Honors Theses
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Item Open Access Ashes and adaptations: exploring fire adaptations through a podcast mini-series(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Paa, Peyton, author; Neuwald, Jennifer, advisor; Hart, Sarah, advisor"Ashes and Adaptations" is a five-episode podcast mini-series discussing plant adaptations shaped by fire. The goal of the project was to create an overview of fire as an evolutionary force and explain how climate change is harmful to fire-adapted ecosystems. The audience was intended to be the general public, not just those within the scientific community. The series begins with an overview of evolution, discussing the mechanisms behind the process, how adaptations arise, and correcting the common misconceptions surrounding the topic. Then, the next three episodes dive into specific fire adaptations, including thick bark, serotiny, and the wide variety of adaptations contained within the iconic Eucalyptus tree. Finally, the series ends with a panel discussion with fire scientists Jamie Woolet and Sarah Hettema, discussing their work related to fire ecology and issues they've seen fire-adapted ecosystems facing today. With the generous help of Dr. Neuwald and Dr. Hart as advisors, this podcast was able to come into fruition. This project combined many of the skills I have fostered throughout my undergraduate experience, including research and writing, while also utilizing the knowledge I have gained from my classes in natural resources.Item Open Access The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in veterinary medicine: advocacy through art(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Negron, Justine Adrianna, author; Aubry, Lise, advisor; Blanco, Cristina, committee member; Sadar, Miranda, committee memberVeterinary medicine has traditionally faced a lack of racial and ethnic diversity in its workforce. Despite ongoing efforts to minimize this issue, such as American Veterinary Medical Association diversity symposia and recruitment efforts by veterinary schools, 'Diversity, Equity and Inclusion' continues to be a modern challenge for the field. This honors thesis aims to answer the following: Why does racial and ethnic diversity in veterinary medicine matter? By using private organizational research, government statistics, interdisciplinary journal articles, and books, this project argues that diversity in veterinary medicine matters for three reasons: i) enabling better client-provider communication via diverse perspectives and cultural competency, ii) creating increased profitability and thus financial security for veterinary business institutions, and iii) allowing for better understanding/problem-solving of complex issues, which could impact society in sectors like public health. Given that visual art can cross cultural and language barriers to convey ideas and mobilize societies, three paintings were created to further communicate these themes. Taken together, the written and artistic components are meant to serve as educational tools, aiming to promote continued research and efforts toward increasing veterinary diversity to bolster the profession's relevance in serving today's communities.Item Open Access Pets and mental health(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Pitts, Isaac, author; Dewey, Tanya, advisor; Knaus, Pam Vaughan, committee memberMental health is a growing concern in the United States. Despite this, mental health is often misunderstood, misrepresented, or not taken seriously. Misconceptions about mental health can have devastating consequences, including high rates of suicide. It is crucial that mental health be given more attention and that those struggling are encouraged to seek help. For many people, pets can play a vital role in supporting mental health. Numerous studies have explored the health benefits of pet ownership and have found that pets not only improve mental well-being but also contribute to physical health, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing other cardiovascular problems. This thesis aims to present the research on how our pets at home help us each day. Since this was an art project, art will also be considered a behavior to improve mental health. To convey this message in art form, a collage of many different pets, from cats and dogs to crabs and rats, was created with a brain and heart in the center to show how important pets can be. The written and art pieces together aim to promote healthier ways to deal with mental health and promote more research on how pets are beneficial to humans.Item Open Access Paws & perception: the influence of marketing on animal rescue behavior(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Miller, Amanda, author; de Brito, Paulo Borges, advisor; Wright, Jennifer, committee memberThis honors thesis examines how marketing can catalyze a renewed cultural shift toward animal rescue in the United States, with a specific focus on Gen Z consumers. Drawing on historical analysis, secondary data from national animal welfare organizations, and primary survey data from pet owners in the Denver Metro Area, the paper traces the evolution of the rescue movement from the 1970s—when an estimated 15 million animals were euthanized annually— to the present