Honors Theses
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Item Open Access Predicting protection against tuberculosis from BCG using the guinea pig model(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Englert, Alexandra, author; Maristela, Lea, author; Henao-Tamayo, Marcela, advisor; Hunstad, Lauren, authorr; Ackart, David F., author; Podell, Brendan K., advisor; Lanni, Faye, authorGuinea pigs, while having been used as a model animal for tuberculosis infections for over a century, modern literature about their response to the commonly used BCG vaccination is limited. In this study, we investigated whether immune responses to the BCG vaccine are variable and if these differences could predict protection after exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Using the guinea pig model, the only rodent species that reliably develops delayed-type hypersensitivity responses similar to humans, we evaluated inflammation in response to BCG vaccination, tuberculin skin test (TST) response, and capacity for antigen-specific secretion of IFN-γ by ELISpot in response to M. bovis purified protein derivative (PPD). We hypothesized that the degree of inflammation incited by BCG vaccination would correlate with TST size and frequency of antigen-specific IFN-γ production. Most of the animals developed an inflammatory response to TST within 24-72 hours, indicating a Th1 response was developed post-vaccination. However, 4 out of 18 individuals lacked an inflammatory response that lasted over 24 hours. To confirm this, IFN-γ production was assessed in PBMCs isolated from BCG-vaccinated and unvaccinated guinea pigs, finding little correspondence between IFN-γ production and increased skin inflammation. We hypothesized that IFN-γ secretion would be highest in guinea pigs with the largest TST response. The results of this study demonstrate the development of a delayed-type hypersensitivity response to BCG vaccination, albeit inconsistent in its systemic effects. Collectively, our results a highly differential response to BCG vaccination. If vaccination confers variable protection against M. tuberculosis infection, this variable vaccine response may offer insight into correlates of immune protection.Item Open Access Methods to detect fraud in accounting and finance(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Iyer, Arvind, author; Nguyen, Nate, advisor; Vance, Thomas, advisorWith the increasing complexity of the business world and the advanced technologies involved, detecting fraud has become difficult. Throughout my paper, I examine different models of Corporate Governance and explain which one is more effective in certain scenarios. I investigate internal controls like the internal audit and Segregation of Duties, and show why it is vital for firms to effectively apply them in their business. I discuss how Corporate Social Responsibility and how to uncover this practice. At the end, I discuss how firms can implement artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to efficiently detect and prevent fraud. To successfully prevent fraud in finance and accounting, firms need strong structural integrity made up of consistently strong internal controls. My paper seeks to suggest some strategies to help companies achieve this goal. Having such frameworks as the internal audit and CSR in place will allow firms to improve their controls and prevent fraud. Advanced technologies based on artificial intelligence and machine learning are also robust approaches to detect fraud.Item Open Access Language accessible school songs: impacts on student sense of belonging and community on a college campus(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Skiles, Sarah M., author; Seitz, Deanne, advisor; Taylor, Jayme, advisorThese videos act as the final product of a community service project showing the power and impact a sense of community on their college campus has on student success. After being a member of the CSU Athletic Bands for five years and completing a minor in American Sign Language, this student project combined two seemingly opposed areas of interest to interpret three school songs with lyrics, the Fight Song, the Alma Mater, and Aggie Boom, into American Sign Language so that the school songs when played at pep-rallies and sporting events are accessible to those who communicate using American Sign Language. This project has three parts, the first is the official interpretation videos of the school song. The second is a video interview of students who participated in the CSU Athletic Bands and students who completed a minor in American Sign Language discussing the impact their involvement in those groups had on their time at CSU. Finally, a video of the Fight Song being interpreted with a live band, performed by the brothers of the Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity to show campus-wide communities and the real life application of the American Sign Language interpretation of the school songs. These videos act as an example of language-inclusive communities by merging two areas previously thought to have no overlap, the CSU Athletic Bands music and American Sign Language.Item Open Access Running through the lifespan(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) DeJong, Corinne, author; Burke, Kimberly, advisor; LeDoyen, Greta, advisorRunning Through the Lifespan is a comprehensive guide designed to promote lifelong physical activity through the lens of running. This booklet presents age-specific guidelines and explores the changing physical challenges and needs that arise from adolescence through older adulthood. It offers practical recommendations for cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training tailored to each decade, with a focus on injury prevention, performance support, and managing natural age-related changes. The guide also addresses common exercise myths and societal stereotypes about aging, aiming to break down barriers that can discourage long-term activity. By combining evidence-based strategies with an emphasis on adaptability and personalization, Running Through the Lifespan empowers readers to stay active and supports the broader goal of extending health span and functional independence through consistent movement.Item Open Access Zap & Snack: an EV convenience store business plan(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Benson, Mahriana, author; Ready, Randy, advisor; Thrasher, Pat, advisorZap & Snack is an innovative concept in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, designed