Ph.D., Antioch University, 2021, Leadership and Change

Capacity building for globally competent educators is a 21st Century imperative to address contemporary complex and constantly changing challenges. This action research project is grounded in positive psychology, positive organizational scholarship, relational cultural theory, and relational leadership practices. It sought to identify adaptive challenges educators face as they try to integrate globally competent teaching practices into their curricula, demonstrate learning and growth experienced by the educators in this project, and provide guidance and solutions to the challenges globally competent educators face. Six educators participated in this three-phase project, which included focus groups, reflective journal entries, and an exit interview. Data were collected, grouped into emergent themes, and organized into cohesive categories. The data from this project supported the creation of two foundational models for educating for global competence. The first is pedagogical and the other, coaching. Both models are in developing stages and are grounded in key theoretical frameworks and the data shared by the participants. Globally competent and globally responsive pedagogy tasks educators with examining their practice through a global and cultural prism to gain clarity of perspective, build social capital, improve relationships, and meet ever-changing local and global challenges. The approaches honor and respect diversity so as to dismantle systems of oppression and fight policies and social norms rooted in cognitive biases. The model integrates theory and key findings from this study to support educators to integrate and implement global competence. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, https://aura.antioch.edu/ and OhioLINK ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu/etd.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Wright State University, 2016, Computer Science and Engineering PhD

Software defined networking (SDN), a new networking paradigm that separates the network data plane from the control plane, has been considered as a flexible, layered, modular, and efficient approach to managing and controlling networks ranging from wired, infrastructure-based wireless (e.g., cellular wireless networks, WiFi, wireless mesh net- works), to infrastructure-less wireless networks (e.g. mobile ad-hoc networks, vehicular ad-hoc networks) as well as to offering new types of services and to evolving the Internet architecture. Most work has focused on the SDN application in traditional and wired and/or infrastructure based networks. Wireless networks have become increasingly more heterogeneous. Secure and collab- orative operation of mobile wireless ad-hoc networks poses significant challenges due to the decentralized nature of mobile ad hoc wireless networks, mobility of nodes, and re- source constraints. Recent developments in software defined networking shed new light on how to control and manage an ad hoc wireless network. Given the wide deployment and availability of heterogeneous wireless technologies, the control and management of ad hoc wireless networks with the new software defined networking paradigm is offered more flexibility and opportunities to deal with trust and security issues and to enable new features and services. This dissertation focuses on the SDN MANET architecture design issues for provid- ing secure collaborative operation. Specifically, (I) We have proposed four design options for software defined secure collaborative ad hoc wireless network architecture. The de- sign options are organized into (a) centralized SDN controller architecture with controller replication and (b) distributed SDN controller architecture. While these proposed architec- ture options exhibit different characteristics, many common challenges are shared amongst these options. Challenges include fault-tolerance, scalability, efficiency, and security. The unstr (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Organization Development & Change (D.O.D.C.), Bowling Green State University, 2024, Organization Development

Community colleges in America are facing significant challenges that necessitate transformational change. Collaboration is essential to address these challenges within an environment characterized by external stakeholder interdependence, internal stakeholder interdependence through shared governance, and unique power and authority structures. Although there is extensive literature on collaboration in higher education, research specific to community colleges has predominantly focused on inter-organizational collaboration. This study aimed to fill the gap in the literature by addressing the following research question: what factors impact internal collaboration in community colleges? Focusing specifically on the perspectives of senior administrators, the findings of this qualitative study, analyzed through Reflexive Thematic Analysis, yielded a Model of Internal Collaboration in Community Colleges, which advances both the theory and practice of internal collaboration.

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2024, Cross-Cultural, International Education

This research study focuses on exploring the parental struggles that parents of children with disabilities go through when trying to access special education for their children in the educational system of Kenya. The study documents the perspectives of parents through analysis of data anchored within their struggles and experiences as they navigate the system of education to access quality education for their children with disabilities. Based on a phenomenological approach, the study focuses on a sample of eight parents of children with disabilities. Hogan's (2019) Social Model of Disability and Medical Model of Disability help frame the study within the discussion of the experiences of parents of children with disabilities. The findings of this study are presented through specific themes, describing the personal challenges and experiences of these parents followed by an analysis of the same themes. These findings underscore systemic challenges in special education, cultural and societal attitudes and educational outcome and well-being issues faced by parents and their children with disabilities.

Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership), Youngstown State University, 2024, Department of Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

What do teachers perceive to be the impact of positive behavior management systems on supporting teachers, students, and families? This research investigated the implementation and impact of school-wide positive behavior support systems as a crucial approach to addressing behavior challenges and supporting both teachers and students. Recognizing the significant challenges teachers face in managing student behavior alongside their essential duties, this study delves into the potential benefits of positive behavior support systems as an alternative to punitive discipline methods. Building upon previous research, the results of this investigation underscored the positive outcomes associated with school-wide positive behavior support systems. The research employed a qualitative phenomenological case study involving 12 diverse educators, providing valuable insights from those directly responsible for classroom management. The findings revealed that these systems effectively reduced situations involving exclusionary practices, enhanced student-teacher relationships, and contributed to the establishment of a positive classroom culture and climate. Supported by observations, interviews, and artifact collection, the participants identified key factors influencing the success of positive behavior support systems, including administrative and parental support, access to professional development opportunities, and collaborative experiences among teachers and school administration. The study further highlighted the importance of consistent school-wide expectations, procedures, and guidelines in managing student behavior and advocates for tailored support for students with diverse backgrounds. Notably, positive restorative practices and training for teachers contribute to meeting the needs of all students and result in increased overall student achievement. Despite the evident benefits, the need for ongoing refinement of school-wide positive behavior support systems, (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, 2023, English

While research on SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) students has gained significant attention, there is a lack of understanding regarding the needs of the teachers who work closely with these students. In an effort to fill this gap, a survey was conducted among content area teachers at a Midwest middle school in the United States. The findings of this survey highlight the importance of collaboration and planning time between content area teachers and ESL teachers in lesson planning, material preparation, and assessment strategies. The results emphasize the significance of teamwork among all educators to support SLIFE students in their journey to learn the language and master content area materials.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Natural Resources

One of the critical questions in the field of environment and natural resources from a policy perspective is to understand how collaborative processes and beneficial working relationships can lead to improved urban farming practices. While the topic has received attention by scholars across the nation, research on this topic is lacking regarding urban agriculture in low-income settings of Columbus Ohio. In this thesis, I will examine the perceived barriers that historically underserved urban farmers encounter in low-income settings. Specifically, I study the Community Growers Network (CGN), a new collaborative initiative that brings together urban farmers to work on creative solutions to solve their problems. Through interviews and participant observation, I uncover and explain the variables that limit urban agriculture production and help establishing stronger collaborative relationships between urban farmers. According to the interviews there are a plethora of challenges that urban farmers face; however, in this thesis I only highlighted the challenges that were common amongst all interviewees which are, 1) Land management, 2) Access to proper infrastructure, 3) Labor force (access to volunteers), 4) Access to funding 5) Access to specialized knowledge, and 6) Pest control and soil management. I find that he CGN is, in general, well equipped to help farmers face these challenges, and that the inner structure of the network is conducive to such solutions. I conclude by discussing the limitations of this study and potential areas of development for future research. I highlight not only the academic value of these findings, but also the value for individuals working in the development of urban farming in Columbus Ohio.

Master of Fine Arts, Miami University, 2022, English

Focused on alternate universes where you can get your car taxidermied, where you can be reincarnated as your neighbor's golden retriever, and where you have conversations with loved ones you've meant to all your life (but couldn't), In This Universe is a collection of branching what-ifs and cosmic could've-beens, a multiverse-jumping selection of short speculative personal essays, lyrical essays, and braided essays that challenges genre conventions and questions the idea of whether a single universe even exists that can accommodate multiple ways of being. Though it deals with many different subject matters, there is always the presence of an alternate universes working as a sort of metaphor for future-thinking and alternate ways of being. Written with the intention of providing a space for folks who don't see themselves as valid in this world, or who can't imagine possibilities for themselves in this world, In This Universe looks to reimagine embodiment and to reshape spaces and ways of being, so that we might discover for ourselves far grander, perhaps far stranger, and mostly hidden possible realities.