plateau of approximately 607,000 euthanasias per year. The study identifies key historical inflection points, including the Animal Welfare Act, early animal rights advocacy, and high-profile celebrity interventions such as Oprah Winfrey's 2008 coverage of puppy mills, and contrasts these with current stagnation in progress. Quantitative analysis indicates that preventable euthanasia could be eliminated if only 27% of recent pet purchasers chose adoption instead, suggesting that a relatively modest behavioral shift could have an outsized impact. Survey findings further show that 60% of respondents who purchased from breeders asked about welfare-related practices, and half of those altered their purchasing decision, highlighting an existing ethical sensitivity to leverage. The thesis argues that the legacy slogan "Adopt, Don't Shop" is increasingly perceived as accusatory and insufficiently nuanced for Gen Z, who seek authenticity, narrative depth, and a sense of belonging in social causes. It proposes that modern marketing strategies—particularly influencer partnerships, viral storytelling, and socially resonant messaging reframed as a positive, joinable movement (e.g., "Join the Rescue Revolution")—offer a promising pathway to shift perceptions away from breeder purchases and toward rescue and adoption.Item Open Access The importance of insect education for all ages(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Linscomb, Olivia, author; Mola, John, advisor; Camper, Matt, committee memberMy experience included tabling and presenting at Bug Zoo and Entomology Club outreach events for the Fort Collins community, geared toward both children and adults, to examine how responses to insects varied. My involvement provided me with unique insights into the world of wildlife education and helped me develop valuable scientific communication skills. Along the way, I encountered numerous challenges, including obtaining IRB approval and a shortage of volunteers to assist me at various events.Item Open Access Applied crisis management in the supply chain: a qualitative study(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Coulson, Kirstyn, author; Mumford, Troy, advisor; Macdonald, John, committee memberThis thesis examines how supply chain leaders handle crisis and what effective leadership looks like. I conducted qualitative interviews with six leaders across manufacturing, logistics, procurement, healthcare, and rail. Their experiences point to several themes that shape crisis response, including the severity of the disruption, the vulnerabilities within a complex supply chain, and the leader’s own capabilities. Crises happen in every industry. They create financial risk, time pressure, and a need for strong coordination across teams. The leaders I interviewed described a shared approach. They stay outwardly steady while managing internal stress, pull people and resources together quickly, and turn each disruption into a learning opportunity through root cause analysis and prevention planning. A key takeaway is that a supply chain never leaves a crisis in the same condition it entered. Disruption exposes weak spots and moves the organization from a mindset focus on efficiency toward greater resilience. Overall, the research shows that effective crisis leadership relies less on technical expertise and more on emotional intelligence and a commitment to supporting teams through uncertainty.Item Open Access Diversity of Lampyridae (firefly) species across Colorado(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) DuMais, Benjamin, author; Borowiec, Marek, advisor; Aubry, Lise, committee memberFireflies, lightning bugs, and glowworms (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are ecologically and culturally significant, yet their diversity and distribution in Colorado remain poorly understood. This study examined 327 Lampyridae specimens from the C. P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity at Colorado State University. Specimen data, including taxonomic identification, collection locality, and date, were entered into the global Ecdysis database and mapped using geographic information system (GIS) software with county and watershed boundaries. Six genera (Ellychnia, Photuris, Photinus, Pyractomena, Pyropyga, and Lucidota) were identified, though many specimens could only be resolved to the genus level. Collections were concentrated along the Front Range, while the Western Slope, Eastern Plains, and San Luis Valley were underrepresented. Several genera, including Ellychnia and Pyropyga, likely comprise species complexes requiring further taxonomic and genetic study. Although all eleven major watersheds were represented, specimens were collected from only 36 of Colorado's 64 counties, reflecting a spatial sampling bias. These findings establish a baseline checklist of Lampyridae in Colorado, highlight significant geographic gaps, and underscore the need for targeted survey efforts to support regional conservation and management of firefly populations.Item Open Access Romanticism as political critique: authority, sympathy, and the modern state(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025-12) Harrison, Rory, author; Steinway, Elizabeth, adviosr; Lessor, Edward, committee memberThis thesis examines British