Honors Theses

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Open Access
Horses without doctors: why is the equine veterinarian industry facing a shortage?
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Leo, Adison, author; Fedorka, Carleigh, author; Magee, Christianne, author
It has been well documented that there is a shortage of practitioners entering the equine medicine workforce. Unfortunately, minimal research has gone into the causative agents for this shortage. Therefore, the objectives of this study were 1) to identify current concerns within the equine veterinary medicine workforce, and 2) isolate common perceptions of equine veterinary medicine within equine industry members who no longer desire to enter the workforce. To do so, 264 members of the equine industry were surveyed. These respondents could be separated into groups of 1) equine industry members (n=243) and 2) current equine practitioners (n=21). Additionally, equine industry members were further separated based on current interest in equine veterinary practice (1=very disinterested, 5=very interested). Of those responders, 197 (n=197) had lost interest in pursuing equine veterinary medicine, while 31 (n=31) maintained interest. When surveying equine veterinarians, the primary issues within their career were work-life balance (85%), mental health (70%), and debt-to-income ratio (65%). When surveying equine industry members on the perceived problems within equine veterinary medicine, the primary issues were debt-to-income ratio (66.7%), work-life balance (61.3%), and mental health (38.7). Therefore, the top three concerns in both populations were similar, although the percentage of respondents indicating concern varied widely. When further assessing only respondents that had lost interest, the primary concerns were cost of education (61.1%), length of education (69.6%), income after graduation (49.2%), and feeling as though their grades are not suitable for acceptance (35.4%). In conclusion, it appears that the general equine industry populace is aware of the current problems within the career of equine veterinary medicine (see figure 2). As low income alongside poor mental health and a lack of work-life balance are the primary issues, these 3 aspects within equine veterinary medicine need to be addressed in order to improve the equine veterinary medicine shortage.
Open Access
Harvest moon: a work in progress
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Campbell, Ava, author
The primary aim of this thesis focuses on exploration. I have never attempted a novel-length writing project, and while I knew it was impossible to accomplish that goal in a semester, I wanted to explore my ideas and become more comfortable with the process. I used researching, outlining, and writing as modes of exploration in which I discovered the themes and characters central to my novel. Through these processes, I came to understand the core significance of my work better than I had before. In a few words, my novel deals with themes surrounding femininity, desire, power, emotionality, and the human body. While my work could be considered genre fiction, specifically fantasy fiction, these themes solidify its significance in modern literature. My thesis afforded me an opportunity to discover why my work was significant through feedback, revision, and execution. The progress I have made this semester constitutes a solid foundation of content that I will continue to build on after graduation.
Open Access
Managing Cytospora canker in Colorado peach orchards: canopy spray efficacy and implementation strategies
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Greenberger, Sal, author
This presentation, delivered as part of a Master's thesis defense at Colorado State University, summarizes the methodologies, results, and key findings of research on management of Cytospora canker in Colorado peach orchards. The research evaluates the efficacy of fungicidal canopy sprays applied with air-blast sprayers against Cytospora plurivora and explores best practices for their use in orchard management.
Open Access
Cynomys summer: a photojournalistic reflection and data analysis of an ongoing prairie dog plague study
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Ewing, Matthew, author
In my thesis, I provide a photojournalistic account of my experiences working on a research project. The project is working to better understand genetic resistance to the plague (Yersinia pestis) in Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Throughout the summer, I used my photography skills to photograph the various species that rely on the prairie dogs and document aspects of our research. I showcase these photos in my thesis, while providing research based context to prairie dog ecology and our research. I also analyzed prairie dog growth rates in juveniles between sexes, and found no significant differences between males and females.
