Theses and Dissertations

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The place-names of Greene and Tuscaloosa Counties, Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 1979) Rich, John Stanley
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of AHUIKE Intervention among Nigerian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Ezebuihe, Ihuoma; Mumba, Mercy
Type Two Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a deadly and costly disease. An estimated six million Nigerians live with T2DM (Ugwu et al., 2020). Various researchers reported that Nigerian adults between 20 and 79 years of age are the most affected age group and account for 2 to 12 % of T2DM prevalence in Nigeria (Uloko et al., 2021). The purpose of this research study is to determine the feasibility of conducting the AHUIKE intervention in Nigeria. The study used a quantitative one-group pre-and-post test design to conduct this research study.The participants showed a strong understanding that lung disease is not associated with DM complications (50.0%). Overall, participants showed acceptable knowledge of DM (69.6 ± 11.2%). The increase in participants' knowledge of DM, from 19.4 ± 8.4% pre-intervention to 69.6 ± 11.2% post-intervention, was significant (t = 22.039, p < .001). Data showed a statistically significant increase in participants' DM health beliefs following the AHUIKE DM intervention, particularly in perceived susceptibility (t = 4.706, p < .001), severity (t = 6.988, p < .001), and benefit (t = 4.243, p < .001), with the post-intervention scores notably higher than pre-intervention scores. However, perceived barriers showed no significant difference in post-AHUIKE intervention (t = -.656, p = .517). Data showed no association between knowledge of DM and health belief at pre-and post-intervention (Table 6; =p > .050). Data also revealed no significant relationship between the following socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and knowledge of DM: age (r = -.161, p = .379), gender (rpb = .091, p = .620), marital status (rpb = .174, p = .340), educational level (rs = -.098, r = .592), and income (r = -.225, p = .216). Data showed no significant relationship between DM health beliefs and the socio-demographic factors of participants (p > .050). Data from this research showed that the AHUIKE intervention is a pertinent way of improving the Igbo Nigerian ethnic group's DM knowledge and health beliefs of DM and supporting DM knowledge acquisition to assist patients in managing DM appropriately.
Process-Structure-Property Relationship in PLZT Thin Films for UV Sensing: Influence of Film Thickness and Sol-Gel Solution Preparation Routes on Ferroelectric, Optical and Photovoltaic Properties
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Kothapally, Sneha; Kotru, Sushma
Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) is a ferroelectric material that exhibits excellent electro-optic and photovoltaic properties, making it a suitable candidate for optoelectronic applications. Among thin film deposition techniques, sol-gel method is preferred for its precise stoichiometric control, low processing temperature, cost effectiveness, and scalability. However, achieving repeatable results remains a major challenge. Different sol-gel preparation routes, which vary in solvent evaporation rates, reaction temperatures, and chemical environment, can significantly influence the microstructure and properties of the resulting films. Therefore, understanding the influence of sol-gel preparation routes on ferroelectric, optical, and photovoltaic properties is essential for ensuring reliable device performance. This study investigates the influence of film thickness, annealing temperature, and three sol-gel solution preparation routes: open-beaker (Sol1), reflux (Sol2), and reflux with distillation (Sol3), on ferroelectric, optical, and photovoltaic properties of Pb_0.95 La_0.05 Zr_0.54 Ti_0.46 O_3 thin films. PLZT films were fabricated on platinized silicon substrates by spin coating, and platinum top electrodes were sputtered to form capacitor structures for ferroelectric and photovoltaic measurements. Characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. A strong dependence of crystallite size, strain, capacitance, remnant polarization, leakage current, photocurrent, and free carrier concentration was observed on the film thickness. Films with 135 nm thickness exhibit the most optimized performance with highest remnant polarization, photocurrent, free carrier concentration, and lowest strain and leakage current. The annealing temperature showed minimal effect on optical properties. Comparative studies of the sol-gel routes revealed that Sol3 produced films with enhanced crystallinity, uniform morphology, larger grain size, lower surface roughness, and stoichiometry closest to the target composition. Ferroelectric, optical, and photovoltaic measurements confirmed that Sol3 yielded superior and repeatable properties, including large remnant polarization, high photocurrent, low leakage, strong ultraviolet (UV) absorption, lower optical band gap, higher refractive index and extinction coefficients. Thus, reflux with distillation method is the most reliable and reproducible route for developing high-quality PLZT thin films for optoelectronic devices, particularly UV sensors.