Romanticism as a sustained political critique of authority, freedom, and systemic power, challenging the longstanding view that Romantic writers retreated from politics after early revolutionary enthusiasm. Drawing on recent scholarship that reframes Romanticism as deeply entangled with war, empire, slavery, ecology, and economic instability, the project argues that Romantic literature persistently interrogates the moral and psychological foundations of political authority. Through close readings of writers including William Wordsworth, William Blake, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, Mary Wollstonecraft, Germaine de Staël, Anna Laetitia Barbauld, and Felicia Hemans, the thesis traces how Romanticism conceptualizes freedom not as a fixed achievement but as an ongoing ethical and imaginative practice. Romantic critiques of revolution, nationalism, humanitarianism, institutional power, and environmental degradation reveal enduring patterns of domination, complicity, and resistance. By extending these insights beyond historical reconstruction, the thesis demonstrates how Romantic political thought illuminates contemporary democratic crises in the United States, including racial inequality, economic precarity, ecological collapse, and the erosion of civic trust. Ultimately, the project argues that Romanticism remains politically vital because it exposes how authority operates both externally through institutions and internally through perception, habit, and imagination, insisting that political renewal begins with moral and imaginative transformation.Item Open Access Rights from wrongs: an educational unit on patient rights for students(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Lakoski, Samantha, author; Jeckel, Kimberly, advisor; Robinson, Gina, committee memberPatient rights lie at the intersection of two of the most daunting systems for everyday people, the medical and legal systems. Already stressful situations can become more confusing when a person doesn't know what protections they are entitled to as they enter a healthcare setting. Lack of awareness can be traced back to the lack of a comprehensive patient rights document in the United States. Rather, patient rights are distributed over various pieces of federal legislation, state legislation, and court cases. This paper outlines an educational unit for high school students that aims to define patient rights, outline key pieces of legislation, highlight population considerations, and identify significant legislation specific to Colorado. The goal of this unit is to help students become more familiar with the protections they are afforded in a medical setting, so they can feel more empowered when interacting with medical professionals. Through this empowerment, students will feel more comfortable seeking necessary medical help, communicating with medical professionals, and advocating for themselves if the need arises.Item Open Access A comparison of canine and avian skeletal and respiratory systems and diseases(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Ryann, Autumn, author; Martin, Jason, adivsor; Svec, Paulina, committee memberUtilizing comparative anatomy, we aim to expand anatomical knowledge of canine and avian species in those with basic understanding of the skeletal and respiratory systems. The canine is utilized as a model for comparison to establish general anatomical principles before introducing the evolutionary adaptations of the avian skeletal and respiratory systems, supporting the idea that form follows function. Additionally, variations in anatomy create a divergence in presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of various pathologies of these systems. The canine skeletal system is largely unfused, with many joints and flexibility, allowing efficient terrestrial locomotion and maneuverability. The avian skeletal system has many aspects of fusions in the vertebrae and appendages, providing rigidity that assist in flight stability and lowering mass. Canine respiration is bidirectional, requiring one inhale and one exhale for a full respiratory cycle. Avian respiration is unidirectional, requiring two inhales and two exhales for a full respiratory cycle, maximizing gas exchange for flight at altitudes with lower oxygen levels. Fractures cause problems in the skeleton's structural integrity, no matter the species. Canine rib fractures can be deadly, decreasing respiratory efficiency and increasing risk for secondary infections. Avian fractures impact the respiratory system in pneumatic bones, which often contain air sacs. Rupture of air sacs through fractures can increase risk of respiratory and bone infections, and often require surgical intervention. A fungal infection like aspergillosis primarily affects avian species, though it can present as sinonasal aspergillosis or disseminated aspergillosis in canines. Avian influenza (AI) affects both avians and canines, and can present as low or high pathogenicity in avian species. Generally, canines infected with AI have mild symptoms, though it can mutate in canines and establish a lineage of canine influenza.Item Open Access Early motor development and co-occurring biomedical conditions in toddlers with Down syndrome(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Despradel, Maria, author; Fidler, Deborah, advisor; Graham,James, committee