Bachelor of Arts, Wittenberg University, 2022, Psychology

The current study analyzed how the developmental components of emerging adulthood in first-year college students are related to medication adherence/nonadherence. It was hypothesized that the newly discovered autonomy during the transition to college would encourage an exploration in identity and provide an opportunity for the “reinvention” of the self that might impact medication taking. Participants were 124 undergraduate first-year students enrolled at a small university in the Midwest. Participants completed an online survey that asked about their medication habits and the potential barriers to their medication adherence. Participants then answered questions regarding their perceived self-esteem, autonomy, identity, and stigma. The results showed that the most common barriers for medication adherence in first-year students were “feeling better” and “forgetfulness.” Additionally, the results revealed that the first-year students who were currently taking mental health medications (MH) demonstrated higher levels of agreement with feelings of perceived stigma and lower levels of agreement with feelings of autonomy and perceived self-esteem than the students taking physical health (PH) medications or no medication (p < .05). These results highlight the importance of how transitional developmental components may have an impact on medication adherence in first-year college students.

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.), Franklin University, 2022, Business Administration

The practical sense of business in female entrepreneurship as it relates to the concept of intrinsic and extrinsic creative behaviors of female entrepreneurs working in the United States is the main focus of this study. The field of female entrepreneurship is growing with the participation of women with or without full-time jobs in standard employment, with or without formal business education, and with or without equal access to financial resources compared to their male counterparts. This study aims to capture the definition of success and how female entrepreneurs perceive success. Utilizing convenience sampling, this qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 successful female entrepreneurs in a major Midwest metropolitan area. With dual roles in work and family, the female entrepreneurs engage in a role of chaotic business management and self-branding with a quest for work/life balance. Their pursuit of a lifestyle business brings about a direction of working within an area of great interest, commonly called a passion. This passion allows for exploring what the female entrepreneur enjoys and a quest to produce a profit from that inspiration. Emergent themes resulting from this study are definitions of success, pandemic challenges, entrepreneurial credibility, social networking, business investment, brand management, creativity, innovation, profit design, and authentic leadership. One core result of this qualitative study is a theory called female entrepreneurial design. The female entrepreneur creates an organizational life unique to her personal style and business brand through personal self-care and professional investment.

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2021, Cross-Cultural, International Education

This study examines the challenges and experiences of first-generation higher education immigrant students in the United States (US) in order to understand how they form their perspectives regarding higher education in the US. The study documents students' perspectives through analysis of data situated within their immigrant higher education experience and challenges. Based on a phenomenological approach, the study focuses on a sample of seven university students who are first-generation immigrants. Berry's (2005) acculturation theory and Ogbu's (1981) cultural ecological model help frame the study within the discussion of the immigrant students' perspectives through their explained challenges and experiences. The findings of this study are presented through specific themes describing the students' personal challenges and experiences followed by an analysis of the same themes. These findings underscore language, education system, socio-cultural and economic issues faced by immigrant students. 

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2021, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

There are limited tools for professionals who work with individuals with autism to ascertain individuals' strengths and challenges within the various facets of symptomology after diagnosis. Professionals can currently use personal interviews and psychological reports to determine individuals' strengths and challenges to determine the types of services that would benefit them following initial diagnosis. The limitations of this practice are that the levels of understanding, accuracy, and use of these measures vary in the field. Furthermore, the norms of diagnostic measures are the entire population rather than solely individuals on the autistic spectrum/autistics (IOS/A). A new measure is necessary: one that encompasses everyone on the autism spectrum and highlights the variances in strengths and challenges within this population. This dissertation encompasses the creation of such a measure. The output of this measure is data that can showcase individuals' challenges and strengths. These data can provide professionals who work with individuals with autism a better idea of where individuals' needs may lie and help to create individualized treatment goals. This study consists of two data-collection phases: an in-depth measure analysis and one-on-one interviews of professionals in the field. In this study, the researcher assessed for content validity. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, http://aura.antioch.edu/ and OhioLINK ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2021, Leadership Studies

Effective volunteer administrators may impact and improve the volunteer experience. But the experience and challenges volunteer administrators face may differ depending on the group they oversee. Overseeing volunteers serving with animals may be different than leading volunteers in a hospital. Very few studies have compared volunteer administrator groups. Hager and Brudney (2004) considered various differences in nonprofits utilizing volunteers, including group type. Yet, very few studies have explored this topic since then. The present study utilizes questionnaire items from Hager and Brudney's (2004) study to consider whether the particular group an administrator is connected with impacts the challenges they face and the extent to which administrators from different groups apply common management practices. This study used a non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational research design utilizing a questionnaire to collect data through convenience sampling. There were 460 responses used in data analysis. A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to determine if group type impacted volunteer administrator challenges and the level of application of management practices. Groups were examined according to National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities - Core Codes (NTEE-CC). The results of the study suggested that group type did impact the challenges volunteer administrators faced and the level of application of management practices. An analysis of variance was conducted (ANOVA) to determine which groups differed. Group differences were identified in 5 of 10 challenges and 6 of 9 management practices. Findings from the present study were very similar to Hager and Brudney's (2004) study. Findings help confirm some universal challenges like recruitment continue to impact volunteer administrators. However, differences between groups encourage a more contingent approach should be taken when considering the most effective management practices for each context. T (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.), Franklin University, 2020, Health Programs