Sustainable Valorization of Waste Plastics and Alternative Directions via Chemical Modification and Additive Manufacturing
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Bepari, Mousumi Rani; Bara, Jason E.
The escalating accumulation of synthetic polymer waste necessitates sustainable plastic upcycling strategies that minimize risks to human health and ecosystems. This dissertation addresses this challenge and demonstrates several efficient depolymerization strategies for polyesters and polyurethanes, including a novel 'imidazolysis' approach alongside established 'glycolysis', 'alcoholysis', and 'aminolysis' methods, while driving new directions for the utilization of depolymerized products. Initially, this dissertation will demonstrate the catalyst-free depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using imidazoles termed "imidazolysis", which affords the bifunctional monomer 1,1'-terephthaloyl bisimidazoles (TBI) in high purity. Eight different imidazole derivatives were utilized, and it was observed that the reagents with electron-donating groups were more effective in the faster depolymerization of PET. TBIs were found to be versatile intermediates in transforming them into materials of increased value. Motivated by this outcome, we extend imidazolysis to polyurethane (PU), a ubiquitous polymer that is often neglected due to its cross-linked nature for recycling purposes. We achieved complete deconstruction of PU via imidazole, resulting in the product imidazole-carboxamide and the release of polyol. We then describe PET aminolysis to terephthalamide diols and their conversion to dichloro-terephthalamides, which serve as monomers for self-healing (SH) polyamide (PA) ionenes, compatible with fused-deposition (FDM) 3D printing. Ionenes are highly tunable materials having advantages for monomer selection from a vast library of di-(alkyl or aryl)-halides and tertiary diamines. Similarly, the dissertation demonstrates the glycolysis of PET with ethylene glycol, and further modification of this compound also led to the self-healing, tunable poly(ester-amide) ionene for 3D printing, noticeably different than the PA ionenes in terms of rigidity and self-recovery. In parallel, this dissertation presents the synthesis of novel terephthalates and carbamates (with and without allyl functional group), which were initially mass-produced from commercially available terephthaloyl chloride (TC) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), respectively. Subsequently, we aim to access the same products via organocatalyzed alcoholysis from waste PET and PU, enabling use in stereolithography (SLA) printing. Overall, these results highlight complementary depolymerization examples for PET and PU, demonstrating how careful reagent selection can allow us to produce commercially valuable products that link plastic circularity with additive manufacturing.
On the Design of Ad-Hoc Communication Assisted Swarm Intelligence Based Search Schemes for Underwater Exploration Application
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Yang, Beichen; Hong, Xiaoyan
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are vital for exploring complex underwater environments, supporting applications from marine animal detection to seabed mineral resource mapping. However, the effective deployment and operation of AUVs in dynamic and unpredictable settings pose significant challenges, as traditional centralized path-planning and search strategies prove ineffective against unpredictable factors like varying water currents, limited visibility, and the presence of obstacles. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a novel, decentralized framework leveraging Swarm Intelligence (SI) algorithms to enable AUVs to autonomously navigate and search unknown underwater environments. This research introduces three distinct SI-based schemes tailored to specific operational requirements. Each tackles a unique constraint relating to underwater positioning systems, acoustic ad hoc communication, and the AUV distribution problem for multiple targets. The results show that the proposed SI-algorithm-inspired searching schemes succeed without the reliance on global communication or centralized command. Meanwhile, the connectivity and mission completion time are critically coupled.
