Bachelor of Science, Wittenberg University, 2020, Biology

In utilizing native plant species, communities can maintain a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity, as well as formulating a cost effective method of landscaping that, over time, can be relatively self-sufficient. College campuses, allowing for small, condensed garden areas, are prime locations for native plant populations to form and grow. While forming such populations can be costly at first, this study aims to analyze the best methods for minimizing cost by utilizing already present resources on campuses. Taking place at Wittenberg University, the study explores germination techniques on varied plant species to determine best practices for growing native plants from preexisting generations.

Committee: Amber Burgett (Advisor); Sheryl Cunningham (Committee Member); Richard Phillips (Committee Member) Subjects: Biology; Botany; Ecology; Environmental Science; Landscaping; Plant Biology; Plant Propagation; Plant Sciences

Doctor of Education, University of Akron, 2010, Educational Leadership

This study examines the system of crisis leadership in higher education. Using case study methods, five crisis leadership participants were interviewed to develop a deep understanding of how they perceive their university crisis leadership system. Two participants were from a private institution, and three were from a public institution. Higher education factors that contribute to and detract from effective crisis leadership were found, as well as training aspects that contribute to and detract from effective crisis leadership processes. The case studies were analyzed using a cross- comparison method, and also according to a framework drawn from the research literature related to leadership, training, and crisis. The findings suggest a new practical model for use in higher education crisis leadership.

Committee: Sharon Kruse Dr. (Advisor); Sandra Coyner EdD (Committee Member); Xin Liang PhD (Committee Member); Megan Moore Gardner PhD (Committee Member); Robert C. Schwartz PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Education; Education Policy; Educational Evaluation; Educational Leadership; Higher Education; Higher Education Administration; Inservice Training; Occupational Health; Political Science; School Administration

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2024, Higher Education Administration

One of the most challenging times for campus communities is when a crisis occurs. It often causes higher education to question their policies, missions, and values. Additionally, the crisis managers and those affected by it may experience trauma as they navigate the crisis (Bataille & Cordova, 2014; Lynch 2023). Despite the research on crisis management, there are still gaps in knowledge. Because no two crises are alike, it is difficult to nuance how care is provided throughout a crisis and if communities transform post-crisis. This general descriptive-interpretive qualitative study aimed to understand how student affairs crisis managers incorporate ethics of care strategies in crisis management practices to aid social transformation. Two research questions guided this study: How do crisis managers provide care for those affected by a crisis? How have campuses and community members transformed after a crisis? Branicki's (2020) feminist crisis management framework underpinned this study. This framework considers the relationship between the cared-for and caregiver, the use of networks to provide care, and how the community recovers and transforms after a crisis. Twelve participants engaged in this general descriptive-interpretive study and participated in one semi-structured interview. They self-identified as middle managers during the crisis they discussed. All participants reported to a senior student affairs officer or the chief student affairs officer. Seven key findings emerged from this study. The first set of findings addresses how crisis managers provide care during a crisis and includes actions of care, provision of care, receipt of care, and influence on care. The second set of findings describes how campuses and their members transform after a crisis and includes middle managers reflecting on transformation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how middle managers in student affairs provide care throughout a crisis. Furthermore, it (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Maureen E. Wilson Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Jacob Clemens Ph.D. (Committee Member); Amy French Ph.D. (Committee Member); Beth Sanders Ph.D. (Other) Subjects: Education; Higher Education; Higher Education Administration

BS, Kent State University, 2024, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Biological Sciences

Bird-window collisions (BWC) have become an interest in the scientific community. However, there is still speculation regarding some of the drivers of these collisions. Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, USA was surveyed for deceased birds from BWC in 2023. Throughout the study, we monitored 8 buildings over 43 days. A total of 16 deceased birds, of eight species, were found. Our preliminary data suggests some buildings surveyed may have a greater potential for BWC. To contextualize our local findings, we compiled similar BWC data from 12 additional North American universities. We calculated the average number of birds found per day per building, allowing a comparison of the rate of collisions recorded on the Kent State campus to other universities. We found that the Kent State University campus appears to have fewer bird-window collisions than other universities. Similarly to another study of this type, we observed that because few incidents were observed throughout our study, we were not able to statistically examine environmental drivers of trends. However, several barriers to data synthesis were noted because not all studies observed the same reporting standards. We recommend thoughtful standardization of observation efforts across campuses as we continue to monitor campus buildings to gain a better understanding of how our university is affecting the nearby wildlife. Increasing our knowledge will allow us to make educated decisions about mitigation on our campus to provide a more eco-friendly campus and benefit the bird populations that we come into contact with.