The healthcare industry is continuously faced with increasingly difficult challenges. This is especially true in rural healthcare environments where additional challenges make leading healthcare organizations even more complex. Part of this challenge in effective healthcare leadership is maintaining a motivated and engaged front line workforce within the organization. There are a multitude of benefits to having more highly motivated frontline employees, many of which are discussed in this dissertation. Employee motivation can be strongly impacted, either positively or negatively, by the leadership qualities possessed by the leaders overseeing frontline employees. A gap in academic research was identified in the field of leadership behaviors related to their impacts on employee motivation in rural outpatient healthcare delivery. Therefore, this qualitative study was developed, conducted, and the data were analyzed to attempt to close that gap in research. This qualitative research study analyzed the leadership behaviors and techniques that are currently employed within the population, as well as analyzed the most effective motivational strategies for employees working in rural outpatient healthcare environments. The study concluded that leadership qualities that are personal in nature and focused on leader-follower relationships are more effective in motivating and driving employees than other factors. This study also provides guidance for future potential research within this environment to gain an even better understanding of how to overcome motivational challenges faced by leaders in rural healthcare settings.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2020, Communication Studies (Communication)

Refugees, particularly female Afghan refugees, are among the most vulnerable populations. For decades, previous research on displaced and refugee populations had a “nongendered” approach toward studying refugees' experiences and struggles: they either looked at refugees' experiences as a group, or in cases where they had a focus, they mostly looked at male refugees' experiences and challenges throughout the pre-flight, flight, and resettlement process. This dissertation, however, examined the personal narratives, experiences, and challenges of female Afghan refugees throughout their resettlement process in the U.S. Specifically, taking an ethnographic qualitative method approach, this study examined (a) female Afghan refugees experiences of the everyday routines throughout the early transitional period of resettlement, and (b) the advocacy work of local NGOs with refugees as they navigate and manage the new everyday routines. To address the research questions, I volunteered, worked, and drew the sample from a midwestern local refugee-advocacy NGO. I conducted participant observation for more than 24 months and 16 in- depth 1- to 2 hour-long interviews, with three female Afghan refugees, and 13 NGO staff, liaisons, and volunteers. Using Tracy's (2013) iterative paradigm data analysis yielded three emergent themes in regard to RQ1, (a) مرد و مدد (Mard va Madad), (b) illiteracy and English language (im-)proficiency, and (c) support of local NGOs. Following the same analysis approach, the relationship between liaisons and refugees was explained using parent-child relationship metaphor with one overarching theme of independence vs./and autonomy and two subthemes of fulfilling vs./and expectation and expectation vs/and reality. The result of this study provides a deeper understanding of refugee voices and experiences from their perspective and role of refugee-advocacy NGOs by pointing out the importance of considering refugees' cultural background, social gen (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), University of Dayton, 2020, Educational Leadership

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of students beginning a four-year institution with multiple college credits due to Advanced Placement (AP) classes or dual enrollment programs. Although literature suggests taking advantage of these opportunities benefits students academically and financially, there is insufficient research on how these students perceive their cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal challenges and opportunities once they enter a four-year institution. First-year students are starting college as a sophomore or junior-level status. Unfortunately, there is limited research on how these students adjust socially and developmentally in advanced classes with older students. There is an educational need to understand how these students perceive any challenges and opportunities they encounter. Understanding how students who begin at a four-year institution with 12 or more college credits perceive their challenges and opportunities and sense of belonging can provide educators knowledge to best support this group of students. Applying Baxter Magolda's (1999; 2001) self-authorship framework and the sense of belonging framework to this group of students provides educators the background knowledge to recognize how individuals travel through the developmental process. Within this process, students typically begin college listening to external voices and progress toward listening and trusting their internal voices. Therefore, this study examined the perceptions from both first-year and fourth-year students. The self-authorship framework and the sense of belonging framework were used to analyze the data in agreement with the research questions to understand a) how students describe their cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal challenges and opportunities, b) how they perceive their sense of belonging, and c) how the findings can inform best practices for advisors. The findings of this study conclude four major outcomes. First, student (open full item for complete abstract)

