Honors College Theses

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10323/1056

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Vaccine Hesitancy: Causes and Impacts on Public Health
(2026) Ishioka, Natalie; Lim, Christina; lim@oakland.edu
In many areas throughout the world, incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases is increasing, despite the availability of vaccine services. This is in part due to an increase in vaccine hesitancy, which is the choice to refuse or delay vaccination when vaccine services are available. Parents report many reasons for choosing to forgo or delay vaccinations, such as concerns about vaccine safety, concerns about vaccine schedules, and concerns that vaccination might cause their child to develop autism. This literature review examines the causes of vaccine hesitancy and its impact on public health. Specifically, this review will investigate the reported causes of vaccine hesitancy and attempt to identify the common psychological and sociological factors shared between those causes. These common factors can be used to create effective materials targeted toward vaccine-hesitant parents that can educate them productively and compassionately.
Countering the Democratic Descent: Policy Proposals for Refining the American Experiment in Liberal Democracy and Addressing the Global Democratic Backslide
(2022-04-01) Schantz, Trevor; Trumbore, Peter
As the 21st century is increasingly defined by a precipitous decline in liberal democratic values, the United States faces a critical inflection point characterized by growing domestic polarization and a global democratic backsliding. This thesis argues that the continued deterioration of human rights (particularly political and civil rights) is not an inevitability of modern governance or geopolitical trends, but rather a consequence of failing international and domestic systems. Utilizing a strategic framework predicated on bringing governments up to PAR—Popular, Accountable, and Rights-regarding—this project proposes an “inside-out” strategy for the United States. Domestically, the project acts as a policy playbook for institutional revitalization through six key reforms: restructuring the Electoral College and voting systems, eliminating partisan gerrymandering, expanding Congress, transitioning to a multiparty system, and instituting a Universal Basic Income. These reforms are presented as essential mechanisms to mitigate the converging threats of economic inequality, executive overreach, and political polarization. On the global stage, the project advocates for a shift away from zero-sum ideological conflicts in favor of a new multilateralism built on cognitive empathy and peaceful coexistence. This thesis demonstrates that constructive engagement and a partial separation of human rights from Westernization can create a stable international order. Ultimately, by strengthening its own domestic capacity and integrity, the United States can lead a diverse community of nations toward a new global order rooted in mutual respect, coexistence, and universal PAR standards.
Rising Sun, Failing Democracy: Japan's Inability for Change and What International Institutions Can Do About It
(2025) Jacob Packard
Japan is often referred to as a “model democracy” within the Asian continent. This thinking reduces Japanese politics to an overly simple level, and has the unfortunate consequence of inadvertently discouraging full-bodied critiques of Japanese democracy. Through a qualitative analysis of three separate case studies focusing on Japanese economy, culture and criminal justice, it is shown that Japanese politics becomes less pressured by that of the so-called “one-and-a-half” party system that political scientists have suggested in recent years and more by the fact that the electorate within Japan struggle to challenge what is perceived as the “status quo”. A thorough analysis of this status quo is conducted, and suggestions for both Japanese policy advocates and international organizations are presented.
The Lineages of Potamopyrgus Antipodarum Found in Michigan
(2025) Nadarevic, Anel
The New Zealand Mud Snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is an invasive species that can be found around the world. Its presence in Michigan has been documented for years; however, during this research it has been found that an alternate genetic family had been introduced into the rivers. This was determined by collecting samples, extracting their DNA through a DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit, amplifying the targeted genes (cytochrome b and 16S rRNA) via PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and sequencing them in order to compare those sequences to other reported sequences. This allowed verification of which variants were present in sites around Michigan. It was found that the previously reported lineage (US1) was still inhabiting rivers, but most of the samples belonged to the US2 lineage. The US2 lineage was a new discovery in the area, but it was already known to be in the Great Lakes region.