memberDown syndrome (DS) is a neurogenetic condition present in 1:800 live births (Bull, 2020). DS is caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21. Trisomy 21 and the overexpression of genes on chromosome 21 are associated with intellectual disability (ID) and a variety of distinct physical characteristics (Bull, 2020). DS is the most common chromosomal cause of ID, typically presenting with mild to moderate severity (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2023). Individuals with DS are also at a higher risk of developing co-occurring biomedical conditions, including congenital heart defects (CHD), neurological disorders, such as infantile spasms and seizure disorders, and vision problems (Bull, 2020). Evidence to date suggests that motor skills are a key area of developmental vulnerability in DS (Sacks & Buckley, 2003). Characterizing early motor skill acquisition in infants with DS is critical to better tailor interventions and therapies to optimize outcomes. This study aims to characterize the range of motor skill presentations within a large sample of infants with DS, and the association between motor skills and co-occurring biomedical conditions.Item Open Access Rethinking the scale: inclusive assessment of social-emotional development for autistic preschool children(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) VonLunen, Mia, author; Daunhauer, Lisa, advisor; Simpson, Erica, committee memberAssessment in early childhood ensures children receive adequate challenges and scaffolding to support development. Formative, norm-based assessment measures are used to guide instruction; however, normed assessments are often not reflective of neurodivergent populations. For autistic preschoolers in particular, demonstrating social-emotional growth on a norm-referenced scale is challenging, as students with developmental disorders are underrepresented in the creation of the scale. As such, the present project modifies the Teaching Strategies GOLD, a widely used early childhood assessment tool, to include descriptions of levels and example behaviors that are developmentally appropriate for autistic children ages three to five. Through the inclusion of verbal and non-verbal example behaviors, a wide variety of learners are represented. Additionally, revisions focus on breaking apart levels into smaller progressions. By providing early childhood educators with an inclusive tool of assessment, neurodiverse students have access to accurate progress monitoring.Item Open Access Balancing conservation and cultural rights: how the International Whaling Commission's policies shape Indigenous and commercial whaling practices(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Tomlinson, Emma, author; Berg, Marni, advisor; Seidl, Andy, committee memberThe International Whaling Commission (IWC), established by the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, creates international rules that distinguish among commercial, scientific, and aboriginal subsistence whaling. Since the 1982 moratorium on commercial whaling, which entered into force in 1986, the IWC has continued to recognize and manage Indigenous subsistence hunts with the explicit objectives of maintaining whale populations at healthy levels while enabling Indigenous peoples to continue culturally and nutritionally necessary hunts. Each form of whaling has its own unique regulations and enforcement mechanisms, binding states and communities under international law. These regulatory arrangements establish a legal and management framework that must strike a balance between species conservation and Indigenous rights and cultural survival. This paper explores the complicated relationship between Indigenous self-determination, the limitations of international law, and conservation challenges.Item Open Access Exploration of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and preliminary links to neurodevelopmental disorders(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Gibson, Ronan L., author; Anderson-Noell, Tori, advisor; Rosenberg, Corey, committee memberThe methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene encodes an enzyme involved in folate metabolism, specifically the production of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate — the metabolically active form of folate, a crucial nutrient for fetal development. Mutations in the MTHFR gene lead to folate deficiency, which contributes to multiple developmental complications, such as neural tube development deficits. Preliminary research shows a correlation between MTHFR polymorphisms and the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders, more specifically Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These disorders can impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities, such as work and maintaining social relationships. This thesis explores the biochemical, genetic, and physiological mechanisms for MTHFR polymorphisms, as well as directing future research towards investigating a causal relationship through transgenic models in mice as well as the possible therapeutic benefits of 5-MTHF supplementation. Continued investigation into the relationship between MTHFR polymorphisms and neurodevelopmental