Psy. D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

The present study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in order to examine the lived experiences of young adult, cisgender women and the development of internalized sexism. Eight participants completed semi–structured interviews focused on their relationships with other women and subsequent views of womanhood. Themes found were (a) womanhood is taught by women throughout the lifespan, (b) women are sexually responsible for men, (c) women are emotional caregivers, (d) there are biological bases of womanhood, (e) women are expected to “do it all,” (f) expectations of women are fueled by media portrayal, (g) traditional femininity is seen as oppositional to the feminist movement, and (h) womanhood is a community. The results of the study found that young adult women hold similar beliefs and attitudes surrounding what it means to be a woman. Additionally, young adult women's perceptions of womanhood are similarly influenced by common external factors that stem from society's sexism and misogyny and lead to behaviors of internalized sexism. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Consumer Sciences

Behavioral economics has sought to find explanations for anomalous behavior that deviates from the rational behavior predicted by the standard economic model (Mullainathan & Thaler, 2000). This dissertation presents three studies that explore such explanations for consumer behavior specifically the ownership of cryptocurrencies, the use of alternative financial services, and procrastination in relation to the delay or avoidance of dental health care. The first study uses the scarcity mindset as put forth by Mullainathan and Shafir as the framework to analyze cryptocurrency holdings among a sample of U.S. investors (Mullainathan & Shafir, 2013). The study uses responses from the FINRA 2021 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) and related Investor Survey (N=2,364). It uses a proxy for a scarcity mindset along with other predictor variables including financial literacy, investment literacy, subjective financial knowledge, and willingness to take financial risk, along with demographic and socioeconomic variables, to explain the holding of cryptocurrency. Results show a direct and positive association between cryptocurrency investing and a scarcity mindset, beyond established predictors of investment behavior (OR=1.140, SE=0.024, p<.001). The findings held for a sample of pre-COVID-19 survey data from FINRA's 2018 surveys (N=1,634). In the 2018 data, the scarcity mindset was significantly and positively associated with cryptocurrency investing (OR=1.156, SE=0.037, p<.001). The scarcity mindset associated with speculative behavior is both of societal concern and has practical implications as it relates to asset allocation, investments, and retirement planning. The second study broadens the investigation of the scarcity mindset to the analysis of the use of alternative financial services (AFS), such as payday loans, among a broad sample of the U.S. population. The study uses responses from the FINRA 2021 State by State Survey (N=24,349). As the main predictor (open full item for complete abstract)

DNP, Kent State University, 2024, College of Nursing

The management of dementia is a difficult task in all healthcare settings. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) affect 90% of individuals with dementia. One-third of older individuals living with dementia are regularly prescribed antipsychotic medications to handle dementia-related behaviors. For six decades the FDA has been aware that antipsychotics were being used in nursing homes to sedate residents for BPSD, without dementia being an approved diagnosis. The serious side effects and increased risk of death have led to changes in nursing home policy and regulation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) teamed up with Federal and State agencies and proposed dementia care planning that involves assessing BPSD and utilizing non-pharmacologic interventions. The primary objective of this project is to determine if educating staff in non-pharmacological management of BPSD will reduce antipsychotic medication use. Method This evidence-based quality improvement (QI) project is based on Lewin's Change Theory of unfreezing, moving, and refreezing. Using the PDSA method to move the process forward, a team was established, and a plan of action was developed to reduce the administration of antipsychotics by educating staff in non-pharmacological interventions. Sixteen nursing staff (n-16) were trained over four days in nonpharmacologic dementia care management. A pre-and-post-assessment questionnaire was conducted. Twenty-two resident participant's medications were reviewed by the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and gradual drug reductions (GDRs) were ordered. GDRs are a CMS compliance requirement for nursing homes conducted as standard practice based on the pharmacist recommendations and an important recommendation by CMS in antipsychotic reduction are conducted and documented by the consulting PMHNP. Nursing responses to patients with GDRs who presented with behaviors and antipsychotic dose reduction (open full item for complete abstract)

