Honors College Theses
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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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ItemInteractions of Melamine with Physiological Constituents( 2024-05)Melamine is found in many items belonging to households, schools, canteens, paints, and hospitals as well as fertilizers, and seed coatings. Food contaminated with melamine can potentially cause renal problems or formation of bladder and kidney stones since melamine-cyanuric complexes have been reported to cause renal tubule blockage. In this study, Raman microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were used to determine the composition of melamine-oxalate crystals formed in the presence of physiological components such as uric acid, L-cystine, urea, and creatinine. Crystals were made in water and artificial urine with melamine and oxalic acid at molar ratio of 1:10 together with a physiological component. The formation of melamine-oxalate crystals in water and artificial urine suggests that melamine oxalate can interact with physiological components to form three component crystals.
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ItemBlack Political Engagement and Political Progress in 21st Century Panama: Afro Panamanian Cultural Organizations and Celebrations as Political Resistance Toward Societal Progress( 2024-05)Afro Panamanian civil society organizations facilitate the pride and confidence of its members. This community began to organize in the 20th century to create a sense of belonging for its community members. In the 21st century, Black-led civil society organizations are finally receiving a response from the Panamanian government to develop the community. Through newsletters, social media, newspapers, nonprofit organizations, and cultural celebrations this community attempts to produce fundamental changes in terms of political positions, job opportunities, and education.
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ItemTime is Ticking, Expressing Grief Through Time: Exploring the Production and Creative Techniques for a Composition for Flute and Electronics( 2024-05)Using the conceptual framework of Gregorian chant’s Dies Irae, an original composition for flute and electronics, entitled Time is Ticking, was created to express the experiences of human grief across time. The piece is intended to be performed with flute and an electronic backing track. The music for flute is composed to express the human phases of grief, and the chaotic emotions felt throughout. The backing track is made with a combination of MIDI, pre-recorded sound effects, pre-recorded flute, reverb, equalization, and panning to create a track with an interesting stereo image for the audience, to contrast with the clean live sound of the flute.
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ItemCrystal Cell Solid-State Batteries: Testing and Variations( 2024-05)This thesis delves into the electrical potentials of solid-state crystal cell batteries through systematic exploration of electrochemical designs and construction parameters. Methodology involved designing and building batteries for comprehensive testing. The study assessed the impact of substrate doping, copper cathode annealing methods, magnesium anode diameter variations, and cell mass analysis on electrical performance. Results showed significant electrochemical variations corresponding to parameter changes. Substrate doping improved ion conductivity and battery longevity. Annealing methods were shown to influence electrical properties. Varying anode diameters affected initial energy output. Cell mass analysis hinted at correlations between dopant characteristics and performance metrics. These findings offer insights for optimizing crystal cell battery design and construction, potentially advancing battery technology.
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ItemIdentities in Flux: Social Media as Insight into Cultural Identity - A Case Study of Japanese-Brazilian migrants in Belém, Brazil( 2024-05)This thesis examines cultural identity formation and preservation among Japanese-Brazilian immigrants (Nikkei) in the Amazonian city of Belém, Brazil. The thesis builds on studies documenting Nikkei migration, cultural maintenance, and changes occurring since the early 1900s in Brazil. The principal focus of this proposal is engagement with social media. Within this context, I focus on music and its role in cultural identity formation, preservation, and/or acculturation. The study combines online research (netnography) with offline qualitative and ethnographic methods. The research occurred during my five-month internship at the Museum Paraense Emílio Goeldi (or Goeldi Museum) in Belém, Brazil, as part of an MTSU Study Abroad semester program.