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The Effects of Trauma on Learning
This thesis addressed the impact of trauma within the education system, emphasizing the importance of recognizing its effects on students and the need for trauma-informed practices in the classroom. Understanding the signs of trauma helps educators to more effectively support students and create learning environments that benefit all learners, whether they have experienced trauma or not.
This capstone project involved a comprehensive review of literature that explains the definition of trauma, how it presents itself in school settings, and strategies for establishing trauma-informed techniques. Aimed at supporting both new and experienced teachers, the project presented relevant statistics, identified common behavioral characteristics, and methods for working with students who had experienced trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The goal was to develop a comprehensive resource that provided educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to build supportive, empathetic relationships with students, which led to improved outcomes and long-term well-being
AI for Threat Detection and Response
Background: With the rapid advancement of technology, cybersecurity threats have become more sophisticated, making traditional security measures less effective. The increasing volume of data generated in digital environments makes it difficult to monitor and detect attacks in real time. As cyber threats evolve, there is a growing need for more advanced security solutions capable of identifying and mitigating threats proactively. Research Purpose: This study explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in threat detection and response, focusing on its ability to enhance cybersecurity by addressing the limitations of traditional security approaches. The research aims to analyze how AI-driven systems improve threat identification, automate responses, and reduce the impact of cyberattacks. Methods: The study involves a comprehensive review of existing AI-based security models, including machine learning techniques, anomaly detection, and behavioral analysis. Case studies and real-world applications of AI in cybersecurity are examined to assess their effectiveness in detecting and mitigating cyber threats. Findings: The research indicates that AI-driven threat detection significantly enhances cybersecurity by processing large datasets, identifying patterns, and detecting anomalies in real time. Machine learning models improve over time, allowing for adaptive security measures against evolving threats. Automated response systems reduce reaction time, minimizing damage from cyberattacks. Conclusion: AI has emerged as a crucial tool in modern cybersecurity, offering a proactive approach to threat detection and response. Its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, detect anomalies, and automate security processes makes it superior to traditional security methods. Future research should focus on refining AI models to enhance accuracy, reduce false positives, and address ethical concerns related to AI-driven security solutions
The Efficacy of Speech-Language Pathologist Classroom-Based Intervention in School Settings
In the realm of speech-language pathology, classroom-based intervention can be described as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) incorporating services within a student’s classroom (Blosser & Means, 2020). Classroom-based services may be facilitated in a multitude of ways and may require different levels of collaboration between the SLP and other staff (general-education teachers, special-education teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.). Recently, SLPs within the educational settings have received encouragement from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to utilize interprofessional practices and more classroom-based intervention approaches in comparison to the traditional intervention approach, commonly called, “pull-out services” (ASHA, 2023). This review of literature focuses on the current laws and ASHA recommendations, comparison of the delivery models, implementation and perceptions on classroom-based intervention, the effects of the differing service delivery models, benefits of classroom-based interventions, and challenges of classroom-based interventions to determine the overall efficacy of SLP classroom-based interventions within school settings
Food and Mood
This presentation will explore the relationship between nutrition and mental health. The goal of this research is to relate to college students about nutritious foods they can eat that can fuel their body and help them stay motivated throughout a stressful and busy college schedule. The motivation for this project is based on the real-life experiences of MSUM nursing students, highlighting how food choices affect their ability to cope with college stress. Our research will showcase how saturated fats, refined sugars and ultra-processed foods affect brain function, emotional regulation, and how the body responds. In comparison, it will also explore how adding in gut-healthy and whole foods positively impacts our daily lives. Attendees will gain valuable insight into managing their mood through healthier dietary choices while also providing resources to track their progress. By understanding the powerful connection between food and mood, individuals are able to make informed choices that enhance their physical and emotional health
Fusulinids from the Williston Basin as a tool to study past environments and biostratigraphy: Broom Creek and Amsden Formations
Fusulinids, within the order Foraminifera, are single celled organisms that exist in the fossil record from late in the early Carboniferous all the way to the Permian extinction 252 million years ago. The rapid evolution of these small fossils in the fossil record has proven useful for studying past environments and biostratigraphy. The samples of fusulinid fossils were collected from the Broom Creek and Amsden Formations in the subsurface of the Williston Basin in west-central North Dakota. Samples were collected from a depth of over 6000 ft. It is important to examine formations in this area because of its untapped potential for carbon storage. This potential is thought to be significant due to porosity and permeability of aeolian and nearshore sand facies and other interbedded facies functioning as seals that occur in the middle and upper parts of the formation. The fusulinid fossils that are abundant in the upper part of the Broom Creek could provide valuable information about age and past environment, hence giving a better understanding of the area and its suitability for future carbon storage plans
Cultivating the Identity Development of Multiracial Clients: A Group Psychotherapy Manual for Young Adults