Understanding and Measuring Parental Involvement: Causal Pathways and Cross-Group Validity
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Shannon, Nathaniel; Han, Hyemin
Parental involvement is vital for students' academic success. However, there is less support for the specific actions, at home and at school, that can best influence achievement through motivational pathways. Additionally, widely used parental involvement measures, such as the High School Longitudinal Survey of 2009 (HSLS:09), have not been systematically evaluated for their measurement equivalence across their racial and socio-economic groups. Understanding the mechanisms through which parental involvement influences student achievement and validating measurement equivalence across diverse populations are both necessary in promoting educational equity and improving student outcomes. By applying causal mediation analysis, measurement invariance testing, and differential item functioning analyses, this dissertation seeks to deepen the current understanding of parental involvement by: (a) analyzing the direct and indirect pathways (via self-efficacy) through which specific involvement behaviors impact academic achievement, (b) determining whether involvement measures function equivalently across racial groups at the construct level, and (c) detecting item-level measurement bias across racial and socioeconomic groups. Three studies using nationally representative data from the HSLS:09 are combined to offer a comprehensive assessment of both the causal mechanisms and measurement properties of parental involvement, providing a foundation for expanded lines of research and culturally responsive assessment practices.
Exploring Burnout Among Alternatively Certified Teachers in Texas: a Case Study Concerning Factors, Experiences and Implications
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Rox, Deborah Watford; Bergeron, William; Bynum, Yvette
This qualitative case study examined the lived experiences of eleven alternatively certified teachers in Texas through semi-structured interviews. Factors contributing to teacher burnout, included the demands of certification training courses and pressures associated with testing culture. Findings suggested that income and behavior management impacted turnover rates among elementary and early childhood educators, especially when compared to pressures from testing. A review of existing literature identified several primary causes of teacher burnout, revealing common themes such as workload, large class sizes, teacher self-efficacy, collective efficacy, and compensation. The analysis sought to determine whether similar themes emerged from participant interviews. Findings revealed that burnout among alternatively certified teachers were primarily due to overwhelming workload, testing pressures, and classroom management challenges. Support systems, particularly mentorship and leadership, played a significant role in alternatively certified teacher retention. Overall, this study found that alternatively certified teachers in Texas experienced burnout largely due to workload, testing pressures, and classroom management, while mentorship, leadership support, and student engagement influenced their decision to remain in the profession.
Are College Head Coaches Really the Villain? a Qualitative Study Using Narrative Portraiture to Understand Power in the Collegiate Setting
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Ogletree, Kayla Catharine; Burnham, Joy J.
Recent studies have shown that student-athletes have identified their college head coaches' power as a potential barrier in receiving help for their mental health and developing the athlete-coach relationship further (Bissett & Tamminen, 2022). With limited research focused on the personal experiences and perception of Division I (D1) women college head coaches, this study explored the disciplinary power of D1 women head coaches using the Foucauldian framework (1980, 1995) and Narrative Portraiture (Lawrence-Lightfoot & Davis, 1997) to explore how the D1 women head coaches perceive and experience power within their relationships with their student-athletes, how they support their student-athletes mental health, and how they navigate/experience institutional power pertaining to their position as the head coach. One semi-structured interview was conducted with four participants that resulted in four individual narrative portraits being written. The data analysis consisted of thematic and systematic analysis which revealed the findings as Shifts and Transitions being the overarching theme, and four supporting themes: Being a Woman Head Coach, Not Always Superior, Complexity of Mental Health, and Relationships with Student-Athletes. Results showed the D1 women college head coaches perceived the athlete-coach relationship as being essential and supported their student-athletes mental health. Additionally, results indicated women college head coaches navigate and experience disciplinary power both personally and professionally and experienced multiple shifts and transitions in their careers. Implications for counselors include using Structural Family Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy Theory (IPT) to aide coaches on systems work with athletic teams and coaches' identity development. This study highlights the importance for future research to be conducted in this area because of the minimal representation of women coaches in the NCAA and limited research available for this population.
