WWW.EIU.EDU GRADUATE SCHOLAR EIU 2024 | JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION
GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS JOURNAL ROBERT & KATHRYN AUGUSTINE DISTINGUISHED MASTER’S THESIS AWARD 3 EIU COLLEGE MASTER’S THESIS AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 3 2023 GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE BOARD 5 KING-MERTZ RESEARCH CREATIVE ACTIVITY AWARDS 6 2023 RODNEY S. RANES OUTSTANDING GRADUATE FACULTY MENTOR AWARD 8 RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANTS & WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANTS 9 GRADUATE ALUMNI BOARD OUTSTANDING RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY AWARD 13 GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS 14 HAMAND SOCIETY OF GRADUATE SCHOLARS 15 DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE STUDENTS 18 GRADUATE SCHOLAR EIU 2024 | JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION
2 Robert W. Chestnut, Ph.D. Interim L. M. Hamand Dean Lana Beasley, Program Coordinator, Certification Officer Myra Taylor, Graduate School Support Specialist Juli Bishop, Admissions & Records Officer Cathy Gordon, Office Manager 2023-2024 Council on Graduate Studies Bonnie Laughlin-Schultz, Ph.D., Chair Alexis Jones Ph.D., Vice Chair Wesley Allan, Ph.D. Nikki Hillier, Ph.D. Nichole Hugo, Ph.D. Chris Laingen, Ph.D. Farhad Sadeh, Ph.D. Chavionne Thomas 2023-2024 Graduate Student Advisory Council Elian Mackey, President Okewa Owoeye, Executive Vice President Attainea Toulon, Graduate Student Dean Efosa Ojomo, Vice President of Public Relations LoisTetteh, Vice President for Programming Alexandra Tserenova, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Gabe King, Graduate School Student Adviser Wesley Allan, Ph.D., Faculty Adviser Myra Taylor, Graduate School Staff Adviser Graduate School Alumni Advisory Board Jim Acklin, ‘79, ‘87, ‘98 Matt Davidson, ‘82, ‘84 Craig Gatto, Ph.D., ‘87, ‘89 Marilyn Holt, ‘88, ‘94 Mark Kasper, Ed.D., ‘83, ‘86 Nancie King-Mertz, ‘77 Linda Komes, ‘74 Kendra McClure, ‘10 David VanVooren, ‘78, ‘79 College of Education Cliff Karnes, Ed.D. Educational Leadership, Master’s & Specialist’s Programs, Chair and Coordinator Catherine Polydore, Ph.D. Counseling and Higher Education Programs, Chair and Coordinator Daniel Carter, Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction, Coordinator Cori More Ph.D. Special Education, Coordinator College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Matthew Boonstra, M.F.A. Art, Coordinator Brad Olson, Ph.D. Art Education and Community Arts, Coordinator Britto Nathan, Ph.D. Biological Sciences, Coordinator Radu Semeniuc, Ph.D. Chemistry, Coordinator Wesley Allan, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Coordinator Angela Jacobs, Ph.D. Communication Studies, Coordinator Michael Cornebise, Ph.D. Economics Marjorie Worthington, Ph.D. English, Coordinator Lee Patterson, Ph.D. History, Coordinator David Viertel, Ph.D. Geographic Information Sciences, Coordinator Jamie Ryan, D.M.A. Music, Coordinator Peter Wiles, Ph.D. Mathematics Education, Coordinator Ryan Burge, Ph.D. Political Science, Coordinator Margaret Floress, Ph.D. School Psychology, Coordinator Lumpkin College of Business & Technology Nicholas Robinson, Ph.D. Business Administration, Coordinator Rigoberto Chinchilla, Ph.D. Cybersecurity, Coordinator Nichole Hugo, Ph.D. Sustainability, Coordinator David Melton, Ph.D. Technology, Talent Development, Coordinator College of Health & Human Services Nikki Hillier, Ph.D. Health Promotion, Coordinator Julie Dietz, Ph.D. Nutrition and Dietetics, Chair and Coordinator Andrew Kerins, Ph.D. Exercise Physiology, Sports Administration, Coordinator Nichole Mulvey, Ph.D. Communication Disorders & Sciences, Coordinator Kathleen O’Rourke, Ph.D. Aging Studies, Human Services Coordinator THE GRADUATE SCHOOL BLAIR HALL
3 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP & RECOGNITION | EIU 2024 ROBERT & KATHRYN AUGUSTINE DISTINGUISHED MASTER’S THESIS AWARD Named for, and supported by Robert Augustine, Ph.D., EIU Graduate School dean from 1998 through 2015, and his wife, Kathryn, an alumna of EIU’s College of Education, the Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award recognizes the highest achievement in master’s degree research. DANIELLE BUECHLEIN Master of Arts in School Psychology Faculty Mentor: Margaret Floress, Ph.D. Effective classroom management practices are crucial to fostering a positive learning environment, student achievement, and student social-emotional development, as well as teacher job satisfaction. The Five-in-20 Classroom Observation Tool (FCOT) was developed from the 21 evidence-based strategies identified by Simonsen and colleagues (2008) to assess and support teachers’ classroom management; however, its psychometric properties are unknown. The present study looks at the interobserver agreement of the FCOT, specifically at how consistent observers’ ratings are with each other and how consistent observers’ ratings are with a standard coded copy of the FCOT. Forty-four participants, using the FCOT, rated the same 20-minute video of classroom instruction. Their ratings were compared using intraclass correlation coefficient and alpha coefficient. Intraclass correlation coefficient yielded excellent agreement for average measures and moderate agreement for single measures for both strategy endorsement and quality rating. Cronbach’s alpha also suggested strong reliability for strategy and quality. The participants’ ratings were compared to the standard coded FCOT using Cohen’s kappa and percent agreement. The kappa value for strategy endorsement suggested substantial agreement, while the kappa value for quality rating suggested moderate agreement. Percent agreement for strategy endorsement was calculated at 85.37% and for quality rating at 60.24%. Implications and suggestions for future research are provided. EIU COLLEGE MASTER’S THESIS AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE + COLLEGE OF EDUCATION JACOB MUELLER Master of Science in Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Jon Coleman, Ph.D. The purpose of this qualitative study was to find what perceptions did academic faculty have of student-athletes, if any, at a midsized Midwestern Division-I institution. The study addressed a gap in literature that existed of researched perceptions academic faculty members had of the student-athlete population as there was a lack of literature related to student-athletes through that lens. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Identity Theory for theoretical conceptualization of the data, the study was able to find tangible evidence for the existence of perceptions of student-athletes from academic faculty and what behaviors, exposure, and experiences related to student-athletes contributed to those perceptions. The study found that academic faculty have more positive perceptions of student-athletes when they understand the unique demands student-athletes have, when they can see the impact they make on an institution’s campus, and when they are exposed to student-athletes
