Works in this series are the final written component of a masters or doctoral degree program at Grand Valley State University. Culminating Experience Projects demonstrate a student's competence in their discipline while producing original research, investigating a scholarly topic, or producing a creative work.
For GVSU Students- To submit your Culminating Experience Project, follow the Submit Research link in the sidebar.
- For details about the process, visit the Submission Guidelines page.
- If you have questions about ScholarWorks@GVSU, contact the University Libraries' Scholarly Communications team.
Note: in some graduate programs, students may instead create a Thesis or Dissertation. These can be found as separate series in the Graduate Research and Creative Practice collection.
Theses/Dissertations from 2024
An Examination of the Importance of Developing Conflict Resolution Skills within Adolescence, Adrianne Turnbow
Developing Literacy Through Play, Molli VanderJagt
Enhancing Academic Support through a Comprehensive Training Program on Advising Adult Students in Higher Education, Nicole Von Oesen
Facilitating Play for Preschoolers With Severe Multiple Impairments, Hannah B. Wade
Transitioning to English: Teaching Foundational English Literacy Skills in Early Exit Transitional Bilingual Classes, Kate Wiegman
An Examination of Traditional Literature Engagement in High School ELA Classrooms, Brian Wiggins
Predominantly White Teacher Education Programs Are Stifling Black Preservice Students’ Teaching Experience: Now What?, Jasmine N. Wilson
The Support of Participation in Music Education, Karsten C. Wimbush
The Push for Trauma-Informed Schools and Classrooms, Elizabeth Young
Improving Reading Comprehension of English Language Learners, Maximilian J. Young
Theses/Dissertations from 2023
Culturally Responsive Education: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment for LGBTQ+ Students, Kassidi M. Adams
A Collection of Middle Level Reading Interventions Categorized Based on Specific Criteria, Claire E. Alexander
Improving the Mental Health of International Students in Higher Education with Holistic Self-Improvement Practices, Layth Almallah
Teacher Attrition in Elementary Schools, Amanda J. Almy
Independent Writing At The Kindergarten Level, Carley K. Andrus
Sleep Issues of Older Adults: Lived Experience and Occupational Performance, Emily Angell, Anna Johnston, Adriana C. Mallett, Cassidy Ward, and Rachel Wiltse
Empowering All Learners: The Role of Cultural Responsiveness in Elementary Literacy Education, Meghan Claire Arbury
Developing a Sense of Belonging Among First-Year First-Generation College Students, Charlotte Rose Balkus
Improving Adherence to Annual Diabetes Guidelines in Rural Primary Care, Ashley Barney
Narrowing the Achievement Gap: Culturally Responsive Teaching for African American Students, Haylee Batzer
Building Student-Athlete Resilience On and Off the Field, Hannah Beatus
Staff Education To Increase Confidence in Caring for LGBTQI Cancer Patients: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Clara C. Beaver
Increased Rate of Absenteeism in Student Attendance, Joshua R. Bechtel
Social Emotional Learning Resources and Evaluations for Kindergarten Students, Jacquelyn Becker
Non-Traditional Interventions for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Program Evaluation, Emily Fowler Bemben
Building Stronger Student-Teacher Relationships with Students of Color, Diana Berlanga
Lack of Engagement of Play-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education, Jessica A. Beuilby
Evidence Based Practices to Support Inclusion of Students with Emotional Impairments, Christine Blomberg
Just Food? Navigating Collective Visions for Food Justice in Grand Rapids, MI, Jack Boitel
Enhancing Institutional Support through a First Year Transfer Experience Program, Jade E. Bowman
Overrepresentation of African American Children in Child Welfare, Mareeta M. Bracken
Moving Secondary Students from Foundational Literacy to Critical Literacy, Devan Rhea Bridget
A Retrospective Comparison of Dose Distribution within Density Override and Avoidance Structures in Volumetric Arc Therapy Prostate Plans with Hip Prosthetics: A Dosimetric Evaluation, Jared Richard Brinkman
The Effects Negative of White Teachers Biased Views Towards African American, Alisha M. Brown
The Negative Effects of White Teachers Biased Views Towards African American, Alisha M. Brown
The Negative Effects Of White Teachers Biased Views Towards African American Students, Alisha M. Brown
Breaking Down Barriers: A Study on the Implementation of Holistic Admissions in Higher Education, Justin A. Brown
Excessive Absences Impede Academic Success, Olivia Lynn Brown
Eliminating the Gap: Proposed Implementation Methodology for Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Professional Development, Amanda May Brunette
Building Climate and Culture with Stakeholders Through Restorative Discipline Practices, Venessa A. Bulk
The Effectiveness of Meaningful Differentiated Instruction within the Classroom, Grace Cairy
Grading to Better Communicate Student Learning, Derek M. Carlisle
Comparative Retrospective Study of Proton Arc Planning with ELSA Algorithm and IMPT with Monte Carlo Algorithm with Raystation Treatment Planning System, Matthew L. Carpenter MS, MSHA, BSRT(R)(T)