PHD, Kent State University, 2024, College of Public Health

The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed methods study was to explore HIV risk perception, the meaning of HIV testing, and HIV risk behavior among college students following a negative HIV test. An extended version of the theoretical framework of the health belief model (HBM) aided in the exploration of college students' perceptions of HIV, rationales for HIV risk behavior, and the meaning they attached to HIV testing. Following the sequential explanatory mixed methods design, the initial phase involved collecting quantitative data to assess HIV risk perception among college students who received a negative HIV test in the last 12 months. In the second phase, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was applied to gather data through individual semi-structured interviews to help explain HIV risk behavior in the context of HIV testing. Findings indicated that college students' perception of their HIV risk is aligned with their risk behavior. Results showed a statistically significant difference in HIV risk perception based on sexual orientation. Before HIV testing, college students justified their HIV risk behavior based on partner trust, not wanting to feel restrained, and acting on the need to fulfill their desire, lust, or temptation. After receiving a negative HIV test result, college students still experienced fear of contracting HIV. However, some students became more cautious and adopted preventive measures, while others continued with previous behavior patterns. Implications of the research findings include examining risk perception across college students of different sexual orientations to understand the impact of risk perception in HIV testing and exploring the differing needs of college students to remain HIV-negative. Participants recommended that colleges address access to free HIV testing, increase information dissemination regarding HIV risk and HIV testing services, and continue research that explores college students' lived experiences (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2024, Educational Administration

The United States still faces difficulties with its teacher shortage and consistently depends on international educators for assistance. The Philippines played a vital role in providing American educators. Regrettably, this method resulted in unexpected problems. Unfamiliarity with American society hindered Filipino immigrant teachers. As a result of this lack of knowledge, further problems emerged. There is a lack of resources to support immigrant teachers in the U.S. classrooms, issues with credentialing, misconceptions about how immigrant teachers' teaching methods affect student achievements, and recommendations for policies that could assist Filipino immigrant teachers. These issues demonstrate that U.S. school systems are not adequately prepared to assist Filipino immigrant teachers in enhancing their cultural competence and developing their teaching skills to fit into U.S. schools' systems and American society. This study's results were highly significant for improving the onboarding and support systems for immigrant teachers within the U.S. educational system. Denzin's concept of interpretive interactionism focuses on highlighting the many interpretations of personal experiences. This methodology is well-suited for the study as it emphasizes on individuals' subjective experiences, meanings, and interpretations within their social environments. The study revealed that Filipino immigrant teachers underwent culture shock. The research discovered that U.S. schools were not adequately prepared for immigrants, leading to difficulties faced by Filipino immigrant teachers. Cultivating cultural knowledge can enhance communication, promote inclusivity, and support diversity in educational institutions. Utilizing a critical pedagogy framework can stimulate additional scholarly inquiries. By acknowledging and appreciating the viewpoints of Filipino immigrant teachers, who have not received much recognition for their achievements, substantial progress is being made in cr (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Great and Lesser Prairie-Chickens are part of the genus Tympanuchus, who are known for their rapid foot-stomping behavior that creates a non-vocal drumming noise and their bright bare-part ornaments with ultraviolet reflectance. Both of these non-vocal components are prominent during their courtship displays along with other morphology and vocal traits. Females and other males may use multiple male signals from their display to assess multiple components of the male quality for mate choice and competition purposes. The central theme of this work is to investigate two non-vocal signals under the mechanisms of sexual selection intersexual mate choice and intrasexual competition. Signals are usually only considered under one of the mechanisms, typically intersexual mate choice or their impacts on social behavior has not been considered under any context. In Chapter 2, we investigated if foot-stomping could be integral in the communication of both the Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chicken, by using high-speed video cameras and recorders. We found that foot-stomping rate and duration increased with females' presences and only foot-stomping rate differ between the two species with Greater Prairie-Chickens having a higher rate than Lesser Prairie-Chickens. Since we used high-speed videos, we were able to collect simple kinematic measurements and found that both species are lifting their feet up higher when stomping when females are present. Since there was a difference in foot-stomping features when females were present/absent, in chapter 3 we investigated whether foot-stomping would increase the likelihood of a male to successfully mate, by using discrete choice modeling in Lesser Prairie-Chickens only. We added foot-stomping traits (rate and duration) with other behavioral, morphological, territorial, and color variables to run the discrete choice model. We found males increased their likelihood of successfully mating if they had a larger comb, increased aggressive behavior (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2024, Management