4 EIU 2023 | GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS outside of the classroom in settings such as academic faculty office hours. Additionally, it was found that female identifying student-athletes elicited more positive perceptions from academic faculty compared to their male identifying counterparts. Similarly, student-athletes who participated on nonrevenue generating smaller teams had more positive perceptions associated to them than their counterparts on larger revenue generating teams. Strategies for improving perceptions through collaboration and communication between student- athletes, faculty, and the institutions athletics department, and recommendations for future companion studies and research are discussed within the study. + COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES NIONDINA NYSTRÖM Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sports and Recreation Faculty Mentor: Maranda Schaljo, Ph.D. Research has consistently established the relationship between injury occurrence and subsequent mental health concerns within the athletic population (Brown et al., 2014; NCAA, 2021). Specifically, negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation have followed the occurrence of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear (McGinley et al., 2022; Töyrä & Bergström, 2017). Similarly, because of high levels of athletic identity (AI), the inability to participate in a sport due to injury has been associated with disordered eating (DE) (Gusfa et al., 2022). Despite this, no studies have examined disordered eating and the role of athletic identity after sustaining an ACL tear in female soccer players, a population with high incidence of ACL injuries. The purposes of this research were to determine if ACL tears predicted DE behaviors among female collegiate soccer players, and if high levels of AI predicted DE behaviors after a sustained ACL tear in female collegiate soccer players. Data was collected from 114 female soccer players (64 ACL injured, and 50 non-ACL injured) who completed a demographic questionnaire, the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), and the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS). Linear regression analyses revealed that the occurrence of an ACL tear and high levels of AI did not predict DE in female collegiate soccer players (p = .508; p = .302). Based on these results, it appears that regardless of an incurred ACL injury, and no matter how much one identifies with the role of being an athlete, these variables do not impact the risk of developing DE in female collegiate soccer players. Consequently, future research should examine other potential factors that may impact disordered eating behaviors among female athletes following a recent sustained ACL tear such as weight gain anxiety, exercise identity, and body dissatisfaction in this population. + LUMPKIN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY AVANI FLANAGAN Master of Science in Technology Faculty Mentor: Isaac Slaven, Ph.D. Developments in regulations concerning the use of CBD products have allowed the global cannabidiol (CBD) market to take off within the past five years. Despite producers of CBD oil wanting to optimize their methods, several waste streams still exist. During the winterization phase of the ethanol extraction process, fats, waxes, and lipids from the Cannabis sativa plant can coagulate and be removed. The removed waste product is a black tar-like substance that currently holds no value or purpose. To assess this, a saturated solution was created by dissolving CBD tar in Acetone. Three treatments (CBD tar, boiled linseed oil, and hempseed oil) were applied to a variety of hardwood, softwood, and composite wood samples in a series of either one, two, or three coats. Southern yellow pine and white ash coated with the treatments were soaked in water to gather data on water absorption of hardwood and softwoods. Composites such as HempWood®, oriented strand board, and particle board were soaked in water for three 24-hour periods to collect data on linear expansion and absorption. The results showed high potential for further assessment of the material through a series of one tailed t-test comparisons that returned highly significant differences between applications of CBD-tar and no treatment in addition to CBD-tar against the manufactured treatments for solid wood. CBD-tar applied to composite wood OSB, and particle board also showed highly significant results against no treatment warranting further inspection of the materials ability to reduce linear expansion due to water absorption. Results from this experiment show that additional trials and analysis on alternative features of wood finish such as durability and ease of application would be worthwhile. Potentially, this waste byproduct
