Blending Lines: Interactive Experiences with Arab Culture

This thesis examines the integration of Islamic geometric patterns and traditional Kufic calligraphy into contemporary interactive design. The work highlights the historical and cultural significance of Islamic geometric patterns as a cornerstone of Arab identity while exploring the intellectual and spiritual depth embodied by traditional Kufic calligraphy. By bridging Arab cultural heritage with modern design practices, the work seeks to foster audience engagement and increase awareness of this rich culture and history. Designed to engage diverse audiences with Arab culture through traditional and contemporary approaches, the thesis culminates in an immersive experience that blends physical and digital installations. The physical installations are comprised of three hand-crafted wooden geometric motifs integrated with Kufic calligraphy written by macrame cords. The wood and cotton cords demonstrate the Arab appreciation of natural materials, as nature has been the primary source of inspiration in the Arab world. The digital installations complement this by using projection, light, and patterns to display large-scale graphics on an adjacent wall. With ultrasonic sensors and a Raspberry Pi, the installation creates an interactive experience where digital projections respond to visitors' movements through the space by shifting colors and patterns. This interaction is crucial; as learning evolves through participation and reinterpretation, this exhibition aims to engage people similarly. Through this research, the thesis underscores the power of design as a medium for education and cultural connection, mainly as it generates connections between tradition and innovation

A NOVEL ANTIVIRAL THERAPEUTIC PLATFORM: ANCHORING IFN-β TO THE SURFACE OF INFECTIOUS VIRIONS EQUIPS INTERFERON-EVASIVE VIRIONS WITH POTENT ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY

Emerging viruses with the potential to cause epidemics and pandemics pose a severe threat to human health. Herein, we introduce a novel fusion protein platform that enables therapeutic targeting of distinct viral species based on host receptor specificity. Proof-of-concept studies focused on the human coronavirus NL63, which shares specificity for the ACE2 host receptor with the pandemic SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 species. This antiviral fusion protein combines IFN-β with the soluble extracellular domain of ACE2 (IFNβ-ACE2). The physical linkage allows ACE2 to target IFN-β to the surface of NL63. The fusion protein is thereby designed to decorate virions with a surface array of IFN-β such that robust IFN-β signaling and upregulation of antiviral innate defenses invariably precede subsequent cellular infection. Both domains retained the predicted bioactivities in that the IFN-β domain exhibited potent anti-proliferative activity and the ACE2 domain exhibited full binding to the transmembrane SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. In virus-washed (virus-targeted) and non-washed in vitro infection systems, we showed that the pool of IFNβ-ACE2 targeted to the virion surface had potent and superior antiviral activity against NL63 infection compared to soluble ACE2, IFN-β, or the unlinked combination of ACE2 and IFN-β. The pool of IFNβ-ACE2 on the virion surface exhibited robust antiviral efficacy based on the preemptive targeting of antiviral IFN-β activity to the proximal site of viral infection. In conclusion, virus-targeted IFN-β places interferon optimally and antecedent to viral infection to constitute a new antiviral therapeutic strategy. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for new antiviral strategies to counter emerging pathogenic viruses. According to a recent study, there is a 38% probability of experiencing a similar pandemic in an individual’s lifetime, and this number may double in the next few decades. Our best chance of combating new outbreaks and pandemics is by being proactive rather than reactive. With continuous antiviral development, we can quickly eliminate and potentially obviate emerging problematic viruses. This platform can be re-engineered to target various viral species by altering the receptor domain. Additionally, the IFN-β domain can be modified to a different effector protein (e.g. IFN-α) with superior activity against the targeted virus

More than a phase: The impact of sexual orientation, age, and prescriptive stereotype violation on coworker perceptions