Open Access
Strength and agility with Brynn: a senior fitness research project
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024-12-13) McClure, Brynn, author
Senior fitness is a vital component to examine within a community to assess the physical health of the older generations. Awareness of physical health is increasingly important as we age; furthermore, fitness levels will typically decline with age. To test senior citizens' physical fitness, a fitness-test-based group class was implemented at The Worthington Independent Living Center. A total of 10 weeks of fitness classes were implemented in which fitness-test data was collected. During the first three weeks class was held once a week, then during the last seven weeks class was held twice a week. The first three weeks of class consisted of solely subjective survey data. The objective survey for new participants asked medical health history questions and current fitness levels of each participant. For the next 10 weeks an existing participant survey was given once every two weeks. For this survey the seniors self-analyzed their improvement in six specific physical health factors since coming to class, balance, upper body strength, lower body strength, ability to stand from a chair, flexibility and ease of walking up stairs. During the last seven weeks of class objective data was collected. This included the numerical values from each participant's performance on the national fitness tests. Each class consisted of the same six fitness-battery tests geared towards seniors and acts of daily living (ADLs). These tests assessed lower and upper body strength, lower and upper body flexibility, endurance, and agility. In respective order the class was set up with a chair sit to stand test, an 8-foot agility get up and go test, chair sit and reach, 2-minute step test, bicep curl test, and finally a back scratch test. After data collection, the average values from the fitness tests of participants at The Worthington Independent Living Center were compared to the national normative values for seniors. Participant's average values were separated by age and sex. We found that both age groups and sexes of seniors at The Worthington were above the national average for upper and lower body strength, and endurance. The 85-94 age group in both sexes was below average for the lower body flexibility test. All groups were below average for the upper body flexibility test besides women ages 85-94, and all groups for the agility test were below average. Regular participants saw improvements in four out of the six fitness tests over 10 weeks. This project met its goals of increasing fitness levels in senior participants, evaluating how they measure up in comparison with the national normative values, and what areas they can improve in, which would consequently be flexibility and agility.
Open Access
An application of Catholic symbolism featuring Blessed Chiara Badano, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, and Saint Teresa of Calcutta
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Harmon, Caroline, author
This paper explores Catholic symbolism as it relates to the portraits I have created of three remarkable individuals: Blessed Chiara "Luce" Badano, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, and Saint Teresa of Calcutta. It opens with a broad discussion of the historical relationship between art and the Catholic Church, tracing how artistic expression has been intrinsically linked to the faith since its inception. This examination encompasses the use of visual arts in liturgy, the role of artists as conveyors of theological concepts, and the way sacred imagery can shape the spiritual lives of churchgoers. Following this historical context, the paper presents concise and detailed biographies of the three figures. It delves into the lives of Chiara, Pier Giorgio, and Teresa, highlighting their backgrounds, key life events, and the defining moments that led them to be recognized as models of holiness. For instance, it discusses Chiara's vibrant faith in her battle with illness, Pier Giorgio's enthusiastic commitment to social justice and outreach, and Teresa's profound dedication to the poorest of the poor. The analysis continues by examining how the symbols depicted in the portraits of these holy individuals—such as a grapevine and wheat, flowers, and a cross-anchor—reflect their values and spiritual journeys. Ultimately, this work highlights the profound connection between art and the Catholic faith and the lived experiences of these three saints, illustrating how their stories continue to resonate within the Catholic community today.
Open Access
Analysis of tyrosine kinase inhibitor responses in mixed murine EML4-ALK-driven lung tumors to define dominance of their tumor immune microenvironments
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Prosceno, Isabella, author
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. In recent studies, successes in precision oncology with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have yielded marked and durable tumor responses in tumor subsets defined by oncogenic mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and RET. Despite this progress, most patients show a partial response and these therapies fail to completely eliminate "drug tolerant persisters" also known as "residual disease". Thus, new therapeutic strategies are needed as presently there are no approved therapies after EGFR mutant lung cancer progression on the 3rd generation TKI, Osimertinib. This desperate need for additional precision therapies is crucial for 2nd and 3rd line therapies in oncogene-driven lung cancer patients. Anti-PD1/PD-L1 agents are approved treatments in lung cancers that disrupt tumor-mediated immune suppression. However, these drugs are ineffective in patients whose tumors bear oncogenic RTK genes despite evidence that adaptive immune cells contribute to the anti-cancer activity of TKIs in these cancers. In other words, immune checkpoint inhibitors are not able to be utilized. The Nemenoff and Heasley labs of University of Colorado Anschutz have generated a panel of murine EML4-ALK cell lines (EA1, EA2) that can be orthotopically implanted in immune competent mice. In order to address the question of immune dominance within a mixed EML4-ALK tumor, a project will deploy mixtures of EA1 and EA2 cell lines to intentionally establish heterogeneous tumors and assess the resulting immune microenvironment and the Alectinib response. The lab has generated EA1 and EA2 cells that incorporate specific fluorescent tags, allowing the assessment of each population in mice. In studying heterogeneous lung tumors composed of clones that avidly recruit anti-tumorigenic T cells and clones that recruit immune suppressive cells (neutrophils), we imagine that three different possibilities may be observed. Complete results are not available due to the experiment being ongoing, but it is hypothesized that the microenvironment of EA1 will suppress that of EA2's. This result will show only a partial response to Alectinib.
