Clark Honors College Theses
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The thesis is the capstone of a student's academic program at the Clark Honors College. It is an opportunity for each CHC student to build on the education received in both CHC and the academic major to design an independent and original research project. It is the product of the student's original research or creative endeavor and, like graduate theses, must place the research or creative work in the context of prior research or artistic traditions, explain the techniques used to perform the research or develop the creative work, and present and elaborate on the results. Like graduate students, CHC students work closely with faculty members to develop and write their theses and, like graduate students, defend their theses in oral presentations to their thesis committees. There is a fundamental difference between graduate theses and CHC theses; the CHC thesis must be readable by a lay audience, while graduate theses may be written in technical or discipline-specific language.
Beginning in Winter 2005, Clark Honors College students have been notified of the option of submitting their theses to Scholars' Bank and many have done so. Some older theses are also available.
Paper copies of all theses are available in the Robert D. Clark Library on the third floor of Chapman Hall, on the University of Oregon campus. Contact the College for more information: https://honors.uoregon.edu/.
Paper copies of all theses are also available in the University Archives operated by the University of Oregon Libraries. To search the Libraries' catalog, visit the web site at: https://library.uoregon.edu/.
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Item Open Access REDESIGNING CAMPUS DINING TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABILITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON(University of Oregon, 2024-09) Merrill, Maya; Selek, Hale; McWhorter, BrianUniversities across the United States, including the University of Oregon, have shifted to promote sustainable thinking and living. However, these large institutions also produce an incredible amount of food and packaging waste every day—two of the largest categories contributing to municipal solid waste in the United States. As universities shape future generations of leaders, it is important that they implement systems and products which uphold sustainable living practices and reduce their environmental impact. My research and design aims to provide strategies, system and product redesigns that will reduce the significant amount of food and packaging waste produced by thousands of consumers at UO Dining halls every day. I provide a multi-pronged approach which includes reusable and biodegradable products, educational campaigns, peer support, food waste diversion strategies and additional key steps, informed by research, observations and case studies. In addition to a dining system redesign plan, I propose three food container design solutions: a reusable lid for existing dining hall receptacles, an organic and biodegradable single use container and a complete reusable container design.Item Embargo AN ARCHAEOBOTANICAL GUIDE TO THE NORTHERN GREAT BASIN(University of Oregon, 2024-09) Di Fiore, Sofia; Kennedy, Jaime; Gallagher, DaphneArchaeobotany—the study of plants recovered from archaeological sites—is a discipline that offers one the opportunity to peer into the past and look at what the lives of humans looked like in times we will never experience. Archaeobotanical investigations are particularly important to the understanding of how human populations adapt to changing environments, as changes in botanical resources due to climactic shifts necessitate changes in traditional lifeways, shaping human cultures. This thesis reviews the archaeobotanical research history of the Northern Great Basin, a unique and isolated part of the intermountain west with an extensive history of human occupation that makes it an important locus of archaeological study, providing the opportunity for researchers to gain a deep time view of how humans interact with their environment. This project details ten of likely hundreds of plant species represented in the area’s archaeological record, drawing inspiration from traditional plant guides to create a proof-of concept look into the human-environmental connection in this region.Item Open Access GRASS ROOTS: A CASE STUDY OF JOHN SAYLES’ LONE STAR AND UTILIZING RURALITY IN CINEMA AS A CATALYST FOR SOCIAL CHANGE(University of Oregon, 2024-09) DiStasio, Anthony; Purnama, Ari; Rovak, AngelaThis thesis investigates the portrayals of American rural life in film, examining the historical context, commonly found themes and qualities, and cultural implications involved with them. Ultimately, the argument made is that films set in rural environments can influence social change by reshaping the image of American history and identity, pieces of the national fabric in which the image of rurality plays a large role. To argue this, the thesis will first track the relationship between rurality, film, and the United States through time, pointing out important shifts in each subject and the development of the genre and thematic associations now related to rurality in film. Next, the general image of the rural United States will be crafted through compiling the common themes and features found among rural-set films. From there, a case study of John Sayles’ 1996 film Lone Star will demonstrate how a film can utilize those