disorders can further inform targeted interventions.Item Open Access Integrating market research and creative strategy: an advertising proposal for Stio(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Zoller, Kaija, author; Slejko, Gina, advisor; Robinson, Arnold, committee member; Krukowski, Kipp, committee memberThis project integrates comprehensive market research with creative advertising strategy to develop an informed, multi-channel marketing proposal for Stio, a premium outdoor apparel brand rooted in mountain-athlete culture. Through industry analysis, competitive benchmarking, and consumer trend evaluation, the research identifies a rapidly evolving outdoor apparel landscape defined by rising participation in outdoor activities, growing demand for versatile and sustainable gear, and the increasing role of social media in shaping lifestyle-oriented outdoor fashion. Using quantitative and qualitative data, including onsite interviews, analytics, social listening, and third-party research, the project establishes four key consumer personas: the Graduated Grom, Mountain Maven, Eco Explorer, and Seasoned Seeker. These personas guide the development of a research-driven campaign concept, "The Gear That Does It All," which highlights Stio's ability to balance technical performance with everyday versatility. Paired with a six-month, funnel-based digital media plan spanning awareness, consideration, and conversion channels, the campaign is designed to support revenue growth, strengthen brand differentiation, and maintain Stio's aspirational mountain-towner identity. The resulting proposal positions Stio to expand its audience while preserving authenticity, addressing strategic challenges of credibility, brand dilution, and sustainability storytelling within a crowded and competitive market.Item Open Access Timing the bite: nutrient timing strategies for athlete success(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Zembeck, John, author; Gentile, Chris, advisor; Burke, Colleen, committee member; Carlson, Charlotte, committee memberThis thesis integrates evidence-based sports nutrition with culinary application to empower athletes through strategic nutrient timing and accessible meal preparation. Drawing on current research and personal experience in athletics and culinary science, it addresses common barriers to optimal fueling such as time constraints, cost, knowledge gaps, and psychological stress. This will also offer practical solutions tailored to collegiate athletes. The framework centers on four critical fueling windows: breakfast, pre-workout, post-workout, and before bed, each supported by physiological rationale and targeted recipes. Emphasis is placed on calculating energy and macronutrient needs using methods such as the Mifflin-St Jeor equation and activity multipliers, while highlighting the importance of consistent eating patterns, micronutrient adequacy, and individualized experimentation. Recipes are designed to be nutrient-dense, budget-conscious, and performance-enhancing, with adaptations for varied schedules and training loads. By merging scientific insight with culinary creativity, this resource aims to foster sustainable fueling habits that enhance performance, recovery, and long-term athlete health.Item Open Access Coaching for wellness: a guide to mental health and substance use prevention in women's aesthetic sports(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Nelson, Reese, author; Popichak, Katrina, advisor; Butik, Brian, committee member"Coaching for Wellness: A Guide to Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention in Women's Aesthetic Sports" is a comprehensive guide to the unique psychological issues faced by female athletes engaged in appearance-oriented sports, such as gymnastics, figure skating, and dance. This project aims to showcase the intersection of body image, performance pressure, and mental health symptoms that are ubiquitous but relatively ignored in aesthetic sports. Based on peer-reviewed research, I focused on four themes: substance abuse risk, eating disorders, relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S), and external pressures through coaches, judges, and social media. To identify these focus areas, I analyzed recurring findings of mental health struggles across all aesthetic sports, then considered how systematic and cultural influences in aesthetic sports, like authoritarian-style coaching and the normalization of abuse, frame these problems. I discussed how mental health, trauma, and self-worth would present themselves while in the sport and after retirement. Next, I offered suggestions for better coaching training programs, athlete advocacy, and support for mental health. Ultimately, my research proves that mental health disorders that aesthetic athletes experience derive more from the culture and practices of aesthetic sport than athletes' experiences alone. With that, my thesis aims to inspire change around athlete well-being, identity, and systemic reform in aesthetic sports.Item Open Access Are libraries a thing of the past, or a staple of reality?