Committee: Christie Bahlai (Advisor); Mark Kershner (Committee Member); Brian Grafton (Committee Member); Cameron Lee (Committee Member) Subjects: Ecology; Wildlife Conservation; Zoology

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Ohio University, 2023, Anthropology

Using the life histories of four students from the Ohio University LGBT Center, it explores the intersections of identity and community. By exploring their personal, lived-experiences, I show how integral community is in the formation of identity, how people's intersecting identities influence the ways they move through the world, and roles digital media plays in the social worlds of queer young adults. To do, I explore themes of self-acceptance, intersectionality, mediatization, community involvement, political engagement, and space.

Committee: Matthew Rosen (Advisor) Subjects: Cultural Anthropology; Education; Gender; Gender Studies; Glbt Studies; Higher Education

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2023, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

Accessing mental healthcare is difficult and has become more so as demand escalated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In an attempt to address this problem, an established behavior therapy, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), has recently been adapted into a group-based format called Living with Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL), which can be disseminated inexpensively and quickly due to its reliance on laypeople, rather than clinicians, as facilitators. This randomized-controlled trial evaluated the effects of a six-week ACL group on participants' well-being across several domains. Compared to participants in the control group, those in the ACL intervention formed a significantly closer bond with their group and experienced greater improvements in their self-compassion, although there were no significant changes in their anxiety, depression, or psychological flexibility. These results indicate that ACL groups may be a promising new way to improve interpersonal connection and self-compassion when there are barriers to traditional treatments for these struggles.

Committee: Melissa Kennedy (Committee Chair); Mavis Tsai (Committee Member); Michael Toohey (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2023, Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

From high heels, hairspray, and lit cigarettes to personal alarms and location-tracking apps, self-defense has been the primary discourse to which universities have turned to respond to the problem of sexual violence on campus. In this thesis, I document and contextualize the use of self-defense rhetoric at The Ohio State University (OSU) by both students and OSU itself. I contextualize the use of self-defense rhetoric by situating it within the history of anti-rape activism present at The Ohio State University (OSU) from 1970s – 2023. I turn to various archives at OSU to demonstrate how the institutionalization of feminist politics and prioritization of individual responsibility has minimized attention to institutional structures of power and complicities. An intersectional feminist analysis of institutional archives not only reveals how gender and race structure self-defense discourse but highlights the limits of neoliberal, carceral and moral frameworks in combating sexual violence on campus then and now.

Committee: Treva Lindsey (Committee Member); Mytheli Sreenivas (Advisor) Subjects: Gender; Gender Studies; History; Womens Studies

Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, 1966, MBA

Committee: Warren C. Waterhouse (Advisor) Subjects: Higher Education

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2021, American Culture Studies

Ethnic Studies (ES) is the study of history, practices, and contributions of people of color and their descendants. Ethnic Studies has emerged as an academic discipline resulting from social activist groups of the late 1950s, and, subsequent student activism of the 1960s. In ways that were planned and improvised, Black scholar activists along with the Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) fashioned the need for the development of curricula that provided an alternative to the traditional Eurocentric focus in many academic fields. An inquiry into the origin of Ethnic Studies at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) qualifies in general some African Americans' responses to education in the U.S. and specifically at the first school to have ES in the state of Ohio. Alliances between activist student groups and individuals of diverse backgrounds led to the formation and development of a new academic discipline, Ethnic Studies at BGSU beginning in May 1970. The development of Ethnic Studies programming and curricula at BGSU emerged from a coalition of student activists advocating for Black Studies. BGSU's department is among the oldest in the nation focusing on interdisciplinary studies of race. African Americans organizing and sustaining Ethnic Studies at BGSU brought academic and artistic value and distinction to them and to the institution.