features to provide commentary and reflect on the national image through a rural lens. Overall, the thesis aims to show rurality in film as more than a backdrop, but a lens through which films can address the cultural foundations of the United States in order to serve as a catalyst for redefining the way history, national identity, and rural traditional life is perceived.Item Open Access DATA AND DIALOGUE: STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING UNIVERSITY COMMUNITIES IN CLIMATE ACTION(University of Oregon, 2024-08) Coskey, Andrew; Mital, Steve; Mauro, RobertThis thesis seeks to establish the best practices for environmental communication, data visualization, and stakeholder engagement. The first subject investigated is the theoretical foundation and practical applications of engagement strategies that involve a wide range of university stakeholders: students, teachers, and support staff. This section explores transparency, inclusiveness, and ongoing dialogues as some strategies to build support for sustainable development. The importance of data visualization is also discussed, showing a need for clear, accurate, and accessible visual tools that can simplify complicated information into actionable insights. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted on the effectiveness of analogies as a tool for explaining technical concepts to broad audiences. These techniques are then applied to the University of Oregon thermal system transition, wherein the university investigated options to update its current central heating plant into one that will use more sustainable technologies. The proposed options are dissected and evaluated based on the effectiveness of the task forces’ communication and engagement efforts. Then, a conceptual interactive dashboard that addresses critiques of the task force’s presentation strategy is introduced. The findings demonstrate how well-designed, comprehensive communication strategies can help build informed, supportive communities around sustainability initiatives. The conclusion is composed of recommendations for future enhancements to these strategies. It proposes improved methods of implementing sustainable practices in higher education institutions by combining interactive tools, continuous stakeholder engagement, and clear communication. This case study provides valuable insights into guiding other universities facing similar challenges in their sustainability efforts.Item Open Access Assessing Infant Speech Discrimination Using Pupillary Dilation Response(University of Oregon, 2024-08) Heilenbach, Sam; Baldwin, Dare; Bala, AvinashPerceptual narrowing is central to the ability of infants in acquiring language competency. The broad sensitivity seen in younger infants to even the smallest units of speech – phonemes – becomes fine-tuned toward the end of their first year of life to the specific phonemes of their native language(s), enabling them to partition continuous speech into discrete words, essential for acquiring language proficiency. Perceptual narrowing refers to the gradual reduction in sensitivity to phonetic contrasts that are not relevant in the native language, along with an enhanced ability to recognize and distinguish phonetic contrasts that are meaningful in the native language. Understanding the timing and mechanisms of this process is key to understanding speech and language development more broadly. Current methods for studying perceptual narrowing rely on behavioral methods that require lengthy training periods, which result in high rates of attrition and may resultingly limit the generalizability of these findings. This study investigated the potential of sound-induced pupil response (SIPR) to measure infant speech-sound discrimination. We hypothesized that SIPR will accurately index auditory discrimination changes as perceptual narrowing unfolds. Using a mixed factorial-design, infants aged 10-12 months were exposed to native and non-native phonetic contrasts while their pupil responses were measured. Our sample of pilot data provides clear evidence validating SIPR as a sensitive measure of infant response to language. However, the sample is as yet too small to offer conclusive findings regarding perceptual narrowing. In any case, the SIPR holds great promise as a new, highly sensitive tool for investigating language development in early infancy. Thus, the significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of developmental change in early auditory discrimination abilities.Item Open Access THE RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS THAT COMPLETED THE VASCULAR REHABILITATION PROGRAM FROM 2020-2023(University of Oregon, 2024-07) Wriglesworth, Calvin J.; Halliwill, John; Hansen, Tobin; Harding, AaronPeripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a chronic and progressive cardiovascular condition that is characterized as occlusion or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the extremities, particularly the legs. A substantial amount of evidence supports exercise as a leading intervention of treating PAD. The search for the most ideal conditions of exercise to have the most significant reduction of PAD has long been explored. Purpose: The study aims to retrospectively review the outcomes of the vascular rehabilitation program at PeaceHealth RiverBend. Methods: The study conducted included a retrospective review of a preexisting protocol that consisted of multiple parts. The study is designed around many years of research that surround cardiac