to merge fast, efficient EV charging with a health-conscious convenience experience. Founded by Mahriana Benson, the company aims to redefine the typical charging station by offering high-speed charging, free Wi-Fi, healthy snacks, and a smoothie bar, all within a uniquely designed pull-through parking layout. As the EV industry experiences rapid expansion, adding over 10,000 charging ports weekly, according to the Federal Highway Administration; Zap & Snack seeks to stand out from at-home and traditional public chargers. To support its launch and growth, the company is pursuing a 10-year loan of $1,467,500. Financial projections estimate a net income of $90,927 in the first year, growing to $172,730 by year ten. With a grand opening planned for 2025, Zap & Snack aims to achieve national recognition by 2031 for its distinctive approach to EV charging and consumer wellness.Item Open Access Emission factor determination and application for materials associated with producing beer(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Noel, Quincy, author; Toman, Elizabeth Myers, advisor; Gifford, Lauren, advisor; Dillon, Jasmine, advisorThis thesis uses openLCA software with the ecoinvent and Agribalyse databases and the TRACI impact assessment method to determine cradle-to-gate emission factors for key materials and processes in beer production. It focuses on upstream ingredients and energy inputs, excluding brewing operations, packaging, and distribution, to create a modular toolkit (i.e., individual emission factors adaptable to brewery-specific inputs) for breweries in Northern Colorado aiming to reduce environmental impacts. Greenhouse gas emissions and eutrophication are analyzed. While not a full life cycle assessment, this study promotes more equitable access to sustainability metrics and provides a foundation for future carbon footprints, hotspot analyses, and brewery-level emissions inventories.Item Open Access Compost may encourage native grasses and discourage forbs(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Puckett, Arysa, author; Paschke, Mark, advisor; Dahl, Jamie, advisorFarmers and land managers have used compost as a beneficial amendment to improve soil health and increase plant yield for centuries. This study analyzes the effects of compost on native plant establishment in the presence of a non-native species, Bromus inermis (smooth brome). In a replicated greenhouse study, I applied four compost treatments to pots containing native plant species and smooth brome: a control group with no compost added, and three other treatments in which compost was added at 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume. After 7 weeks of growth, I compared the dry weight of the aboveground biomass and the abundance of each species across treatments. As the compost increased, 4 grass species reacted positively and increased in biomass. However, forb species did not follow this trend, and their biomass decreased as the compost levels increased.Item Open Access Digitizing CSU campus into Esri's ArcGIS(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Hartshorn, Alexander, author; Bombaci, Sara, advisor; Horton, Kyle, advisorGeographical Information Systems (GIS) offer unparalleled opportunities to organize, analyze, and display data. For this project, a digitized map of CSU's campus was created in ArcGIS to act as a database for spatial information of layers such as buildings, streets, trees, bike racks and other prominent outdoor objects. Measurements and details about each layer were also recorded and included within attribute tables and captioned metadata listed inside the project. Steps of the project can be divided into collecting vast amounts of data in the field, organizing it into software applications using code and Excel, and completing small projects with the data within R and ArcGIS. The resources provided by this map offer many applications for students and faculty needing detailed spatial information about CSU and serve as great baseline data for more detailed and up to date mapping in the future.Item Open Access Influence of pre-fire beetle kill on post-fire hairy woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) abundance in the Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Jones, Lilly N., author; McTigue, Leah, advisor; Kanatous, Shane, adviosrIncreasing wildfire frequency and severity in the western United States, combined with widespread bark beetle outbreaks, have significantly altered forest ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains. These interacting disturbances are reshaping post-fire habitats, particularly for cavity-nesting birds such as the Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus). This study aimed to assess how proximity to beetle-killed forest stands influenced Hairy Woodpecker relative abundance following the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire in the Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado. We deployed automated recording units (ARUs) at 19 sites within and around the burn perimeter during summer 2023. Recordings of bird calls were analyzed using acoustic identification software to quantify woodpecker detection. Distances to beetle-killed areas were calculated using U.S. Forest Service data and geospatial analysis. A linear regression model revealed a significant negative relationship between woodpecker abundance and distance to beetle-killed forest stands (p < 0.01), with closer proximity associated with higher abundance. These results provide valuable insight into habitat selection by cavity-nesting woodpeckers, demonstrating how forest structure shaped by beetle activity can influence post-fire wildlife use. As climate change drives more frequent and intense disturbances, it is important that forest management strategies account for the lasting impacts of compound events like beetle outbreaks and wildfire to promote wildlife resilience.Item Open Access Twelve-tone technique and procedural poetics(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Ferry, Mae, author; Steensen, Sasha, advisor; Cooperman, Matthew, advisorPoetry and music have a deeply connected history, beginning with the Ancient Greek performance tradition and continuing with poets such as Susan Howe reading to an experimental jazz soundtrack. In contemporary poetry, these musical influences are often subsumed by the teaching and art of poetry to the point of roteness; rhythm is barely considered, despite its ubiquity, and poetry as an audible