ELIAN MACKEY President OKEWA OWOEYE Executive Vice President ATTAINEA TOULON Graduate Student Dean ALEXANDRA TSERENOVA Vice President for Administration GABE KING Graduate School Student Adviser LOIS TETTEH Vice President of Programming EFOSA OJOMO Vice President of Public Relations 5 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION could be transformed into a valuable resource that allows manufactures get more out of their processes by closing the loop on one waste stream. + COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES SAMUEL KNEBEL Master of Science in Chemistry Faculty Mentor: Michael Beck, Ph.D. Drug metabolism is the biochemical process of modifying drugs to detoxify and remove them through enzymatic transformations. These biotransformation’s occur primarily in the liver and are critical to understanding how pharmaceutical compounds are chemically altered inside the human body. Human carboxylesterases (CESs) catalyze the hydrolysis of esters, amides, thioesters, and carbamates. CESmediated hydrolysis plays an important role in the metabolism of many drugs including the first FDA approved antiviral treatment for COVID-19, remdesivir (Veklury), the seizure control medication rufinamide (Banzel), and the flu antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu). CES activity is known to be influenced by a variety of factors including those that vary CES’s amino acid sequence, including Nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs), alternative RNA splicing, and alternative translation start sites. This is best reported for one of the two predominant CESs, CES1, where some of these factors have been linked to adverse clinical outcomes when patients are treated with CES1-substrate therapeutics. Despite the importance of CES1 in drug metabolism, the factors that influence the activity of CES1 remain understudied compared to other enzymes involved in drug metabolism. To address this issue, the Beck research group have previously developed a live cell fluorescence microscopy-based assay that can measure the activity called Sequence variant Activity Microscopy (SAM) Assay version 1.0. This thesis work focuses on optimizing this assay to reduce false negatives. Overall, the use of the optimized SAM assay will result in better health outcomes for patients with abnormal CES1 activity. 2024 GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE BOARD OLD MAIN
6 EIU 2023 | GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS KING-MERTZ RESEARCH/ CREATIVE ACTIVITY AWARDS Nancie King-Mertz, (’77 Art, EIU Graduate School) generously established the KingMertz Research/Creative Activity Awards in 2010 to recognize the highest achievement in graduate research based upon non-thesis graduate research/creative activity projects. One project, the King-Mertz Distinguished Research/Creative Activity Award, is selected to represent the best non-thesis project from all EIU graduate programs, with subsequent awards given to the top projects representing each college. Along with this support for the King-Mertz Research/Creative Activity Awards, Nancie’s dedication to EIU’s graduate education is also evident through her receipt of an Outstanding Graduate Alumni award (‘09) and her work as a member of the Graduate Alumni Advisory Board. King-Mertz continues to share her passion for the visual arts as both a creative artist and through the small business (Art De Triumph and Artful Framer Studios) she and husband, Ron, own and operate in Rockford, Illinois. KING-MERTZ DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY AWARD NICK FLANNERY Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Faculty Mentor: Sham’ah Md-Yunus, Ph. D., Professor, Teaching, Learning & Foundations The Effectiveness of Attendance-Based Rewards at an Alternative High School Abstract: The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine whether an attendance-based rewards program had any effect on the attendance rates of regular education high school students placed in an alternative education setting. The research question that guided this study was: Does an attendance-based rewards intervention improve alternative high school students’ attendance? The teacher-researcher used attendance tracking software and surveys completed by participants to gather data for this six-week study. The surveys were used to gather more insight into the perspectives alternative education students had in relation to receiving rewards for their attendance. The participants in this study were 13 regular education high school students placed in an alternative education high school. The study found that although six participants strongly agreed and four participants agreed that rewards for perfect weekly attendance would motivate them to come to school more often, these rewards did not improve the overall attendance rates for seven of the participants. The mean number of absences during the five weeks prior to the study was 3.4 days (SD = 2.5). The mean number of absences during the six-week study increased to 4.6 days (SD = 3.4). The mean attendance rate as a percentage prior to the study was 85.1% (SD = 10.8). The mean attendance rate throughout the study decreased to 79.6% (SD = 19.3). KING-MERTZ RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY COLLEGE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE + COLLEGE OF EDUCATION KELSEY HANSON Master of Education in Special Education Faculty Mentor: Melissa Jones-Bromenshenkel, Professor, Special Education Mindfulness Yoga (MY) Club Abstract: Mindfulness Yoga (MY) Club was implemented as a part of a culminating field experience in SPE 5770. MY Club was created to teach mindfulness and coping techniques while simultaneously promoting social awareness to 25 third grade students with and without disabilities through the use of yoga, meditations, and mindfulness/collaboration activities. Students were given a presentation about MY Club and a permission slip for parents to sign in order for them to participate. MY Club had two groups that met once a week on Tuesday and Thursdays for nine weeks. Topics covered over the nine weeks