This dissertation investigates how managers assess ambiguous emerging exposures which lie at the intersection of measurable risk and unmeasurable uncertainty. The problem is important because it has implications for organizational resilience and the efficiency and effectiveness of the risk management function. Study 1, a qualitative interview-based exploration, suggests that risk managers assessing emerging risks in the insurance industry may not evaluate front-line business managers as critically as the “Three Lines” risk governance model recommends they should. The data indicate four potential reasons for the seeming reluctance: (1) the effect of framing emerging risks as opportunities; (2) shared social identity among risk managers and business unit managers; (3) preferences for measuring ambiguous risks qualitatively instead of quantitatively; and (4) the time horizon within which a risk is expected to materialize. Study 2, an experiment with 115 financial professionals, examines two of these reasons: shared social identity and risk framing. It finds that risk managers who identify more strongly with the business units they assess tend to be less objective and that positively framed risks are evaluated less critically. Study 3, an experiment with 193 risk managers, investigates the remaining two reasons—risk quantification and time horizon—and the influence of a risk manager's numerical ability. The study tests how these factors affect the assessment of ambiguous risks indirectly through subjective processing fluency and perceived reliability of risk information. Results show significant indirect effects of information presentation format on willingness to challenge risk information, moderated by time horizon and numeracy. Specifically, controlling for numeracy, risk managers who are considering the distant future along with a quantitative presentation experience greater difficulty processing the risk information, which they then perceive as less reli (open full item for complete abstract)

MA, Kent State University, 2024, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences

Studies consistently show that strong caregiver-child relationships, positive parent-child communication, and parental monitoring reduce the likelihood of tobacco use. However, the specific protective mechanism through which this critical family processes for example, parental communication (father-child and mother-child dyad), and parental monitoring within caregiver-child relationships and how they affect teen tobacco use, with particular attention given to gender-specific differences is limited. Guided by family systems theory, this study examined how caregiver-child relationships, parental monitoring, and parent-child communication interplay influence the tobacco use of teenagers. This study used data from the year 15 follow-up from the Future of Family and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) to assess the mediation role of parental monitoring and parent-child communication (Father-child and mother-child dyad) on the relationship between the caregiver-child relationship and teen tobacco use. Lastly, I examined the gender-specific difference in the impact of father-child and mother-child communication on teen tobacco use. The results indicated that caregiver-child relationships were found to predict teen tobacco use. Also, parental monitoring was found to mediate the relationship between caregiver-child relationship and teen tobacco use. On the contrary, parent-child communication was not found to mediate the relationship between caregiver-child relationships and teen tobacco use. However, variation existed in the gender-specific difference in the effect of father-child and mother-child communication in influencing teen tobacco use. Mother-child communication appears to have a more significant effect compared to father-child communication. These results provide evidence in support of prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing teen tobacco use and promoting positive caregiver-child relationships.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Educational Studies

Suicide is a growing concern in the United States and around the world. Approximately 50,000 people die by suicide each year and more than 15 million additional people struggle with thoughts of suicide in the U.S. As a result, there are very few people who have not been affected by suicide. Much of the work that has been performed around suicide places a focus on awareness and interventions, which is necessary for understanding the issue and critical in directing people to help. In recent years, the increases in suicide have been met with increases in social awareness. There is one obvious gap, which has been a lack of implemented solutions. Unfortunately, little has been done to provide actual treatment models that have proven effective. This study explored the work conducted at an outpatient treatment center utilizing a novel treatment model specifically developed for individuals actively struggling with thoughts of suicide. This model merges two evidence-based models with over 50 randomized controlled trials between them to bring both access and treatment to the public. The sample included 58 participants with a mean age of 20 years and which was 57% female and 43% male. Importantly, 31% of those in the study had no prior history of mental health diagnosis. The study found that the treatment was effective in reducing suicidality scores in the sample from pre-treatment scores to post-treatment scores, with a very large effect size [t(57) = 8.1, p < .001, d = 1.02]. There were also a significant decreases in scores on hopelessness [t(56) = 9.875, p < .001, d = 1.630], psychological pain [ t(57) = 9.768, p<.001, d = 1.294], stress [t(57) = 9.560, p < .001, d = 1.266], and self-hate [t(57) = 8.118, p < .001, d = 1.075], all with large effect sizes. The treatment and dosage data shows that the participants were able to appropriately address the issue of suicide and achieve resolution in an average of 7.52 sessions over an average of 5.6 weeks, with a 93% succe (open full item for complete abstract)

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)

PHD, Kent State University, 2025, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences

Introduction: Over 80% of patients with Chiari Malformation (CM: a chronic health condition characterized by brain and spinal malformations and displacements) struggle with moderate to severe disability due to neck pain and headaches. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been shown to be efficacious in addressing chronic pain when administered as a self-guided online intervention. However, it is unclear if adjunctive weekly phone coaching is necessary for retention, satisfaction, engagement, and treatment efficacy. Method: This study randomized 112 participants with CM to ACT+ Coaching, ACT-Only, or a waitlist control group. Participants completed a baseline survey, nine weekly assessments, eight weeks of online intervention modules, and a one- and three-month follow-up survey. Primary outcomes were psychological flexibility (PF) and chronic pain acceptance; secondary outcomes included pain intensity, pain interference, depression, and anxiety. Treatment groups were also compared on treatment retention, satisfaction, and engagement with the online intervention. Results: Participants were mostly female (92%), averaged 43 years old, and primarily had CM type 1 (91%). There were no differences between the ACT+ Coaching and ACT-Only groups on PF, chronic pain acceptance, pain interference, or anxiety. There were very small differences between the treatment groups on depression and ratings of pain intensity. Compared to the waitlist control, both the ACT+ Coaching and ACT-Only groups had significant improvement in activity engagement subscale and anxiety scores. Compared to the control group, the ACT+ Coaching group had significant improvement in PF and chronic pain acceptance while the difference between controls and the ACT-Only group was approaching significance. While participants in the coaching group reported that coaching sessions were helpful and important to the intervention, there were no significant differences in intervention satisfaction between (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2024, Educational Administration

Minorities working at predominantly white institutions (PWI) of higher education face many challenges. One critical challenge is feeling a sense of belonging (SoB) in their organization. In this qualitative study six members of ERG's at a large PWI in the Midwest were interviewed. Participants varied, in race, gender, age, and role at the University. Three themes emerged which were identity, belonging, and University support. The findings revealed that ERG membership does have a significant impact on the (SoB) for minority staff. The recommended action steps focus on the theme of University support in the forms of funding, access to information, acknowledgment of the voluntary efforts of staff, and informing new and existing staff of the existence of ERG's.

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2024, Educational Administration

The research undertaken was a qualitative grounded action research case study. The researcher had the opportunity to work as part of a team seeking to alleviate energy-burdened neighborhoods within a southeastern State. The team was formed from members of the city, county, the federal government, and local not-for-profit organizations. The research questions were twofold. First, what were the project team members' initial individual approaches to achieving the project's goals of clean energy, addressing energy burdens, and community resiliency? Second, how do the team members reach a consensus over time toward achieving the project's goals? As part of the consensus building, how much of a sense of community is developed amongst the members of the team? The theoretical framework that this research was performed under was a sense of community comprised of four elements: membership, influence, reinforcement, and shared emotional connection (McMillan & Chavis, 1986). A literature review was conducted to identify initial themes that were further developed through focus groups and interviews. Two focus groups were held that involved a total of three unique members of the team per focus group who were asked the same semi-structured questions. As a follow-up to the focus groups, four participants were asked to participate in one-on-one interviews to develop further data revealed by the focus groups. The resulting data was then coded, and themes were generated from the analysis. The three themes identified through the analysis involved the Bringing Energy Efficiency Home team members' knowledge (or lack thereof), perceptions, and their bonding and sense of community. Where knowledge leads to perception and the development of a sense of community within the team the recommended course of action identified by this research is the development and implementation of a public-facing website. The development and implementation of the website will lead to readily accessible i (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2024, Neurosciences

Spinal cord injuries, for which there are limited effective treatments, result in enduring paralysis and hypoesthesia due, in part, to the inhibitory microenvironment that develops and limits regeneration/sprouting, especially during chronic stages. Recently, we discovered that targeted enzymatic modulation of the inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) component of the extracellular and perineuronal net (PNN) matrix via Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) rapidly restores robust respiratory function to the previously paralyzed hemi-diaphragm after remarkably long times post-injury (up to 1.5 years) following a cervical level 2 lateral hemi-transection. Importantly, ChABC treatment at cervical level 4 in this chronic model also elicited improvements in gross upper arm function. In the present study, we sought to further optimize and elucidate the capacity for nerve sprouting and/or regeneration to restore crude as well as fine motor control of the forearm and digits at lengthy chronic stages post-injury. However, instead of using ChABC, we utilized a novel and more clinically relevant systemic combinatorial treatment strategy designed to both reduce and overcome inhibitory CSPGs simultaneously and spatially extensively. Following a three- xii month upper cervical spinal hemi-lesion using adult female Sprague Dawley rats, we show that the combined treatment had a profound effect on functional recovery of the chronically paralyzed forelimb and paw, specifically during walking as well as precision movements of the digits. The regenerative and immune system related events that we describe deepen our basic understanding of the crucial role of CSPG mediated inhibition via the PTPσ receptor in constraining functional synaptic plasticity at lengthy time-points following SCI, hopefully leading to clinically relevant translational benefits.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.), Franklin University, 2023, Health Programs