Open Access
Length at age of mottled sculpin in a regulated high-elevation river and comparison of length at age of Cottidae between Blue River, Colorado, and other populations
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Hackett, Travis R., author
We characterized length-at-age relationships of mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdii) in the Lower Blue River, a regulated high-elevation river in the southern Rocky Mountain region, Colorado, USA. Sculpin were collected in May, August, and October in a dry year and a wet year, and sagittal otoliths were sectioned for age estimation. Age-1 fish grew rapidly followed by slowed annual growth and a relatively long life span, with the oldest individual inferred to be 9 years old at 119 mm in total length. These patterns might be due to the altered flow regime characterized by hypolimnetic dam water release, resulting in suboptimal summer water temperatures for growth, oligotrophic conditions, and low abundance of prey resources. When comparing length at age between mottled sculpin found in the Blue River and other Cottidae in separate systems, we found that mottled sculpin in the Blue River have much more rapid early life growth compared to other cottids. Our study reports length-at-age relationships of a small-bodied species in an anthropogenically altered river, and additional research is warranted to compare their life history characteristics over space and time.
Open Access
Avian biodiversity and abundance at the CSU Mountain Campus: an acoustic monitoring study
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024-12-13) Doorack, Emily, author
The research conducted for this thesis and the overarching project encompassing it measured the biodiversity of avian species present at the CSU Mountain Campus through auditory data collection. We deployed auditory recording devices at the beginning of the summer of 2024 and allowed them to record data on the calls of avian species present across the campus until the end of the summer. We found that the standing forest habitat of mixed conifers had the highest amount of call activity, but the lowest amount of unique calls associated with it. However, the devices deployed in the riparian and the burn stand habitat zones had much higher diversity and unique species despite having a lower volume of recorded calls. Because unique species were found throughout the campus and there was a high number and diversity of calls at each of the three habitat types, we encourage future management and conservation of the CSU Mountain Campus to incorporate all three of these habitat types into land management practices. This is of extreme importance as the campus continues to grow and usage of the trails through these habitat types increases, potentially affecting the avian populations present.
Open Access
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α signaling in cardiac adaptations to hypobaric hypoxia
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Johnson, Anna C., author
Previous data from the Chicco lab demonstrated that skeletal muscle metabolic adaptations to hypobaric hypoxia (HH) involves glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling, but not hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α. The present study investigated whether the same is true in cardiac muscle. Male F344 rats were given a glucocorticoid receptor blocker (RU486) or no drug beginning five days before and throughout a fifteen-day exposure to 17,200 feet simulated in a hypobaric chamber or remained at Fort Collins elevation at 5,003 feet. Cardiac tissue was collected and analyzed for expression of GR, HIF1-α, VLCAD (a fatty acid oxidation enzyme), and each of the five complexes involved in (OXPHOS) oxidative phosphorylation. Current data indicates that while HH had no effect on cardiac GR expression, HIF1-α protein levels were elevated in the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV). Consistent with this finding, VLCAD expression was lower in the RV, with no effect of RU486 treatment, while the opposite trend was previously seen in skeletal muscle. Taken together, our results thus far indicate that in contrast to skeletal muscle, HIF1-α, rather than GR signaling, may play an important role in cardiac responses to HH.
