Honors College
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Item Restricted The Effects of Power Settings and Liquid Flavors on the Gravimetric Filter Correction Factors and Real-Time Measurements(2024-04-17) Piner, Emma Grace; Perez, GabrielaPM2.5 or fine particulate matter are particles that are 2.5 µm in size or smaller that are produced by electronic cigarettes (ECIGs). These particles can travel in deep parts of the lungs. The popularity has increased among young adults and teens making users and people around them more exposed to these particles. There is very limited research on looking at the second-hand exposure ECIGS produce. This study is being conducted to gain a better understanding of PM2.5 exposure effects by conducting measurements using real-time aerosol instruments that can quantify the exposure and capture the vaping behavior. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of three factors on these filter correction factors, including frequency of inhalation, flavorants, and ECIG device power. The ECIG device that will be used is the SMOK Novo X, which allows users to change the flavorant and power. Secondhand PM2.5 exposure will be generated inside a controlled laboratory chamber using a diaphragm pump and a timer to simulate user secondhand vaping. The variability in PM2.5 measurements and the filter correction values will be compared between these devices. Each experiment will be repeated three times for statistical significance, and a total of 60 experiments will be conducted to capture the inner variability between these factors. This study found within the real-time mass concentration that the mass concentration increased as the wattage went up and flavorant had no effect. The filter correction factors found that the pDR can perform better than the SMPS+APS due to these machines volatilizing the aerosol in the gas phase. The aerosol size distribution proved that the increase in wattages also led to a higher concentration of aerosol particles. This is a very big public health concern, and this study proves that ECIG aerosol particles increase in size as wattage increases which can cause harmful secondhand exposure effects.Item Open Access UTILIZING THE HEALTH BELIEF MODEL TO OPTIMIZE PATIENT EDUCATION WITHIN FSPRx(2024-05-02) Siddiqi, Imaan AsimPurpose of Study The purpose of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of HBM guided education on the health behaviors of individuals diagnosed with diabetes in rural North Carolina. Specifically, there will be a focus on enhancing the current set of survey questions in order to make it all inclusive and comprehensive to further highlight aspects of the HBM. By doing this, the changes in perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers (along with self efficacy and cues to action) can be accurately recorded. Methodology With the start of FSPRx’s nutrition program, there will be administration of the curated surveys. These survey results will be collected and recorded in order to note the initial status of participant’s health behavior/mindset. Following the conclusion of the necessary sessions, the same surveys will be utilized in order to record changes in said health behavior. The optimal result will be a significant increase in perception of all aspects of the HBM. Results The FSPRx’s nutrition/chronic disease portion will not be held until spring. As such, there is no definitive data to discuss or specific conclusions to draw at this time. The anticipated results will be gathered as a product of comparison between the surveys administered before and after this section of the program.Item Restricted The Effects Pediatric Simulation have on the Confidence and Physiological Processes of Accelerated BSN Students(2024-05-23) Houser, RileyIntroduction: Simulation allows nursing students the opportunity to experience clinical scenarios in a controlled setting where mistakes do not harm a real-life patient. Confidence is crucial for nurses as it helps them provide competent care, fostering a sense of trust. Therefore, it is important to measure how effectively simulations build confidence in nursing students. Simulations may be designed to expose students to stressful clinical scenarios and equip them for difficult situations in their nursing careers. However, stress levels during simulation should not reach levels that disrupt learning and prevent confidence building. This study aims to evaluate the confidence and physiological changes simulation has on East Carolina University Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students (ECU ABSN). Method: Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered during a 2-hour pediatric simulation. The sample contained 21 ECU ABSN students. The study assessed the student’s physiological indications of stress such as heart rate and oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter probe provided by the ECU College of Nursing. Time points for assessment were pre-lecture, pre- and post-simulation, and at the conclusion of the activity. Changes in confidence related to the simulation were