(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Anderson, Liana, author; Gollapudi, Aparna, advisor; Mitchell, Todd, committee memberWhen Henry Ward Beecher said, "A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life," he did not know all of what would come out of libraries in the future. He did not know how libraries would evolve over time, but the statement remains true. Maintaining a place for people to go to obtain knowledge, community, and a sense of belonging is a vital aspect of libraries that makes them a necessary feature of life. Many factors come into play when it comes to understanding just how important a library can be for its community. There has been some concern lately that libraries are a thing of the past because reading for pleasure is on the decline, and new technologies are replacing the services libraries once provided. However, an examination of libraries' past and present, and a speculation about their future, suggests that libraries are here to stay. Libraries have faced challenges throughout history and are here to tell the story. While some of the most pressing challenges for libraries today include funding cuts, harassment of workers, and censorship, libraries are showing up to face these rising challenges, proving they are up for the fight. Some of the library's most important aspects include its role as a community hub, a space for women to find work and a sense of belonging, and a place for the free sharing of knowledge. As my research into libraries' past, present, and future potential suggests, the value of the American library is clear and shows no sign of disappearing, regardless of claims about the impending demise of the library as an institution.Item Open Access Electrochemically mediated CO₂ capture by polyaniline-graphene oxide nanocomposites(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Brainard, Lauren, author; Peebles, Christie, advisor; Parada, German, committee memberRising atmospheric CO2 concentrations have driven demand for effective carbon capture technologies, particularly solutions compatible with existing industrial infrastructure. This study investigates electrochemical CO2 capture using polyaniline-graphene oxide (PANI-GO) nanocomposites as an alternative to traditional packed bed adsorption (PBA) methods. Building upon previous work with pressure swing adsorption (PSA) regeneration, this research explores voltage-swing mechanisms that enable both capture and regeneration through simple electrical input. PANI-GO was synthesized directly onto carbon cloth cathodes and assembled into electrochemical cells with NaCl electrolyte. Capture performance was evaluated by measuring effluent CO2 concentrations during voltage application (0.5-1V) and comparing results to conventional PBA systems. Statistical analysis revealed that electrochemical capture achieved significantly higher CO2 removal (mean: 203 ppm reduction) compared to PBA methods (mean: 87 ppm reduction, p = 0.00058). The electrochemical approach offers advantages in energy efficiency and regeneration simplicity, requiring only voltage removal to release captured CO2. While challenges remain regarding cell sealing, coating uniformity, and electrolyte optimization, these results demonstrate the viability of electrochemical carbon capture as a modular, low-energy solution for industrial emissions reduction. Future work will focus on scaling the technology, optimizing electrolyte composition with bicarbonate/carbonate solutions, and analyzing captured gas purity through chromatography.Item Open Access Trial by media: public perception & impact on the justice system as influenced by global media(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Seibel, Allie, author; Robinson, Gina, advisor; Wolfgang, David, committee memberI will be exploring three case studies that details various intricacies of how the media influences juries, criminal process and the public narrative around justice and the legal system. To begin, I will detail the Amanda Knox case and the international intrigue that resulted from the clashes between America, England and Italy. I will examine the Italian legal system, American versus British media coverage, resulting tabloid headlines and how it influenced global perception of defendants, including how Knox herself utilized the media to take power back over the public narrative, and how various pop culture representations of Knox influenced public perception around guilt and innocence. Next, I will examine the case of Aileen Wuornos, branded as the first female serial killer, and how the United States criminal system, pre-trial publicity, historical context and newspaper and television coverage influence prosecution and defense tactics, and how post-trial narratives influenced the legacy of Wuornos and women in the criminal justice system. Finally, I will study the recent defamation case of Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard. In this case, I will examine the intrigue around court cases and celebrity marriages, how the media treated both Depp and Heard, the impact of social media and real time broadcasting from the courtroom on the jury, and public fascination with this specific case. All three cases will further research and investigation into the psychological impact of the media on juries, public opinion, the "trial by media" phenomenon, and how, quite frequently, public perception and jury perception of criminal justice is skewed and influenced by media coverage.