Honors College Theses

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https://jewlscholar.mtsu.edu/handle/mtsu/3483

The capstone experience of the Honors College curriculum is the thesis, conducted across two consecutive semesters. This unique opportunity allows students to conduct scholarly research or a creative project under the direct guidance of faculty mentors.

A thesis project is required of every student who graduates from the University Honors College. The purpose of the thesis or project is to prepare the student for graduate or professional school, to provide an opportunity for the student to complete a scholarly or creative project of significant proportions, and to gain a new perspective on knowledge by becoming a contributor to the recognized knowledge in a particular field of study. This experience provides invaluable preparation and a competitive edge to students applying to graduate or professional schools.

Honors College Thesis Archives Collection is now preserved online through Walker Library’s institutional repository called JEWLScholar and are indexed in the library’s catalog. The thesis archives prior to 2015, are printed copies maintained in Special Collections (4th floor) of the James E. Walker Library and are also indexed in the library catalog.

Use the search box or "browse by" filters on the right side of this page to navigate the Honors Thesis Collection.

To see other Honors College publications, please visit http://jewlscholar.mtsu.edu/handle/mtsu/4362

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10 Reasons for Pre-medical Students to Consider an Internship

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2023-12) Johnson, Gracie

Internships are a critical step to take as an undergraduate student to become competitive for attending a graduate program or finding a career. There are two types of internships, paid and unpaid, which depend on the level of work being done and which field is being studied. It is found that pre-medical students tend to complete internships at a much lower rate than other undergraduates, and the goal of this creative project is to inform students about the benefits of medical internships. For this project, medical school admissions committees across the United States were interviewed to gain their insight on the significance of internships prior to attending medical school. The most significant reported reasoning was to gain exposure in medicine, which was followed by recognizing the intensity of the workplace prior to committing a lifetime to the field.
2D Versus 3D

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2023-05) Creter, Sidney

This thesis goes through the history of 2D and 3D animation, and debates why 2D animation rarely receives 2D animated movies in theaters anymore. Along with this investigation of animation, I also created an animated short film in 2D and then recreated it in 3D to give direct comparisons between the two mediums. I cover topics such as why 2D dominates television even though it fails to come back to theaters, how Pixar led the 3D animation renaissance, and much more. This link leads to my 2D and 3D animated short films that will be compared in this essay. https://www.behance.net/gallery/167803433/Creative-Thesis-Project
A Comparison of Giuseppe Verdi and Antonio Ghislanzoni's Aida and Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2021-12) Gretz, Hayley

A musical theatre fan knows many musicals have been based off books, but opera has also been a popular source of inspiration for musical composers. Aside from obvious genre differences, opera and musical theatre have different storytelling techniques. This comparative essay explores how Elton John and Tim Rice adapted Giuseppe Verdi and Antonio Ghislanzoni’s 19th century opera Aida into a Broadway musical. The thesis is organized into four main sections: the history of both shows, a plot comparison, character analysis, and the staging of both productions. These sections seek to discover what both productions have in common and more importantly, what is different and why Elton John and Tim Rice made specific choices in modifying the story. This thesis found that the opera and the musical share many similarities, but main plot points and character traits were changed in the musical to appeal to modern audiences. In an application of these findings, the second half of the project is an original script for a musical based off another Verdi opera, La Traviata. In addition to watching the opera, I also read Alexandre Dumas’ La Dame aux Camélias, upon which La Traviata is based. The time setting is unspecified, but the dialogue is completely modern. The opera is rather tragic, so I opted to make my adaption more of a comedy and make the characters more relatable. Just as Elton John and Tim Rice did, I kept to the same story of the opera, but made changes to reflect modern society.
A Comparison of Giuseppe Verdi and Antonio Ghislanzoni’s Aida and Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2022-05-06) Hayley Gretz