evaluated using a pretest and posttest question survey. Results: At baseline, the student's average heart rate was 83.19. Immediately, prior to beginning the simulation, there was an increase in heart rate to 87.05. Following the completion of the simulation, there was an increase in the heart rate to 94.19. During the debriefing period, there was a decrease in heart rate to 89.19. At baseline, the student's average pulse oxygenation saturation was 99.14. Directly before the simulation began, their average pulse oxygenation saturation decreased to 98.71. Immediately after the completion of the simulation, there was a slight increase to 98.76. During the debriefing period, the average pulse oxygenation saturation decreased to 98.62. Sixteen (n=16) students had an increase in confidence and 5 (n=5) students had a decrease in confidence after completing the simulation. Conclusion: Confidence is important within the field of nursing, but further research is needed to determine whether students’ confidence is enhanced by simulation. Understanding how simulation influenced these ABSN students will allow further development and revision to ensure future students get the full benefits from pediatric simulation.Item Restricted Understanding the Role of Presidential Approval on Voter Turnout and the Understanding the Patterned Coalition that Exist in Uneducated White Individuals(2024-05-23) Eveleth, William P; Surles, Jackson Fisher; Williamson, Phillip RUnderstanding why individuals vote at the rates they do, along with understanding which parties these voters will ultimately decide to cast their vote for has been a long discussion in political research. This study looks to understand and test whether presidential approval ratings have a direct correlation with increasing voter turnout throughout Presidential Elections. The study has results that provide a direct answer to that proposed correlation. Another question this study seeks to understand is what political ideology white individuals who have not obtained a high school diploma vote for and what leads to that decision. This study uses data from the American National Election Studies that dates to the 1964 Presidential Election that conducts a regression model that allows readers to understand the correlation between white uneducated individuals and which party they ultimately vote for in Presidential Elections.Item Restricted Effects of Commercial Grade E-Cigarette Liquid Ratios and Nicotine content on the Gravimetric Filter Correction Factors and Real-Time Measurements(2024-05-02) Tart, Amelia G; Walker, DanielElectronic cigarettes (ECIGs) generate high concentrations of particulate matter (PM). ECIG’s are a threat to public health as the PM affects the air quality that is inhaled through second hand exposure by humans. ECIG liquids are available to be purchased commercially with varying concentrations of chemical ingredients, including nicotine, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). The PM concentrations in ECIG aerosol generated from these liquids containing the different PG/VG ratios have been quantified in previous studies. However, it is important to determine the effects of these ratios and nicotine concentration on the filter correction factors by the aerosol instruments needed to accurately measure PM concentrations. The effects of these ratios combined with nicotine on the filter correction factors has not been assessed. ECIG aerosol filter correction factors for the aerosol instruments (SMPS + APS, pDR), were determined for five different PG/VG ratios 1) 0PG/100VG, 2) 30 PG/70 VG, 3) 50 PG/50 VG, 4) 70 PG/30 VG, 5) 80 PG/20 VG with four different nicotine strengths (0mg, 9 mg, 24 mg, 48 mg) and one PM size, PM2.5 (2.5 um and smaller). The ECIG aerosols were generated using a diaphragm pump and a refillable ECIG device for all ratios inside of a controlled exposure chamber. The aerosol size distribution and mass median diameter were measured for all five ECIG ratios and nicotine strengths. The data collected after 20 trials did not exhibit previously determined patterns of PG and VG distribution. Therefore, the filter correction factors determined cannot be deemed reliable. It was determined that the commercial grade products employed in the experiment were not the true ratios as they were labelled. The products will be tested for chemical composure for further evaluation. This study suggests that there is a larger public health concern in that manufactures are likely mislabeling their products.Item Open Access A Review of Parental Bereavement Interventions: Implications for Clinical Practice, Research, and Policy(2024-05-23) Floyd, Abigail Joan; Ramkumar, RheaThe untimely death of a child is an incredibly traumatic experience for parents and their loved ones. It uproots every aspect of their life, leading the bereaved parents to be far more likely to have poorer physical and mental health outcomes. This traumatic form of bereavement should have comprehensive grief-focused, high-quality interventions available for parents and extended family members. The purpose of this rapid