How Household Separation and Dispersion Affect the Well-being of Left-behind Parents in Rural China?

Evidence has shown that departure of adult children from households has profound, yet contradictory consequences for left-behind parents’ well-being. This study argues that dispersion, i.e. close or distant separation of households, is the key to understanding the divergent evidence for both positive and negative influence from separation. Drawing on longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2018), this study reveals that household separation improves parents’ financial conditions through increased monetary transfers but deteriorates mental health challenges, while physical health remains unaffected. Critically, the spatial dispersion of children shapes these outcomes. Parents with children residing in the same village experience stronger financial and physical health benefits compared to those with children farther away, while this loss of health benefit can be mitigated by regular contacts. The findings highlight families’ adaptive strategies to sustain intergenerational solidarity through spatially dispersed yet mutually supportive ties.Master of Arts (M.A.)2026-09-0

Strategic Planning into the Unknown Future

Many academic libraries have strategic plans and those that don’t often feel pressure to have one. Strategic plans are a tool for communicating priorities, values, and initiatives to library staff, college and university partners, leadership and external stakeholders, such as funders and prospective employees. The process, however, can take months and even years of library staff time and resources. Too often valuable time is taken developing, promoting and reviewing surveys. Outside consultants can stretch thin budgets. Strategic planning can create unrealistic expectations – what happens if external factors make some goals impossible to achieve? This presentation by an academic library director will outline time-saving ways to develop strategic plans that position the library as an essential element of a successful institution. Attendees will learn about alternative assessment methods, such as Appreciative Inquiry, that offer valuable information in hours. They will be able to utilize existing sources of quantitative and qualitative data rather than starting from scratch. They will be able to easily incorporate the skills and knowledge of existing team members ensuring that everyone can see themselves in the plan. They will leave with practical tips for creating a plan that is actionable, achievable and agile in uncertain times

Lightning Talks: Cross Collaboration to Promote OER Expansion

Oftentimes, faculty are engaged in OER development and generate excellent OER based materials for various courses. However, it may be difficult to share this knowledge and help promote OER initiatives at a university, especially for a multi-campus university. In this Lightning Talk, I review several initiatives at Penn State University which helps foster collaboration among faculty to promote OER expansion. These initiatives are especially helpful for new faculty or adjunct faculty who might be interested in OER but don’t know how to get started. The first initiative is a university-wide survey process to collect, collate and disseminate OER resources in use across a discipline on a course by course basis. The second initiative is the development and implementation of “master OER courses” that can be deployed, especially for STEM related courses, where a complete package of course materials, assessments and ancillaries are desirable as part of the course pedagogy

Risk factors associated with postpartum depression in immigrants in the U.S.: A systematic scoping review

Background Meta analysis has shown that immigrant women are twice as likely to display postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms than non-immigrant women yet, the reason behind this increased risk is unknown. This review sets out to synthesize existing research on PPD in immigrant women and illuminate gaps for future research. The research question guiding this review is: what are the factors that impact postpartum depression (PPD) risk among immigrant women in the U.S.? Methods APA PsychInfo was searched on 24 February 2025 for studies assessing the risk factors of PPD in immigrant women in the U.S at any time. Only primary, observational studies were included. Results were narratively synthesized, grouped by risk factor type and further divided by specific risk factor. Results Five studies were included, representing 506 participants. The mean age of participants ranged from 29-33.4 and the mean years living in the U.S. ranged from 5.56-10. All included studies focused on immigrant populations originating from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. All studies utilized validated PPD measurements. Two of five studies reported on acculturation; one reported that lower levels of acculturation related to higher levels of PPD symptoms, whereas the other found no significant correlation. Two of the five included studies reported on social support and all found that lower levels of social support were associated with higher levels of PPD symptoms, suggesting social support may be an important risk factor to consider. Two studies reported on family dynamic descriptors including marital relationship, in-law relationship, arranged marriage, and child’s gender. Only marital relationship scores had significant associations with PPD scores. Two studies reported on mother’s mental health and confidence. One study found antenatal anxiety, antenatal depression, life stress, and maternity blues all increase PPD symptoms; while the other study found that low maternal self-efficacy was related to higher PPD symptoms. Conclusion The literature examining risk factors for PPD in immigrant women living in the U.S. is minimal. Data suggests strong associations between low social support and increased PPD symptoms. More research should be conducted to assess the impact of acculturation of PPD, as results are conflicting. Finally, future research should be done in immigrant populations from various countries of origin as current research heavily focuses on Asian and Middle Eastern countries.Master of Public Health (MPH