Knowledge of School-Based Occupational Therapists: Role in Concussion-Related Visual Impairments, Elise Cassidy, Kailyn Ebeling, Brenda O'Connell, Mackenzie Rutz, Alyson Snyder, and Carla Floyd-Slabaugh
Narrowing the Achievement Gap by Increasing Student Opportunities in an Outdoor Project-Based Learning Environment, Britney Christensen
Addressing Sexual Assault and Supporting Survivors’ Mental Health and Academic Performance Through Peer Advocate Support, Elizabeth G. Clark
A Quantitative Dosimetric Comparison of DIBH VMAT and Static-IMRT APBI Treatments: Evaluating Large Left Sided Lumpectomy Cavities Located near the Chest Wall, Christopher Jordan Clifton
Feasibility of Patient Centered Medical Home Designation for a Nurse Managed Health Center, Kristin Cooper
The Development of Fetal Immunity from in Utero to Shortly After Birth and Complications that Can Arise from Improper Functioning, Marlee Curnutt
Supporting the Pedagogical Development of Graduate Teaching Assistants: A Self-Directed Approach, Katie Cwiakala
Making Space for Adolescents of Refugee Background in Public Libraries, Danielle S. deJonge
Revising the Team Huddle Process in a Federally Qualified Health Center, Donna DeMann
Parental Involvement and Student Success, Sally DeMolen
Next Generation Engagement: How to Foster Jewish Identity and Jewish Community Building in Teens and Young Adults, Shelby Denhof
Fact Fluency in Precision Teaching Environments, Mary Dieterly
Transitioning into Kindergarten, Faith C. Dysard
An Examination of the Importance of Fire Prevention and Safety Education, Lisa J. Eller
Dosimetric Evaluation of Left-Sided Chest Wall VMAT Treatment with and Without Jaw Tracking; Dose Comparison of Left Anterior Descending Artery versus Heart Mean Dose, Jacqueline J. Emus
An Examination of Non-core Teacher Training in Special Education, Courtney Farber
Mental Health Education in Higher Education, Chelsea J. Farley
Interfraction variability of breathing amplitude of patients undergoing SBRT lung treatment and the potential impact on dosimetry, Christian Padilla Gallegos
Higher Education Professionals are not Prepared to Support Students' Growth and Exploration of Religion and Worldviews, Matthew Gibson
Problem Behavior in Early Childhood Special Education, Morgan N. Giola
An Examination of the Importance of Academic Support Programs for Two-Year College Student-Athletes, Amanda J. Glaza
The Twice Exceptional Learner Making the Classroom More Engaging for All, Josy Goodwin
A dosimetric comparison of coplanar and non-coplanar beam arrangement for APBI treatment techniques, Reuben Granger
An Examination of Early Childhood Scholars’ Social Emotional Competencies, Monica J. Graveling
A Framework for a Peer Mentorship Program to Promote Student-Athlete Success at Grand Rapids Community College, Brianna D. Greenough
Parental Involvement and Kindergarten Readiness, Lauren Griffin
Utilizing Cost-Effective Strategies to Combat the Achievement Gap in Low-Income Schools, Danielle L. Groendyk
An Examination of the First-Year Experience of Conditionally Admitted Students, Alexis Gunn
BEYOND THE BELL: REBUILDING CARE, CIVIC LEARNING AND CREATIVITY WITHIN YOUTH SPACES, Michelle R. Haapala
Quantitative Benefits of Reducing the Inferior Border of Right-Sided Free Breathing Intact Breast Treatment Plans Regarding Liver Dose, Shelby Handshue
Recruitment and Retention of Black Faculty at Predominantly White Institutions: Development of Mentorship within Academic Departments, ShayVonne L. Harris
Addressing Bias From Faculty Through Implementing Bias Training, Tori A. Henning
Mentoring for the Retention and Promotion of Diverse Talent, Holly M. Hetherington
An Analysis of the Efficacy of Disciplinary Methods, William Hewitt
The Effect of Reading Habits on Academic Success, Taylor Hicks
Chronic Absenteeism: Exploring Causes, Impacts, and Interventions in Education, Arlee M. Hoag
Comparing the Health Care Resource Utilization and Medication Adherence of People with Epilepsy and People with Diabetes by Insurance Status, Nikole Hoffman, Gerald Shoultz, and Sarah Nechuta
Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome in Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Curriculum: A Survey, Elise Hohl, Corrina Anderson, Courtney Casper, Mackenzie Morris, and Carla Floyd-Slabaugh
Food for Thought: A Food Initiative for Selective Institutions, Johanna Hossink
Academic Outcomes of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Awareness and Action, Tanner B. Howe
Nursing Retention: Improving the Work Environment Among the Registered Nurse and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, Nina Jean Hudgins
Let Them Play! Integrating More Play into Kindergarten Curriculum and Classrooms, Danielle N. Johnson
Learning Outcomes Affecting Pre-K Students’ Performance: Focusing on Class Sizes, Diamond Johnson
Exploring the lived experience of international students of color at Predominately White Institutions., Soheli Farzana Jony
Teacher Attrition: Supporting Teachers Through Mentorship, Tiffany A. Kamper
Is My Colonialism Showing? A Reflexive Case Study., Nicole A. Karsies
Formalized Diabetes Self-Management Education in a Safety-Net Clinic, Emanpreet Kaur
Impact of Isotropic Grid Size and CT Slice Thickness on the Target Volume Coverage for Intracranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery: A Retrospective Study, Kelsey M. Kimmane
A Socially Innovative Curriculum for an Afterschool Program, Shelinda T. Knight Davenport
