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Black Queer Youths’ Dreams of Safer and Equitable Schools
Get PDFThis track centers the concept of freedom dreaming to uplift the voices of Black queer youth to (1) explore what they think safe schooling should look like in the future, and (2) understand how they think those visions can come true. In focus groups, participants dreamed of futures where all Black queer youth are protected if harm occurs, feel well-represented in K–12 schools, and have adequate access to resources like mental health support and creative outlets. Participants believed these dreams could come true partly through collaboration between schools and Black and Black queer community organizations. Participants ’ dreams of safer schools overlapped with those of non-queer Black youth and reflected beliefs about the inability to ever reach a utopic future free from white supremacy. This work expands existing Black queer student safety literature by moving beyond narratives of trauma and instead contributes youths ’ dreams of safer, more inclusive educational systems
GIS and the 1944 U.S.–Mexico Treaty: Rethinking Transboundary Governance under Climate and Demographic Stress
Get PDFThis thesis examines the structural limitations of the 1944 U.S.–Mexico Water Treaty in the context of intensifying climate stress and growing population demand. Using GIS-based raster analysis of precipitation from 1981 to 2024, it maps hydrological trends in treaty-bound basins—particularly the Rio Grande and Lower Colorado—which exhibit persistently low and variable precipitation. These conditions, coupled with institutional rigidity, threaten the sustainability of binational water management. In addition to quantitative analysis, the study includes a qualitative assessment of transboundary governance dynamics, highlighting how institutional fragmentation and policy contention impede adaptive responses. The Treaty’s current surface-water-only framework excludes groundwater management, real-time data integration, and demographic forecasting. To address these gaps, the study proposes six targeted policy reforms and evaluates the feasibility of treaty renegotiation, ultimately recommending a region-specific framework for the Rio Grande basin that is adaptive, coordinated, and responsive to 21st-century environmental and demographic pressures
Trauma-Informed Family-Centered Care Training for Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses
Get PDFBackground The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a high-stress environment that can cause or exacerbate emotional trauma for parents of critically ill infants. While NICU nurses are trained in neonatal care and basic family-centered principles, they often receive limited education on supporting adults in acute emotional distress, leaving them unprepared to manage dysregulated behaviors. Local Problem At a Level IV NICU in a Southern California pediatric hospital, nurses may underestimate their influence on parental stress levels due to a lack of formal training in supporting emotionally distressed adults. Methods A comprehensive literature review informed an evidence-based practice (EBP) initiative guided by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) framework. The DNP student-led project aimed to integrate trauma-informed care principles into NICU practice through targeted staff education. Interventions A trauma-informed family-centered care (TIFCC) presentation and toolkit were developed and delivered to NICU nurses. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using pre- and post-session surveys. Results Among participants who completed both surveys, the group demonstrated a 1.7% average improvement in overall trauma-informed orientation, with a 28.6% average increase across key belief categories. Notable gains were seen in recognizing client growth, valuing relationships, and adopting strength-based perspectives. Conclusions Brief trauma-informed training improved nurses’ trauma-informed orientation and confidence in supporting distressed families. The intervention is feasible, scalable, and holds promise for interdisciplinary application and sustained impact in high-acuity pediatric settings
Plastic in the pack: assessing microplastic risk to urban coyotes (Canis latrans) in the San Francisco Bay Area
Get PDFMicroplastics are an emerging concern worldwide. However, their impact on terrestrial mammals, such as Canis latrans (coyotes), has yet to be extensively studied. Coyotes are unique in their ability to adapt to urban environments and have recently begun bridging the gap between marine and terrestrial food webs. This research examines the potential sources and impact of microplastic exposure in urban coyotes in the San Francisco Bay Area and possible food web impacts through literature synthesis and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. This research examined potential mechanisms for direct and trophic microplastic uptake by coyotes resulting from the anthropogenic, terrestrial, and marine diet of the species by identifying microplastic concentration hotspots within the San Francisco Bay Area and the proximity of coyote sightings to these areas. The primary types of microplastics within the San Francisco Bay Area include fibers and fragments, notably from fabric and tires. When ingested, these can result in significant health problems for coyotes, potentially leading to further complications for San Francisco Bay Area ecosystems. Recommendations to reduce microplastics in the environment through filtration systems and the reduction of anthropogenic food availability for coyotes in urban areas could help alleviate these issues. Additionally, a recommendation for the use of a standardized methodology for sampling microplastics in coyotes is featured, as there is a need for more research into microplastics in terrestrial organisms