Engaging Careholders in Regenerative Development: Aspirations and Concerns

The Colca Valley in Peru, known for its rich cultural, natural, and historical assets, is a significant tourism destination. This research explores regenerative tourism, a transformative framework that enhances ecological integrity, cultural heritage, and community well-being. Central to this approach is the co-creation process, integrating indigenous knowledge and systems thinking. The study introduces "careholders," community members with a moral and ethical responsibility for tourism development. The primary research question is: How do the people of the Colca Valley understand their tourism assets, and what are their aspirations for the future of tourism? The literature review highlights the dual impacts of tourism, emphasizing both benefits and challenges. It underscores the synergy between community-based tourism and participatory planning in advancing regenerative principles. Recent discussions emphasize engaging community members as essential for sustainable and regenerative tourism outcomes. This study aims to fill the gap in understanding local residents' perceptions of their tourism assets and aspirations. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the Colca Valley will be conducted. Thematic analysis will identify recurring patterns and insights. Expected findings include diverse understandings of tourism assets, aspirations for cultural preservation, economic equity, and ecological sustainability, and concerns about over-tourism and exclusion from decision-making processes. These insights will inform strategies for aligning tourism development in the Colca Valley with regenerative principles

Self-perceived middle-distance race pace is faster in advanced footwear technology spikes

Background: Quantifying the potential benefits of advanced footwear technology (AFT) track shoes (i.e., “spikes”) in middle-distance events is challenging, because repeated maximal effort trials (as in sprinting) or aerobic running economy trials (as in long-distance running) are not feasible. Methods: We introduce a novel approach to assess the benefits of AFT spikes, consisting of a series of 200-m runs at self-perceived middle-distance race pace with 10 min recovery, and conduct 4 experiments to evaluate its validity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and utility. Results: In Experiment 1, participants ran 1.2% slower in spikes with 200 g added mass vs. control spikes, which is exactly equal to the known effects of shoe mass on running performance. In Experiment 2, participants ran significantly faster in AFT prototype spikes vs. traditional spikes. In Experiment 3, we compared 2 other AFT prototype spikes against traditional spikes on 3 separate days. Group-level results were consistent across days, but our data indicates that at least 2 separate sessions are needed to evaluate individual responses. In Experiment 4, participants ran significantly faster in 2 AFT spike models vs. traditional spikes (2.1% and 1.6%). Speed was similar between a third AFT spike model and the traditional spikes. These speed results were mirrored by changes in step length as participants took significantly longer steps in the 2 faster AFT spike models (2.3% and 1.9%), while step length was similar between the other spikes. Conclusion: Our novel, interval-based approach is a valid and reliable method for quantifying differences between spikes at middle-distance running intensit

CBT-based Lifestyle Modification Education to Improve Hypertension Management for Spanish Speaking Patients at One Community Health Center

Hypertension affects Hispanic populations in the U.S., requiring culturally tailored interventions. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based lifestyle modification education and individualized hemodynamic monitoring program for Spanish-speaking patients at a community health center. The four-week intervention incorporated CBT principles, including SMART goal-setting to improve diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, and sleep hygiene. Seven participants enrolled, with five completing the program. Self-care outcomes were measured using the Self-Care of Hypertension Inventory (SCHI) and Self-Care Self-Efficacy (SCSE) surveys. Hemodynamic parameters were assessed using the NICaS Hemodynamic Navigator, a non-invasive bioimpedance device. Results showed a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure from 172 mmHg to 133 mmHg and total body water percentage from 64.8% to 51.1%, indicating improved cardiovascular function. The SCHI exhibited strong adherence to recommended self-care management behaviors across three domains: self-care maintenance (M = 80.00, SD = 9.50), self-care monitoring (M = 78.57, SD = 22.45), and self-care management (M = 75.00, SD = 13.18). The SCSE score (mean=86.00, SD = 13.76) suggested high confidence in managing hypertension. Participants feedback demonstrated they valued Spanish-language instruction and culturally relevant education, reporting reduced sodium intake, increased physical activity, and attempts at smoking cessation. While sleep improvement remained a challenge, CBT-based strategies supported behavioral change. Findings suggest integrating CBT-based education with SMART goal-setting and hemodynamic monitoring can enhance hypertension management. Future research should explore long-term adherence and clinical outcomes to validate this approach.Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP

A Body of Work

A Body of Work explores the convergence of conceptual inquiry, material philosophy, and ceramic practice through the creation of a body of work defined by the physicality of my own body. Entrenched in tenets of Material Engagement Theory, the Hylomorphic Model, and material affordances, A Body of Work examines the activation and emergence of agency in the dialogue between maker and material. Using my weight and volume as guiding constraints, the resulting collection of wheel-thrown bowls and primarily coil-built “belly pots” become both literal and conceptual reflections of embodied knowledge. This investigation positions clay as an active collaborator in the becoming of form rather than a passive recipient of a maker’s design, offering insight into the ways cognition extends through and is shaped by physical engagement. This paper anatomizes process documentation, personal narrative, and theoretical frameworks to articulate a ceramic practice that prioritizes receptivity, adaptability, and material attunement. In doing so, it contributes to ongoing conversations about the role of embodiment, materiality, and artistic agency in contemporary craft.Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.