7 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION included: communication, concentration, positive affirmations, and good intentions. Data through student/parent surveys was collected to evaluate the effectiveness of MY Club on students’ social/emotional well-being. The results indicated that MY Club increased students’ social/emotional well-being. + COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES KIMBERLY ROSS Master of Science in Health Promotion Faculty Mentor: Megan Wise, Instructor, Health Promotion Farm to Fork: Regional Farm Food Safety Seminar Creative Activity Summary: Expanding 2022 Cottage Food laws in Illinois have led to increased diversity of foods now legal for local and farm sales. This expansion brings an increased risk of food borne illness. Home grown and locally farm grown foods such as tomatoes, leafy greens, sprouts, and melons are among the riskiest whole plant foods (FDA, 2022). One in six Americans are victim to a foodborne illness each year; 48 million sickened, 128,000 hospitalizations; 3,000 deaths annually (CDC, 2022). Promoting basic food sanitation procedures and good agricultural practices can enhance food safety. By increasing community educational opportunities focused on both marketing and safety, economic growth and food opportunities improve locally. Increased food opportunities improve community food insecurity, self-reliance and resilience. To improve communication and food safety with food producers, on April 14, 2023, I hosted a Farm to Fork Farm Food Safety Seminar with CEUs. The were 35 attendees from 8 counties including environmental health practitioners, public health directors and regulators, people representing fruit orchards, small produce farms, and prospective cottage foods operators. There were several presenters. Topics included: Cottage Food Laws of Illinois, farm sanitation including pest management, water quality and well head protection from contamination, equipment and storage sanitation, safe composting, safe separation distances from hazards, sales and marketing, and building a farm and cottage food business. Working in combination with a canning safety course, we covered food safety and storage, and practices to market products to the community. Enhanced knowledge of food safety practices can be learned behavior passed down through generations helping to create an enhanced food safety community-oriented culture and the information shared at this event will make community foods safer and more abundant. + LUMPKIN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY ISAIAH ADEGOKE Master of Science in Sustainability Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mahmoud Al-Odeh, Chairperson, School of Technology The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Corporate Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges Abstract: The contemporary business landscape is witnessing a growing emphasis on corporate sustainability as a response to the urgent global need for environmentally responsible and socially conscious practices. Concurrently, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful technology with transformative potential across industries. This research seeks to explore the intersection of these two phenomena, examining how AI can be leveraged to enhance corporate sustainability while navigating the associated opportunities and challenges.
8 EIU 2023 | GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 2024 RODNEY S. RANES OUTSTANDING GRADUATE FACULTY MENTOR AWARD Established by Rodney S. Ranes, former director of graduate admissions, this award is selected by the Council on Graduate Studies Ranes Board to recognize outstanding graduate faculty mentoring. DR. EDMUND F. WEHRLE Professor, Master of Arts in History Program
9 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION 2024 GRANTS RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANTS Graduate School Research/Creative Activity Grants provide financial incentives and support for outstanding graduate research and/or creative activities. These projects are expected to have the potential for generating external impact through partnerships with businesses, industries, or other educational agencies, academic publications, or the display of new and creative ideas. WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANTS Named for Larry Williams, Ph.D., Dean of the Graduate school from 1978 through 1995, the Williams Travel Grants provide support for students to present their research at local to international conference locations. Dr. Williams’ generosity has supported graduate student travel for over 20 years. ISAIAH ADEGOKE Sustainability Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nichole Hugo + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Corporate Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges EMMANUEL ADUSAH Chemistry Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael W. Beck + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT Identification of New Fluorogenic Chemical Tools for Studying Human Carboxylesterase 2 (CES-2) in Live Cells DYDRA ARNOLD Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Yoder + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy, Oak Park, IL Healing Trauma with Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Focus on Neurobiology REGINALD AYIVOR Art Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ann Coddington + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT Sculpture Series: “Emancipation” RHYS-MAXWELL BARNES Music Faculty Mentor: Dr. Janet McCumber + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT Effect of SOVTEs on mitigating the negative effects of testoserone on Transgender singers COY BLAIR Biological Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Colombo + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Determining Drivers of Silver Carp Habitat Selection in an Un-impounded River System + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT National American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Grand Rapids, MI Assessing Silver Carp Habitat Selection in an Un-impounded River System KATHLEEN BROWN Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Yoder + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy, Oak Park, IL Connecting with Parents: Cultural Considerations for Play Therapy Parent Consultations