rehabilitation, however there are many unique aspects to the protocol being described. The protocol being analyzed involves 31 subjects, all of which are enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation through PeaceHealth hospital from 2020-2023. All said patients are known to suffer from PAD. The protocol begins with a warmup on a treadmill at a slow increase in intensity. Once the patient has reached the threshold of which is considered their normal exercise pace, the patient enters the main phase of the protocol. This phase consists of the patients maintaining an exercise pace of which causes a moderate increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Results: There was no effect of time(p=0.5561) on systolic blood pressure, or time(p=0.1931) on diastolic blood pressure at PRE vs. POST vs. CHANGE. There was a significant difference on time(p<0.05) on Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) at PRE vs. POST vs. CHANGE. Conclusion: The data suggests that the protocol being reviewed had no significant difference on blood pressure but showed significance in increased functional capacity.Item Open Access TO DESTROY A PEOPLE: CONCEPTUALIZING MASS SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS A PRINCIPAL MODALITY OF GENOCIDE IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY(University of Oregon, 2024-06) Howard, Emma Marie; Saavedra, Yvette; Raisanen, Elizabeth; Herrera, AndreaThroughout the twentieth century, mass sexual violence has been integral to genocidal campaigns, indicating that mass sexual violence is both a hallmark and weapon/means of genocide. This paper engages with eleven case studies from the twentieth century using both primary documentation of the occurrence and impact of mass sexual violence and secondary sources that analyze and discuss how gender and sexuality operate within war and genocide more broadly. Whereas previous scholarship and international law have included modalities of genocide that could, by interpretation, include mass sexual violence, this paper argues that weaponized mass sexual violence is an effective means of destroying identity both individually (at the micro level) but also collectively (at the meso and macro levels) and therefore must be included as a principal modality of genocide by definition in order to more accurately and effectively articulate genocide.Item Open Access AN INTERNAL ANALYSIS ON ADVOCATING FOR LATINO/A ACHIEVEMENT IN SCHOOL (ALAS)(University of Oregon, 2024-05) Miki, Isabella; Doty, Jen; Mauro, RobertAdvocating for Latino Achievement in Schools (ALAS) is an afterschool program designed for Latino/a immigrant English Language Learners at Springfield High School. This program aims to prevent dropout, promote academic success, and promote college/career readiness through providing academic support and enhancing critical consciousness. After analyzing ALAS student survey responses and interviews with ALAS team members, I explore themes that are important to consider in the continuation of the ALAS program: language barriers, transportation barriers, community building, and commitments of higher priority. I suggest future goals for the ALAS program: continuing teacher coordination, and implementing formal critical consciousness lessons.Item Embargo SYSTEMIC IMMUNOMODULATION OF MYELOID-DERIVED SUPPRESSOR CELLS IN A MODEL OF MUSCULOSKELETAL TRAUMA USING ALL-TRANS RETINOIC ACID(University of Oregon, 2024-05) Gill, Dylan; Guldberg, Bob; Guyer, Tyler; Munger, LisaMusculoskeletal trauma remains a significant challenge clinically, often leading to complications such as bone nonunion, infection, prolonged hospitalization, high treatment costs, and potential disabilities. The current standard treatment, autologous bone grafting, has limitations including donor site morbidity and limited bone availability, necessitating exploration of alternative approaches. Immune responses play a critical role in musculoskeletal healing, with distinct phases of inflammation and regenerative/anti-inflammatory processes. The transition from M1 to M2 macrophages is crucial for soft and hard callus formation during bone healing. However, dysregulated immune responses, characterized by prolonged elevation of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, can hinder healing and tissue repair. Recent research has focused on systemic immune responses following trauma, highlighting the balance between circulating pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers to prevent tissue damage and promote healing. Immune suppressor cells like myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a pivotal role in immune dysregulation post-trauma and may be a factor in poor healing. Targeting MDSCs presents a complex challenge due partly to their heterogeneity, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Here, we tested several treatment methods for MDSC depletion previously developed for use in cancer models to examine their effects on MDSCs in vitro in blood sourced from a trauma model. All-Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) in particular showed promise in modulating MDSCs initially in vitro and in subsequent in vivo experiments. ATRA is also known to have effects on bone growth and may alter osteoclastogenesis, giving it further potential as a novel therapeutic intervention in musculoskeletal trauma. Further research into the intricate interplay of immune responses following trauma and particularly therapeutic modulation of aberrant cells such as MDSCs is essential for