Evolution of the Violin-Viola Duo Across the Centuries: Highlights of the Repertoire and Technical Considerations for Violists in Performance
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Overby, Ashley; Adams, Jacob
This manuscript addresses stylistic elements and the resulting technical challenges of six violin-viola duo works. The complete works were performed in recital on March 11, 2024, and selections from those works are highlighted in the manuscript. This program was conceived to provide an overview of the diverse, but infrequently performed, violin-viola duo literature. Each pair of duos was selected to represent a stylistic period and with consideration for shared musical qualities. The Classical style is represented by Wolfgang A. Mozart's Duo for Violin and Viola, K. 424 (1783) and Louis Spohr's Duet for Violin and Viola, op. 13 (1808). The twentieth century is represented by Ladislav Vycpálek's Duo for Violin and Viola, op. 20 (1929) and Darius Milhaud's Sonatine, op. 226 (1941). The twenty-first century is represented by Augusta Read Thomas's Silent Moon (2006) and Kaija Saariaho's Aure (2011).The manuscript examines the parallels between two duos within a historical period and the corresponding stylistic parameters. This culminates in a discussion of how the resulting combination of factors, including compositional structure, viola techniques, and acoustic limitations, create a unique set of challenges for the violist. While I offer possible solutions formany of these challenges, the intent of this manuscript is to encourage further exploration of the violin-viola duo genre by scholars and performers alike rather than to serve as decisive guide to these works.
Perspectives on Court-Mandated Treatment of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Acquittees: a Qualitative Study of Legal Professionals
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Lind, Hannah; Cox, Jennifer
The insanity defense, frequently referred to as the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) plea, is a subject of much critical discourse in the intersecting fields of clinical psychology and criminal law. Those who are adjudicated NGRI are typically court-mandated to receive treatment in an inpatient facility, often for an indeterminate period of time. While existing literature considers implications of the insanity defense itself and elucidates evidence-based treatment approaches and outcomes, little is known regarding legal professionals' expectations and appraisals of the inpatient treatment process. The current study explores the perspectives of legal professionals (attorneys, judges) on court-mandated inpatient treatment of insanity acquittees. Eleven legal professionals participated in semi-structured interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis yielded six main themes: lack of knowledge regarding inpatient treatment; treatment serves multiple goals; treatment should be individualized; responsibilities of the criminally irresponsible; the impact of systemic issues on treatment efforts; and difficulties disentangling NGRI and competency to stand trial. The accounts of study participants suggest legal professionals may have limited awareness of what NGRI patients experience post-adjudication but nonetheless have various clinical and procedural concerns regarding the treatment process. Implications for clinical practice and legal education/training are discussed.
Where We Gather Now: Bridging the Rhetorical Gap Between the Black Church and Contemporary Social Activism
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Eubanks, James; Daytom, Amy
The Black Church has functioned as a moral touchstone for the community for all of America's history. As with most aspects of Black culture, its rhetorical functions are mirrored in the classical African American rhetorical tradition and thus are deeply ingrained in a cultural sense. And is widely known for its work in the Civil Rights movements of the 60s and 70s in America. This work considers why modern activist movements and Black churches, so often aligned in their desire for Black liberation, are not more cooperative in terms of working towards social change and looks to the rhetorical approaches of each for answers. Two case studies based in Atlanta, Georgia, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and its pastor, Reverend Jamal Bryant, as well as the Stop Cop City movement provide the basis for this examination. Bryant is a particularly savvy user of social media in addition to having a background of grassroots activism, while the Stop Cop City movement is the epitome of a modern activist movement in terms of much of its organization and information campaigns taking place in online spaces. This work looks to the digital footprint of each, the ways physical space and action and examine the way in which they dovetail and are at odds, to ultimately plot a path of increased collaboration.