The Contextual Factors That Contribute to the Effectiveness of Hypnobirthing
(2024-04-04) Julia Edmonds; Everrett, Priscilla
Hypnobirthing is a holistic approach to birth based upon the use of hypnosis consisting of guided imagery, positive language, and deep breathing exercises (Buran & Aksu, 2022). The aim of this literature review is to identify the type and extent of the published literature on hypnobirthing, the effect hypnobirthing had on pain, fear, and birth satisfaction, and factors that may increase the effectiveness in some women over others such as education level, medical interventions such as episiotomy and fundal massage, and amount of social support. This literature review will analyze current studies from the last five years using the CINAHL database. The new knowledge this project will offer to the discipline of nursing is an understanding on the factors of hypnobirthing and how they correlate to its effectiveness regarding pain and fear during labor. Providing a compilation of these factors is beneficial to help identify factors that can be modified in order to enhance the effectiveness of hypnobirthing and could allow women to have a more positive experience with the intervention and result in decreased pain or fear during labor.
Signals in the Storm: Predicting Market Shifts with VIX, CVI, MOVE, and BBDXY Indices
(Oakland University, 2025-04-03) Eeso, Meron
This study examines the ability of volatility indices to predict asset returns across equity, bond, cryptocurrency, and currency markets. Using daily data for the VIX, CVI, MOVE, and BBDXY indices, the analysis finds that each index offers meaningful return predictability both within and across markets. Notably, VIX Change Lagged forecasts equity returns, while CVI and MOVE demonstrate significance in multiple markets, and BBDXY Change Lagged provides strong cross-asset signals. The predictive power increases when the indices are combined, with adjusted R² values of 5.16% for SPY and 2.71% for AGG. These results highlight the value of volatility indices as forward-looking market indicators.
The Unknown Dangers of Kratom on Vulnerable Neonates
(2024) Annabel Jefferies
In the realm of herbal supplements, Kratom, often marketed as a harmless herbal remedy, unveils a darker reality as newborns enter the world struggling with intense withdrawal symptoms (Eldridge et al., 2018). Made from the leaves of a plant native to Southeast Asia and Africa, Kratom is readily available as an herbal supplement, marketed for its relaxation and mood-enhancing properties. Despite its portrayal as a harmless substance, Kratom operates on the same brain receptor sites as opioids, inducing a sense of euphoria when consumed at higher doses, and mirroring the psychological effects of these potent drugs. Sold openly at gas stations and not FDA-approved, Kratom takes on various forms, from chewable leaves to brewed tea or liquid ingestion. The ease of access to Kratom, often masked as a harmless, herbal remedy, puts many vulnerable individuals at risk, as they unknowingly introduce a dangerous substance to their bodies (Eldridge et al., 2018). This issue becomes particularly concerning when pregnant women, perhaps unaware of the potential risks, consume Kratom throughout pregnancy. The consequence is neonates beginning life in distress, exhibiting symptoms such as seizures, tremors, sleeping and feeding problems, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and fever. Deception lurks in the marketing of Kratom as an herbal tea, leaving women and children vulnerable to the adverse effects of this drug. This dangerous substance requires a closer examination of its severe side effects on mothers who use Kratom during pregnancy. Neonates born to mothers who used Kratom face the challenge of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a consequence often concealed from public awareness. The development of research and the spread of information on this topic is pivotal in addressing the hidden dangers of Kratom use. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about this critical concern, and ultimately decrease the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome resulting from maternal Kratom use by providing a comprehensive literature review of existing research articles (Eldridge et al., 2018).
The Impact and Implementation of Personal Finance Courses in High School and Undergraduate Education
(2025-04-04) Jefferies, Grant
Personal finance courses (PFCs) have been studied over the years, and results have shown positive impacts on students’ financial behaviors and even on the students’ family members. PFCs can cover a wider variety of topics, depending on the school, but the common ones included are financial planning, expense management/budgeting, savings, investments, and debt or credit management. Offered at both high school and collegiate levels, PFCs provide teens and young adults with critical personal finance concepts that serve as a foundation to build long-term wealth. However, finance professionals can fail to see the benefits of instilling these concepts at a young age and rather focus on fixing clients’ financial issues later on in life. This thesis provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of PFCs and looks to answer four questions. What are the short-term and long-term benefits students enjoy from taking a PFC? How does a PFC affect those closest to the student enrolled in the course? How do state policies impact the implementation of PFCs? Does artificial intelligence change the need for a formal course on personal finance? By answering these questions, this paper presents clear evidence for the inclusion of PFCs in the regular school curriculum. Ultimately, the work in this literature review could result in increased awareness from those in the finance field about the need for financial education in early adulthood and how that financial education should be delivered.