advancing treatment strategies and improving outcomes in musculoskeletal trauma patients.Item Open Access AN ETHICAL EVALUATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL NONPROFIT AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF FOREIGN AID(University of Oregon, 2024-05) Dhamdhere, Aarushi; Weaver, Lesley Jo; Fitzpatrick, Ellen;This thesis will aim to address ethical challenges that foreign aid poses to aid-receiving countries and investigate the frameworks of international non-governmental organizations (INGO). To do so, I worked closely with an INGO, that I will refer to as GlobalMed, and assessed their duties and obligations as international actors. I accompanied GlobalMed on a week-long service-learning trip (SLT) in Cusco, Peru where I conducted an ethnographic study through participant-observation. My research took place in mobile clinics, patient follow-up care programs, and development projects. The goal, by the end of this project, was to develop insights to the framework of GlobalMed, determine whether my experience aligned with the tenets of medical ethics, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential implications of foreign aid.Item Embargo IMPACT OF INCREASED WATER TEMPERATURE ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND SKELETOGENESIS OF THE ANTARCTIC BULLHEAD NOTOTHEN NOTOTHENIA CORIICEPS(University of Oregon, 2024-03-05) Dixon, Griffin May; Desvignes, Thomas; Casimir, Ulrick; Postlethwait, JohnThe ocean surrounding Antarctica started to cool about 35 million years ago to reach freezing temperatures about 10-15 million years ago, which immensely impacted its fauna. Antarctic notothenioids adapted to these freezing temperatures but today face unprecedented challenges with projected climate-driven temperature increases. Temperature significantly influences the developmental rates of fish embryos, with higher temperatures accelerating development until a critical point is reached, causing deformities or mortality. The impact of temperature increases on Antarctic fish embryos, including the abundant bullhead notothen Notothenia coriiceps, remains unknown. Loss of adaptive traits, such as the inducible heat shock response, raises concerns for Antarctic fish in the context of global climate change. The hatching time of N. coriiceps and other Antarctic fishes, crucially linked to solar exposure and planktonic blooms, may shift earlier with rising temperatures, thus affecting the availability of essential food resources and potentially larval survival. Understanding the impact of temperature on N. coriiceps embryonic development is important for assessing their survival capacity in changing climates and contributes to broader insights into climate change effects on freezing ecosystems. This research addresses this knowledge gap, offering implications for ecosystem management policies, conservation, and broader scientific understanding of how organisms cope with environmental stressors in the Antarctic ecosystem. N. coriiceps embryos raised in heated conditions showed an increased developmental rate of about 44% compared to siblings raised at ambient temperature and hatched earlier. The temperature increase appeared to accelerate development uniformly at all stages and did not dramatically change the relative order of skeletal structure emergence in embryos. There was, however, a notable increase in the frequency of anatomical and skeletal malformations in heated embryos compared to ambient embryos, especially in the jaw and axial/caudal region. In addition, the measurement taken of the length from the snout to the anus (LS2N) was found to be a reliable parameter for comparison of the developmental stages across samples independent of age. If Antarctic water temperatures continue to rise at their current rate, N. coriiceps, among other Antarctic fish, will likely suffer immensely in their ability to survive and reproduce successfully.Item Open Access THE IMPACT OF UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL POLICY ON WOMEN'S LABOR MARKET OUTCOMES AND ECONOMIC INEQUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES(University of Oregon, 2024) Dougherty, Caitlin; Davis, JonathanThis study examines the impact of early childhood education and care (ECEC) policies, such as universal preschool, on labor market participation and gender equality in the United States. While there is substantial research on the effects of ECEC in countries with universal welfare systems like Denmark, there is significantly less research exploring these impacts within the U.S. context. This gap is particularly notable regarding how such policies influence labor force metrics, poverty reduction, and economic equality across genders. The findings reveal that a “Preschool for All” policy leads to a statistically significant increase in labor force participation among women by 1.2 percentage points, suggesting enhanced economic engagement. Wage and salary income also exhibit a positive, though not statistically significant, increase of $847.75 each year for the following five years post implementation. The effect on hourly wages shows a 53 cent increase. While both are suggestive of improvement in women’s labor force participation, neither is statistically significant. Additionally, preschool for all slightly increase in weekly working hours by .11 hours, indicating that some mothers might have transitioned from part-time to full-time, leveraging the availability of preschool to balance work and childcare responsibilities. Importantly, the