The After Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of International v/s Domestic Students - A Qualitative Study
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of both international and domestic graduate students, exacerbating social isolation, financial strain, and psychological distress. This qualitative study examines the long-term effects of the pandemic on these student populations, exploring shared and divergent experiences, coping strategies, and evolving priorities. While both groups faced heightened anxiety and academic disruptions, international students encountered additional stressors, including cultural displacement, visa uncertainties, and limited support networks. Domestic students, in contrast, struggled with routine disruptions but had greater access to familial and social support. Across both groups, the pandemic prompted a reassessment of personal and professional priorities, with an increased emphasis on mental well-being, work-life balance, and meaningful careers. However, international students displayed a stronger inclination toward flexible career paths and proximity to family, shaped by their experiences of loss and instability. The findings highlight the necessity for culturally responsive mental health services, institutional preparedness, and financial support tailored to students\u27 diverse needs. Recommendations include hybrid learning models, enhanced faculty and peer engagement, and accessible mental health resources to build resilience and foster student well-being in future crises
Optimizing Electronic Health Record Workflow to Improve Flu Vaccinations in a Primary Health Clinic
No full textAmong the Latinx population influenza vaccination rates remain disproportionately low due to vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, limited access to healthcare, and socioeconomic barriers. Influenza related hospitalizations and deaths have risen in recent years as rates continue to drop across all age groups, as a result of this issue. This quality improvement project aims to increase staff satisfaction and flu vaccination rates among Latinx patients by the implementation of a more efficient workflow process. Different interventions were designed to address workflow inefficiencies and medical assistant dissatisfaction. These interventions included 1) integrating the Immunization Clinic function in EPIC to streamline flu vaccine documentation and administration, 2) medical assistant electronic health record system (EHR) training, and 3) the distribution of workflow tip sheets to standardize EHR use. The quality improvement team collected pre and post survey results to see how effective the new implementation was among the primary health clinic. As a result, from these implemented interventions there was both an increase in staff satisfaction and vaccination rates for the flu vaccine distribution of October 2025. This quality improvement project demonstrated the positive outcomes that can be accomplished by implementing a more efficient workflow process that does not only benefit the primary health clinic, but all patients being served
Increasing Nursing Staff Confidence and Documentation Compliance for Psychotropic Medication Use
No full textObjective: Psychotropic medications place a high risk for side effects such as confusion, dizziness, falls, and death in older adults above age 65 (Seifert et al., 2024). Educational training on appropriate psychotropic drug use to nursing staff is linked to a decrease in penalties (Jung et al., 2021), side effects, and an increase in staff knowledge in caring for patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms (Pinazo-Clapés et al, 2020). Aim: Facility A in Northern California is currently non-compliant with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines for appropriate psychotropic use due to limited staff understanding of regulations and inconsistent documentation practices. The licensed nurse staff (RNs and LVNs) has an average of 44.4% moderately to very confident, and scored 80% in the knowledge of documentation processes. The quality improvement project aims to increase the licensed nurses’ reported confidence from 44.4% to 59.5% by November 11, 2025. Methods: A one time targeted education, along with standardized flowsheets and checklists was provided to participants during a monthly staff meeting. The education provided includes CMS guidelines, examples of accurate documentation, side effects, and non-pharmacological interventions. A pre- and post-intervention survey was collected to assess confidence and knowledge of appropriate psychotropic use and documentation practices of the licensed nurses. Results: The level of confidence increased from 44.4% to 60.7% and the level of knowledge increased from 80% to 85.7% for documentation processes. Conclusion: The educational training with the supplemental tools improved the nurses’ competency and knowledge, promoting regulatory compliance and patient safety. Future efforts include routine staff training, diligent use of non-pharmacological interventions, routine chart audits, and staff training on the use of their electronic health record system to ensure sustainability of results