performance is further and further distanced from the public ear. To combat this contemporary distance between music and poetry, the author conducted the following poetic experiment: can music be used as a generative source for poetry?Item Open Access A case study of the emergence and modern use of "alpha male"(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Grant-Hudd, Rosanna, author; Dewey, Tanya, advisor; Goldstein, Liba, advisorAlpha male is a term used in both animal societies and human popular culture today. Defined as the "dominant male", this term is misunderstood often, mostly in human society. This paper aims to trace the history of the alpha male concept and distinguish its origin in animal research on social hierarchies, explore the current impacts of this term on human society, and identify three key factors that led to this term being misused by popular culture in modern-day society. By exploring its history and current use, this paper suggests that uncareful language, misogyny in the scientific community, and the popularization of scientific terminology in nonscientific landscapes are the key contributors to the current misunderstanding of the alpha male. Identifying these major factors provides a basis for future actions, such as increasing diversity on research teams and peer reviewing the diction of scientific literature.Item Open Access Heavy metal and its direct, necessary ties to traditional and evolving masculinity(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025-05-07) Jackson, Gedaliah L., author; Amberg, Marti, advisor; Sink, Elizabeth, advisorHeavy metal is a polarizing genre of music that began in the 1970's and has continued evolving with each passing decade. As heavy metal has evolved, so has the concept of masculinity. From the sexual objectification of women, to dominance and anger, to combating the stigma surrounding men and mental health, heavy metal has served as both a creative and interpretive outlet for men to express their emotions towards the world they are living in. Different techniques utilized by heavy metal artists, such as power chords, palm muting, distortion, screaming, and tremolo/sweep picking directly coincide with traditional masculine traits, like the suppression of "weak" emotions, anger, and violence. This paper allows for an interpretation of how the genre of heavy metal grew and evolved to fit men's emotional and psychological needs.Item Open Access Why private markets are the best capital allocators for energy transition investments(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Grigsby, Owen, author; Hoag, Dana, advisor; Seidl, Andrew, advisorGlobally, investment in renewable energy and related infrastructure must rise dramatically in coming years to achieve climate change mitigation goals. Conventional financing methods, particularly public markets investment and government support, show inherent flaws when it comes to funding the renewable energy transition. Swings in political and public sentiment over climate change create policy uncertainty and drive volatility in public markets. Since private markets generally use a partnership model that is both inherently long-term focused and gives low liquidity to investors, they can serve the needs of these investments best. While sufficient capital is not yet being directed towards the renewable energy transition, the unique abilities of private markets investment can step in to fill this gap going forward. As such, policymakers, business leaders, and investors should bear this in mind when considering the renewable energy finance situation.Item Open Access The partisan lens: analyzing news media's role in political polarization through coverage of Trump's initiatives against DEI within his first week of presidency in 2025(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Juba, Malia, author; Anderson, Karrin, advisor; Marx, Nick, advisorPolitical polarization has become entrenched in American citizens' political culture, altering how people ideologically think, associate with certain issues, and interact with the people and politics surrounding them. This literature review and case study examine how modern news media contribute to political polarization in the US through a case study on coverage of President Trump's first week in office (2025). To do so, I first review existing literature surrounding the origins of political polarization, the role of contemporary media, and how political polarization exists and operates in the twenty-first century. Next, I analyze this phenomenon through two distinctly partisan news outlets and their coverage of President Trump's first week in office and his early efforts to federally dismantle DEI programs. The findings of this study conclude that traditional news media's framing, language, and themes can contain partisan bias. This study contributes to the field of political communication by providing insight into the ways in which media frames political events and shapes public perception, particularly in the context of a highly contentious incident.Item Open Access Targeted education methods for the enhanced understanding of asthma(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Rauschenberg, Abigail, author; Maresh, Ryan., advisorAsthma is a chronic disease characterized by episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. This disease is highly prevalent in both adult and pediatric populations and can affect the day-to-day life of those afflicted. This paper serves to explore the pathophysiology of asthma, particularly the roles of bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and the immune response associated with it. Diagnostic techniques and classification of asthma are also discussed, particularly related to different phenotypic presentations of the disease. Treatment options and plans are also identified. Beyond the physical, the psychosocial elements of having a chronic disease are discussed, emphasizing the emotional challenges faced by adolescents. Taking the physical and psychosocial elements into consideration, the need for targeted education techniques is highlighted and explored. By combining the biological and psychosocial perspectives regarding adolescent chronic asthma, this paper advocates for a change to the patient-care approach for asthmatics.Item Open Access Media and political mobilization: the Israel-Palestine conflict(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Oxley, Keslie, author; Zwick-Tapley, Sarah, advisor; Weitzel, Daniel, advisorThis