policy contributes to a statistically significant decrease in the poverty rate by 1.3 percentage points. ECEC policies not only support women's entry and retention in the workforce but also act as a double reduction anti-poverty strategy, enhancing economic stability and reducing poverty among women.Item Open Access The Effects of Local Patch Fire Severities on Lepidoptera of the Pacific Northwest(University of Oregon, 2024) Glenn, Morgan; Ponisio, LaurenThis study investigates the impact of varying fire severities on Lepidoptera populations in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on areas affected by the Holiday Farm, Beachie Creek, Dixie, and Claremont Fires in Oregon and California. By employing multiple collection methods, including netting, pan traps, and Blue Vane Traps (BVTs), Lepidoptera abundance, diversity, and overall richness were assessed across different fire severities. The results reveal that areas with heterogeneous fire severities exhibit greater Lepidoptera species richness and abundance compared to homogeneous fire regimes. Moreover, BVTs emerged as the most effective collection method, capturing the majority of recorded Lepidoptera specimens. However, this study acknowledges limitations such as small sample size and methodological biases. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the complex interactions between fire severity, landscape heterogeneity, and Lepidoptera communities, informing conservation and management strategies for promoting biodiversity conservation and eco-system resilience in fire-prone landscapes.Item Open Access A Taxonomy of Evils: Expanding On Hannah Arendt’s Conceptions of Evil to Identify Four Variations(University of Oregon, 2024) Millay, Shealyn; Brence, StevenHannah Arendt’s The Origins of Totalitarianism examines the rise of Nazism and Stalinism and explores the mechanics of totalitarian movements. She believed that evil in the conventional sense could not describe certain horrors. Conventional evil can be understood in human terms, as it often involves a human desire and uses people for some end (without regard for morality). However, the evils of the Holocaust, for example, were marked by a lack of humanity and impossible to understand in human terms. She applies the term “radical evil,” a Kantian term that she uses to describe the deliberate—yet purposeless—rendering of humans as superfluous. In a later work, Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil, she changes her definition of evil, introducing what she calls “the banality of evil.” Unlike radical evil, banal evil is hyper-rational, yet thoughtlessly intertwined within bureaucratic systems. It occurs when a system is working toward an evil end, and the people within the system don’t see themselves as responsible for evil because they are only doing their job. While she may describe Hitler with radical evil, many of the administrators and officials under Hitler may not have harbored antisemitic hatred, but participated in genocide out of dull, bureaucratic duty. While Arendt 3 spoke as if there could only be one definition of evil, changing her conception from radical to banal, this paper will argue that they each describe different phenomena and can exist simultaneously. Additionally, this paper will argue that there is another, previously undefined form of evil, which will be called frenzied evil. While radical evil is thoughtful yet irrational, and while banal evil is rational but thoughtless, frenzied evil is irrational and thoughtless. During his rise to power, Hitler used his speaking skills to drive people into a furious frenzy. Events like the Kristallnacht contained an impulsive and impassioned hatred that was likely, for some participants, devoid of critical thinking. In total, this paper will argue for four categories of evil: conventional, radical, banal, and frenzied.Item Metadata only Synthesis Of Allylated Alginate For Applications In Biofabrication(University of Oregon, 2024) Siegel, Spencer; Lindberg, GabriellaOrganoids are in-vitro constructs designed to replicate in-vivo organs. Organoids have a wide range of potential use cases within science and medicine, but are not yet clinically relevant due to multiple factors. In order to address these factors, multiple engineering approaches have been derived to aid in organoids creation. One such approach is the creation of designer matrices, tailored and fabricated extracellular matrices for use in organoids. Designer matrices are commonly created through biofabrication techniques, techniques which use modern fabrication methods with biological components. However, the materials used in biofabrication must adhere to a strict set of design criteria. This project aims to develop a chemically modified form of alginate that can be used to form a hybrid hydrogel with allyl modified gelatin (Gel-AGE). This hydrogel would satisfy many of the biofabrication design criteria, and also contain a dual crosslinking system. Allylated Alginate (Al-AGE) was successfully synthesized, and was characterized via proton NMR. Al-AGE was tested for both ionic and covalent crosslinking abilities, and was shown to be able to undergo both forms of crosslinking. Finally, hybrid gels were assembled with Al-AGE and Gel-AGE.Item Metadata only NAVIGATING SEVIS: ANALYZING CHALLENGES FACED BY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON(University of Oregon, 2024) Savoy, Cian; Crabtree, BeckyAs international education continues to evolve in an increasingly globalized world, universities must