A musical theatre fan knows many musicals have been based off books, but opera has also been a popular source of inspiration for musical composers. Aside from obvious genre differences, opera and musical theatre have different storytelling techniques. This comparative essay explores how Elton John and Tim Rice adapted Giuseppe Verdi and Antonio Ghislanzoni’s 19th century opera Aida into a Broadway musical. The thesis is organized into four main sections: the history of both shows, a plot comparison, character analysis, and the staging of both productions. These sections seek to discover what both productions have in common and more importantly, what is different and why Elton John and Tim Rice made specific choices in modifying the story. This thesis found that the opera and the musical share many similarities, but main plot points and character traits were changed in the musical to appeal to modern audiences. In an application of these findings, the second half of the project is an original script for a musical based off another Verdi opera, La Traviata. In addition to watching the opera, I also read Alexandre Dumas’ La Dame aux Camélias, upon which La Traviata is based. The time setting is unspecified, but the dialogue is completely modern. The opera is rather tragic, so I opted to make my adaption more of a comedy and make the characters more relatable. Just as Elton John and Tim Rice did, I kept to the same story of the opera, but made changes to reflect modern society. KEYWORDS: Opera; Musical Theatre; Musical Theater; Aida; Elton John; Tim Rice; Giuseppe Verdi; La Traviata
A Cross-Cultural Analysis of COVID-19 Mask Mandates and Social Distancing Measures

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2021-12) Henley, Zoe

Since its discovery at the end of 2019, COVID-19 has heavily affected the world in a myriad of ways. This recent viral outbreak has spurred a shift in societal behaviors globally, from a growing popularity of mask usage, to a normalization of social distancing procedures, along with highlighting cultural idiosyncrasies in regards to disease, illness, health and wellness. Based on the research gathered and presented in this thesis, I develop a cross-cultural inspection of the various components of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it has affected the countries Spain, Japan, and the United States. Along with analyzing perceived risks, adaptations, and stigmas present in the advent of the novel pandemic, I also incorporate a holistic, anthropological approach in order to better elucidate deeper cultural components at play, such as how American ideals of freedom and personal responsibility and Japanese views of group adherence and public spiritedness influence how the virus and subsequently how social distancing procedures are perceived and followed.
A Detailed Description of Corrupt Events in Argentina's History: The Role of Corruption in Argentine Politics, 1966 to 2022

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2023-01-05) Donati, Luciano

KEYWORDS: Economics, Political Science, Corruption
A History of Gerrymandering: Effects, Issues, Solutions

( 2024-05) Siciliano, Matthew

Gerrymandering has been affecting the American political system since the country’s inception. To better understand the problem that it poses to democratic nations, the history of gerrymandering and its evolution through modern political machines must be understood. Likewise, being able to recognize gerrymandering and react appropriately is a skill that must be developed, and political scientists and mathematicians alike have stepped up to the task so that the public can be informed. Many studies on gerrymandering focus on specific issues and how they relate to the overall political climate at certain time periods. The intent of this article is to follow the threads of gerrymandering all the way through to potential solutions and inform the reader of where gerrymandering can, might, or does exist. I find that to understand the problem you have to know the history of it. Gerrymandering must be examined as a standalone political phenomenon as well as a factor that affects other aspects of political activity. Keywords: gerrymandering, politics, redistricting, elections
A History of Hand Knitting in the British Isles and My Contemporary Adaptation

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2021-12) Chisamore, Nora

The history of knitting is long and diverse, spreading across continents and islands, all with their own varied techniques. The British Isles are known for their long history in the wool industry and their connection to knitting. This project is to research and record the history of knitting in the British Isles. The different techniques are knitted as samples to demonstrate the style and are based on or from historical patterns. The traditional techniques are then interpreted and redesigned to echo contemporary understandings and interests. This thesis includes sections on England, the Channel Islands, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Each section includes a written history, a sample based on historic patterns, and the relevant charts for the sample. The uniqueness of cultural historical knitting techniques is in danger of being lost. This study points to ways of preserving them for the future. Part of keeping the techniques is bringing to the focus in the current day. I have designed a line of six sweaters based on the historic knitting styles and knitted and fully patterned one of them.
A New Approach to Research Communication: Sharing Results Through Stories

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2024) Smith, Sydney

Ever since the format of the formal scientific article emerged, it has constituted the standard mode of presentation for scientific research. This tradition, more effective for doing science than for sharing science, erects a wall of jargon between scientific knowledge and the public, especially for students exploring scientific research for the first time. Moreover, in the face of complex technological issues like global climate change, the public, now more than ever, ought to have the resources to understand the results specialized science research to inform their decisions. Hence, if science is to be communicated effectively, the method of communication must change. One approach supported by science communication research is the narrative form. In this thesis, I put these ideas into practice by giving two presentations of the biophysics research I completed at a Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship at Oak Ridge National Lab. Chapter 1 consists of a traditional scientific paper detailing my research project entitled, “Characterizing the Association of Glucuronoarabinoxylan and Cellulose in the Plant Cell Wall.” In Chapter 2, I share the same research but in an alternative presentation style, a set of short stories.
A Series of Character-Education Lesson Plans Based on Biblical Characteristics