review was to explore and describe the bereavement interventions available for parents and family that have been published within the past 5 years. Records identified 123 full-text articles that were reviewed, and 14 of those were included for data extraction and synthesis, using Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group with the addition of keyword searches. The 14 articles were analyzed by evaluating description of bereaved parents, accessibility of interventions, who delivered interventions, and the type and delivery time of interventions. Four types of interventions were identified, including Web-based, community-based, hospital-based, and psychotherapy interventions. This rapid review has implications for clinical practice, research, and health care policy that can increase the availability of support and quality of interventions for bereaved parents and family members.Item Restricted Walking into Wellness(2024-05-23) Cabrera-Perez, Ana; Martinez, Bianca Michelle; Reavis, Gracie RayeRecent attention has been focused on the mental health of college students in the U.S. Studies have shown that the decline of mental health across the United States for college students has been constant over the past 8 years resulting in a 135% increase in depression and 110% increase anxiety (Maio et al., 2022). The broad spectrum of mental health addresses and incorporates mindfulness, brain health, decompression, well-being, and community. Roughly 36 percent of US college students have major or moderate depression which contributes to their overall health and wellness (Pedrelli et al., 2015). In the 2022-23 school year alone, almost 15 lives have been lost between four North Carolina schools (ASU, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, and NC State). These numbers do not reflect an adequate level of wellness at the universities in North Carolina. Over 71% of college students indicated that they experienced increased stress and anxiety due to COVID-19. Their stress stemmed from worries about their own health and the health of their loved ones, irregular sleeping habits, decreased socialization, difficulty concentrating, and concerns about their academic performance (Son et al., 2020). Student wellness is an important factor in a student’s life, which contributes to their success. We associate well-being with mindfulness, fulfillment, having control in our lives, maintaining good physical health, and involving ourselves with engaging relationships. To practice wellness, we must become aware of present events, approach these situations calmly, and accept our feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. We recently conducted a survey that briefly investigated the overall wellness of honors college students at ECU. Respondents indicated that they are mostly sleeping well at night and feel a sense of community. However, close to 40% of students in the Honors College have thought about dropping out of school, and over a quarter of students reported that school negatively affects their lives. To address these concerns, we have created a series of wellness workshops and events that address various elements of health and wellness, focused specifically on enhancing students' knowledge of mental health coping strategies. Participants are self-assessed prior to participation and at the close of these sessions to determine the impact and efficacy of this programming. We hope to create communities of wellness across campus, and this work is toward that end.Item Restricted Comparison of Heat Stress Risk Within Crops Rows to Perimeter in Sweet Corn and Tobacco Fields(2024-04-17) Edwards, Ryan Michael; Lanier, Noel MarieIntroduction- Agricultural work is one of the highest risk US occupations for heat-related illness (HRIs). Farm and crop workers, who commonly perform strenuous labor under direct sunlight, were 35 times more likely to die from HRIs than workers in other industries. Some tall-growing crops can block the cooling effects of wind or contribute to environmental humidity, yet few studies have included measurements of farmworker microclimates (environments directly surrounding workers). The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in heat stress within crops rows compared to the field perimeter. Methods- In the summer of 2023, two QUESTemp°34 heat stress monitors were set up daily from 8AM to 5PM in crops fields in Bertie and Columbus counties, in the warmest region of North Carolina. Two crops were selected, sweet corn and tobacco, and measurements were collected over 27 days in June and 27 days in July and August, respectively. The monitors measured wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT); which includes temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover, and is the preferred occupational heat stress measure. The hourly WBGT averages were compared to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ Threshold Limit Values (TLVs®). The TLVs provide a recommendation on permissible WBGTs to work in based on breaks and workload. Data analysis (SPSS, v28.0) included independent sample