From Fear to Familiar: Decreasing Technology Anxiety Among Older Adults in a Senior Community
No full textObjective: Older adults (defined by the WHO as those 65 and older in developed countries) are more susceptible to technophobia than younger adults (Song et al., 2025). The fear and anxiety occurs with use of smartphones, tablets, social media, and telehealth and is associated with higher rates of social isolation and reduced autonomy. Technology-use anxiety is a preventative obstacle that inhibits both technology acceptance as well as overall health (Kim et al., 2023). Aim: To reduce technology-related anxiety among older low-income adults living in a senior residential facility in Richmond, CA by at least 25% using a brief, individualized technology mentorship intervention over eight weeks. Methods: A preliminary survey was used to assess population needs and found that technology anxiety was a barrier among the residents. A weekly 1-on-1 technology education mentorship program was implemented over eight weeks. Training and education were personalized to the residents’ needs. The project modified an existing scale, the abbreviated technology anxiety scale (ATAS), to match the needs of this population. The original ATAS is an 11-question Likert-scale measure developed with college-aged adults; its terminology and repetitive questioning were ineffective for the residents. For this project, a simplified four-question modified technology anxiety scale (MTAS) was created to measure both technology anxiety and technology acceptance, with reverse scoring for positive items. A SWOT analysis, fishbone diagram, budget analysis, and PDSA cycle were implemented to help guide the project. Results: 28.6% reduction in technology anxiety after a one-on-one mentorship session was performed. Conclusion: Despite a low attendance, the intervention of weekly mentorship program successfully reduced residents’ self-reported anxiety score on the modified ATAS
Enhancing Fall Prevention Through Post-Fall Huddles in a Skilled Nursing Facility
No full textObjective: Falls in skilled nursing facilities increase the risk of injury, readmissions, and higher healthcare costs. This facility’s rates remained high due to inconsistent post-fall protocols, no standardized review process, and insufficient communication. Seventy-five falls were documented in the first eight months of 2025, exceeding the national benchmark of 3–5 per 1,000 patient-days (AHRQ, 2024). Aim: This quality improvement project will occur over a 5-week period from October 1, 2025, to November 5, 2025, and aims to decrease the fall rate by 25%, from 4.3 falls per 1,000 patient-days to 3.3 falls per 1,000 patient-days, through improved team communication and standardized post-fall huddles. Methods: The pre-survey assessed nursing staff knowledge about falls, their communication methods, and self-identified obstacles. The Post-Fall Huddle Binder contained an educational sheet, a standardized huddle form, and visual aids. Staff received educational materials and short training sessions during daytime and evening shifts. The post-survey used identical questions to measure changes in staff knowledge, communication, and engagement. Outcome measures included huddle completion rates, staff evaluations of communication and situational awareness, and care-plan modifications. Results: Post fall huddles were completed for 58% of recorded falls. Staff reported improved communication, better reflection, and stronger teamwork, though time constraints and inconsistent staff attendance remained challenges. Over the five week period, fall numbers did not show major changes. Conclusions: This project showed that scheduled post-fall meetings improved staff communication and understanding of fall events, but did not reduce accidents in the short term. Leaders must establish accessible documentation systems and provide regular staff training to achieve long-term fall rate reductions
Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Navigating Hostile Streets of Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Get PDFNavigating the challenges of Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) as a Black professor with Latinx roots, I critique the systemic anti-Blackness embedded within these spaces. Despite their mission to serve marginalized communities, HSIs often privilege white and non-Black Latinx interests, perpetuating exclusionary dynamics. Using frameworks like David Stovall’s abolitionist agenda and Robin D. G. Kelley’s Freedom Dreams, I employ rescripting—a radical reimagining of academic norms—through Africana studies, hip-hop culture, and counterstorytelling. This approach challenges oppressive structures, advocating for liberation-centered education that amplifies Black voices. Strategies such as rest as resistance, collective care, and re-membering ancestral knowledge are explored as tools to transform HSIs into equitable spaces. This track asserts that education must move beyond performative diversity, centering justice and freedom as pathways to dismantle anti-Blackness and reimagine academia