( 2023-01-05) Zehr, Amanda

KEYWORDS: Bible; Student-centered; Character-based Education; Elementary education; Lesson Plans
A Study in Scarlet: A Survey of Sexism and Classism Through the Eyes of Rose Dawson in James Cameron’s Titanic

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2023-12) Weiss, Hannah

This project is an evaluation of how class and gender inform each other when examining Rose Dewitt-Bukater from James Cameron’s 1997 film Titanic. Rose evolves from a young girl who caters to the male gaze and is a manifestation of the patriarchal ideals of the Victorian era to a woman who exhibits elements of both first- and third-wave feminism in her personal life. Rose is a manifestation of the patriarchy in the beginning of the film, and she does so by her upholding of the English Rose stereotype, an ideal that calls for women to be demure and obedient. She adheres to the standards that her upper-class peers have set for her, and she perpetuates these norms by her inability to fully rebel against them. Although she tries to do so, her attempts are futile as she is shut down by her peers. As the film progresses, she begins to showcase her individuality in comparison to her upper-class peers, which is a tenet of the first wave of feminism. She wears looser clothing and her hair down, contrasting the corsets and immaculate up-dos the other first-class women don. At the end of the film, Rose becomes a sexually awakened young woman, showing that she has become a manifestation of fully-fledged feminism. She consummates a relationship with a man who is not her fiancé and returns her heart to him at the end of the film. By evaluating Rose’s character in this manner, one can trace the evolution of feminism during the twentieth century from the first to the third wave as well as teaching women of that time that they are able to gain control of their lives in the same way Rose did.
A Study on Composing for Film

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2021-12) Cox, Ian

The goal of this creative project is to examine the process of scoring a film, particularly within the drama, thriller, and sci-fi genres. In the written portion, I examine the methods that three different composers used for three different films. These films are The Lighthouse composed by Mark Korven, Under the Skin composed by Mica Levi, and Enemy composed by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans. I analyze how the scores augment the mood of the films, discussing the instrumentation and composition in each scene. In the creative portion, I have composed the score for a short film where I attempt to implement the methods discussed in the written component of this project. The film follows an isolated man who becomes delusional as his way of life is threatened by outsiders. The score uses chaotic instrumentation and dissonant composition to reflect the story of the film.
A Visual Study of the Evolution of Currency

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2023-05) Cucchiara, Savanna

The function, form, and utility of currency have changed drastically since its early usage as it has been passed between different governments and cultures. This exhibition, "A Visual Study of the Evolution of Currency," displays the related artwork used to analyze the critical changes that occurred to transform currency—tracking the progression from rudimentary currency and early coinage to the complex cryptocurrency ecosystems today. Each artwork highlights one of these junctures in the history of money and encourages discussion about the future of currency and how we assign value to it. Open for public viewing January 28th - February 8th, 2023, in Todd Hall's Glass Gallery, this exhibition displayed five pieces of artwork representing these tangential points in the evolution of currency.
Academic Tenure and Housing Choice

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2018-05) Seagraves, Cayman

This study tests a model of housing choice to cross-sectional data from the faculty at Middle Tennessee State University. The faculty participants include tenured, tenure-track, and non-tenured professors. The study employs econometric regression, which conditions household decisions based on a variety of factors. The variable of interest in this study is academic tenure. Like past studies, my results indicate that demographic and economic differences largely explain the housing tenures choices that individuals and families make. The results show that being single or Latino decreases the chance of homeownership, and these results conform with past research. Moreover, the regression shows that faculty who have achieved academic tenure are significantly more likely to own a home than those who have not achieved academic tenure. With the results, there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis that academic tenure does quantitatively influences housing choice.
Access to Nutritional Food for SNAP Recipients through the Sustainable Farming Method of Aquaponics

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2018-12) Williford, Kaitlyn

As rates of recipients qualifying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Tennessee increase, so do non-communicable diseases due to poor diet. It is imperative to direct attention to this issue in an effort to address the factors that lead to inaccessibility to healthy nutrition for SNAP recipients. This thesis reviews the factors and issues specific to a population of SNAP recipients through a review of literature available on this topic. Additionally, this thesis proposes interventions for SNAP recipients and a possible solution to decreasing food deserts and increasing accessibility to healthy nutrition.
Accounting's Role in the Ethical Behavior of Management