t-tests. Results- There were significantly higher WBGT measurements inside of the row compared to the field perimeter for peak (11AM-2PM) and afternoon (2PM-5PM) times in tobacco. The morning (8AM-11AM) and peak humidity in both tobacco and corn was also significantly higher within the crop rows. With corn, the field perimeter was above recommended TLVs 38 hours (16.9% of total hours) and the center of the field was over the TLVs 53 hours (23.6% of total hours). With tobacco, the field perimeter was above recommended TLVs 141 hours (73.4% of total hours), and the center of the field was over the TLVs 167 hours (87.0% of total hours). Conclusion- In the summer of 2023, farmworkers in the study area were potentially at an increased risk for HRIs due to warm and humid microclimates within corn and tobacco crop rows. As environmental heat stress is increasing due to climate change, the greater risk of working inside tall crop rows should be considered in worker education and heat stress plans, such as more frequent breaks at midday and in the afternoon.Item Open Access DEVELOPMENT OF A STUDENT-LED, STUDENT-FOCUSED MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR THE ECU HONORS COLLEGE(2024-05-23) Perkins, Kasey; McCoy, Whitley; Murray, Kylie WynnOne of the most important components of a successful undergraduate experience is the sense of belonging with a strong group of peers. While this is an important feeling for young adults, it is also difficult and daunting to find. This is especially true for first-year students who are also simultaneously transitioning to college. The following research analyzes established mentorship programs in higher education to determine what qualities make up a successful program that can lead to strong relationships between upperclassmen and underclassmen. These relationships have the potential to propel students academically and professionally, as well as help students connect and find their community. Connections such as these allow students to expand their networks, form relationships with people from different backgrounds, and get involved with the university and surrounding community. The takeaways of this research will be used as the foundation to create a mentorship program for the East Carolina University Honors College.Item Open Access AUTISM INTERVENTION AWARENESS IN EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA(2024-05-02) Faulk, Sydney; Davis, HannahAutism is a disorder caused by differences in the brain that lead to difficulties in communication, social interactions, restricted or repetitive behaviors, and differences in learning methods (What is autism spectrum disorder? 2022). Eastern North Carolina (ENC), along with the majority of the east coast of the United States, has a higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as compared to the rest of the nation. This information provided an opportunity to further educate our region and community on autism intervention resources for greater awareness. Through this secondary research study the intention of guiding families to local interventions and informing them on differences in each type of available intervention was focused on. To educate on resources for families of children with ASD, it was necessary to know what interventions are currently available in ENC and what interventions are highly supported and effective. To conduct the research both quantitative and qualitative data from previous studies was compiled and analyzed. The data found was from scholarly and reliable sources that provided in-depth explanations of the interventions’ backgrounds and effectiveness. From the compiled results it was clear that rural counties of ENC are lacking in autism interventions compared to those in urban counties such as Greenville, N.C. and other central North Carolina counties. Of the interventions studied it was evident that Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is most widely used, with many other types of interventions stemming from this therapy. Overall a mix of interventions was recommended to best support children with Autism. The study also discusses interventions that have been effective in areas outside of ENC that would be beneficial to bring into our rural communities. This research could allow more families to give their children the support that they may need in order to succeed and live healthy lives.Item Restricted Typographic Experimentation and Creative Expression(2024-05-03) Cook, Sydney RThis creative endeavor embarks on a journey of playful experimentation, exploring the boundaries of type beyond its traditional role of information conveyance. Instead of seeking out entirely new designs, it embraces the philosophy of "there is no such thing as new design" by utilizing existing font families, both historical and modern, as building blocks. Inspiration flows from various sources, fueling an initial phase of exploration where different elements are combined and manipulated until a captivating concept emerges. A typefaces success is closely related to its legibility. Once a concept takes root, the development