Multi-Modal Sensor Fusion and Transformer-Based Vehicle Trajectory Prediction for Proactive Roadway Safety in a Digital Twin Framework
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Ahmad, Minhaj Uddin; Rahman, Mizanur
Each year, more than 1.19 million people worldwide and over 40,000 in the United States lose their lives in roadway crashes, many of which could be prevented through early detection of crash risks involving vehicles and vulnerable roadway users (VRUs). A proactive roadway safety system focuses on anticipating and mitigating potential crash risks, enabling early interventions that can protect both vehicles and VRUs. This thesis develops a Predictive Digital Twin (PDT) framework that enables a proactive roadway safety system by continuously monitoring and forecasting the motion of vehicles and VRUs. A Digital Twin (DT) is a dynamic virtual replica of a physical system (e.g., a roadway network with vehicles, VRUs, and traffic controllers) that continuously synchronizes with real-world data, enabling simulation, prediction, and data-driven decision support. Specifically, the objectives of this thesis are to: (i) develop a multi-modal sensor fusion strategy to synchronize and fuse data from roadside sensors (i.e., LiDAR, radar, and camera) for reliable vehicle trajectory estimation; (ii) develop a transformer-based trajectory forecasting model that learns spatiotemporal interactions among vehicles and roadway geometry using roadside sensor data; and (iii) develop a proactive safety application using probabilistic conflict modeling to validate the effectiveness of the PDT framework by generating safety alerts for potential vehicle conflicts in a work zone. To support development and evaluation, a co-simulation platform called OpenCAMS has been developed, integrating the open-source simulators, i.e., SUMO, CARLA, and OMNeT++, for traffic, vehicle dynamics, sensor, and C-V2X simulations. The PDT framework is also validated using data collected from an active real-world work zone area, demonstrating the potential of a PDT based proactive safety system that combine sensor fusion, predictive modeling, and probabilistic safety analysis to advance proactive roadway safety technologies aimed at reducing global traffic fatalities and injuries.
From the Shadows: a Collection of Flute Music by Living Black American Composers
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Keith, Steven Ryan; Boyd Schultz, Diane
For centuries, composers of color have been left out of our music history books, performances, and recordings. One of the major problems that I notice with my Black students is a simple disconnect from the music. Many students find Classical music boring, and they usually do not grow up listening to art music. The lack of exposure to traditional Western art music creates a natural detachment for many students. Several works from the past century use elements of jazz and blues. These elements--repetition, chords, extended techniques, whole tone scales, syncopation, modes, progressions, and simplicity--are more familiar and, in response turn, more appealing to younger musicians. There are also connections to traditional Western music such as form (sonata, rondo, theme and & variations). In this document, I point out these qualities with special attention given to form, extended techniques, and compositional devices. I also hope to convey the importance in diversity of musical repertoire. For this project, I have recorded the pieces discussed in this document and compiled them into an album, complete with cover art and liner notes. This document is to accompany the following recordings to be shared on compact disc: 1. Adolphus Hailstork, The Pied Piper of Harlem for solo flute (1980) 2. Allison Loggins-Hull, Homeland for solo flute (2018) 3. Brian Raphael Nabors, Énergie for flute and fixed-format electronics (2015) 4. Allison Loggins-Hull, Pray for flute and electronics (2010) 5. Brian Raphael Nabors, Theme and Variations for Alto Flute (2018) 6. Allison Loggins-Hull, Color Wheels for alto flute and electronics (2017) 7. Valerie Coleman, Wish, S: Sonatine for flute and piano (2015) For each piece, I explore musical elements, share the background of the composers, and include musical examples of performance and extended techniques that are needed for the pieces. My hope is that the suggested approaches discussed will aid the reader to better learn, perform, and teach each work and to understand the importance of itstheir place in the flute repertoire. I also hope that this project encourages others to research, and perform works from the featured composers, and other Black American composers.
Understanding the Adoption of Irrigation by Small-Scale Farmers in Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Pathak, Ruchie; Magliocca, Nicholas R.