10 EIU 2023 | GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CARLEY CAPON Biological Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert E Colombo + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois American Fisheries Society Conference, Bloomington, IL Assessing the Impacts of Dam Removal on Catostomidae Populations in a Midwestern River CHELSY CUNNINGHAM Counseling & Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Danessa Carter + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Counseling Association Annual Conference, Lisle, IL Rural Illinois: Reducing Stigma and Increasing Access TYLER DAVIS Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentors: Dr. Angela Yoder, Dr. Danessa Carter + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Counseling Association Annual Conference, Lisle, IL Rural Illinois: Reducing Stigma and Increasing Access + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT American Counseling Association National Conference, New Orleans, LA Rural Illinois: Reducing Stigma and Increasing Access + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Southern Illinois Counseling Association National Conference, Collinsville, IL Rural Illinois: Reducing Stigma and Increasing Access + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy Conference, Oak Park, IL Rural Illinois: Reducing Stigma and Increasing Access KINSEY FITZGERALD Art Faculty Mentor: Chris Kahler + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT China Cafe, Mural, Charleston, IL TAHER GARAMANLI Sustainability Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nicole Nugo + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT World Population Centroid, Wonder Where? + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Association of Technology, Management, & Applied Engineering (ATMAE) , Atlanta, GA A data regression model approach for predicting steam supply at various outside temperature conditions: A case study of Eastern Illinois University Campus. MADELINE HEMRICH Counseling & Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Danessa Carter + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Counseling Association Annual Conference, Lisle, IL Rural Illinois: Reducing Stigma and Increasing Access SAMENNA HENDRICKS Counseling & Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Heidi Larson + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT How BIONIC Inspires School Culture to Change + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT ISCA, Tinley Park, IL How BIONIC Inspires School Culture to Change ETHAN HOMEYER Counseling & Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Heidi Larson + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT ISCA, Tinley Park, IL How BIONIC Inspires School Culture to Change SRUTHI JNANESAN Technology Faculty Mentor: Dr. Isaac Slaven + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT IHSES 2023, San Francisco, CA Wastage in Construction
11 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION EMILY JONES Communication Disorders and Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Anthony + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT 2024 ISHA Convention, Rosemont, IL Studying the effects of multi-stimuli fable presentation on critical thinking and narrative retell abilities in a child with ADHD LOIS KARIMU Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Yoder + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Oak Park Illinois Ethnic Representation and Expression in Sandtray Therapy CAROLYN KARNS Biological Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Beck + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT ACS SPRING 2024 Many Flavors of Chemistry, New Orleans, LA Fluorescein-based fluorogenic chemical tools to shed light on ester drug metabolism in live cells MOLLY KOLLROSS Counseling & Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Heidi Larson + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT ISCA, Tinley Park, IL How BIONIC Inspires School Culture to Change MCKENNA LANTER Communication Disorders and Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nichole Mulvey + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association Annual Convention, Rosemont, IL Thinking Aloud: A Qualitative Analysis of Verbal Metacognitive Behavior Development in Preschool Children MIN LEE Counseling & Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Heidi Larson + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT Freshman Connection Mentorship Program DANIELLE LOERA Counseling & Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Heidi Larson + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT ISCA, Tinley Park, IL How BIONIC Inspires School Culture to Change REBEKAH H. MAGEE Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentors: Dr. Angela Yoder, Dr. Heidi Larson + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy, Oak Park, Illinois The impact of play therapy for children and adolescents with depression + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT B.I.O.N.I.C.: Empowering Young Leaders to Create a Positive School Climate + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT ISCA, Tinley Park, IL How BIONIC Inspires School Culture to Change SYDNEY MCANDREWS Biological Sciences Faculty Mentors: Dr. Eden Effert-Fanta + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT 84th Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference, Sioux Falls, SD Urban stream habitat restoration alters fish and macroinvertebrate community assemblage and food-web structure in the Midwestern United States. + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT The Illinois Chapter of The American Fisheries Society 62nd Annual Meeting, BloomingtonNormal, IL Stream Restoration Alters the Food Web Structure and Basal Energy Sources in an Urban Stream in the Midwestern United States
12 EIU 2023 | GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CAMRYN MCKEE Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Yoder + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Oak Park, Illinois Play Therapy Interventions for Adults Healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) JOSHUA NOE Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Yoder + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Oak Park, Illinois Play Therapy in Rural School Communities MARY ODUBOTE Biological Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Gary A Bulla + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT Role of CREG protein in Mammalian Liver Function SANDRA OKOYE Biological Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sanghoon Kang + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT The sewage microbiome dynamics on different serving neighborhoods Charleston, Illinois ESTHER ONUSELOGU