As LGBTQIA+ (people attracted to same-sex persons or possess diverse sexual orientations and gender identities) employees gain visible workplace representation, more research is needed to explore how workplace relationships change when employees are open about their sexual orientation (Alvarado et al., 2023). Based on expectancy violation theory (Burgoon, 1978), prejudice may be attached to those without traditional sexual orientations at work because of violated expectations from other employees that do not match the view of a “stereotypical worker”. Despite rising acceptance of LGBTQIA+ identities (Early et al., 2020), workers may still face backlash and understanding this backlash is imperative to fostering inclusive workplaces. Prescriptive stereotype theory suggests that workers engaging unexpected behaviors based on their social identities, may receive negative reactions towards their character (seeing them as less competence and less warm), which may subsequently lead their coworkers to ostracize them. Replicating and extending Hanrahan et al. (2023) and evaluating a new outcome of ostracism and avoidance behaviors (Liu, 2019) on 487 full-time employees, this study found that older, gay workers had more violation ratings compared to other groups, along with higher rates of ostracism and avoidance behaviors by participants. Violators of age identity prescriptive stereotypes were also seen as less warm regardless of age, but on its own older age groups were seen to be more violating than younger age groups. These results help address interventions and further understanding of how to address needs of older LGBTQIA+ workers

Survey of Nutrition Education Requirements for CCNE Accredited Baccalaureate Nursing Programs

The present survey investigated the nutrition course requirements of CCNE-accredited baccalaureate programs within the United States regarding their placement in the curriculum as a prerequisite course, curriculum course, both, or neither based upon course title. The public webpages of select CCNE-accredited baccalaureate nursing programs (n=146) in nine randomly identified states were surveyed regarding their plan of study and the inclusion of a nutrition course. Schools were also evaluated on inclusion of requirements based upon institution type. Most schools had only a designated nutrition course as a prerequisite in their plan of study. Furthermore, diversity in program requirements was consistent throughout program types

Examining Parasite Diversity as an Indicator of Ecosystem Restoration Success

In oceans across the world, oyster reefs, ecosystems generated by a foundational species of mollusks, are an essential source of habitat where fauna such as fishes, birds, and crustacea depend both indirectly and directly on the organism’s habitat, food availability, and nursery capabilities for their offspring. Due to primarily anthropogenic effects, the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), found from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico, has been severely declining in numbers, resulting in impacts being felt across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Because of their foundational role in providing habitat and protection for so many other species spanning multiple different taxa, the loss of these oyster reefs can have a ripple effect through communities. To accurately examine ecosystem health and biodiversity in oyster reef communities, researchers are now exploring an array of sampling schemes. One of these methods gaining in recognition is analyzing parasitic prevalence and diversity as a signal of ecosystem health post-restoration. In previous investigations, scientists have used parasites to examine predator and prey relationships, environmental issues, and coevolution. My study examined the abundance and diversity of crab hosts and the prevalence and diversity of parasites over time to determine whether there were changes in these biodiversity metrics post-restoration. Specifically, I investigated crab species that have been identified as known hosts for taxa-spanning endoparasites, including the Atlantic mud crab Panopeus herbstii, the white-fingered mud crab Rhithropanopeus harisii, the black-fingered mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi, the depressed mud crab Eurypanopeus depressus, and the stone crab Menippe mercenaria. These crabs were collected along Taylor’s Creek at Carrot Island, which is part of the Rachel Carson Reserve near Beaufort, NC. Oyster restoration occurred in late spring 2020, and host-parasite sampling began monthly in October 2020 until October 2021, as part of an ECU master’s thesis, and then continued seasonally through Spring 2024. After collection, crabs were examined in the lab at ECU: crab hosts were identified to species level and then dissected to measure parasite diversity using standard techniques. This project holds significance because global biodiversity is currently facing an unparalleled threat, and with species already reduced to a fragment of the abundance they once were, these ecosystems could be nearing a point of no return without restoring vital habitats like oyster reefs. My data will prove valuable to the scientific community because it can serve as a model for how parasite data can be informative of community biodiversity changes post-restoration, which can be applied in other systems outside of oyster reefs and estuarine environments. From my research, I have acquired an understanding that parasitic abundance can be efficient and accurate when used as another metric for surveying for community biodiversity in ecosystems. There are many challenges and limitations to evaluating community biodiversity and ecosystem health after a restoration attempt has been made; so, having a novel solution like using a highly quantifiable and investigable method of biodiversity surveying (such as parasite surveys from abundant hosts) would allow for results with stronger confidence and evidentiary support