Alabama, in the southeastern United States, is known for its agriculture and forestry sectors, which contribute significantly to the state's economy. However, the number of small-to-medium-sized farms in the state has been steadily declining; the rural population has been decreasing; the average age of farmers continues to rise and is now over 58 years old; irrigated acreage is an order of magnitude less than that of neighboring states like Mississippi and Georgia; extreme conditions such as flash floods and droughts are becoming more severe, and significant disparities still exist among agricultural communities due to a legacy of systemic discrimination. Despite multiple existing challenges, rural communities are demonstrating tenacity and resilience as collaborative efforts continue to grow in the region to improve local food production and support food security, health, and well-being. Since not every individual engaging in agriculture may have the same motivation or rationale, for example, some seeking higher economic gains versus those farming for recreational purposes, this study seeks to develop a fundamental understanding of the diverse intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence Alabama's small-scale and limited-resource producers' decision to adopt a climate-smart practice like irrigation. First, an umbrella review of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses on climate-smart agriculture is conducted to summarize recent advancements and to identify gaps and challenges that remain to inform future research efforts. Next, primary data collected through face-to-face interviews with thirty-six specialty crop and livestock producers are used to examine the diverse perspectives, beliefs, and motivations, as well as the role of their interpersonal networks in shaping their land-use decisions. Differences are observed in the goals, priorities, and social networks of irrigators and non-irrigators. Existing challenges and an in-depth understanding of the diverse considerations involved in their farm-related decision-making are described. Additionally, the research also highlights the crucial role of social networks of small-scale farmers in the context of a developed country. Such an understanding of what farmers are doing, why, and how can help inform existing and future strategies to develop appropriate responses that meet their needs, enhance their competitiveness, and build their resilience.
Molecular and Physiological Characterization of a Potassium-Dependent Sodium/Calcium Ion Exchanger in the Drosophila Nervous
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Majlish, Al Nahian Khan; Chtarbanova, Stanislava
Calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is fundamental to neuronal physiology, as oscillations in intracellular Ca2+ levels regulate excitability, signaling, and synaptic transmission. The balance of Ca2+ influx and efflux is controlled by ion transporters, and disruptions in their function are increasingly linked to seizures and neurodegenerative diseases of aging. Yet, the specific contributions of these transporters to disease processes remain to be fully understood. Drosophila melanogaster has proven to be a powerful genetic model for uncovering ion transporters' role in the disease process, particularly through mutants that display temperature-sensitive (TS) convulsions phenotypes reminiscent of epileptiform activity and progressive neurodegeneration in vertebrates.In a forward genetic screen, we identified a mutant line that exhibited TS convulsions along with progressive, age-dependent neurodegeneration. Genetic mapping localized the mutation to Nckx30c, specifically within the gene region encoding for the transmembrane ion-binding region of this K+-dependent Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Further sequence-based analysis identified a point mutation that substitutes threonine for proline. To investigate the effect of the mutation on protein structure and function, we performed complementary in silico analyses, which placed the altered residue within the exchanger's α-repeat/ion-binding core and predicted helix-disrupting consequences of the proline substitution as probably damaging. The deleterious effect was further supported by the changes in the physicochemical properties of the threonine to proline substitution.Characterization of this mutant, together with a second Nckx30c allele, revealed a markedly shortened lifespan, age-dependent midbrain neurodegeneration, and structural defects at larval and adult neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Gene expression analysis confirmed that Nckx30c levels were reduced in mutant fly heads. Functional assays further demonstrated that neuron-specific knockdown of Nckx30c was sufficient to trigger TS convulsions, locomotor defects, and shortened lifespan. Drosophila Nckx30c is highly conserved and shares homology with mammalian SLC24A2, a member of the solute carrier family 24 whose neurological roles remain to be fully understood. Our work establishes Nckx30c as an essential regulator of neuronal health and provides an in vivo framework for investigating the contribution of SLC24A2 to seizures and age-related neurodegeneration.