Lachish V: Regional and Site-Level Implications Revealed through the Past Decade of Research
(2024) Wirick, Lucas
The last decade of research has seen a dramatic increase in the archaeological knowledge surrounding Lachish Level V. Many of the publications have been especially focused on Lachish V’s city wall; meanwhile, other aspects of the city, speaking both regionally and at the site-level, have fallen to the wayside. After a summary of the recent discourse surrounding the city wall, the site-level implications of these other aspects are explored. Results of this discussion show that Lachish V is larger than previously thought and further support both the suggestion that the city was not violently destroyed and that Podium and Palace A may have been part of the Level V city. Afterwards, a preliminary least cost path analysis between Lachish and two other cities was carried out to explore Lachish V in its regional setting. Results show that the city’s importance can not be understood based on its geographic location, but propose a separate possibility in which Lachish V’s importance can be understood as a result of it simply having been formed earlier than its main competitor in the analysis: Beth Shemesh.
Detecting Behavioral Changes in an Autism Mouse Model after Treatment with Ergothioneine
(2024-12-10) Carpenter, Morgan R.; Pillivant, Dylan; Liu, Zijuan; Stamatovski, Daniel
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that can impair developmental, behavioral, and social skills. Although there are currently no curative remedies authorized for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder, certain dietary supplements may act as a form of therapy for some of the atypical behaviors associated with this diagnosis. Ergothioneine (ET) is an amino acid derivative known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to enhance neurological function. Here we utilized ET supplementation to examine the potential benefits it may have on autism phenotypes. A BTBR autistic mouse model was used to test the effects of ET treatment followed by behavioral examination. Quantitative analyses of behavioral changes observed between the treatment group along with controls were performed to determine if ET could improve autism-like behaviors. The long-term goal of this study is to establish the possible application of a safe ET supplementation to ameliorate autistic manifestations in ASD children.
Marketing’s Long-term Impact on Societal Behaviors
(2024) Katelyn Amethyst Butler
Through this project, I will analyze different ways societal and individual behavior is influenced by marketing materials and how those materials are interacted with. My research aims to explore how marketing has long-term impacts on the behaviors exhibited by a target audience and how that has the potential to spread to large-scale societal behavior changes. Through this study, various industries would be better equipped to utilize the marketing tactic of shifting the culture of a large demographic and their societal behaviors in reaction to the marketing material in order to promote and sell products, services, people, and ideas over a large period of time. This will likely lead to an overall industry shift in how things are marketed with the introduction of this relatively new concept of shifting how a large-scale demographic interacts with a piece of marketing material and generates a culture surrounding that material.
Assessing the Balance of an Adult Idiopathic Toe Walker and the Effect of Adding Custom Heel Wedges: Case Report
(2023) Racette, Olivia; Treanore, Tamara
Idiopathic toe walkers present with a distinctly different walking pattern that, over a long period of time, can alter the development of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon, as well as decrease the stability one has while standing. While research has been performed on how to prevent toe walking, the focus has been on the pediatric population, who are more responsive to treatments, rather than adults whose bodies have adapted to an abnormal way of walking. This study reveals the benefits of creating custom heel wedges for an adult toe walker. The balance of the subject was first assessed using the BTrackS Balance Plate. Then, custom heel wedges were fabricated and the subject’s balance was reevaluated while wearing the heel wedges. The results illustrated an improvement in balance after using the heel wedges, because the subject has more plantigrade support when standing. Due to the successful results, this study offers an alternative solution for toe walkers who cannot or do not want to receive other types of treatment, and potentially decrease the numerous types of injuries they endure due to their lack of stability.