process carefully considers established typographic rules to ensure the resulting font remains readable. A flexible system or set of criteria is adopted, guiding the creation of consistent and functional characters throughout the alphabet. This system adapts and evolves alongside the typeface itself, ensuring harmony and clarity. Ultimately, this project seeks to challenge conventional notions of typeface design. It pushes towards improvement, venturing into the realms of merging and melding existing fonts to create entirely new visuals. Whether the outcome is a refined iteration, a unique hybrid, or a completely unexpected form, the process informs and drives the result. It's a celebration of exploration, discovery, and the limitless potential of type to transcend mere communication and become a powerful tool for creative expression.Item Restricted Pantry Pal: Designing an App to Help with Household Inventory(2024-05-23) Dixon, Sydney GraceFor my graphic design senior project, I wanted to solve a communication problem that would be helpful and add convenience to my and others’ everyday lives. During the time of brainstorming ideas, I was trying to plan for groceries and make sure I was not adding food to the list that I already had in my cabinets, which gave me inspiration for the idea of solving the communication issue common in households of remembering what you already have your cabinets or pantry. In response, I wanted to design an app for smartphones to inform the user of the consumable goods in their household, leading to the creation of Pantry Pal. Pantry Pal is an application designed to give households a shared organized digital cabinet of all their groceries to prevent them from buying duplicates of products and prevent food waste because the users will always have access to the contents of their cabinets.Item Restricted Exploring Text Animation in Motion Graphics(2024-05-23) Berkman, Thomas DMotion graphics are an essential element in the fast-growing modern world of media. They are an effective way to catch people's eyes in a visually fascinating way. In this project, I research the different variations of text animation within motion graphics, seeking to enhance my skills in this dynamic field. Introduced to motion graphics during a project for Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, I embarked on a journey of self-learning and experimentation. Recognizing a need to improve text animation techniques, the project's focus lies in exploring diverse methods of animating text elements using Adobe After Effects. By studying principles of design animation and storytelling, I aim to develop a portfolio showcasing various text animations, emphasizing effective communication and engagement strategies. Through research, experimentation, and application, I was able to refine my skills in text manipulation and Adobe After Effects proficiency, ultimately elevating the quality and impacting my motion graphics endeavors.Item Restricted DIVERSITY IN THE ECU HONORS COLLEGE(2024-05-23) Dadson, Maame FosuaThe Honors College Socioeconomic Academic Day is an idea proposed as a solution to the lack of minority and disadvantaged students in East Carolina University’s Honors College. The goal of this project is to meet high school students from minority demographics to discuss the opportunities and experiences that would await them at East Carolina University by hosting an academic day. Based on the information gathered thus far, the percentage of minority students in the Honors college is estimated to be around six percent. However, this project's purpose is to reassure high school students in the minority population that the honors college would be safe and rewarding if they choose this university. Furthermore, this project would encompass a mentorship program for the incoming first-year students after the completion of the academic day, to guide the students throughout their college experience.Item Restricted A Qualitative Analysis of Technology Needs in Rural Eastern North Carolina(2024-05-23) Mizell, Nathan C.Introduction: Digital inclusion is critical to addressing inequity and thus, our project works to improve access to digital technology, resources, and digital literacy and skills training among rural/underserved communities in Eastern North Carolina (ENC). This research sets the stage for a technology library lending program and community health worker (CHW) delivered skills-building training. Methods: Twenty-five key informant qualitative interviews with trusted leaders, heads of libraries, community members, and CHWs in ENC were completed. Each interview lasted about 1 hour, was audio recorded, and transcribed for analysis. Prior to the interview, a brief demographic survey was provided to participants. Survey items included gender, age, employment status, race, and internet access and quality. Results: Interviews included 10 heads of libraries, 5 leaders/CHWs, and 10 community members. Preliminary analysis shows that representatives across all groups are receptive to ideas of lending programs and skills-building courses for