Biological Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Zieman Elliot + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Joint Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Society of Parasitologists (SSP) Conference, Lexington, Virginia Evaluating the prevalence of Trypanosoma Cruzi in racoons (Procyon Lotor) and associated risk to humans FEYI OSHINYEMI Communication Studies Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Jacobs + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT From Screen to Classroom SLOANE SIVEK Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Yoder + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Oak Park, Illinois The Role of Play Therapy and Grief RYAN SKOWRONSKI Biological Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Colombo + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT 84th Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference, Sioux Falls, SD Impacts of Habitat Enhancement and Nutrient Concentrations on Functional Guilds of Fishes in Several Midwestern Streams + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT Evaluating Predicable Responses of Midwestern Fish Assemblages to Instream Habitat Restoration LOIS TETTEH Political Science Faculty Mentor: Dr. Daniel K. Banini + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Midwest Political Association Conference, Chicago, Illinois Compliance with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance: The Case of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana CHAVIONNE THOMAS Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Yoder + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Oak Park, Illinois Ethnic Representation and Expression in Sandtray Therapy
13 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION ATTAINEA TOULON Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jon Coleman + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT ACPA24, Chicago, Illinois LGBTQ+ College Students of Color: Navigating Multiple Minoritized Identities ALEXANDRA TSERENOVA Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dianne Timm + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT ACPA24, Chicago, Illinois Internationalization in Higher Education: Operation of Study Abroad Offices AMANI TUCKER School Psychology Faculty Mentor: Dr. Margaret Floress + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT Assessing the Reliability of the Five- in20 Classroom Observation Tool with an Administrative Sample MACEY WIENSTROER School Psychology Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hao-Jan Luh + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT American Psychological Association APA, Washington, DC High School Teachers’ Education and Training on Trauma JESSICA XU Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Mentor: Dr. Angela Yoder + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Illinois Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference, Oak Park, IL Healing Trauma with Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Focus on Neurobiology AKSHITHA YERRAGUNTA Technology Faculty Mentor: Dr. Toqeer A. Israr + RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY GRANT Designing World Map Using Circuits SARAH ZOPPA Biological Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Paul Switzer + WILLIAMS TRAVEL GRANT Environmental Education Association of Illinois Annual Conference, Decatur, IL Eastern Box Turtle Population Characteristics through a Community Science & Pattern Analysis Approach + GRADUATE ALUMNI BOARD OUTSTANDING RESEARCH/ CREATIVE ACTIVITY AWARD TERA JOHNSON-SWARTZ English Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeanne Ludlow Creative Activity: Independent Study This course focuses on the process as well as composing a finished piece to submit to an academic journal. After Dr. Ludlow and I agree on an appropriate academic journal and thesis statement specifically relating to abortion, the goal is to then compose an abstract and begin researching bibliography-worthy texts. My intent is to follow Dr. Ludlow’s guidance in meeting realistic deadlines throughout the research, analysis, draft, revision, and submission process. During this semester, while I am working with Dr. Ludlow on my independent study, I will also be taking a Creative Writing Workshop course in Poetry. My intent is to also compose poetry that relates to the topic furthering my knowledge, understanding, and conviction to complete my forthcoming dystopian novel. I will also read new [as well as previously read] fiction literary novels that inspire and relate to abortion, composing additional short essays that reflect my target.
14 EIU 2023 | GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS + 2024 GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (GSAC) SCHOLARSHIPS AMANI TUCKER MS in School Psychology (Specialist) BRENNA HAMSON MS in Communication Disorders & Sciences BRYAN CHARLES MS in Health Promotion OKEWA OWOEYE Masters of Business Administration SLOANE SIVEK MS in Counseling (Clinical) TERA JOHNSON-SWARTZ MA in English + FRANCES MEYER HAMPTON SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT LIESL MELNICK MS in Communication Disorders & Sciences Established by Mrs. Frances Meyer Hampton in her estate, this award is presented annually to full-time students in a master’s degree program. + 2024 GRADUATE SCHOOL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE + FACULTY LEADERSHIP AWARD For their leadership in spearheading the creation of the Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Teaching Program and the Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education Program, both of which increase accessibility to graduate education at EIU, and address the nationwide teacher shortage. DR. PATRICIA J. FEWELL Chair (Retired), Teaching, Learning & Foundations DR. KATHRYN A. HAVERCROFT Chair, Special Education DR. CLIFF D. KARNES Chair, Educational Leadership In recognition of Dr. Karnes’ ongoing commitment to keeping Educational Leadership programs up-to-date and aligned with the constantly evolving educational landscape, both locally and nationally. Dr. Karnes’ efforts have resulted in students from the program serving at all educational service levels across the State of Illinois and beyond.