Increased Sampling of Small-Bodied Lophotrochozoans Yields Enhanced Resolution of the Most Enigmatic Invertebrate Superphylum
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Roberts, Nickellaus G.; Kocot, Kevin M.
Lophotrochozoa is a major animal superphylum encompassing 15 protostome phyla, displaying remarkable morphological and ecological diversity, yet relationships among its constituent phyla remain unresolved. As sequencing technology evolves, genomic sequencing has proven to be a powerful tool for studying animal evolution, including the evolution of ancient lineages such as those among Lophotrochozoa. However, many lineages within Lophotrochozoa are small-bodied and understudied, complicating sequencing and sampling for analyses of evolutionary relatedness and sequence evolution. Here, I develop and validate a workflow using multiple displacement amplification (MDA) to enable PacBio HiFi sequencing from picogram quantities of DNA from small-bodied animals. Using this approach, I produce the first genome of the gastrotrich Lepidodermella squamata, providing a framework for further genome sequencing of small-bodied organisms and assess the evolution of gene content and Hox gene organization in Gastrotricha. Second, I generate a chromosome-level genome assembly for the brachiopod Discradisca antillarum and use comparative macrosynteny to identify conserved chromosomal fusion-with-mixing events across lophophorate taxa, providing independent genomic evidence for relationships among Brachiopoda, and Bryozoa. Third, I reconstruct a transcriptome-based phylogeny of Entoprocta, and present genome-scale data from Barentsia sp., providing strong support for taxonomic revisions within the phylum. Lastly, I analyze sequences from representative Lophotrochozoan phyla to elucidate internal relationships within the superphylum.
Foundations for Future Success: Lessons Learned from Student Reflections on a Short-Lived Community College Student Success Initiative for Men of Color
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Alford, Rodney Eugene; Holley, Karri A.
Years of research providing post-secondary educational outcomes statistics on students who traditionally attend community colleges have shown that enrollment, persistence, and degree completion for men of color lag behind those of other student groups at significantly alarming rates. As a result, many community colleges throughout the nation have implemented targeted student success initiatives aimed at closing the achievement gap between men of color and other student groups. This qualitative study examined one such initiative--a short-lived orientation and student success course with a combined mentoring component--that was implemented to enhance educational outcomes for men of color attending a community college in the southeast region of the U.S. Through semi-structured interviews guided by questions that aimed to understand aspects of the initiative men of color perceived as beneficial as well as challenging or limiting in supporting their academic, personal, and career goals, and that explored participants' recommendations on strategies for improving the initiative, 11 Black men who completed the course shared their experiences with it. Thematic analysis of the results revealed that while participants found value in both the classroom component and the mentoring component of the course, the effectiveness of the initiative was diminished due to a lack of an integrated connection between these two components. Effectiveness was further hindered when classroom elements failed to address cultural relevance, provide flexibility for external stressors, or ensure consistent engagement between mentors and mentees. Utilizing the four socio-ecological domains of Harris and Wood's Socio-ecological Outcomes (SEO) Model as an interpretive tool, the findings reaffirm the need for holistic, integrated approaches that thoughtfully and intentionally address both the academic and non-cognitive needs of men of color who attend community colleges.
The Development of Transition Metal Pincer Photocatalysts for Carbon Dioxide Reduction: from Long Chain Olefin Wingtips to Macrocyclic Catalysts
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Silprakob, Weerachai; Papish, Elizabeth T.