The Neurological Sites Impacted Post-COVID-19 Infection
Whitaker, Micaiah; Kauhn, Christopher
This literature review intends to prove that there is a correlation between anatomical and physiological effects of the brain that the patient exhibits post COVID-19. This will be achieved through identification and comparison of anatomical, biochemical, histological, and physiological sources of long COVID-related memory impairment as well as cognitive, motor, and visual deficits within the brain. From that information, this literature review will correlate each symptom to a set of structures that may produce long-COVID-associated symptoms in patients. With this knowledge, we may be able to formulate successful treatment plans based on the sites of infection. A strong understanding of areas of the brain generally worsened post long-COVID-19 infection could improve the accuracy of treatment and enhance its effects. Most favorably, treatment could one day better the daily lives of individuals suffering from cognitive, memory, motor, or visual deficits by reducing their symptoms. This literature review intends to find missing areas within today’s research about post-COVID-19 syndrome and subsequently prove that it is unadded knowledge to the field. The research will proceed with a specific set of research terms to incorporate the most relevant findings. All articles listed in this proposal are acquired from Oakland University’s Kresge Library or Google Scholar. Articles related to the disease in question are written within the past three years, and all articles included in this literature review are peer-reviewed and originally written in English.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence for Melanoma Detection
Nayfeh, Omar; Hua, Ming; Alao, Damilola
With an increase in the uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the possibilities of computer science in other fields are endless. Therefore, having developed an application in Python (Programming Language), that uses AI and ML to detect if an image of a skin spot uploaded by a patient or doctor is or is not potentially melanoma with percentage certainty can aid in the early detection phase and save valuable time. Namely, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) techniques have been implemented through the help of TensorFlow and Keras, open-source frameworks that aid the development of CNNs, since they are the standard for distinguishing the classification of an image. Through the application’s diagnosis, this means that doctors can reevaluate what the best course of action should be to save their patient’s life. This project provides a better understanding of how these Artificial Intelligence applications can be used within the medical field. This thesis will also aid others in the same area of expertise to build upon their own applications through this project as a reference.
Temperature effects on production of infectious zoospores from chytrid-infected Xenopus laevis
Spengler, Kyle; Raffel, Thomas
A leading cause of global declines in amphibian populations is chytridiomycosis, the temperature-dependent pandemic disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochydrium dendrobadtidis (Bd). Temperature fluctuations caused by climate change could exacerbate this disease. Temperature-dependent models of Bd infections can provide important insights into Bd transmission dynamics in frog populations to help inform management actions. The Raffel lab has been working on a novel type of mechanistic model to predict Bd and host responses to fluctuating temperatures, based on a combination of metabolic theory and a type of dynamic model traditionally used to describe macroparasite dynamics. In this model shedding rate (i.e., the number of zoospore equivalents released per minute) of Bd zoospores from an infected host’s skin constitutes an important parameter which we were able to measure. We infected 124 juvenile Xenopus laevis and subjected them to acclimation temperatures of 10 °C, 15 °C, or 20 °C for 35 days. All frogs were inoculated the day of performance temperature switch which happened at the end of the acclimation period; however, 38 were also inoculated 35 days before the switch. During the performance period frogs were subjected to temperatures of 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, or 25 °C for 35 days. Shed zoospores were collected 7 days and 35 days post performance temperature switch. On day 7 of the performance period, shedding rate differed between each performance temperature, but not with acclimation temperature (Table 3). A higher shedding rate was also observed with lower performance temperatures. Shedding rate on day 35 of the performance period did not differ between each performance temperature and acclimation temperature. Shedding rate was also significantly lower on day 35 (Table 3). Frogs inoculated 35 days before the performance temperature switch did not differ between frogs inoculated the day of the switch. We also found Infection intensity and levels of shed zoospores were correlated (Table 3), with filters having detected more zoospores day 7 of the performance period compared to swabs collected at the same time point. We conclude shedding rate from X. laevis is affected by temperature, and infection load. This research will help to inform the transmission parameter for the mathematical model our lab has been generating to untangle the complex temperature dependence of Bd disease dynamics in frog populations which will potentially help conservation programs.
Table-to-Floor-to-Table-Robot
Sutherland, Victoria; Latcha, Michael
Creating autonomous robots in order to complete tasks has received increasing attention in recent years due to efforts to increase productivity and efficiency. The objective of this project is to create an autonomous table-to-floor-to-table robot. The robot will start inside a square on a table, travel to the floor, trace a square without hitting any cones, travel back to the table, and end up in the same square. The table-to-floor-to-table robot will be autonomously flown as a drone and then driven with a set of treads, wheels, and axles once on the ground. Through testing, the robot was successful in completing the ground course of the challenge, tracing the square in forty seconds, which is ideal given that the time limit for the entire course is five minutes. The total cost of all of the components that are used on the robot add up to $296, and the budget for the project is capped at $300. These two factors display that the robot meets the criteria of the challenge.