confront the unique challenges faced by their international student populations. This thesis conducts an in-depth examination of the experiences of international students at the University of Oregon, with a particular focus on the complex dynamics surrounding the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), financial pressures, cultural adjustment processes, and emerging policies impacting their collegiate journeys.Item Open Access Litter decomposition in Oregon prairies depends on fire(University of Oregon, 2024) Ralston, Ellen; Roy, BittyPrairies in the PNW were historically maintained by Indigenous burning practices, which favored some of their food plants and kept the prairies from becoming forested. Current prairie restoration practices are returning to the use of fire, but the consequences of fire for decomposition are unknown in these prairies. To examine decomposition, litter from both burned and unburned prairies was put in decomposition bags, and the bags were removed and weighed at three, six, and nine months. Half of all litter samples were also sterilized to remove their native fungal endophytes to determine whether that reduced decomposition. In general, litter from burned prairies had greater decomposition than litter from unburned prairies. Sterilized litter also had greater decomposition than unsterilized. This information can aid prairie managers as they continue to use fire to manage Oregon prairies.Item Open Access The Vertical and Horizontal Distribution of Bryozoan Larvae in the Western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico(University of Oregon, 2024) Mackey, Ellie; Young, CraigYears of oceanographic cruises and larval collection around the Gulf of Mexico and the Western Atlantic margin revealed the prevalence of two main morphotypes of bryozoan Cyphonautes larvae. This thesis explores the hypothesis that these are two separate and distinct species, a hypothesis that is supported by observations of horizontal distribution, depth distribution, and morphology. Further I explore the potential life histories and areas of origin of the two morphotypes. Using distribution mapping as well as ocean particle tracking programs to create reverse trajectory models I show that morphotype 1 is likely the larva of a pseudoplanktonic bryozoan, Jellyella sp., that disperses on floating algae with the circulation of the north Atlantic gyre. Morphotype 2 occurs mostly in the Gulf of Mexico, with individuals outside the Gulf associated with the Gulf Stream and the Florida Current.Item Open Access Coffee and Culture in the Ottoman Empire(University of Oregon, 2024) Dobson, Maggie; Cutting-Jones, HannahHave you ever wondered why we drink coffee? The historical answer to that question lies in the coffeehouses of the Ottoman Empire. Coffee, native to Ethiopia, spread throughout the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and quickly became a mainstay of Ottoman culture. Recent scholarship on the topic has blown open traditional stereotypes and European metrics for understanding modernity in the Ottoman Empire. This project continues that trend by raising awareness and arguing for a shift away from Eurocentrism when studying the history of the Ottoman Empire. This project explores the complexities of Ottoman coffee culture through research represented by a digital exhibit. The online exhibit, built on extensive historiographical research, challenges the traditional thesis format by being both educational and accessible to a wider audience. Viewers can learn about the history of Ottoman coffeehouses in a curated and self-guided digital environment. Public perception of the Ottoman Empire is often limited to misconceptions and stereotypical depictions of the Middle East, but public history projects like this one can help us connect with history and learn more about ourselves. Click the link here to access the digital exhibit: https://sites.google.com/view/ottomancoffeethesis/homeItem Open Access Examining the Associations Between the Types of Substance Used By People Who Inject Drugs By Gender, Housing Status, and Social Living Arrangement(University of Oregon, 2024) Brannen, Alexa; Cioffi, CamillePolysubstance use is a major public health concern, and individuals facing housing instability are at a higher risk of engaging in substance use. Traditional perceptions of homelessness often overlook the fact that individuals experiencing housing instability can engage in cohabitation or shared living arrangements. To address the unique needs of this population, it is crucial to explore how different aspects of interpersonal relationships, including gender, influence polysubstance use patterns. This study specifically investigates the use of legal substances among individuals who inject illegal drugs, providing insight into the complexities of legal and illegal substance interactions. Utilizing survey data collected from people who inject drugs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyses were conducted on gender, housing status, social living arrangement, and substance use. The findings highlight the importance of evidence-based interventions that address polysubstance use disorders among individuals facing housing instability and reveal potential underlying factors contributing to polysubstance use within this population. By addressing these factors, society can better prevent and manage polysubstance use. This study serves as an influential step toward creating long-term solutions that promote the well-being of this population.