Open Access
The societal push for novelty: how embracing neophilism benefits us
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Klumpenhower, Rebecca, author
This literature review examines the intersection of social influence, novelty-seeking, and well-being, emphasizing neophilism as a strategy for balanced engagement with new experiences. Elements of society such as American culture, media, and literature frequently encourage novelty and sensation seeking behaviors, which are often framed negatively. This paper argues that societal influences can lead to both risks and benefits, highlighting the role of intentional decision-making in finding positive outcomes. Foundational theories, including Self-Determination Theory, Social Learning Theory and research by Marvin Zuckerman and Carol Ryff, are used to understand the psychological and social dimensions of novelty seeking. The review also explores the impact of novelty on cognitive, social and physical health and its subsequent effects on creating psychological and eudaimonic well-being. The paper introduces potential action steps, particularly for individuals with sensation-seeking tendencies, encouraging them to choose activities that can facilitate personal growth and resilience. This paper advocates for a mindful approach to curiosity, enabling individuals to navigate societal pressures while maximizing their well-being. Recommendations for future research include exploring the effects of novelty across the lifespan and within non-Western, collectivistic cultures, to see how novelty-seeking can support flourishing in broader cultural contexts.
Open Access
The influence of artificial intelligence in the healthcare space
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Nemeth, Blake, author
Open Access
Quantifying firewood-transmitted forest pests at their source: an analysis of insects within a northern Colorado firewood processing facility
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Snyder, Garron, author
Urban and rural forests are subject to outbreaks from forest pests of native and foreign origin. Firewood is one of the primary dispersal agents of forest pests such as insects, bacteria, and fungi. However, few studies have attempted to quantify pest incidence within transported firewood. This study analyzed forest pest incidence within a firewood processing and holding facility in Northern Colorado by quantifying the proportions of pieces with galleries, live adult insects, dead adult insects, and larvae within imported and locally processed firewood. We also analyzed locally felled tree species for galleries, and adult or larvae species richness to investigate local incidence. Lastly, we utilized funnel traps baited with α-pinene-ethanol baits to capture and identify any species present within the property. Among the 3,250 pieces of firewood, 28% (925) contained galleries, less than 1% (12) had live insects, and zero contained larvae. The largest average proportion of galleries was observed in pine pallets (81% per pallet) and the smallest was observed in spruce (0.05% per pallet). In sampled logs, elm logs had the highest gallery incidence (90%), alive adult presence (80%), larvae presence (90%), and species richness. A variety of native, but potentially harmful pests were captured along with evidence of potentially harmful insects such as members of Buprestidiae, Cerambycidae, and Curculionidae. Based on our analysis, we suspect that the firewood tree species is an important factor to consider when quantifying and predicting forest pest dispersal. We also believe that local firewood is not inherently less likely to harbor potentially harmful species compared to imported firewood. Overall, better monitoring and regulatory structure will be necessary to prevent forest pest outbreaks.
Open Access
Novel application of chain transfer agents for generation of high value polymers during mechanical recycling
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Wilusz, Gwen, author; Estock, John, author; Hill, Megan, author
Plastic consumption has increased drastically in the modern era, inevitably leading to an increase in plastic waste. While recycling was historically proposed to counteract this influx, the combination of the heating and shearing forces innate to this process leads to the formation of highly reactive, short-lived radical species that can induce chain degradation of polymers. This decreases the overall molecular weight of the material, inevitably resulting in lower-value products. This work demonstrates improvements that will increase the mechanical recyclability of polymer waste by introducing accessible functionality to degraded polymers through mechanoradical capture. Trithiocarbonate (TTC) chain transfer agents (CTAs), typically used in reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations, have the unique ability to stabilize and capture radicals. Thus, introducing these small molecules during the mechanical recycling process captures the mechanoradicals formed, effectively functionalizing the waste polymers. These functionalized polymers are then employed as macroinitiators for controlled polymerization. In addition, TTC functionalities are used as labile groups that allow for depolymerization to monomer at more accessible temperatures. This novel method generates both higher molecular weight materials akin to virgin polymers and produces monomers that can be repolymerized, offering a promising path toward a circular plastic economy.
Open Access
The cultural influence of ethical decision-making
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024-11-20) Ybarra, Kayla, author
Using the experiences and perspectives of international students from Mexico, Cameroon, and Haiti, this study examines how cultural influences influence ethical decision-making and consumer motivations. Through a student panel discussion at Colorado State University, the research examines how social, economic, and cultural differences shape ethical choices in consumption between the United States and the students' home countries. The findings reveal critical intersections between culture and ethics, highlighting the global disparities and shared challenges in addressing fast fashion's environmental and social impacts. This reflective analysis bridges cultural insights with existing literature, offering a nuanced understanding of the ethical implications of fast fashion in a multicultural context.