Tbx1 ortholog org1 mediates identity and assembly in the Drosophila testis stem cell niche

Stem cells require signals from a cellular microenvironment known as the niche that regulates identity, location, and division of stem cells. Niche cell identity must be properly specified during development to form a tissue capable of functioning in the adult. Here, we show that the Tbx1 ortholog org1 is expressed in Drosophila testis niche cells in response to Slit and FGF signals. org1 is expressed during niche development and is required to specify niche cell identity. org1 mutants specified fewer niche cells, and those cells showed disruption of niche-specific markers, including loss of the niche adhesion protein Fas3 and reduced hedgehog expression. We found that org1 expression in somatic gonadal precursors is capable of inducing formation of additional niche cells. Disrupted niche identity in org1 mutants resulted in niche assembly and functionality defects. We find the conserved transcription factor islet is expressed in response to org1 and show that islet functions downstream to mediate niche identity and assembly. This work identifies a novel role for org1 in niche establishment

The Impact of a Positive Learning Environment in Elementary Education

As both a teaching student and a creative endeavor pursuant, I believe that stories shape the way we understand the world, as well as the classroom. Belong began as a Signature Honors Project with the intention of showcasing the emotional and academic transformation a child experiences when welcomed into a positive learning environment. Based around my experiences as an education major and intern, I envisioned a story that would reflect what it feels like to be the new kid: nervous, overwhelmed, and unsure of one’s place. But as the child in the story is loved, supported, and invited into community, the world around her becomes brighter, both literally and figuratively. This book uses the metaphor of color to explore belonging, and in doing so, hopes to inspire educators to reflect on the environments they create for their students

Faculty Retention and Resilience for Nurse Educators

NANurse educators experience high levels of stress and burnout, contributing to poor retention and threatening the quality of nursing education. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project implemented a 12-week resilience-building intervention that included mindfulness meditation, breathwork, and yoga for nurse educators at a public university in the southeastern United States. The RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework guided the project and evaluated changes in resilience, burnout, and job satisfaction using validated instruments. Results indicated that integrated mind-body interventions could reduce burnout and enhance resilience and job satisfaction among nurse educators. The project aligns with Healthy People 2030 and the Quadruple Aim, supporting educator well-being and advancing the sustainability of nursing education programs.College of Nursing, East Carolina UniversityD.N.P

Empowering Families Through Online Access: A Digital Toolkit for Adolescent Substance Use Support

Adolescent substance use disorder (SUD) is a critical public health concern, often resulting in long-term cognitive, emotional, and social consequences. Families navigating adolescent SUD face significant barriers, including limited access to comprehensive, accessible, and stigma-free resources. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to address this gap by designing and implementing a community-specific, evidence-informed website toolkit for families in Carteret County, North Carolina. Guided by the PRECEDE-PROCEED model and King’s Theory of Goal Attainment, the project engaged interdisciplinary partners to develop a digital platform offering crisis intervention contacts, legal and therapeutic support links, educational materials, and peer-guided strategies. Outcome measures included quantitative engagement tracked via Google Analytics and qualitative feedback collected through online surveys. Although engagement rates partially met initial targets, analytics revealed sustained user interest, high interaction with critical resource pages, and positive qualitative feedback. Identified barriers included limited survey participation and initial site visibility, informing future enhancements. This project demonstrates how nurse-led digital interventions can bridge service gaps, align with national health objectives, and offer scalable models adaptable to other rural and underserved communities. By leveraging technology and interdisciplinary collaboration, the resource toolkit empowered families with accessible tools to support adolescent recovery and familial resilience.D.N.P

Integrating Trauma-Informed Care Post-ACE Screening in School Settings

Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is strongly associated with negative academic, behavioral, and health outcomes in school-aged children. This quality improvement project assessed the feasibility of integrating ACE screening into a school-based support model by training student support staff from a nonprofit organization in trauma-informed care.D.N.P