The purpose of this qualitative single site case study was to measure from the perspective of direct service professionals how well clients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are being socially included in the community. The research question pursued was the following: How does the Direct Service Professional's (DSP) measurement of successful inclusion in the community impact clients with IDD living in supportive living homes? A literature review of social inclusion and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities indicates the focus of studies has been on the family members who are a natural support to the clients. Limited research exists on the perspective or measurement of Direct Support Professionals who are closest to the clients in many cases and provide support and care. Primary data for this qualitative study was from semi–structured, open–ended interviews with 11 (DSPs) at a single site agency. The primary goal of this research is to determine from the lens of DSP staff if clients are being successfully socially included in the community.

Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, 2023, Biological Sciences

Agonistic interactions between individuals are influenced by a variety of complex factors both internal and external. Due to the complex nature of interactions, it can be difficult to determine the specific driving factors that influence the outcome of agonistic interactions. In many species, physical and chemical signals are utilized to deliver specific cues to potential opponents and mitigate interactions. In aquatic systems chemical signals are often used and designed to be carried by the flow of the water to deliver ranged information. This information can include status, sexual availability, aggression, and other important cues that may not be discernable in the water column through other channels. Crustaceans are a well-known group for modeling dominance hierarchies due to their overt demonstrations for dominance and repetition of agonistic behaviors over time. The goal of this research was to investigate the role that chemical cue reception plays in determining dominance in agonistic interactions in female crayfish. To accomplish this, we generated groups of individuals and grouped them by size, form, and species to receive either the control or ablation treatment. Chemosensory ablation removed the animal's ability to detect chemical signals with their antennules through an extensive lesioning process which lysed the cells on that sensory organ. We discovered that lesioning of the antennules resulted in changes in duration and level of escalation of agonistic interactions among the crayfish species tested. Additionally, the size of the crayfish was a contributing factor to the duration and intensity of the interaction. Lesioned crayfish of larger size spend longer at low intensity agonistic behavior, likely due to the loss of chemical information from lesioning.

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2023, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

This dissertation examined relationships between organizational, supervisory, and coworker relationships and burnout among substance use disorder clinicians in the United States of America. The study (n = 85) was conducted with a convenience sample of 85 substance use disorder clinicians. The online survey collected quantitative data and contained demographic questions, as well as four complete measures: the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS), Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS-26), the Coworker Relationship Scale (CRS), and the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS). Burnout in any profession may have detrimental effects on an individual. Therefore, it is essential to study interventions or procedures to mitigate burnout from occurring. This non-experimental, quantitative, correlational survey followed the conceptual framework and theories of: Maslach and Jackson's (1981b) three-dimensional burnout model; Winstanley's (2000) supervisee perspective of satisfaction with supervision model; Hain's (2005) quality coworker relationships model; and Leiter's job-fit congruence model (Leiter & Maslach, 1999). Results of the survey were analyzed using correlations and linear regression. Strong correlations were found between emotional exhaustion (using the MBI-HSS) and the predictor variables of the supervisory relationship (MCSS-26), coworker relationships (CRS), and work environment (AWS). Moreover, linear regression showed a strong correlation between the Community domain of the AWS and Emotional Exhaustion. Conclusions indicate a need for further study of the coworker and supervisory relationships in relation to Emotional Exhaustion and Burnout for substance use disorder clinicians and professionals. The knowledge to be gained by exploring these relationships to burnout directly translates to any work environment with coworkers and may foster more positive work environments with less burnout. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (open full item for complete abstract)

PHD, Kent State University, 2023, College of Arts and Sciences / School of Biomedical Sciences