Open Access
The rise of street veterinary medicine and the benefits it provides for unhoused individuals and their companion animals
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Hall, Joslin, author
This research explores the rise of street veterinary medicine and its benefits for unhoused individuals and their companion animals. Through volunteering with The Street Dog Coalition, a nonprofit organization providing veterinary care to pets of the unhoused and at risk of homelessness. This thesis examines the physical and mental health impacts of pet ownership within this community. Drawing on personal volunteer experiences, interviews with organization staff, and review of relevant literature, this paper highlights the essential role pets play in bolstering the emotional support, purpose, and resilience for their owners quality of life. It also discusses the challenges and sacrifices faced by unhoused pet owners, including barriers to housing and healthcare access, and focuses on the need for integrated, pet-inclusive support systems. This study promotes a "one health" approach, which provides necessary medical care for both humans and animals, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human-animal bond while addressing broader social issues.
Open Access
Visually exploring fungi through a pattern-based lens
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024-11-11) Garelle-Essam, Mila, author
This honors thesis explores the value of art and visual pattern specifically for communicating and transforming science to better understand the world around us. Our current reality is a world where humans and science commonly perceive a paternalistic separation from all other living beings. Luckily, people recognize their inherent connection and curiosity for nature when they see intricate beauty found in all of life. Including humanities like emotion and culture in scientific realms helps us see science as storytelling and engages students to ask deeper questions. In this project I tell the story of my efforts to capture microscopic mycelial growth using time-lapse photography. This project culminates in a 4-minute film that focuses on the patterns expressed by the fungal kingdom at a variety of time and size scales. The film is guided by a meditative poem allowing the patterns of life to fill the viewers mind and inspire connection. The film is linked at the beginning of the reflection paper.
Open Access
Warrior Resiliency Program: warrior ethos for non-combative roles in the U.S. Air Force
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Imfeld, Caitlyn, author
This reference guide is geared towards members and leadership of the U.S. Air Force but may be applied to other military branches and within civilian contexts as well. It provides a foundation for so-called "Warrior Resiliency Programs" that are designed to promote physical excellence and combat capability in airmen, especially those in non-combative career fields. These Warrior Resiliency Programs are primarily based in physical training and practical skills, with components of mental and spiritual resiliency integrated as well. The guide offers academic backing for each component included in the program, a detailed structure for beginning a Warrior Resiliency Program on a military installation, and a plethora of tips and resources for more information.
Open Access
An end to the cycle: supporting resilience in children of adults with mood disorders
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Whitmarsh, Taylor, author
In this literature review, I synthesize various relevant articles related to risk and resilience for children of adults with mood disorders. Additionally, to understand real world applications of my findings, I included sections from an interview that I conducted with licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Chelsea Kline. To begin my review, I argue that parental Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder contribute to cumulative risk and disrupt family functioning. Children of an adult with a mood disorder may be exposed to increased stress due to marital conflict, impaired interactions between the parent and child, chaotic household organization, and parentification. Research supports that children from this population are more likely to experience their own emotional and behavioral problems. Though children from this population are vulnerable, I spend a significant portion of my review discussing protective factors internal and external to the family. These factors interact with risk factors to promote positive outcomes. I discuss implications to consider when designing interventions including screening parents for mental health conditions, emphasizing improvement within family interactions, educating families on mental illness, approaching parental mental illness from a systemic theoretical background, and providing opportunities for autonomy to children when developmentally appropriate. In my review, I acknowledge the complexity of the inheritance of mental health conditions, and I call for an ecological systemic approach to expand the field’s current understanding of parenting with a mood disorder.
Open Access
Redesign of non-profit website: improving user experience for greater impact
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Clement, Alexandra, author
A non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and donations for their cause needs a website that engages their users. This thesis explored the redesign of a northern Colorado non-profit organization to enhance user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) through a combination of user-centered design principles, accessibility improvements, and elevated functionality. The process to complete this project involved evaluating the current website’s limitations, conducting A/B testing, and applying learned web design techniques to create a more friendly, visually appealing, and informative platform. By improving the website's UX/UI, this thesis aims to increase community engagement and support.