15 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION HAMAND SOCIETY OF GRADUATE SCHOLARS Established by Martha Hamand in 2010, in honor of her husband, Dr. Lavern Hamand, first dean of the EIU Graduate School (1961-1974), the Hamand Society of Graduate Scholars was established to recognize those students whose achievements in both scholarship and service have had a documented impact on both their discipline and the community. Selected from the 2024 Class of Distinguished Graduate Students, the inductees into the Hamand Society of Scholars reflect the highest ideals of the engaged graduate student. With Mrs. Hamand’s passing in 2011, daughters Drs. Carol Stephens and Wendy Venet have continued their parents’ generous legacy of supporting graduate education at EIU. TYLER DAVIS, Counseling and Higher Education “I was immediately impressed with Tyler the very first time I met him at new student interviews,” recalls Dr. Angela M. Yoder, one of Tyler’s nominators for the Hamand Scholar award. Dr. Danessa Carter, a fellow nominator and Dr. Yoder actively recruited Tyler to fill the position of graduate assistant within the program. It was the beginning of an academic career which revealed Tyler’s impressive academic skills and dedication to service. As Tyler embarked on his academic journey, his passion for advocacy became evident. “Tyler expressed an interest in the LGBTQIA+ population,” shared Dr. Yoder. To aid Tyler in exploring that interest, Dr. Yoder encouraged him to apply for the highly competitive Emerging Leader Award through the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE), an organization within the American Counseling Association. Among the 1600 members of the SAIGE organization, only three individuals—comprising one master’s student, one doctoral student, and one new counseling professional—are selected for an Emerging Leader Award. According to Dr. Rob McKinney, President of SAIGE, the master’s level competition is particularly intense. Tyler eclipsed the odds and was selected. In discussing Tyler’s application to the program, Dr. McKinney shared, “While I can personally attest that there were many stellar applicants…Tyler Davis was a standout and was awarded this honor!” In addition to his work with SAIGE, demands of the Emerging Leader program, serving on the executive board of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) international counseling honor society, participating on a research team, acting as a member on two committees and all of the rigor associated with his educational program, Tyler still finds time to volunteer with The Trevor Project and as a Safe Zone trainer. “Despite being incredibly busy, Tyler still finds time to advocate for and serve others,” notes Dr. Yoder. Academically, Tyler also has excelled. Dr. Yoder noted Tyler presented with her at the Illinois Counseling Association (Fall 2024), and will do so again in March 2025, during the spring conference. Additionally, he has presented in multiple areas of research including a presentation at the Illinois Play Therapy Conference, and remarkably, at a national presentation through his membership with SAIGE. Dr. McKinney considers Tyler’s presentation at a national conference an amazing feat for a graduate student. “…While some students at Tyler’s level of education may do educational sessions at university conferences or poster sessions at a state-level, Tyler is already slated to do a national presentation at a conference representing a national organization!” Dr. McKinney excitedly shared. For Dr. Yoder, Tyler’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. “Mr. Tyler Davis is quite honestly one of the finest graduate students I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He excels at everything…Tyler ranks in the top 1% of graduate students I have had the pleasure of working with over the past 24 years.” Dr. Carter echoes this sentiment, “He has outstanding evidence of achievement in both research and scholarship that will have a lasting impact on the counseling world for years to come…Rarely is this level of commitment, strength of identity and consistent motivation seen in a graduate student.”
16 EIU 2023 | GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS EMMA LARSON, Curriculum and Instruction “In nearly 19 years of supervising and working with graduate students, Ms. Emma Larson is easily within the top 5% measured holistically in terms of academic performance, service contributions to the department/program, and impact on peers.” Thus began Dr. Bob Klein’s (Department Chair) enthusiastic support of Emma Larson’s nomination for the Hamand Scholar. This assertion was echoed by fellow nominator, Dr. Alexis Jones, Associate Professor, who stated she had “…never seen a graduate student provide as much service to a department, college, and the teaching profession as Emma does.” Presiding as President of the College of Education’s Aspiring Educators Registered Student Organization (a college version of the Illinois Education Association) since 2022, Emma’s leadership and enthusiasm helped grow the chapter from just a few attendees in 2022 to a conference with over 70 registered attendees in 2023. Dr. Jones further underscores Emma’s remarkable involvement with the group, stating, “Emma has enormous energy and motivation to develop this organization, and she works with state leadership to ensure we are fully informed about new conferences and professional development.” In addition to her work as the President of the Aspiring Educators, Emma also served as the student representative to the Council on Teacher Education (COTE), as a member of the Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC), and as a graduate assistant. Dr. Klein noted that in her role as a graduate assistant, Emma helped in “…leading the design and implementation of materials to support student passage of the Illinois Teaching Licensure content tests.” According to Dr. Klein, this effort from Emma and her peers dramatically increased the passing rates for EIU students and propelled EIU student pass rates above the State average. Emma’s abilities to cultivate participation and buy-in from her peers are seemingly inherent in her thesis, “Student Perceptions of Culturally Responsive Teaching in the Elementary Classroom,” and Emma’s teaching philosophy. Dr. Amy Davis, who sits on Emma’s thesis committee, shared, “Ms. Larson’s teaching philosophy is one where she believes students’ voices should be incorporated into the classroom to foster both acceptance and create meaningful relationships with her students.” Contracted to begin teaching at Pleasant Acres Elementary School in Rantoul, Illinois, in August, 2024, Emma will begin what Dr. Klein believes will be a “…a very bright future that will make EIU proud to call her a graduate.”