Committee: Angela Nelson PhD (Advisor); Michael Brooks PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: African American Studies; American History; Black Studies; Ethnic Studies

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2019, Leadership and Change

The phenomenon of racism in our world is deeply tragic, with historical roots that pervade college campuses and the work of student affairs professionals no less than elsewhere in society. In fact, a premise of this research is that the American university as an institution was founded on White dominance and privilege. Today the effects of racism still trickle into the personal and professional lives of those working in student affairs. This study was aimed at understanding the problem through the eyes and experiences of student affairs professionals. The overarching research question was how do incidents of racism on campus impact student affairs professionals? A mixed methods approach was used comprising four phases: individual interviews, focus group interviews, a survey, and a final focus group to encapsulate and validate the issues of racism and its impact on student affairs professionals. Pivotal questions that motivated this research included how are we taking care of ourselves and one another when faced with racism on-campus? What type of individual work around identity development and understanding are we engaged in? How can we simultaneously impact the lives of our students in a positive direction while limiting the impact racism is having on our profession? What do we need to do as a community of student affairs professionals to better ourselves, better our profession, and make a positive impact on our campus community? The results confirmed the persistence and pervasiveness of racism on campus, impacting and necessitating the work of today's student affairs professionals. Detailed results and implications for practice and further research are discussed in reference to three levels: the individual student affairs professional; the group, or collectivity of the various student affairs roles across campus, and community, or university-wide. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA: Antioch University Repository and Archive, http://aura.antioch. (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Philomena Essed Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Carol Baron Ph.D. (Committee Member); Littisha Bates Ph.D. (Committee Member); Leslie Picca Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Higher Education; Higher Education Administration; Social Structure

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2019, American Culture Studies

On the night of October 5, 1946, six young male Bowling Green State University students were recruited to a secret meeting by President Frank Prout in order to found an anonymous booster club, which would soon become known as SICSIC. This masked spirit crew initiated a school spirit revival that has since become an integral part of BGSU's campus culture. Despite its importance, however, SICSIC's origins, practices, and values mostly exist as legend and lore. In this critical historical analysis, I analyze SICSIC as a carnivalesque secret society and consider its meanings within the context of changing campus and national norms as a result of World War II. This project puts BGSU's spirit crew in conversation with other collegiate secret societies and their influence on the greater American society. I argue that SICSIC was founded to assuage anxieties over the changing landscape of higher education, specifically the influx of GIs and others who were not traditional college-age students. While the customs and rituals of the group have changed over the years, remnants of the group's past still exist in the contemporary SICSIC's masked performances. Applying performance and critical race theory to the evolving traditions of SICSIC, I show the continuities and disruptions to the University's campus culture over a period of seventy years. I also consider the racial implications of the group's performances of the past, present, and possible future. Using ethnographic research methods, as well as historical research, observations, and interviews with SICSIC alumni, this is the most complete and comprehensive history of the group.

Committee: Jolie Sheffer Ph.D (Advisor); Montana Miller Ph.D (Committee Member) Subjects: American Studies

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2019, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

A rise in sexual violent crime at Ohio University led to this study. The purpose of this study is to analyze and determine potential associations between Ohio University students' perception of risk based on crime and lighting levels on campus, so that recommendations can be made to improve campus safety. Results from the analysis indicated that individuals related lighting levels to perceived safety but were unable to specify a crime area according to perceived risk. Recommendations include investigating lighting levels for pathways that are well traveled as well as considering other solutions preferred by students. These solutions could include a safety app that would document crime areas on campus, a nightly chaperon service, and self-defense classes for students are also recommended.

Committee: Diana Schwerha (Advisor); Dale Masel (Committee Member); Tim Ryan (Committee Member); Dean Bruckner (Committee Member) Subjects: Engineering; Industrial Engineering; Occupational Safety

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2019, History

This is a case study of student activism in the 1960s at Bowling Green State University, located in Northwestern Ohio, that contributes to the growing historiography of student activism at non-elite state institutions. This study complicates the national narrative of student activism, which asserts that student activism was generally violent, radical, and largely restricted to elite universities. By examining student activism at BGSU, this study demonstrates that student activism was present at non-elite public universities and also introduces the concept of “educational activism,” a method of activism that focused on inclusive exploration of contemporary issues rather than radical violence. Prior to 1970, students and administrators established open channels of communication and formed an educational model of activism through the efforts of three areas of activism: the student power movement, the antiwar movement, and the Black student movement. The conservative nature of the university and its administration restricted radical and violent protest, which forced students to address their concerns non-violently. Student activists communicated with administrators to address their concerns and together they established a legacy of peaceful educational activism that mitigated the need for violent protest. Their efforts culminated in the formation of the New University, a series of teach-ins created following the Kent State Shootings. These teach-ins gave students agency in their education, allowed them to analyze contemporary issues, and explore topics that were non-existent in the university curriculum. As a result of the New University, BGSU faced no violent protest and was the only residential state university to remain open in Ohio following the Kent State Shootings.

