resources and support for primiparas. New birthing families are looking to practitioners for more preparation and support for exclusive breastfeeding during the immediate postpartum period
Sound of the Mind: The Effects of Music on Anxiety
No full textAnxiety is a growing condition around the world. People have a variety of solutions to mental illness. Maybe, our solution could be even more closely related to what we’re already doing. Bethel psychology students participated in this study, voluntarily, for credit in their psychology courses. 11 jazz listeners and 6 rock listeners had their heart rate monitored while listening to a song, all after participating in a state anxiety survey. The data reflect the heart rates before the song, 30 seconds into the song, 1 minute and 30 seconds into the song, at the end of 3 minutes and 1 minute after the song and their correlation with state anxiety