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2020, Antioch New England: Marriage and Family Therapy

This was a quantitative study which examined past and present transnational activities as predictors of multiracial identity challenges and resilience among second generation U.S. born Asian mixed-race adults. Two hundred seventeen participants completed the following three survey questionnaires: a demographic form, the Multiracial Challenge and Resilience Scale (MCRS; Salahuddin & O'Brien, 2011) and an author-adapted version of the Past and Present TS- Transnationalism Scale (Murphy & Mahalingam, 2004). This study is based on the idea of integrating critical race theory, critical mixed-race studies, and intersectionality of both participants' and parents' gender and ethnic/racial identity among self-identified Asian mixed-race individuals. The results showed overall significant correlations between MCRS and TS. No gender of Asian immigrant parents' effects were found, but the Asian region ones' parent migrated from led to differences in participants' childhood and adulthood TS Political and Economic engagements. Participants' gender moderated the relationship between MCRS and past/present TS. More females identify themselves as being mixed-race and showed a higher level of MCRS resilience than male participants. This study contributes to the fields of marriage and family therapy and immigrant family studies by developing insights into an understudied population: second-generation immigrants of Asian mixed-race descent.

Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, 2020, Latin American Studies (International Studies)

Gender inequality in the business sector still prevails in Brazil, which has one of the lowest rates of women in executive positions in Latin America and in the world. This thesis analyzes whether work-life balance, cultural characteristics, and the lack of female representation in organizations are major challenges for female career advancement to executive leadership positions in private companies in Brazil. The data to assess the barriers faced by corporate women in Brazil were collected through an online survey including both close-ended and open-ended questions. The quantitative questions were analyzed as means and percentages and the qualitative were presented as quotations. The findings of the research indicate that work-life balance and the lack of female representation were not reported as major challenges for women's career ascension, but cultural characteristics such as machismo and gender discrimination were commonly noted by the participants. The analysis of the barriers encountered by women in Brazil illustrate that the labyrinth (Carli & Eagly, 2015) best describes their professional careers. Studies on this topic focus mainly on interviewing women who hold a leadership position and this study adds the accounts of women who have not yet achieved such position.

MFA, Kent State University, 2019, College of Communication and Information / School of Visual Communication Design

It is apparent that there is a lack of female creative leadership in the design field. There is a movement to correct the ratio, but it is taking time. This thesis searches for the reasons why there are relatively few female creative directors in the design field. How can we retain the existing female talent in the industry as we look towards a more diverse working team? This thesis examines methods that could be employed to develop young talented designers coming through the mix. Previous research has shown that there is a lack of female creative leadership in the design field. This study analyses interviews with four people in the creative community to gain in-depth insight and real-world knowledge within the design field. Discussion with participants included their past and present experiences, both in their family/home life and work life as professional creatives. Secondary research was carried out investigating how these participants were being addressed globally in the work place both inside and outside the creative industry. It sought to determine the importance of a diverse workforce in the creative industry. The study examined perspectives from current creative industry leadership, the steps being taken to address the situation and the effectiveness of these initiatives.

DMA, University of Cincinnati, 2019, College-Conservatory of Music: Violin

Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst was a Moravian violinist and composer who lived between 1814-1865. He was a friend of Brahms, collaborator with Mendelssohn, and was admired by Berlioz and Joachim. He was known as a violin virtuoso and composed many virtuosic works including an arrangement of Schubert's Erlkonig for solo violin. The focus of this document will be on his Six Etudes for Solo Violin in Multiple Voices (also known as the Six Polyphonic Etudes). These pieces were published without opus number around 1862-1864. The etudes combine many different technical challenges with musical sensitivity. They were so difficult that the composer never gave a public performance of them. No. 6 is the most famous of the set, and has been performed by soloists in recent years. Ernst takes the difficulty level to the extreme and combines different layers of techniques within one hand. For example, the second etude has a passage that combines chords and left-hand pizzicato, and the sixth etude has a passage that combines harmonics with double stops. Etudes from other composers might contain these techniques but not simultaneously. The polyphonic nature allows for this layering of difficulties in Ernst's Six Polyphonic Etudes. There are many more examples like these that can be found in the etudes. The purpose of this document is to help performers master these layers of technical challenges in a systematic way.