Committee: Benjamin Greene (Advisor); Rebecca Mancuso (Committee Member); Luke Nichter (Committee Member) Subjects: American History; Education History; Higher Education; History; Peace Studies

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2017, Psychology/Clinical

The transgender community is widely discriminated against for not conforming to cultural expectations of how gender is experienced and portrayed. Living in continuously oppressive social conditions threatens transgender young adults' emotional and mental well-being, as well as their academic success. Colleges and universities are increasing their efforts to create safe and inclusive environments for gender diverse individuals in higher education. Transgender students' viewpoints are critically important in helping universities make informed, sensitive, and meaningful solutions to the systems level barriers that transgender students encounter on campus. The present qualitative study examined the lived experiences of 11 transgender and gender diverse university students regarding various aspects of university life. Transgender students also discussed their viewpoints on and experiences with advocating for social change related to gender diversity issues on campus. Through the qualitative analysis of in-person interviews, eight themes were identified for what aspects of campus life participants desired to be changed in order to improve the campus climate for the transgender community. Findings also provide insights into students' personal beliefs about advocacy efforts related to transgender issues. Implications of the findings for future research and advocacy efforts are discussed.

Committee: Catherine Stein Ph.D. (Advisor); Dryw Dworsky Ph.D. (Committee Member); Craig Vickio Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Clinical Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Education; Gender; Gender Studies; Minority and Ethnic Groups; Psychology; Social Research; Womens Studies

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, 2016, Counselor Education and Supervision

This study assesses the impact of racial microaggressions on African American college students. I examine the relationship between racial microaggressions and college students' retention. This study aimed to answer the research questions: Is there a relationship between African American college students' retention and their experience of racial microaggressions? Previous research indicates that racial microaggressions have a negative impact on undergraduate African American college students (Sue, 2008). The purpose of this study was to further understand the degree, if any, racial microaggressions have on African American college students' retention. This study collected survey data from 53 participants who self-identified as African American. Data collection was conducted through demographic questionnaire, retention questionnaire, and use of the Racial Microaggressions Scale (RMAS) (Torres-Harding et al., 2012). There was a statistically significant relationship between the subscale of Foreigner/Not Belonging and African American's thoughts on dropping out during the ongoing semester [r(51)=.338, p<.05]. The results suggest that although African Americans have strong thoughts towards dropping out due to racial microaggressions, they do in fact frequently experience racial microaggressions while on campus. Implications, limitations, and future research approaches were provided.

Committee: John Laux Ph.D (Committee Chair); Christopher Roseman Ph.D (Committee Member); Caroline O'Hara Ph.D (Committee Member); Shanda Gore Ed.D (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2013, Higher Education (Education)

The study explored transfer alumni perceptions of their community college and university experiences, their alumni affinity as measured by the frequency of alumni engagement with each institution, and what motivates that engagement. Study participants rated their university experiences more positively than those at their community college and reported engaging in more alumni activities with their university than their community college. Based on the findings, recommendations for practitioners include enhanced documentation and communication of the learning and development outcomes gained through the community college experience, increased university support services for transfer students, and increased community college outreach efforts with alumni.

Committee: Henning John Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Young Robert Ph.D. (Advisor); Horton David Ph.D. (Committee Member); Brooks Gordon Ph.D. (Committee Member); Descutner David Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Adult Education; Education; Educational Evaluation; Educational Theory; Higher Education

Master of Science in Engineering, University of Akron, 2013, Mechanical Engineering

Parking congestion has always been a problem which faces urban planners and cities governments across the United States. One area where this issue is extremely relevant is in the planning and expansion of urban colleges and universities which have a commuter population. This research contains a case study of the parking dynamics at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. Data will be collected which will provide the researcher with a better understanding of the parking dynamics at the university. Once the data is compiled it will be used to construct a discrete event simulation model which replicates the current state of the parking scenario at the university. Hypothetical scenarios will be run with the model once the current state model has been validated. The purpose of this research is to show the advantage of using discrete event simulation in parking analysis.