community members. Community members have been frustrated with the quality of the internet in and around their communities, with limited options available. Thus, rural citizens have had to adapt to having no access to quality internet, leading them to rely on their cell phones. Discussion: A library lending program and CHW-delivered skills-building training are needed in ENC. Important concerns and benefits raised will inform the next phase of the project.Item Restricted SOIL SEEDBANK OF A RECOVERING MEADOW COMMUNITY OF POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY SPECIES(2024-05-23) Butts, CarsonSoil seedbanks, a natural storage of dormant underground seeds, serve as a repository for future flora progeny and can play a crucial role in the restoration of meadows that support pollinator communities. Pollinators, such as bees, are critical for the fertilization of more than 80% of all plant species, including >60% of global crop species. The goals of this study were to determine if the seedbank of a former meadow community of pollinator-friendly species was retained in the soil after several decades of continuous mowing to maintain a grassy lawn. We compared the seedbank between the edge and center of our three sampling sites to determine the influence of seed dispersal from nearby undisturbed native meadows. Our testing sites were at the West Research Campus (WRC), an East Carolina University property in northwest Greenville, NC. We collected soil samples on the edge of the grassy habitat and the center, about 10-20m from the edge. We transported the collected soils to a greenhouse on ECU’s campus where we processed and potted the samples and used the seedling emergence method to quantify and characterize the seedbank community. This method consists of keeping the soils under optimal conditions to promote the germination of as many species as possible to determine what seeds are present (Ter Heerdt et al. 1996). A total of 675 seedlings of 34 species emerged. Of the 34 species, 21 were forbs while the remaining species were grasses and grass-like species that are wind-pollinated. Approximately 42% of the total seedlings were weedy forb species, which are relatively small plants with small flowers that would not contribute many resources to pollinators. While we found no variation when comparing the center and the edge of our sites, we did find that the sites varied from each other. We concluded that, after several decades of mowing, the seedbank alone does not retain the potential for the restoration of a pollinator-friendly meadow. We suggest that the seeding of native plants is necessary for the pollinator meadow community to be restored at the WRC.Item Restricted Beyond the Ledger: Exploring Student Perspectives of Accounting and Investigating the Growing Shortage of Accounting Professionals(2024-05-23) Herring , BryceThis research aims to investigate the factors influencing students' decisions to pursue or not pursue a career in accounting. This study focuses on students in ACCT 2401 and ACCT 2521, both introductory accounting classes for all business majors. Employing a comprehensive approach, we will survey students to discover the motivation behind a students' choice of major and career. The survey instrument was designed to gather data on students' motivations for their current major and their perspectives on the accounting profession. By analyzing this data, we anticipate gaining insights into the underlying factors contributing to the decline in accounting majors, subsequently shedding light on the diminished pool of accounting professionals and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). This investigation holds the potential to inform educational institutions and the accounting profession about strategies to address these trends.Item Restricted Volumetric Measurement of the Tensor Veli Palatini in Children: A Preliminary Normative Study(2024-04-17) Gillespie, Julia ElizabethBackground: The tensor veli palatini (TVP) is the primary muscle responsible for the dilation of the eustachian tube (ET). The TVP originates from the lateral wall of the ET and wraps around the pterygoid hamulus. The ET, when dilated, allows for equalization of air pressure between the atmosphere and middle ear. Literature suggests a clear relationship between middle ear pathologies, specifically otitis media with effusion (OME), and dysfunction of the TVP. While OME is extremely common in children, about 90% of children with a history of cleft palate have reported OME due to ET dysfunction, a rate much higher than their same age peers. Because there is a clear correlation between OME in patients with a history of cleft palate and the functioning of the TVP, the need to understand the morphology of abnormal craniofacial anatomy populations is vital. Studies have found that individuals with syndromes related to craniofacial differences (i.e. 22q11 deletion syndrome) and adults who have a history of cleft palate have significant differences in TVP volume, length, and thickness in comparison to their healthy counterparts. Despite there being some literature on TVP morphology in abnormal craniofacial populations, more literature is needed to describe the TVP morphology in those with typical anatomy, specifically in child populations. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate tensor veli palatini muscle volume in children without a history of cleft palate in order to better define normative values. Participants: There was a total of 11 healthy eight-year-old participants, 6 females and 5 males. Methods: Analysis of the TVP was completed using 3D MRI images and Amira Visualization Software. TVP volume was measured and compared between females and males. Results: The Mann-Whitney U test revealed that there were no significant TVP volume differences (U < .05, P = .273) between males (median = 673.906 mm3) when compared to females (656.022 mm3). The mean for the TVP volume of the entire sample was 648.51 ± 45.54 mm3. Conclusion: This study contributes preliminary insights into normative volumetric data for the tensor veli palatini muscle in a child population. No sexual dimorphism differences were noted for this study; however, studies with similar methodologies should be conducted with larger sample sizes and an increased age range as puberty may impact the morphology of this muscle. Results from this study will contribute to future understanding and comparison of cleft palate TVP volume. This will increase understanding of anatomic differences that have a role in middle ear pathologies, audiological ability, language development, and surgical planning processes for the cleft population.Item Restricted Using Film to Understand Nursing Students’ Perception for the Care of the LGBTQ+ Patient(2024-04-17) Lockhart, Ryan MichelleDeveloping teaching strategies to best prepare nursing students for practice is a priority for nurse educators. The literature supports that inclusion of best practices for care of LGBTQ+ persons is important for nursing curriculums to include. This research investigates the impact of integrating film into the nursing education curriculum, to enhance nursing students' perceptions of LGBTQ+ patient care. This study, involving 29 prelicensure BSN students, utilized qualitative focus groups to explore perceptions post-viewing of the documentary “You Belong Here". The documentary explores stories of nearly 27 different LGBTQ+ persons and allies who grew up in the rural south near where these students are in nursing school. First and second-cycle coding and thematic analysis were used to analyze focus group data with identified themes of “Nurse as Advocate”, “Enhanced Holistic View”, and “Internalizing Values”. The findings of this study highlight the usefulness of film integration in nursing education as one way to increase student preparation to care for the LGBTQ+ population and may particularly impact the affective domain of learning. The study contributes valuable insights into a teaching pedagogy to build competencies for prelicensure nursing students to learn to best provide care for the LGBTQ+ population.Item Restricted INITIAL EVALUATION OF AN AFTER-SCHOOL READING TUTORIAL FOR 2ND AND 3RD GRADE STUDENTS: LESSONS LEARNED AND NEXT STEPS(2024-05-23) Williams, CarolineThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term literacy tutoring program designed to meet the needs of second and third grade students considered to be at-risk for long-term literacy learning difficulties. The study was conducted at a K-5 elementary school where an after-school tutoring program was provided during the second half of the 2022-23 school year. Tutoring sessions were approximately one hour long on Tuesdays and Thursdays; a total of 21 sessions were offered between late January and the end of April. Eight second grade and 10 third grade students participated in the tutoring; seven second grade and five third grade students who did not participate in the tutoring but who were similarly at-risk served as comparisons. The primary goals of the study were 1) to determine if students who participated in the tutoring improved their rate of growth in reading from the middle to the end of the year as compared to their growth from the beginning to the middle of the year and 2) to determine if students who participated in the tutoring demonstrated greater improvement in their reading skills from the middle to the end of the year as compared to students who did not participate in the tutoring. Preservice teachers from a nearby university and paraprofessionals from the K-5 elementary school served as tutors. Findings indicated that second grade students benefited more from the tutoring than did third grade students. While no results were statistically significant, second grade students did, on average, demonstrate an improved rate of growth in the second half of the year and greater improvement in their reading skills than comparison students. A description of the tutoring is provided and an analysis of the data is discussed with implications for the design, intensity, and timing of literacy tutoring interventions and the need for ongoing training and supervision of volunteer tutors.