thesis explores the role of media in political mobilization within the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, analyzing how journalism and mass communication have shaped public perception, policy decisions, and grassroots activism. Beginning with an overview of the history of media and journalism, the study examines how news coverage, propaganda, and digital media have influenced international discourse on the conflict. The historical background of Israel and Palestine is traced to provide context for contemporary political tensions, followed by an analysis of their current political regimes and governance structures. The study also delves into the contrasting approaches of U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, assessing their policies and diplomatic strategies in relation to both Israel and Palestine. By analyzing media framing, political rhetoric, and international responses, this research highlights the power of information in shaping political narratives and mobilizing action. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersection between media, politics, and conflict resolution in one of the world’s most enduring geopolitical struggles.Item Open Access Mental health misconceptions and stigma(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Paruszkiewicz-Philson, Kathryn, author; Garvey, Sara, advisor; Amberg, Marti, advisorMental health advice is everywhere, from social media influencers promoting their latest health brands to mainstream media highlighting new research findings. While the internet is full of tips on maintaining well-being, far less attention is given to the lived realities of individuals struggling with mental disorders. Despite increasing awareness, pervasive myths and misconceptions continue to circulate. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions, sometimes helping to spread awareness, but often perpetuating misinformation that reinforces harmful stigmas and stereotypes. These misunderstandings contribute to discrimination and systemic barriers that limit individuals' quality of life and negatively impact society. To challenge these narratives, my project aims to dispel common myths and increase awareness through a podcast series focused on three groups of mental disorders. Normalizing conversations and integrating mental health education into schools, communities, and professional settings can promote greater understanding, reduce stigma, and enhance access to support for those affected.Item Open Access Horses without doctors: why is the equine veterinarian industry facing a shortage?(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Leo, Adison, author; Fedorka, Carleigh, author; Magee, Christianne, authorIt has been well documented that there is a shortage of practitioners entering the equine medicine workforce. Unfortunately, minimal research has gone into the causative agents for this shortage. Therefore, the objectives of this study were 1) to identify current concerns within the equine veterinary medicine workforce, and 2) isolate common perceptions of equine veterinary medicine within equine industry members who no longer desire to enter the workforce. To do so, 264 members of the equine industry were surveyed. These respondents could be separated into groups of 1) equine industry members (n=243) and 2) current equine practitioners (n=21). Additionally, equine industry members were further separated based on current interest in equine veterinary practice (1=very disinterested, 5=very interested). Of those responders, 197 (n=197) had lost interest in pursuing equine veterinary medicine, while 31 (n=31) maintained interest. When surveying equine veterinarians, the primary issues within their career were work-life balance (85%), mental health (70%), and debt-to-income ratio (65%). When surveying equine industry members on the perceived problems within equine veterinary medicine, the primary issues were debt-to-income ratio (66.7%), work-life balance (61.3%), and mental health (38.7). Therefore, the top three concerns in both populations were similar, although the percentage of respondents indicating concern varied widely. When further assessing only respondents that had lost interest, the primary concerns were cost of education (61.1%), length of education (69.6%), income after graduation (49.2%), and feeling as though their grades are not suitable for acceptance (35.4%). In conclusion, it appears that the general equine industry populace is aware of the current problems within the career of equine veterinary medicine (see figure 2). As low income alongside poor mental health and a lack of work-life balance are the primary issues, these 3 aspects within equine veterinary medicine need to be addressed in order to improve the equine veterinary medicine shortage.Item Open Access Harvest moon: a work in progress(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Campbell, Ava, authorThe primary aim of this thesis focuses on exploration. I have never attempted a novel-length writing project, and while I knew it was impossible to accomplish that goal in a semester, I wanted to explore my ideas and become more comfortable with the process. I used researching, outlining, and writing as modes of exploration in which I discovered the themes and characters central to my novel. Through these processes, I came to understand the core significance of my work better than I had before. In a few words, my novel deals with themes surrounding femininity, desire, power, emotionality, and the human body. While my work could be considered genre fiction, specifically fantasy fiction, these themes solidify its significance in modern literature. My thesis afforded me an opportunity to discover why my work was significant through feedback, revision, and execution. The progress I have made this semester constitutes a solid foundation of content that I will continue to build on after graduation.Item Open Access Managing Cytospora canker in Colorado peach orchards: canopy spray efficacy and implementation strategies(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Greenberger, Sal, authorThis presentation, delivered as part of a Master's thesis defense at Colorado State University, summarizes the methodologies, results, and key findings of research on management of Cytospora canker in Colorado peach orchards. The research evaluates the efficacy of fungicidal canopy sprays applied with air-blast sprayers against Cytospora plurivora and explores best practices for their use in orchard management.