Recent research shows that early-life stress (ELS) in gerbils affects neural function in the auditory pathway and is associated with poor neural and behavioral detection of a temporally-varying sound – specifically, detection of short gaps, a feature vital for understanding speech and vocalizations (Ter-Mikaelian et al., 2013; Ye et al., 2022). This dissertation evaluates the general hypothesis that ELS affects such aspects of sound perception that are important for basic auditory communication. Because auditory-related behavior can only be elucidated with awareness of top-down influences, the first step (i.e., Chapter 2) must be to characterize the ELS gerbil by assessing higher-level functions (those related to cognition, learning, memory, and anxiety). Only with this knowledge can behavioral responses to acoustic communication sounds be accurately interpreted for ELS animals. I ran the gerbils through a battery of behavioral tests that included multiple measures of locomotion, anxiety, memory, and learning. Chapter 3 explores the effects of ELS on the behavioral detection of amplitude modulations, an important auditory feature of speech and vocalizations. Perception of speech-related sounds like gap detection and amplitude modulations is vital for survival, cooperation, mediation, and reproduction in countless species. I tested gerbils with increasingly difficult signals to determine whether ELS changes temporal sensitivity. This aim also provided valuable information about learning differences in ELS animals.The findings presented in Chapter 3 evaluate the hypothesis that an ELS-induced deficit in gap detection (Ye et al., 2022) can be extrapolated to a deficit in another type of a temporally-varying sound: amplitude modulations (AM). The highly vocal Mongolian gerbil is a well-established model used to assess temporal processing via behavioral detection of amplitude modulations (AM) in sound. For this reason, I trained gerbils with operant conditioning to detec (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Sociology

Historically and in the present, immigration looms large in the American consciousness. Today, we find ourselves in a challenging moment, struggling with political polarization alongside key questions about the causes and consequences of immigration. In this contemporary context, I explore the views that Americans hold about immigration, which may in turn impact immigrant integration. I then explore how first, second, and third-generation immigrants experience national and transnational social ties with attention to their health impacts. Broadly speaking, my dissertation seeks to understand how proximity to the immigrant experience is an important marker of group change. Since a large number of Americans are immigrants or have parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents who are or were immigrants, understanding variability in the ideas or stereotypes that Americans hold with respect to contemporary immigration is crucial to understanding how today's immigrants will be incorporated into the fabric of American life. To that end, I collect and analyze original survey data through the American Population Panel (APP) to first examine variability by generation in how Americans view immigrants in today's climate (Chapter Two). I find that generation is an important predictor of views towards immigration, but generation matters less for how individuals perceive diversity. Next, I use the commentary associated with my original APP survey to understand the thought processes and ideas that respondents invoke when presenting their views of immigration (Chapter Three). I find that oftentimes respondents cannot separate immigration from illegality, with politics, nationalism, and mistrust combining to create archetypes that respondents superimpose on immigrants broadly. Last, I conduct interviews with first, second, and third-generation immigrants in order to characterize the social ties that immigrants hold, how these ties inform their experiences in both the U.S. and in t (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2023, Clinical Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Victims of child maltreatment have been shown to experience significant adverse outcomes including greater involvement with the criminal justice system and violent crime perpetration. However, the effects of child abuse and neglect victimization on parent risk for child maltreatment perpetration is lesser understood. Current research on the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment has failed to consistently identify risk factors that explain this phenomenon. The current investigation examined specific child maltreatment types as predictors of parent perpetration of child physical abuse, physical neglect, and multi-type maltreatment. Using a nationally representative dataset, the effect of childhood trauma type on parent perpetration of abuse and/or neglect was tested for 1,530 females. Additionally, parent age, child sex, and parent and child ADHD were included as risk factors of child abuse and neglect. Regression analyses revealed that history of child maltreatment by type significantly predicted parent perpetration of abuse and/or neglect. Those with histories of physical neglect and sexual abuse were at the greatest risk of perpetrating physical neglect. Further, physical abuse, physical neglect, and multi-type maltreatment were significantly associated with parent perpetration of multi-type maltreatment. Parent histories of multi-type maltreatment and physical abuse significantly predicted perpetration of physical abuse. Moreover, child sex was shown to moderate the association between multi-type maltreatment victimization and parent perpetration of multi-type maltreatment. Finally, parent age moderated the association between being a victim and perpetrator of physical neglect and being a victim and perpetrator of multi-type maltreatment. Parent age also moderated the association between parent physical neglect victimization and perpetration of multi-type maltreatment.