The urgent need for renewable energy and less dependence on the fossil fuels have become an interesting topic in recent years since the consumption of fossil fuels has led to a significant increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations, thereby causing the global warming issue. Mitigation of CO₂ concentration requires the development of strategies to transform CO₂ into value-added products, hereby, photocatalytic CO₂ reduction is one the most promising strategies utilizing solar energy mimicking a crucial pathway achieving artificial photosynthesis for the generation of solar-derived or renewable fuels. However, the development of efficient and durable catalysts for this process remains a formidable challenge. Recently, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have emerged as strong donor ligands that are useful for forming transition metal-based catalysts. The combination of two NHCs with a central pyridyl ring in a symmetric fashion result in a tridentate CNC-pincer framework that can promote catalyst stability. Metal complexes containing such CNC-pincer ligands along with other co-ligands have been synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂-RR). The macrocyclic catalysts have several advantages including restriction the coordination site, which suppresses undesired product formation, as well as the ability to mimic enzyme-like environment. The steric and electronic properties of macrocyclic ligands can be readily tuned through variation of ring size and substituents. Despite these advantages, macrocyclic catalysts remain relatively new in the field of photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. To address this gap, we have synthesized a series of macrocyclic ruthenium and nickel catalysts, fully characterized them, and evaluated their performance in photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, thereby expanding the scope of macrocyclic ligand frameworks in solar fuel generation. Terpyridine complexes are distinguished by their strong metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions, long-lived excited states, and luminescent properties, which have established them as benchmark photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells and photo-redox catalysis. The activities of terpyridyl metal complexes, synthesized and characterized by the Sun group, will be discussed in detail, highlighting their structural features and photocatalytic performance.
Leading Sped in Alabama: a Qualitative Study of District Directors' Experiences Across Ecological Systems
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Kearley, Alison N.; McDaniel, Sara
District special education directors play a crucial role in the success of school administrators, teachers, and students across their districts. District leaders support the development of special educators in their districts to improve equitable outcomes for students with disabilities, even amidst the challenges of the ongoing shortage of qualified special education teachers and difficulties with full-funding for special education services. The responsibilities of district directors are ever growing, yet there is a lack of research that explores how these leaders experience and understand their roles within the larger system of special education.The purpose of this study was to explore how Alabama district-level special education directors understand and navigate their roles and responsibilities in the support of school administrators, teachers, and students with disabilities, with attention to the policies that promote or hinder their efforts. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, this qualitative interview study examined how these leaders operate within and respond to the nested ecological systems that shape their work within the micro-, meso-, exo-, macro-, and chronosystems that define the special education system. The researcher gathered rich, detailed data from semi-structured interviews and surveys with eight district directors across eight Alabama special education regions. Data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke's steps of thematic analysis. This study found that district directors are responsible for supporting their educators in ongoing training and understanding of special education law and mental and behavioral health needs, while also navigating ongoing educator, funding, and resource shortages. The study also found that special educators are unprepared to meet the academic, mental, and behavioral health needs of their students. The study highlighted the ways in which policy both promoted special education programs and supports for students with disabilities, as well as ways in which policy hindered the inclusion and success of students with disabilities. This study includes implications for future policy, practice, and research surrounding special education leadership and the larger system of special education.
Examining the Relationship Between Academic Optimism and Successful School Leadership in Title I Public Schools in Rural South Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2025) Childers, Anna Laura; Sun, Jingping
This research investigates the relationship between successful school leadership and academic optimism, a top predictor of student achievement, in rural Title I public schools in South Alabama. Researchers analyze the construct of academic optimism which includes academic emphasis, collective efficacy and faculty trust. The research uses an ex-post facto correlational design with quantitative methods to gather survey responses from teachers at seven public schools. The School Academic Optimism Scale (SAOS) along with the Successful School Leadership Survey (SSLS) function as main measurement tools while teacher demographic information from SSLS about experience and education levels aid in examining moderating influences. The study analyzes individual teachers as units while standardizing results to enable comparisons. The research data demonstrates that successful school leadership positively influences academic optimism. Experienced teachers who possess high levels of education serve to enhance this positive relationship even further. The research emphasizes successful school leadership as essential for developing academic optimism. Leaders who build trust and set high expectations while developing collective efficacy serve as fundamental elements that lead to better school results. School leaders working in rural high-poverty areas can improve their student learning outcome through strategic development of academic optimism in school.

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