17 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION REBEKAH MAGEE, Counseling and Higher Education “In her nomination letter for Rebekah Magee as a Hamand Scholar, graduate coordinator and department chair, Dr. Catherine Polydore, expressed, “From my first encounter with her as a young ballerina at the Dancelife Center, then as a student at the Honors College, and now as a soon-to-graduate member of our CHE (Counseling and Higher Education) family, it’s clear that she’s highly motivated, dedicated, and hard-working, qualities that have consistently shone through in various aspects of her life.” Dr. Polydore continued, “As she progressed, she not only maintained her solid academic performance but also contributed significantly to the community around her.” Dr. Rebecca Tadlock-Marlo, a professor in Counseling and Higher Education, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I have observed Rebekah’s work within the department and the community. Rebekah volunteers regularly in her church to help fill community needs, including assisting with summer school, support drives, and educational missions. Rebekah is an individual who conceptualizes a need and seeks to fill that void, be it in society, academia, on campus, or with her peers.” Dr. Tadlock-Marlo further elaborated on Rebekah’s impressive academic performance in the 60-credit-hour program, in which she maintained a cumulative 4.0 GPA, stating, “Rebekah’s academic work is excellent, and I would rate her within the top 5% of students with whom I have worked over the last 15 years…Rebekah rose beyond my academic challenge and exceeded my expectations.” Dr. Heidi Larson, another professor in Counseling and Higher Education, seconded this feeling, saying, “She is articulate, well-organized, well-spoken, and insightful…She is the type of student who goes beyond what is asked of her and does it with excellence.” Rebekah demonstrated this ability through her involvement in the School Counseling program. Selected for one of only five paid internships at Mattoon High School in the BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) program, Rebekah provided individual, family, and group counseling to her clients, addressing concerns ranging from interpersonal and academic issues to career and college selection. Additionally, Ms. Magee served as the Graduate Assistant in the EIU Freshman Connection Mentorship program, which aims to assist at-risk freshmen students, especially those who may be first-generation college students or from underrepresented populations and/or low-income backgrounds. Dr. Larson shared that Rebekah “…had an intricate role as a supervisor for hiring and training 35 mentors, led small leadership groups teaching soft skills, oversaw data collection, managed the 250 freshmen involved, led monthly meetings, created a yearlong curriculum, and coordinated a panel discussion for prospective EIU students.” Furthering her abilities as a peer educator and leader, Rebekah also taught two sections of the EIU University Foundation course, supervised three Teaching Assistants, co-taught the Group Counseling Class, provided clinical supervision, and assisted in writing grants. Ms. Magee also volunteered supervision time to assist first-year cohort students in improving their clinical skills. “I see much willingness to grow and learn, leadership, and eagerness to make a difference in Rebekah: all qualities that are crucial for success as a counselor and educator,” Dr. Tadlock-Marlo noted. Dr. Tadlock-Marlo continued, “Rebekah faces challenges head-on, with confidence and assurance that she can continue to make a difference in the world of others. Rebekah has a bright professional future ahead…”
18 EIU 2023 | DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE STUDENTS ALBERT AKONU-ATTA MA in English WILL BARNHART MS in Sports Administration MAX BOTON MA in Political Science (Online) SHELBY CAILTEUX Masters of Business Administration (On Campus) MATT CHESNER Music (Conducting) SAMIRA DADSON MA in Art TYLER DAVIS MS in Clinical Counseling SARA DIGRAZIA MS Nutrition & Dietetics: Dietetic Internship option KENEDDI HALL MS in Human Services MAC HICKMAN MS in Technology DANIEL HOOKER MA in Political Science KARLA HYATT MA in Music (Online Music Education)
19 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AND RECOGNITION JOSEPH KESSIE MS in Cybersecurity KATHRYN KROUSE MS School Psychology (Specialist in School Psychology) LAUREN KUKMAN MS in Communication Disorders and Sciences NANCY LADEINDE MA in Communication Studies-Strategic Communication (On-campus) EMMA LARSON MSEd Curriculum and Instruction JEREMY LAY MS in Exercise Physiology HEATHER LINDENMEYER Educational Leadership (MSED) DEVIKA LNU MS in Biological Sciences, Non-Thesis Option REBEKAH MAGEE School Counseling QUENTO1N MARCUM EdS in Educational Leadership PATTY MATA MS in Health Promotion SYDNEY MCANDREWS MS in Biological Sciences, Thesis Option
20 EIU 2023 | DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE STUDENTS HALEY MCPHERSON MSEd in Special Education SUSAN NKANKA MS in Sustainability CHINEDU OKORO MS in Chemistry and Biochemistry KENDRA OSTERMEIER MA in Clinical Psychology CAROL RODEMEYER MA in Communications, Communications and Leadership PETER ROBEL MS in Biology (Online) OLIVIA ROEHRI MA in History (Online Teacher Education) LINDSEY TEEFEY MS in Aging Studies ATTAINEA TOULON MS in College Student Affairs AMANI TUCKER MS in School Psychology DONALD TUCKER Masters of Business Administration (Online) JARRETT WILLIAMS MS in Talent Development