Tears in a Bottle

The process of writing Tears in a Bottle has been both a labor of love and a struggle. I first began writing this story—a story of compounded trauma, grief, morality, and faith- during my first year in Exhaustion. I started writing this story because I was frustrated with the books I was reading, where characters deal with insurmountable traumas and still manage to come away with a happy ending. Sometimes, people don’t get a break from trauma. It builds and builds until the person has a breakthrough or a breakdown. That is Leah Young. The thing she wants most is withheld from her in a cruel way. She simultaneously believes God will give her the children she wants while also believing God is punishing her with the multiple miscarriages she’s experienced. The beginning of this story has undergone multiple iterations, primarily focused on a change in point of view. I was trying to find the best voice to establish a solid foundation for why Leah’s losses sent her into a complete mental breakdown and set the stage for her fight with God. I want to discuss the possibility of changing this to a first-person narrative. It’s the only other point of view I think would fit with this story, but I wonder if it’s too close. I did try using the third person, present tense, but it didn’t feel right for the story as I wrote it. I kept changing between the 1st and 3rd person, using the past tense. Admittedly, I spent most of the time—until this month—on the buildup. I chose to show Leah’s miscarriages through memory. She is the only character I have written that goes back into a clear memory. And I want the memories to end once Leah breaks down and attempts to fix God’s mistakes. I don’t think I have successfully done this yet. I still feel like the memories are taking up most of the story, and I would like to focus on this during the defense. Miscarriage is such a sensitive topic, and I am trying to be respectful and careful in my handling of it. How can I do that without it taking up most of the story? I know I need to edit down the first half, but I’m struggling with it. I’ve also added the idea of a garden to this last version. I’d also like to focus on this aspect because, in the next revision, I envision the garden building on the magical and spiritual aspects of it. I think I did well with introducing the garden, but I think it fell off halfway through the novel. The garden represents both life and death, as seen in Leah and the environment. When she first got the garden, it was dead or nearing death (the apple trees), and she took time and care to nurture it back to life. The spiritual and magical aspects are tied to her memorial garden. I’m trying to find a way to make that clear with her putting the fetuses of her children in the soil of that earth. I also want to illustrate how the garden withers when Leah’s faith withers. I don’t think I did that successfully, and I would like feedback on that. While writing this, I noticed something here that is nodding at generational traumas, focusing on the women in Leah’s life. I want them to be a focal point of the story, but I’m unsure how to incorporate them without detracting from the narrative. How do you read this? Do you have any ideas on how I can successfully write about the maternal women in Leah’s life? Should Caleb’s relationships with his paternal side also be showcased? My original idea for this story was to have Leah and Caleb have a loving and faithful relationship, but I needed a way for Leah to help the women commit suicide and not have Caleb around to find out what she’s doing. I am not satisfied with the aspect of the baby being born out of wedlock that I’ve written, and I would like to find a way to change it. I would also like to focus on Leah’s faith in this story. Does it seem like she loves God before she breaks down? Or a better question: does her faith seem genuine or superficial? I’m trying to show her dedication to her religion, but I’m unsure how that’s coming off. It must be obvious to make her re-engagement with God as his adversary believable. When you read this, you will notice that the first half is more polished than the latter. When we get to Leah and helping others with suicide, it is not as built out as the first part. I found the beginning the most difficult because it’s almost the most essential part. I needed to get into Leah's psyche. But I still focused too much on this. I want feedback on what parts aren’t necessary for you, knowing that the heart of the story is Leah’s mental decline into becoming an adversary of God and the Angel of Death for mothers like her. I’m wondering if I should begin the novel at this point and weave Leah’s memories of her miscarriages throughout her interactions with the women she’s chatting with and “helping.” I would also like feedback on Caleb. What do you think of him? How is his character working or not working for the story? Does he need scenes with his parents? Is the case he’s working on taking over the story? What can I do better with the subplot and Caleb’s character? Finally, thanks for reading this. I welcome any feedback you may have that I haven’t addressed in this abstract. I’ve chosen you all as my committee because I’ve had classes with you and respect your opinions and knowledge in the area I am writing about. Please feel free to focus on the aspects of this story that matter most to you.REAL Fellowship Delaney FellowshipMaster of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)2030-05-1

Investigating how Caulobacter ClpXP Protease Adaptor PopA Interacts with RcdA and cyclic di-GMP in Order to Deliver CtrA for Degradation

Cell cycle dependent proteolysis is an extremely important process for cell viability and homeostasis. A great example of this is the ClpXP protease in Caulobacter crescentus which is responsible for maintaining quality control and timely degradation of substrates to drive cell cycle progression. ClpXP utilizes three different adaptor proteins to achieve selective degradation. This thesis will focus on the last two adaptors in this hierarchy, RcdA and PopA. Aiming to uncover the binding interface between RcdA and PopA along with understanding the full mechanism of how their interaction facilitates CtrA degradation. In the presence of cyclic di- GMP when RcdA binds to PopA it allows for delivery of CtrA, a master regulator in Caulobacter crescentus for degradation via the ClpXP protease. This thesis will also give insight into the role that cyclic di-GMP is playing in delivering CtrA for degradation. The remainder of this thesis will present the data that was collected investigating these projects.Master of Science (M.S.)2026-05-1