Committee: Shengyong Wang Dr. (Advisor); Daniel Deckler Dr. (Committee Member); Scott Sawyer Dr. (Committee Member); Jared Coleman Mr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Engineering; Urban Planning

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2011, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

There are many universities around the world that have extensive materials research institutions. These universities seem to focus their attention and research mainly on the micro and nano scales while taking the approach of a chemist. This specific type of material research has helped the world develop many of the technologies enjoyed today. Whilst developing nano-fibers used in electronics from silicon based synthetic compounds is helpful to the massive electronics world, there are other projects that need our attention. Despite the growing number of institutions that have this type of material research facilities, including the University of Cincinnati, there is a need for a different type of research. This type of research is focused on advanced material innovations for buildings. The University of Cincinnati's already proven Materials Research programs are a stepping stone to this new research venture; this type of research exists at only a few places around the United States. The institute will develop and improve upon advanced materials in a way in which they can better building material products and processes. These products will not only benefit the physical building community, but will also benefit society through the use of these new materials in other products. The advancement of these new materials will be controlled by a new department within the university, but will ultimately rely on the interdisciplinary efforts from many different departments. Some of these departments include Architecture, Industrial Design, Chemical & Materials Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Biology, Physics, and others. By using multiple disciplines to create and develop new and innovative advanced materials, the institution will yield results unlike any other around the country. For the purpose of experimentation the institute will use its own building and university as a playground for its unique developments. This means that the progress and developments m (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: George Bible MCiv.Eng (Committee Chair); Michael McInturf MARCH (Committee Chair) Subjects: Architecture

MDes, University of Cincinnati, 2010, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Design

A sense of belonging is important for college students, and it benefits both the university and the student population. However, the lack of a sense of belonging is a common problem on many campuses. At the University of Cincinnati, this problem exists particularly among international students. The author believes that familiarity with both the history of changes to the campus landscape and the current campus environment would enhance the sense of belonging of international students. This thesis aims to present changes to the landscape and the current campus environment of the University of Cincinnati West Campus through graphic presentation in an interactive media in order to promote a greater awareness of the University of Cincinnati West Campus among international students. To confirm the utility of this project, a test was administered to international students on the West Campus of the University of Cincinnati.

Committee: Paul Zender MFA (Committee Chair); Benjamin Meyer (Committee Member); Dennis Puhalla PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Design

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2009, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Architecture (Master of)

Listening is a basic and vital way people connect to each other and the spaces they inhabit. Dramatic and musical performances bring listening to the surface of perception, bringing performer and listener together in the space of performance. The complete separation of performance spaces from their context creates an artificial and potentially counterproductive separation between “music” and “everyday sound.” While indoor performance spaces are useful and convenient spaces for public performance, concert halls cannot replace or reproduce the experience of outdoor listening, and they do not need to do so. While there are many spaces for the presentation of theater, music, dance, and other modes of performance on the University of Cincinnati's campus, most of them are enclosed, conditioned, and shut off from the outside world. When made fully accesible and spatially inviting, spaces designed for gathering and performance can become special listening places at all times, whether a performance is happening or not. For this project, the ancient Greek theater will be used as a formal and conceptual precedent; its principles will be applied to a new physical and cultural context. The design of a an open-air performance space on UC's West Campus will serve as a way to explore the relationships between architecture, ambient sound, performance, and place while also addressing issues of site-specificity and public identity. The new performance space is proposed as an asset to the College-Conservatory of Music and the larger community. This thesis addresses relationships between sound, action, and place. ‘MainStage' is proposed as a complement to and extension of ‘MainStreet,' an already extant and vibrant pedestrian corridor on UC Campus. The goal of MainStage is to provide a place for formal and informal gathering, performance and listening, hopefully serving to stimulate UC's community and culture in the process.

Committee: Vincent Sansalone (Committee Chair); Gerald Larson (Committee Co-Chair) Subjects: Architecture