Within the United States, the multiracial community is the fastest growing demographic group (Yoo et al., 2016). Multiracial people defy how American society understands race, leading to a variety of concerns, such as racial identity invalidation and other acts of racism and discrimination, which negatively impact the identity development of young multiracial people. Inadequate identity development can lead to a variety of mental health concerns. Therefore, it has become increasingly more pressing for mental health providers to be knowledgeable about the unique mental health needs of the multiracial community as well as how to provide adequate care. The following literature review provides mental health practitioners with education about the identity development of multiracial people as well as practical assessments and group treatment interventions that can be used to better understand and promote the identity development of multiracial adults. Following the literature review, the writer provides a 6 week, integrative group counseling manual that aims to assist young multiracial individuals in developing a strong sense of self and confidence in their multiple identities, through the exploration of values, beliefs, past experiences, and future goals
Radical Resilience: Empowering Mothers and Defeating Barriers Through Accessible Trauma Treatments
Maternal trauma refers to the emotional and psychological wounds experienced by mothers (Powers, 2022). This kind of trauma, particularly in mothers affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and domestic violence, has a profound impact not only on maternal mental health and physical well-being, but also on mothers’ role as primary caregivers. Trauma has the potential to negatively affect future generations, and as a result, there is an urgent need for effective, accessible trauma treatment options. However, systemic barriers such as financial limitations, challenges in acquiring childcare, isolation, limited information, and lack of time make traditional therapy approaches inaccessible to many survivors. This literature review and accompanying group manual explore the impact of trauma on mothers and their children, as well as the structural challenges that limit access to efficient and effective mental health services. A group manual was developed that utilizes holistic, at-home treatment modalities, including art therapy, journaling and meditation, movement- and nature-based practices, psychoeducation, and somatic modalities, in addition to herbal and nutrition approaches. These practical options may be beneficial as accessible and efficient alternatives to traditional therapy
Analysis of Self: Journey of Healing
Abstract
This Plan B Project Analysis of Self delves deeply into the lived experiences of a future school/mental health counselor. The purpose of self-analysis is to fully examine and gain a broader understanding of oneself prior to entering the counseling field. The project explored my time growing up in Ethiopia between infancy to early adolescence, then Sweden between adolescence and early adulthood, and finally adulthood in the United States. During this journey, trauma, family dynamics, cultural transitions, and education were assessed to determine the influences on my emotional development, worldview, and professional aspirations. Counseling theories, interviews, and personality assessments were utilized to determine maladaptive patterns, healthy coping, and identity formation.
My story highlights how adversity, support, and self-reflection have driven both my purpose and success. The knowledge gained through my degree has further deepened my understanding that self-awareness is not one-and-done but is instead a lifelong journey. This project has served as a healing process and highlights the importance of self-awareness. Counselors must understand their own histories and emotions in order to best serve others.
Keywords: Self-awareness, self-reflection, school counseling, mental health counseling, analysis of sel
Effective Strategies for Addressing Behaviors in Infants and Toddlers
Supporting behavioral development in early childhood education settings requires collaboration between caregivers, interventionists, and service providers, as well as strategies tailored to the unique needs of young children. Challenging behaviors in infants and toddlers with special needs, such as biting, hitting, throwing, and pushing, can delay developmental progress and place a strain on both families and Interventionists. These behaviors often emerge during a critical period of growth and learning, making early and targeted intervention essential. The field of special education increasingly recognizes the importance of implementing evidence-based strategies from a child’s birth through age two as tools for improving a child’s long-term outcomes (Fox, Dunlap, Hemmeter, Joseph, & Strain, 2003). Despite the availability of research-backed interventions, families and educators frequently lack access to practical tools that translate theory into everyday practice.
This capstone project focused on bridging the gap between research and practice through the development of informative brochures for parents and teachers. The brochures were designed as accessible, user-friendly resources to support behavioral intervention efforts for infants and toddlers in early intervention. The project included a comprehensive literature review that examined effective behavioral supports, function-based interventions, preventative strategies, and the importance of parent-teacher collaboration. The findings from this review guided the creation of materials that promoted structured, early, and collaborative approaches to managing challenging behaviors. The brochures aimed to empower families and educators with evidence-based tools that enhance behavioral outcomes and developmental growth in young children
Bridging the Gap: Effective Training for Paraprofessionals Supporting Social-Emotional Development in Students with SLD and High-Leverage Practices for Inclusive Environments
Abstract
As inclusive education becomes increasingly prevalent, the roles of paraprofessionals in supporting students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) have evolved significantly. Effective paraprofessional support hinges not only on daily assistance but also on meaningful training rooted in research-based strategies. High-Leverage Practices (HLPs)—core instructional, behavioral, and collaborative approaches—have emerged as essential tools in ensuring students with disabilities, including those with SLD, experience academic and social-emotional success. These students often require tailored support due to comorbid conditions such as attention difficulties, executive functioning challenges, and emotional-behavioral regulation issues (Chieffo et al., 2023; Al-Dababneh & Al-Zboon, 2018). However, the literature consistently points to a training gap that must be addressed to empower paraprofessionals in inclusive settings (Moran, 2022; Griswold, 2022).
This capstone project focused on the essential role of paraprofessionals in inclusive classrooms and the need for targeted, evidence-based training to support their effectiveness. Informed by a comprehensive literature review, the project identified key practices—such as high-leverage instructional strategies, social-emotional learning, behavior management, and collaborative teaming—that enable paraprofessionals to better support students with disabilities. Based on these findings, a professional development training was designed to provide paraprofessionals with practical tools and role clarity. The project highlighted the importance of bridging research and practice to empower paraprofessionals as active, confident contributors to student success