How the Processing of Juvenile Cases has Changed Based On COVID-19
Gnatek, Sophia; Johnson, Wendi
Over the past two decades, juvenile delinquency rates have been decreasing across the United States, coming to an all-time low during 2020. In the juvenile justice system, current research has found that race and gender play large roles in the processing of juvenile cases, as well as urban and rural areas. In fact, research has found that the population of a county affects the number of cases the juvenile justice system will have, both in their county and across their state. In Michigan, rural counties have a much lower amount of juvenile cases than urban counties, as they are more likely to settle things outside of the system, unlike their more urban counterparts. The study conducted in this research looks to see how the COVID-19 pandemic, between 2019 to 2020 changed the processing of juvenile cases in Michigan. Using data from the OJJDP, results found that across both urban and rural regions there were fewer cases processed between the two years, and moreover the greatest statistical difference being between White and Black juveniles. These results are able to show the adaptability of the juvenile justice system to a health crisis, both in Michigan, but also in the United States.
Studying whether C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 11 (CCL11) Induces Reactive Oxygen Species in Microglial Brain Macrophages
Nichols, Mackenzie; Rhee, Sang Hoon
Neurodegenerative disease is a process in which cells within the nervous system are damaged or die due to conditions in the brain that influence their well-being. Elevated levels of CCL11, an age-related chemokine, have been linked to neurodegenerative disease. Along with CCL11, there is also the increased observance of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS); which are free radicals that damage cellular DNA, RNA, and proteins, leading to the death of cells. This study investigates the impact that CCL11 has in the production of ROS in brain macrophages, known as microglia. Along this line, we hypothesize that CCL11 would activate microglia and increase extracellular ROS in the brain. Leading to the damage of the neuronal tissues and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia. To study this hypothesis, we used in vitro cell culture techniques with the microglial cell line, SIM-A9. Results indicate a significant increase in the production of both intracellular and extracellular H2O2, the primary ROS investigated. Furthermore, a potential underlying mechanism that may regulate the production of ROS by CCL11 in microglia was proposed. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie CCL11-mediated ROS production in microglial cells, may provide valuable insight into the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders. Leading to the development and use of potential therapeutic strategies.
Macron, Trump, and Biden: Shaping French Foreign Policy with the U.S. from 2016-2022
Goss, Corrin; Cantir, Cristian
This thesis will examine French foreign policy towards the United States starting in 2016 through early 2022, considering the entirety of Emmanuel Macron’s presidency in France, and spanning both the Trump and Biden administrations in the United States. The first goal of this investigation is to understand the primary directions of French foreign policy towards the U.S. The second is to establish who in France is primarily responsible for determining foreign policy towards the U.S. The third is to examine whether France’s behavior changes when working with a Republican or Democrat administration within the U.S. This research will aid academia, as part of an effort to provide a better understanding of French foreign policy towards the U.S., while also providing U.S. decision makers with information on what drives French foreign policy and whether the ideology of the U.S. President matters.
Alienation in College Students and Their Reasons for Travel
Williams, Nina; Srauy, Sam
People travel all over the world for a variety of reasons. During a student’s college experience, is a time for exploration and understanding one's identity and to a lesser extent discovering their historical roots amongst other college students. Some of these experiences allow students to study abroad, participate in class trips, and visit new destinations. However, limited research prevents the idea behind the reasons behind why college students yearn to travel to new destinations and if it plays a key role in solving identity issues. To fill this gap, this research will go into depth about the importance of identity among college students and why traveling to new destinations may pose a reason for clarity in understanding who they are. Cultural identity research amongst college students that live in America or students who have had family come to America overseas is an issue that is worth taking a look into in terms of young students and their ability to understand their cultural identity. This research will add to the questioning of identity in young adults and how it affects identity crisis in terms of travel. The benefits of this research may answer some of the questions that come with cultural identity issues among college students and how travel may come as a beneficial aspect in this department.

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