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2015-12-02) Ball, Emily

Within business there are many debates over the ethical behavior that managers employ when making business decisions. There are many decisions made every day that question ethical codes of conduct. Though some actions may be legal, they may not necessarily be ethical. This paper delves deeper into this ethical debate of management’s behavior within organizations. It explains how accounting is used to influence the ethical behavior of management. Even accounting standards and regulations do not encompass all ethical decision making within an organization. Some decisions are entirely based on ethics and what a company deems appropriate. This paper takes the ideas of earnings management and agency theory and determines how they affect the ethical decision making of management. This paper explores the background of accounting and how company culture, agency theory, and fraud affect the ethical behavior of management within a company.
ACUTE OXYTOCIN ADMINISTRATION AVOID ANXIETY LIKE BEHAVIOR IN MALE AND FEMALE MICE

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2023-05) Akter, Marzea

Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter and hormone with a well-established role in prosocial behaviors in animals and humans. It is currently being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of social symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders. However, the behavioral effects of oxytocin treatment in humans have been variable with both prosocial (increased empathy) and antisocial (increased competitiveness) behaviors. Previous studies in our lab have shown increased anxiety-like behaviors in mice treated chronically with oxytocin (12 ug dose per day for 14 consecutive days, data unpublished). The current study aims to see the effect of acute oxytocin administration on anxiety and social behavior in male and female mice to determine if the schedule of oxytocin administration affects behavioral outcomes. Adult C57BL/6J mice will be acutely pretreated with saline or oxytocin (12 μg) via intranasal (i.n.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration an hour before the behavior tests. Mice completed a battery of behavioral tests including the elevated plus maze (EPM), three-chamber sociability task (3C), and free dyadic social interaction (FDSI) after drug administration to determine changes in social behavior and anxiety-like behavior. Human coders coded anxiety-like behaviors, social preference, and social novelty. With acute oxytocin administration, sociability increase as measured by the 3C and FDSI tasks while avoiding increases in anxiety-like behaviors, as measured by the EPM task, associated with chronic administration. Understanding the effects of acute oxytocin administration on anxiety in mice might lead to the development of new treatments for anxiety disorders in humans.
Adaptive Music for Fiction: Writing Multi-Sensory Short Stories in a Digital Age

(University Honors College Middle Tennessee State University, 2021-04-27) Lichtman, John

Since 2011, it has become commonplace for individuals and large companies alike to attempt to create a more immersive reading experience on a digital platform. While their efforts have yielded interesting and impressive results, attempts to intersect books and soundtracks have never been generally embraced as a viable alternative to simply reading. Conversely, video games have been constantly improving the integration of music to encourage more immersive gameplay by using adaptive music that reacts to user input. Using this approach, I have written a collection of five short fictions entitled Sheltered Home: Creaturely Stories and composed accompanying music for each story using a vertically layered method. The objective of this creative thesis project is to combine short fiction with reactive music on a digital, eBook-like platform to encourage a more immersive multi-sensory reading experience.
Adventures of Self-Compassion: Memoir of a Depressed Undergraduate

(University Honors College Middle Tennessee State University, 2020-12-02) Morrissey, Isabella

Self-compassion, conceptualized by psychologist Kirstin Neff in 2003, is a possible mediator to the depression epidemic in university settings. I am among undergraduate students at Middle Tennessee State University who have had experiences with depression. In this thesis, I reflect on moments of self-compassion which led to me finding peace with my depression.
Air Conditioning for Cows? Determining the Effects of Heat and Cold Stress on Dairy Cattle Using Applied Economics

(University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University, 2023-12) Smith, Elizabeth

This undergraduate honors thesis uses an ordinary least squares regression model to measure the relationship between temperature and milk output in the dairy industry followed by a partial equilibrium analysis to estimate the welfare impacts of increasing global temperatures. Regression results show that milk output is subject to both heat and cold stress and that there is an optimal temperature for dairy production. However, the average U.S. temperature is currently below the optimal threshold. Thus, rising average temperatures may increase the milk supply nominally as cows spend more time in the thermoneutral comfort zone. However, the increased farm revenue from increased production is offset by lower market prices, resulting in a small negative financial impact for dairy farmers and a $123.1 million increase in consumer surplus. Assuming a warmer base temperature, production would decrease, pushing prices up slightly while cutting $3 million in farm revenue and $50 million in consumer surplus. Keywords: heat stress, cold stress, dairy cattle, applied welfare economics, partial equilibrium, elasticity of demand, climate change, agriculture

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